BMW hopes for a fast start for the 1-Series

BMW is hoping for a high number of 1-Series coupes to be sold before it hits the U.S. markets next spring. BMW will entice buyers by putting a special badge on each 1-Series showing its first year of sales in the U.S.

“Our hope is that we will have another Mini on our hands,” Jack Pitney, BMW’s vice president of marketing, told Automotive News. In his previous job, he oversaw the Mini’s U.S. launch.

“This is an historic moment, a new series,” he said. “So we will be making the first year of the 1 series in the U.S. commemorative,” with special badging, a certificate of authenticity and special book about the coupe’s development.

When the BMW 1-Series arrives in the U.S. in spring of 2008, pricing is expected to be under $30,000 for the 128i. The range-topper 135i will be priced in the mid-30k range.

The 128i is powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine producing 230 horsepower with 200 lb-ft of torque. The 135i has a 3.0 liter 6-clyinder twin-turbo engine that produces 300 horsepower with 300 lb-ft of torque. That gives the 135i the ability to do 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 155mph, or so BMW says.

Nearly 100,000 people have signed up for 1-series information on BMW’s Web site.

2008 BMW 1-Series Coupe Gallery:

                                  

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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