(continued from above)
The new design of the front fascia includes BMW's innovative Air Curtain that
counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic
resistance of the vehicle (only on the 128i). New exterior design accents have been incorporated
into the headlight and tail light clusters. In the interior, new switches and
controls have a more refined look and feel. The updated 1 Series Convertible
will go on sale this Spring.
For drivers whose definition of Joy includes
wind in the face and sunshine above, the BMW 1 Series Convertible continues the
tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such
driving purity - a responsive inline-6 engine perfectly positioned within a
rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of
this compact four-seat convertible. For the 2012 model year, two versions are
available with inline-6 power: the 128i and the 135i.
The 2012 BMW 135i
features BMW's newest, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Equipped with a single,
twin-scroll turbocharger and BMW's revolutionary Valvetronic throttle-less
intake technology, the engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Refered to internally as the "N55", the engine reaches peak torque at 1,200 rpm
and maintains peak torque all the way to 5,000 rpm. With High Precision direct
gasoline injectors, optimum performance and fuel efficiency are achieved with
even faster engine response across the entire engine speed range. For the 135i
Convertible, acceleration from 0-60 mph is accomplished with the standard
6-speed manual transmission in 5.4 seconds.
The 135i can be equipped with
BMW's 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), as featured on the BMW Z4
Roadster. Equipped with DCT, the 135i Convertible will accomplish the 0-60 mph
sprint in a scorching 5.3 seconds.
Distinctive BMW Convertible Appearance
In a mere 22 seconds - even
on the move at speeds up to 25 miles per hour - occupants of the 1 Series
Convertible can go from encapsulated comfort to top-down exhilaration. If
conditions dictate, the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised
within the same 22 seconds, producing a distinctive silhouette enhanced by long
frameless doors. The characteristic features of the BMW kidney-shaped grill,
front skirt, door sills and rear skirt are identical to those of the 1 Series
Coupe.
The standard softtop is available in either black or taupe cloth,
but it is the optional Moonlight Black version which is unique to the 1 Series
Convertible. Interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibers, this distinctive top
produces a shimmery metallic silver appearance in sunlight. The visual effect
enhances the convertible's exciting range of nine colors which includes an
exclusive hue: Cashmere Silver Metallic.
BMW 135i Convertible: Review (2/2)
