(February 24, 2012) BMW has announced that it will debut a new M135i Concept at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 6. It's an M-performance three-door hatchback with a gasoline twin turbo 3.0-liter inline six that sends "more than 300" horsepower to the rear wheels.

Up until now, the 2012 1 Series has come only in five-door form.



BMW says the three-door 1 Series has "a more dynamic and elongated appearance" than its five-door sibling, pointing to details like its rising character line, frameless windows and "powerfully flared wheel arches" as unique elements.

The front apron of the concept car boasts a typical M design, signalizing intensive road-orientation, its large air intakes designed to match the cooling requirement of the powerful engine, ancillary components and large brakes. The three-dimensionally designed flaps on the air intakes give indication of the car's direct association with motor racing.

In addition to intense road-orientation, the specific design of the rear end of the BMW Concept M135i emphasizes above all the vehicle's width. This is supplemented in particular by the three-dimensional modeling of the surfaces and the lower section of the rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic. Furthermore, the rear apron accommodates the exhaust system's double tailpipe that features a dark chrome trim.

The suspension has been modified for M Performance duty, and the wheels have been upgraded to 18-inch M-branded alloys. Expect something along these lines to show up in production guise in relatively short order — at the very least for European buyers. And perhaps as early as July.