Second Generation BMW 1 Series will have new engines

BMW will soon be launching the second generation of the 1 Series fleet in 2011. For the compact model, there will be new powerplant options for the market like the modern four-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging and direct injection.

The hatchback 1 Series will debut in 2011. In 2012, the Coupe and Convertible models will follow. The exterior designs will be redesigned and will offer new engines such as a turbo-petrol with three or four cylinders. Rest assured, the second generation 1 Series fleet will still be a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Since BMW has been working on sharing parts to keep production costs low, the refreshed versions will share the same L7 architecture as the next 3 Series models. This L7 is flexible and can accommodate FWD, RWD, or AWD models.

2.0-liter four-cylinder will be introduced, capable of 204 and 238 horsepower. BMW engineers are working on ways to integrate diesel and gasoline engines more closely together. Though the development of these engines might seem costly, it will save BMW a lot in the long term mass production.

BMW has already canceled any plans of making an electric and hybrid drive for the new 1 Series. Because of the Vision EfficientDynamics testing, BMW has also decided to move forward with the highly-efficient N57 1.5 liter diesel engine. The three-cylinder powerplants is capable of 95 to 177 horsepower. The gasoline version, dubbed N30, will be available in 1.2 and 1.5 liters, capable of producing 70 to 184 horsepower.  BMW will continue to offer the six-cylinder N55 Twin-Scroll engine for its 135i Coupe model.

The new BMW 1 Series Hatchback Concept will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.