Performance specs? It's the same engine in the 335i. We already know what it'll do. Yeah, they might (and probably should) detune it a bit, but we all know it'll get opened right back up in the aftermarket. Check out the Vishnu forums to see what their doing with 335i's.

I'll be on my shopping list. I'm curious if it comes in under $30k or not.

It'll probably be like other bimmers, it that it'll list base price @ 29k but you won't be able to get one off the lot for under 34k or something. Remember BMW charges like $495 for metallic paint still! Probably 2k for navigation...

 

but keep in mind, people are throwing weight figures around from it being 100-400 pounds lighter than the 335......

That factor will greatly affect performance......

so.....i'll wait till i see the actual numbers........

 

Very true. The mention of 3200lbs was the first I heard of a weight figure.

BMW's website whos the 335i coupe @ 3571 lbs for the manual. So it's gotta be lighter than than at least.

 

I'm gonna get one, and strip it out and tub it cause I have soooo much money to make a little beast of a beemer drag car

 

The 1 series weighs about 3100 lbs in Europe... add a little more for US specific crash stuff and the bigger engine... 3200 seems doable.

 

There is a nice wirte-up about the 1-series in the new Car and Driver.

 

Sorry guys, but I don't share your enthusiasm for the 1-series. I recognize its a welcome return to the spirit of the 2002. However, it looks like a pregnant guppy to me. And isn't 3,200 lbs still heavy for a compact coupe? Can you disable the driver aids?

 

Yeah looks bad, but then again I drive a lancer with a big wing

 

Unfortunately we'll never see sub 2500 lb cars becoming the norm again outside of high dollar exotics and eccentric specialty cars (i.e. Elise). Too many safety standards that add weight (6-10 airbags, thick door beams, etc). Customers who demand every new gadget that comes out. Not to mention customers who demand xxx horsepower without looking at weight.

I still don't like the Bangle-derived designs, either... so in that sense I totally agree with you.

 

Ive been waiting for this thing. This will probably be my next car. Ive wanted to switch to a slightly more luxurious car but still have handling and some *****. This looks PERFECT!!!

 

I like the car, but I kinda think the lights... are a little bubbly, and cute looking... like the cat in Shrek when he does that kitty face. It may be mean, but doesnt really look it. The headlights need to shrink and so does the price. 300hp Turbo BMW? $30k? Think again... just because it's a smaller car doesnt mean it will be that much cheaper. I say almost $40,000 after normal options like sport package etc.

 

I will spend the extra money and get a 335i

 

I think I'm probably with you on that Scott...still if it's a whole lot cheaper for similar performance...still have to wait and see.

 

Tom, when you buy one I will be buying stuff off your evo

 

I wouldn't put all my chips just on this one car. There are plenty of interesting offerings coming up in the not so distant future. The 2007 automotive model year was rather dull and uneventful. Most major automotive manufactuers have selected 2008 and 2009 model years as the time to release updated and much improved vehicles. I know the 335i is a very nice car, but it just is the newest kid on the block and didn't have much in the model year of 2007 to still away its thunder. So I can see how people are looking at the 335i and then seeing the 135i and immediately assuming this car will be the must have for the next couple years. I differ much on this thinking. Here are just some examples of cars that I believe will be coming out in 2008 and 2009 model years that may interest you-

Of course the 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X, I know, some don't like the styling, but when you see it in person I think it will change your opinion. Honestly when I see the new Lancer GTS on the roads it just amazes me how much more attractive this car is compared to the previous generation Lancers. Honestly, I know its (2008 Lancer GTS) missing the front mount intercooler, the wide and aggressive stance, and other little features of the EVO IX, but it is just as attractive in my opinion as the the EVO IX, but not as aggressive. Now I could only imagine how the EVO X would look in person side by side the EVO IX. I also believe the EVO X will easily outperform the BMW 335i and the 135i by a long shot. I know it can't match the BMWs fit and finish but I believe the interior will be a great improvement over the VIII and the IX. There are other little improvements I see the X having over the IX that many of us take for granted, such as better gearing, better areodynamics, greater high speed pulling power, more durable clutch or clutches LOL, and better low end power. Then there are the most important things such as better handling and more power (perhaps more weight, but not as great as I think others believe) and a better all around performance car. I just wouldn't ignore the possibility that the EVO X may be an even more perfect car for you then the 135i.

Then there is the 2009 370Z. Should have atleast 330HP, and is suppose to be lighter than the outgoing 350Z. So with more power and less weight the 370Z should be an awesome car. Only two seats though .

Also the hatchcrap 2008 STI will be available, and moving on...

I know most of us are only interested in import cars, but we cannot forget the interesting offerings from the American companies, such as the new Camaro SS and Challanger SRT-8, both will have at least 400HP and should cost somehwere between $35,000 to $40,000 or about the realistic price tag of a 135i.

Also word is that 2009 a new S2000 will be available, rumors are 250hp and 180tq (I hope that is just a rumor and makes more power than that)

Look out for Mazda as it begins to release more and new info on the new 2009 or 2010 RX-8 which rumors have it making atleast 300hp.

This is just the tip of the ice berg, I believe as we get closer to the year 2008 and the year 2009, there will be even more interesting offerings available. The 335i and 135i look awesome right now, but competition is about to get very fierce and BMW do not think Mercedes and Audi won't counter your 1 series (135i) in the USA move, they most likely will. Can somebody say Audi RS3 .