For those whose definition of pure driving pleasure includes wind in the face and sunshine above, the new BMW 1 Series Convertible follows the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity - a responsive six-cylinder engine positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of this compact four-place convertible.

The 128i Convertible, which joins the new 1 Series Coupe going on sale in the spring of 2008, will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 lb-ft of torque. Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

The 135i Convertible, on sale later in 2008, features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.

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Imposing V10 modification for BMW 3-Series coupe

Engine exchange for M V10 with 560 PS and 574 Nm!

Sophisticated M3 look including HAMANN components starting with 325i

Sports brake system front and rear

20-inch wheels Edition “Race” with Hankook high performance tires

Interior refinement with sports steering wheel, SMG paddles, carbon décor and racing sports seats

Is the 3-Series coupe not sporty enough? Too unspectacular? Engine too weak? HAMANN, one the most experienced and competent references for the challenging BMW tuning takes a crowning moment with its BMW E92 modification program for the coupe, that changed both exterior and interior design as well as underneath the hood beyond recognition. The awe-inspiring coupe answers to the perfectly matched name “Thunder“!

Sports brake system – just in case
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World-renowned opera singer- conductor Placido Domingo will be given the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - for his everyday use, BMW announced today. Widely regarded as the greatest operatic artist of modern times, Domingo joins several other preeminent figures in entertainment, government, the environment and more, as the latest person to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 on U.S. roadways as a part of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“It is an honor to be taking part in this initiative by BMW to educate, inform and, ultimately, to impact how we as a society think about alternative energy and the health of our planet,” said Domingo. “Having worked on numerous natural disaster relief efforts, I’ve witnessed first-hand the profound impact that environmental and climate changes can have on humanity. I feel it is the duty of everyone on this planet to learn, become involved in the fight, accept change and be part of the solution.”
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Potent V10 Engine
Hamann thought wherever a V8 engine can fit, a V10 can fit in as well. The BMW 3-Series coupe comes with a whole array of series-produced engines. The most powerful series-made of these is the M3.

When it rolls off the assembly line, it has a 4-liter engine, 420 bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Whoever wants to top these performance characteristics, receives from Hamann not only the “normal“ V10 out of the BMW M-program, but an advanced performance version with 560 bhp at 7,750 rpm as well. Featuring an impressive 424 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm, it delivers a surge of power through a seven-speed manual SMG transmission resulting that most passengers are shocked groping for something to hang on to during acceleration. The sprint takes 4.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Only upon reaching top speed of 208 mph does this transmission begin to meet its limitation in compulsion to move forwards.
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