When the new BMW 1 Series was unveiled, we got to know the M135i , the most sporty and powerful of the range. Underneath its bonnet is the most powerful four-cylinder ever… from BMW, pulling 306 hp from a 2.0 liter capacity block, and all-wheel drive.
A direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Audi S3, but also other hot hatches with similar hardware, like the Volkswagen Golf R. But above this level, where machines like the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 and Audi RS3 live. statements from BMW officials point to nothing above the M135i.
Also because, as an alternative, BMW has an M2 Competition — it's not a hot hatch, it's true, but the numbers it boasts are on par with theirs, even if delivered in a distinct and unique way, being one of its main points of interest. attraction. In-line six cylinders, rear-wheel drive and even a manual gearbox? Hard to resist.
So, neat subject? It seems not, according to the North American Automobile Magazine.
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M140e, BMW's answer?
BMW's electrified future will eventually expand to its performance models, namely those designed by M — at the moment, no M is assisted by electrons, but this is a scenario that should change soon, even anticipated by the unveiling of the M Vision NEXT concept , a high-performance plug-in hybrid.
It is in this way, through plug-in hybrid technology, that BMW's answer to the A 45 and RS3 of this world can come. Above the M135i would thus be an unprecedented M140e.
This would keep the 2.0 turbo block of the M135i in function — Automobile Magazine mentions the addition of a water injection system, as we've already seen on the BMW M4 GTS — complemented by a 60 kW (82 hp) electric motor, which would raise the power from the M140e to the “magic” barrier of 400 hp.
And being a plug-in hybrid, the possibility of driving in electric-only mode is a certainty, with a maximum range estimated at between 80 km and 110 km — the best of both worlds?
Yes, it's still just a rumor, lacking official confirmation, but Automobile Magazine already moves forward with 2020 as the year of the M140e's unveiling. Will be?
Source: Automobile Magazine.