Detroit Show 2011 Highlights: 2012 BMW 1-Series

BMW has used the Detroit motor show to launch its facelifted 1-series coupé and convertible.

The tweaks focus on either end of the cars, with revised headlights and L-shaped tail-lights, and a new splitter that introduces what BMW calls an ‘air curtain’ around the front wheels. This reduces drag and improves CO2 emissions — although BMW has yet to issue any revised figures for the car’s European line-up.

Along with the mild revisions come a few tweaks to the trim options. Two new colours are being offered on both hard-top and soft-top — Vermillon Red and Marrakesh Brown — and the wheel range has been extended to include a 17in five-spoke design, a 17in ‘turbine spoke’ and V-spoked 18-inchers.

The coupé and convertible are still seen as ‘marginal’ models within the 1-series line-up; the next-gen hatchback, in five and three-door forms, will receive a much more radical overhaul.

Thanks to: Autocar