The 2009 BMW 1 Series Coupe

I was just about to type “Only in America…”—hmm, I guess I just did—when I realized that what I’m about to tell you didn’t happen in America at all, but took place in Essen, Germany. I’m talking about the world debut of the “brand new” early 1970s model BMW 2002tii—the car which you may recall began BMW’s long, successful journey as one of the most desirable “driver’s cars” on America’s roads. The folks at BMW took an old 2002tii and rebuilt it from the ground up using new old parts. The car was constructed at BMW’s museum in a glass-enclosed room where visitors could keep an eye on its progress.

This whole, heartwarming story ties in nicely with the North American introduction of the new BMW Series 1 coupe a few weeks back at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 1 Series has been available in Europe for some time now in hatchback form, but we won’t see that body style here in North america. The Bavarians, 40 years ago, borrowed a page from John Z. DeLorean’s book (surely you remember the original Pontiac GTO!) and stuffed a potent engine into an everyday sedan which not only flew down the autobahn but literally flew out of showrooms. As we all know, the affordability of that 2002tii can’t be attributed to most of the BMW lineup of today. The 1 series aims to change all that. The smallest of BMW’s offerings (not counting the 2- seater Z series) will be available in the spring starting at just over 29 grand. It will come in two versions: The 128i will feature a 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower, in-line six-cylinder engine, while the 135i will be driven by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter, which will put out 300 horsepower and 300 lbs-ft of torque. The 135i, says BMW, should do 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. Top speed will be electronically limited to 155 miles per hour.

Of course, if you don’t like how it looks, you’re not gonna care about much else. And the 1 Series doesn’t disappoint. The familiar BMW styling cues are there: twin kidney front grille; the familiar “Hoffmeister kink” dogleg of the rear quarter window; and the various swooshes and wooshes along the side body panels, which, if nothing else, create some very interesting shadowlines in the right light. Short overhangs, a long hood/short deck and large wheels/tires complete the look. Although it’s a far cry from the 2002tii, you can see the influence. Kind of how your son somehow resembles your father. But not really. Know what I mean?

The interior will be available in two upholstery choices: leatherette (or as us commoners usually call it, petroluem-based fabric), or, and this is something new to me, Boston Leather. Who knew cows lived in Boston? BMW’s dreaded iDrive is also there for you to loathe. It’s their way of overcomplicating things like the audio and HVAC controls into one mind-numbing, console-mounted device that’s difficult to use while still keeping your eyes on the road. Sometimes the good old days really were the good old days.

Expect the 1 Series to be a real driver’s car. Not only will it have power, but a suspension to match. The front engine, rear-drive setup is the optimal configuration for those who enjoy to put a car through its paces. Better front-to-rear weight balance, traction and directional stability not usually present in front-wheel-drive vehicles should all add up to very predictable handling—important when going all-out on those twisty back roads.

Rumor has it we’ll also see a convertible model. This should be “1” worth waiting for…

For more info: bmwusa.com.