The M140i is arguably the hottest hatch ever offered by BMW. Replacing the equally impressive M135i, the new M Performance Automobile of the 1 Series has made its world debut earlier this year. Its rear-wheel drive layout also makes it a unique bird, considering most hatches are front-wheel drive these days.
The new 2016 BMW M140i features an upgraded version of the B58 3.0 liter TwinScroll Turbocharged engine developing 250 kW/340 hp, a 10 kW/14 hp increase in maximum output over its predecessor. The new unit lays on peak torque of 500 Newton meters (369 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm and generates maximum output at 5,500 rpm.
The BMW M140i 3-door and BMW M140i 5-door complete the dash from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox or 4.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Get them with all-wheel drive and that time drops to 4.4 seconds, which is actually faster than the manual BMW M2 and only 0.1 seconds slower than the DCT version.
In standard guide, the M140i features an M Sport suspension lowered by 10 millimeters, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design, an M Sport braking system, Variable Sports Steering with Servotronic function, a model-specific M aerodynamic package and exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic.
Inside you will find cloth/Alcantara sports seats with blue contrast stitching, the M leather steering wheel and an M driver’s footrest. Enough to give the M140i a track-ready cabin!
Today, courtesy of BMW Romania and Ciprian Mihai Photography, we’re bringing you one of the coolest photoshoots we’ve seen in a while.
