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Wild Ass Rumor Of The Day: Meet the 1 Series-based Roadster
by
Edward Niedermeyer
(IC: employee)
Published: November 12th, 2009
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Think the new Z4 is a bloated boulevard cruiser unworthy of the roadster-implying Z badge? We’d tend to agree. Which is why we were chuffed to see renderings of a possible BMW 1 Series-based Z2 roadster in the most recent Auto Motor und Sport (print edition). Several Einser engines will be available say AM und S, up to and including the 306 hp 135i engine. BMW M division boss Kay Segler even hints that an M car based on the 1 series is in the works. This roadster seems like as good a variant as any for the treatment.
Edward Niedermeyer
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Published November 12th, 2009 6:20 PM
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Lightweight roadsters? Damn straight I'm interested. If memory serves correct, BMW might still be sitting on a few names that we (car enthusiasts) associate with roadsters. Such as Triumph. A 1-series based reasonably priced, Miata-esque roadster? Well, when a freakin' MINI costs 25k, why not have something that looks nice with the top down? This is a rumor I like, which is rare. Very rare.
I was in ecstatic anticipation of the 1-series, having seen many of them in Europe, having sat in a 120d on display at Mosport (it fit me like a glove), and imagining an M3-esque power-to-weight ratio in the 135i. I even dug the styling! But the reality was an overpriced, overweight, understeering letdown. So this time I'll reserve my enthusiasm.
I too will watch this with baited enthusiasm. Despite the girth, I do still think the 135i is a cool car, albeit in need of a few strategic mods (LSD, camber plates, stiffer springs & sway bars). This car has the potential to be awesome, and dearly needed repentance for the Gran Tourismo/X6(M)/X5M sins, but will likely be too heavy, too expensive, and in need of said strategic mods.
You do all realize that BMW has promised to redo the 1 series with a lower weight and smaller size, don't you? This car would likely be built on the newer platform, which could be interesting. I probably wouldn't want one, but having more roadsters is never a bad thing.