BMW's twin-turbo 1 Series Coupe confirmed for Australia

Timed for a local launch early 2008, the BMW 1 Series Coupe will add a bit of styling sparkle to the range, but the news that will knock everyone for a loop is the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with direct injection.

To be marketed in Australia as the 135i Coupe, the new model will be a proper coupe (ie, not a liftback) with rear seat accommodation for two smaller adults or kids. BMW describes the car as a '2+2-seater', which doesn't bode well for the long and lanky on a grand tour.

The backrest will fold forward in a 60:40 split for additional luggage space. This more or less answers the question posed in our article on the 1 Series Convertible (more here).

An 'M' aerodynamic package will be fitted to Australian-delivered cars and the overall styling theme sets out to recapture the look of the old 2002 models from the sixties and seventies.

The all-alloy engine, which was recently awarded 2007 'Engine of the Year', develops 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. One of the virtues of using a twin-turbo (sequential) system for an in-line engine is that one turbo will operate at lower engine speeds, and the other (larger) turbo operates at higher speeds, ensuring turbo boost throughout the rev range and minimal turbo lag.

BMW has tuned the engine to reach and maintain peak torque through a range of engine speeds from 1300 to 5000rpm. Peak torque is therefore available at the majority of engine speeds encountered during everyday driving, so the 135i should prove to be both muscular and flexible.

According to BMW's testing, that sort of performance helps the 135i reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds from a standing start. Just to put that in perspective, you'd expect a time of 5.3 seconds from a locally manufactured V8 measuring over five litres.

Despite the performance potential of the new car, BMW claims that the 135i Coupe will still return 9.2lt/100km, as per the applicable European standard. That is based on burning premium unleaded fuel. Direct petrol injection can take much of the credit for the car's fuel economy.

Prices and full specification will be announced closer to the vehicle's local launch, but BMW has confirmed that the 135i will be available in a range of colours, including Sedona Red (pictured), which is exclusive to the new car.

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