BMW M135i Concept Previews M Performance 1-series, Refreshed Three-Door Hatch for Europe [Geneva Auto Show]

BMW recently announced a new M Performance line of vehicles that will slot between the company's everyday models and the M lineup. In the brief period since the announcement, Europe has been bestowed a trio of tri-turbo diesel M Performance sleds and the U.S. received power packs for the 2013 X6. This M135i concept is the latest (potential but likely) addition to BMW's European M Performance family, and it will premiere at the Geneva auto show next month along with a new line of BMW M Performance parts. BMW may be calling the M135i a concept, but production would be easy. The "concept" gets a healthy power boost along with handling and styling upgrades. The M135i is powered by a 300-plus-hp version of BMW's ubiquitous turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six. This is significant because 1-series hatchbacks currently aren't available with the six—they make do with an array of gas and diesel four-cylinders, the most powerful of which puts out 168 hp. It should be noted that the move merely brings the M135i's output into the same ballpark as the 135i coupe and convertible, which are offered here in the U.S. For those inclined to stay on top of Euro-market BMW news, the M135i also previews the refreshed three-door 1-series model, which soon will inherit the styling worn by the recently face-lifted five-door. The M135i also benefits from upgraded brakes and suspension pieces, and rides on 18-inch, lightweight M aluminum wheels. The exterior's M touches include an aggressive front fascia with larger, deeply set front intakes; an equally muscular rear fascia; and super-cool tri-color M graphics along the car's shoulder line and on the lower lip of its hatch. In keeping with other M Performance cars, the M135i's mirror caps are painted Ferric Grey and the window trim is finished in BMW's "Shadow Line" color scheme. Of course, if the M135i is green-lit for production, it won't come here: The 1-series hatchback is a Euro-market-0nly model. With the full-bore 1-series M coupe already long gone, here's hoping the current 1-series coupe and convertible we do get will soon get whacked with the M Performance wand. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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