BMW has announced several changes to the 2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible, which enhances the efficiency and premium quality. The unmistakable profile of the BMW 1 Series Convertible, which represents the purest expression of the BMW DNA is sharper than ever. The new front panel design includes BMW’s innovative air curtain that the counters of turbulence near the wheel arches and thus reduces the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. Accents new exterior design has been incorporated into the headlamp and rear light clusters. Inside, new features and controls have a more refined look and feel. The BMW 1 Series Convertible update will be available in spring 2011.
For drivers whose definition of Joy includes wind in the face and sunshine above, the BMW 1-Series Convertible follows the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of pure driving – an inline-6 engine response perfectly positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics – is at the heart of this compact four-seater convertible. For the year 2012, two versions are available with inline-6 power: the 128i and 135i.
Powered by a 230-horsepower engine 3.0-liter inline-6 that generates 200 Nm of torque, the 128i Convertible features BMW Valvetronic throttle technology and less consumption of aluminum / magnesium construction – core elements of BMW Efficient Dynamics.
The 2012 BMW 135i has the latest BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger unique and revolutionary technology from BMW Valvetronic throttle less fuel, the engine produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Referred to internally as “N55″, the engine reaches peak torque at 1,200 rpm and maximum torque maintained all the way to 5,000 rpm. With high precision direct fuel injectors, great performance and fuel efficiency are obtained with the response of the engine even faster across the speed range. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-60 mph is accomplished with a six speed manual transmission in 5.4 seconds.
The 135i can be equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission BMW’s (DCT), as shown in the BMW Z4 Roadster. Equipped with the DCT, the 135i Convertible will make the race from 0-60 mph in a scorching 5.3 seconds. The 6-speed Steptronic automatic remains the ptional the 128i. Thus equipped, the 128i Convertible runs 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds or 6.4 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission.
Innovative Aerodynamics: Air Curtains
The coherence between form and function is essential for BMW’s engineers, who seek the perfect balance of various factors on the aerodynamic wind tunnel. As a result, new air curtain is the latest innovation from BMW aerodynamics. Introduced first in a series of BMW M Coupe, Curtain Air is now a standard feature on the 128i Convertible. The Air Curtain improves airflow around the front wheel arches with the benefit of significantly reduced turbulence. The 128i Convertible also can be fitted with special wheels Aero to further improve the performance of air curtain system.
This innovative feature consists of openings on the outside of the lower front fascia that route high-pressure air through ducts in each front corner. The pipelines are approximately 10 x 3 cm wide and are designed to channel air openings in front of each wheel arch, where it is discharged through a very narrow opening at high speed. The flow of air coming out covers the side of the front wheels as a curtain, reducing adverse aerodynamic turbulence around the wheels turning.
Air curtain has a vital role to play in the development of future innovations aerodynamics. An example of the principle of air curtain was first introduced the concept study BMW Vision EfficientDynamics at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2009, and the developers of the BMW 1 Series Coupe M took on the task of pioneering application this element to a production vehicle. To do this, they used the unique features of the new full-scale “rolling road” wind tunnel at Aerolab new aerodynamics of the BMW Group Testing Center. Now it was added to the 128i Convertible.
BMW Convertible distinctive aspect
In just 22 seconds – even while moving at speeds up to 25 miles per hour – the occupants of the BMW 1 Series Convertible can go from encapsulated comfort to top-down joy. If conditions dictate, the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised in the same 22 seconds, producing a distinctive silhouette enhanced by long frameless doors. The characteristics of the grill BMW kidney-shaped, front skirt, door sills and rear skirt are identical to the BMW 1 Series Coupé.
The standard softtop is available in either black or gray cloth, but is optional Moonlight Black version which is unique to the BMW 1 Series Convertible. Interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibers, this distinctive top produces a metallic silver appearance in sunlight shimmering. The visual effect enhances the convertible’s exciting range of nine colors which includes an exclusive hue: Cashmere Silver Metallic.
A distinctive feature of the BMW 1 Series Convertible is the flared shoulder line which runs parallel to the road. This shoulder line flows from the hood past the A pillar to the trunk lid, forming a surface that covers the entire interior, giving the impression of a boat’s deck.