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07-28-2007, 07:17 AM | #1 |
Second Lieutenant
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1-series convertible Spy Video
Video found here:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=121868 Drop-Top BMW 1 Series Caught in Germany and the U.S. It's hard to tell whether the upcoming 2009 BMW 1 Series coupe will make much of a dent in the U.S. market. Inexpensive BMWs haven't done well here, but the 1 Series is a far more compelling package than the forgettable 1992 318ti hatchback. BMW isn't taking any chances, though, as it's also preparing a 1 Series convertible to add some appeal to its new lineup of entry-level cars. We caught up with several of the prototypes recently on the Nürburgring test track in Germany and in the desert of Central California. While the larger, more expensive 3 Series convertible features a retractable hardtop, the 2009 BMW 1 Series convertible will use a traditional folding soft top. Cost is the most likely reason, but minimizing weight surely played into the equation as well. It won't be a low-budget, manual-operated setup, however, as BMW will want to position the 1 Series as a measurable step up from entry-level drop tops like the Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice. From the looks of these prototypes, BMW's engineers managed to add the soft top while leaving enough room for a decent-size trunk, too. Engine choices will mimic those of the standard coupe. Base-model 128i convertibles will get a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter six, while the top-of-the-line 135i convertible will get BMW's 300-hp twin-turbo six. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. Sales of the coupe are scheduled to start in the spring of next year, so expect to see the convertible's introduction shortly thereafter. Taken from Edmunds.com |
07-29-2007, 03:52 AM | #4 | ||
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My only question now is, has it lost the rigidity that the coupe would have?
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08-01-2007, 10:01 PM | #6 |
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Unfortunately yes... but a lot of drivers probably wouldn't even notice. Case in point when I mention to my wife about how a car drives she looks at me like I'm nuts and speaking in tongues. :biggrin:
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08-02-2007, 10:23 AM | #8 |
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08-11-2007, 03:40 PM | #9 |
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Edmunds: 1 series Convertible w/ Video
Drop-Top BMW 1 Series Caught in Germany and the U.S.
By Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor Exclusive Spy Video: 2009 BMW 1 Series Convertible Date posted: 07-26-2007 It's hard to tell whether the upcoming 2009 BMW 1 Series coupe will make much of a dent in the U.S. market. Inexpensive BMWs haven't done well here, but the 1 Series is a far more compelling package than the forgettable 1992 318ti hatchback. BMW isn't taking any chances, though, as it's also preparing a 1 Series convertible to add some appeal to its new lineup of entry-level cars. We caught up with several of the prototypes recently on the Nürburgring test track in Germany and in the desert of Central California. While the larger, more expensive 3 Series convertible features a retractable hardtop, the 2009 BMW 1 Series convertible will use a traditional folding soft top. Cost is the most likely reason, but minimizing weight surely played into the equation as well. It won't be a low-budget, manual-operated setup, however, as BMW will want to position the 1 Series as a measurable step up from entry-level drop tops like the Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice. From the looks of these prototypes, BMW's engineers managed to add the soft top while leaving enough room for a decent-size trunk, too. Engine choices will mimic those of the standard coupe. Base-model 128i convertibles will get a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter six, while the top-of-the-line 135i convertible will get BMW's 300-hp twin-turbo six. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. Sales of the coupe are scheduled to start in the spring of next year, so expect to see the convertible's introduction shortly thereafter. |
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08-11-2007, 04:00 PM | #10 |
Second Lieutenant
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Already posted by me:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=856 |
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08-11-2007, 05:15 PM | #11 |
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Man I hope that's not with the m suspension. Looks pretty soft and plenty of body roll.
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08-11-2007, 08:23 PM | #12 | |
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darknightohio: Apologies. I did search before posting but didn't find it. I suggest merging the two threads and deleting the redundant information. |
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