By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

BMW Group Canada announced that two Cabriolet variants of the BMW 1 Series will debut in Canada in 2008.

The first cabriolet model to be based on the remarkably successful BMW 1 Series, the new BMW 128i and 135i Cabriolets, will join the newly announced 1 Series Coupé stablemates as unique and exciting offerings in the Premium Compact segment in Canada next year.

Both 1 Series Cabriolets will share drivetrain specifications with their Coupé counterparts, featuring BMW’s latest generation six-cylinder inline engines mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the latest high-efficiency 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

BMW 128i Cabriolet

The BMW 128i Cabriolet will be powered by BMW’s lightweight magnesium/aluminum 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder engine with Valvetronic generating 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. This latest generation powerplant not only provides the BMW 128i Coupé with sparkling performance, but, following BMW’s philosophy of Efficient Dynamics, will also produce unprecedented levels of fuel economy.

BMW 135i Cabriolet

The BMW 135i Cabriolet will come with BMW’s remarkable new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler. Winner of the 2007 International Engine of the Year award, this remarkable engine produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm, ensuring outstanding performance while maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.

Canadian availability is expected in the second half of 2008. Detailed specifications and pricing will be made available closer to market launch.

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