Snapped by the Automotive Mike YouTube page rounding the Nürburgring as on previous occasions, new claims from carscoops.com has alleged that the M140i will produce 298kW from its downsized 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the same as the A45’s rumoured figure from the same sized engine.
As well as equalling the rated output of the Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder mill, the new four-pot will reportedly result in the M140i reaching 100km/h from standstill in four seconds, before topping at 250km/h or at 270km/h with optional M Sport Driver’s Package selected.
Underneath its skin, and as previously reported, the 1-series will follow the 2-series Active Tourer, X1 and X2 in becoming the latest BMW to ride on a front-wheel drive platform, a reported development of the Mini’s UKL2 known as FAAR although the M140i will come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive, again mirroring both the A45 and RS3.
Arriving in 2020, BMW will also provide a rival to the rumoured hybrid A35 and S3 in the form of the M130i X Performance, which will have the same drivetrain as the M140i albeit with an output of 221kW.
Based on reports, the new 1-series will bow at the Paris Motor Show in October before going on-sale in early 2019, but given the still excessive disguise adorning the majority of prototypes spotted so far, the world unveiling in the French capital is still open to speculation.
