SPY PHOTOS: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Coupe caught cold

At the recent press introduction of the new 3-Series Convertible, an American Automotive News staff reporter was able to coax some details of the 1-Series from Klaus Borgmann, the project manager for both, the 1- and 3-Series. Borgmann apparently stated that America will see both a two-door coupe and a convertible. Both models should arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2008, so we trust they will both be officially shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. While we were able to photograph the Cabrio for the first time during the winter test season last year, we can now show you the first ever shots of the coupe, also snapped in the Arctic cold.

Engine options have yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America - but we believe there actually will be four-cylinders for European buyers. Further up the range they will employ a version of the magnesium/aluminium 3.0-liter six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i, as well as the 3- and 5-Series, Z4 Coupe and Roadster, and X3 and X5. There is also a strong possibility the 3.0-liter turbo-charged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1-Series Coupe.

Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3-Series Coupe has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupe. Many of them long for a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics BMW has become known for. The 1-Series coupe could possibly deliver on that desire, all the while holding its head high as a true BMW.