BMW has finally unveiled its 1 Series Convertible three months after announcing that it would build a coupe version of its small family car.
The new BMW 1 Series Convertible is the fourth offshoot of the 1 Series after the three and five-door versions and the Coupe. The new 1 Series convertible will have a fabric roof that opens and closes in 22 seconds at speed of up to 25 mph.
In terms of engine, the BMW 1 Series Convertible will have five engine options---one diesel and four petrols. The 120d diesel is a 175bhp common-rail unit producing 258lb ft of pulling power. Meanwhile the petrol versions include 141bhp 2.0 liter 118i, a 168bhp 2.0 liter 120i, a six-cylinder 215bhp 3.0 liter 125i and a twin-turbo 302bhp six-cylinder 3.0 liter 135i.
The new BMW Convertible also possess new features such as an air-conditioning system derived from the 3 Series convertible which is recognizable once the roof is opened and change to its Convertible mode. The retracted roof of the Convertible triggers the ventilation system to respond less to the interior temperature and more to the outside temperature including the sunlight in order to determine the intensity of the ventilation required.
To enhance safety, two rollover bars extend from behind the rear seats in a fraction of a second once sensors detect a possible flip over. This action will protect the occupants in the event of rollovers.
BMW has also launched a program called "Efficient Dynamics" that would ensure that all of its 1 Series Convertibles are fuel efficient and eco-friendly. Part of the program is the regenerative braking which make use of an intelligent alternator and a unique type of battery that recovers energy lost from the engine especially during braking or when using the engine to slow down the car.
There is also a so-called stop-start technology that saves fuel by stopping the engine like for instance when the car is put to stop at traffic lights. A gearshift indicator is also available and informs the driver of the most fuel saving gear to use.
Another new feature is the new clutched air-conditioning pump in which the pump decouples therefore requiring only 10 percent of the normal power used to drive the pump. This best thing about this pump is that it prevents fuel from being wasted.
And lastly, all models excluding the 135i were given electronic power steering which operates only when needed unlike the conventional hydraulic power steering systems therefore reducing its consumption of energy which is usually sourced from the engine.
The German automaker and producer of high quality BMW brakes, BMW AG has not yet made any announcement regarding the price of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible. There are also no schedules yet onto when the car will reach UK showrooms.
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