Will A Three Cylinder 1-Series Be Able To Uphold BMW’s Performance Image?
Due for launch in 2011, the new 1 Series will boast a similar line-up of three- and five-door hatches to the current model. In 2012 convertible and coupe models will be added.

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BMW is set to enter the World Superbike Championship in 2009.

While the BMW 325is parts maker has long been involved in “car” motorsport, and has also competed on “biking” events like the Paris Dakar rally, its recent entry in the Le Mans 24 hour race was the first time in 5 decades BMW ran its own works road racing team.

For many years, BMW has run the Boxer Cup championship for R1100S machines and the PowerCup for the K1200R. It has also provided significant sponsorship to the MotoGP championship.

The boosted motorsport activities have been echoed in its production model range. The K1200S, K1200R and the new R1200S all show a new, sportier face to a vehicle maker whose products were once considered the two wheeled equivalent to a comfortable pair of slippers.

BMW isn’t just on road racing. In fact, its 450cc enduro prototype marked at a greater involvement in off-road competition. Furthermore, BMW signed just last week a deal to completely acquire the Husqvarna brand from previous owner Claudio Castiglioni. Results are a ready-made (and to race) range of off-road machines and the bikes with retained Husqvarna branding instead of BMW badges.

Reports say the decision to enter WSB might come after a behind the scenes brainstorming with the concept of a MotoGP bike “but the production-based championship is arguably a more fitting slot” for BMW’s image. Racing in WSB will give a marketing spur to its more road-based bikes.

Back in 1992, BMW developed a boxer twin superbike to take on the all-conquering Ducatis in WSB. Called the R1, the BMW prototype utilized an all-new 1000cc, DOHC, water-cooled boxer twin, with around 160bhp. It doesn’t anymore fit today’s standards, but back then, it was enough to compete.

In the bike’s later development, BWM decided the design wouldn’t be competitive enough to assure the success required to make the investment worthwhile, and backed out from the idea of racing.

Now the firm is back. Its latest project, utilizing a four-cylinder engine, guarantees to be truly competitive. Inside the factory is the new Codenamed 190/190, which targets 190bhp at the crankshaft and a 190kg wet weight in road-going trim. If it bangs that, race versions should have no problem in meeting the 210bhp needed to be competitive in WSB, and trimming down to the 162kg minimum weight limit for the series.

BMW isn’t officially commenting on the project, but an insider told the reporters that there would be an announcement about its race plans before the year ends. The insider also hinted that there would be a huge surprise at one of this year’s major bike shows, insinuating a prototype of the new machine could loom.

BMW will be racing in 2009. Nevertheless, showing a prototype will allow it the luxury of testing relatively publicly for a year, on the tracks used by the WSB series, without having to try to hide the bike. Moreover, production versions of the 190/190 could go on sale before its race debut.

Will BMW’s 335iS Look Like This? BMW Unveils The 2011 3-Series M-Sport Package…
With rumors circulating about the latest sporty BMW coming from the Bavarians being the 335iS, there has been some speculation pinpointing what will make the iS different from its siblings.

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BMW Group Canada, BMW 318ic parts maker has announced that its 1 Series Coupe will be offered in Canada in 2008.

The latest version in the successful BMW 1 Series model range, which has been available in the global markets since 2004, the new BMW 128i and 135i CoupÈs, will belong to the Premium Compact segment in Canada.

BMW’s new generation 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder Valvetronic engine with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque will give power to the BMW CoupÈ. Having proven itself in both 3 and 5 Series models, the lightweight magnesium/aluminum engine should provide the BMW 128i CoupÈ with scintillating performance and also produce excellent levels of fuel economy.

BMW’s new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler is also in the BMW CoupÈ. This engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm, providing the BMW 135i CoupÈ with amazing performance and high fuel efficiency. As a proof of its one-of-a-kind performance, the engine won the 2007 International Engine of the Year award. The 135i CoupÈ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds in European specification.

BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that offers electronic intervention to avoid loss of vehicle control, but at a higher basis before activation. The DSC system on the CoupÈ is specifically designed for performance-oriented driving. The accelerator pedal, for example, has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to pose a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns.

The 1 Series CoupÈ will bring a new contour to Canadian roads. The definitely unique 2 + 2 configuration will mix a rigid body with short overhangs, striking shoulder line, long engine compartment and wheelbase as well as large frameless doors.

The rear modifies a spoiler into the trunk lid. It does not only create an aggressive appearance, it also provides functional downforce at higher speeds. Both variants will be highlighted by 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels.

As the “top” model, the BMW 135i CoupÈ will have an exclusive M Aerodynamics Package, featuring even more aggressive aesthetics, improved brake cooling and added downforce. The Sports Suspension with 18-inch wheels and performance tires, and a high-performance brake system proportioning six-piston fixed front calipers mated with two-piston fixed calipers on the rear are also included in the package.

The interior has high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color options. A standard feature is a 60/40 split rear seat. Embellishing the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio’s rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel are galvanized pearl gloss surfaces.

Sports seats with enhanced side support are part of the optional Sport Package, which is finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.