MUNICH, GERMANY – Drawing inspiration from the 1968-1976 BMW 2002 TII, the BMW 1 Series Coupe represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.

"The 1 Series is designed to attract a new audience to BMW," explained Bob Fleishman, general manager, DCH BMW of Freehold, Route 9, Freehold. "In addition to people who previously may have been Acura, Honda and Toyota fans, we expect this car to bring younger buyers into the BMW fold. It has enough styling, handling and power to satisfy any driver. The 300-horsepower 135 is a rocket ship, the performance is unbelievable."

"For those of you who remember the BMW 2002 and the fun and excitement that came along with driving it, do I have a car for you," said Joe Falotico, sales manager, Circle BMW, Route 36 East, Eatontown. "If you are too young to remember what it felt like to drive the BMW 2002 here's your chance to see what all the excitement was about, only as Emeril would say "kicked up to notches unknown.' "

The 1 Series Coupe is available in two versions: the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cyinder engine that generates 200 foot-pounds of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics.

The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque from as low as 1400 rpm.