Rumour: BMW 135i “SuperSports” In 2010?

Germancarzone is reporting that a certain Bavarian automaker is working on a new performance version of its 1- series. This news has been repeated at BMW Blog so it could just be worth paying attention to. Not to be mistaken for the M1 (the moniker is apparently reserved for supercar status) – the so-called 135i SuperSports will boast a bunch of improvements and greater performance (duh).

The improvements are the usual case of out with the heavy and in with the light. It consists mostly of lightweight body panels, a stripped out interior, upgraded suspension as well as a hardcore brake package. Powering the SuperSports 135i will be the latest version of BMW’s new 3-liter turbocharged inline-six which is rated at 326hp and produces 332lb-ft of torque. It is also the same engine that powers the 2009 7-series.

Expect to see the same engine powering more performance BMW’s and possibly even a 5-series but don’t expect to see many “SuperSports” editions. With the 135i already costing a bomb, the SuperSports could just be aft of the M3 price range – then the question or rather decision would be – turbocharged straight-six or naturally aspirated V8? 1-series or 3-series? It’s already a difficult decision here – imagine if you really had the money to buy either one.

Source: AutoBlog