2014 BMW M235i Coupe

M Performance is BMW's new sub-brand that sits between the regular models and the thoroughbred M sports cars – something like Audi's S and RS range.

Citing inside sources, the publication claims that BMW will present a coupe version of the second-generation 1-Series renamed as the 2-Series at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with an M Performance variant to follow a few months later at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Keep in mind, however, that BMW has not officially confirmed the change of names for the coupe and convertible models of the 1-Series and 3-Series lineups to 2-Series and 4-Series respectively.

Regardless of what BMW will call the coupe model, the magazine says the M235i will use the same N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 316hp (320PS) at 5,800rpm and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,300 to 4,500rpm as the M135i hatchback coupled to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic.

It is possible that like the M135i, the M235i will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option.

What Autoweek forgets to mention in its article though is that an M Performance version of the current 1-Series Coupe has already come to the States under the guise of the 135is Coupe and Concertible, both of which are powered by the M135i's N55 3.0-liter turbo engine, rated at 320hp.

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2014 BMW M4 / M3 Coupe

For those of you that just can't wait to get a peek at the next M3 Coupe or perhaps as we may come to know it, the M4, graphic designer Jacek Kolodziejczyk has put his skills to work developing a pretty realistic rendering of the coupe model.

The 30-year old artist used several styling elements found on the new F30 3-Series sedan while also borrowing some cues from the M3 Seadn prototype scooped over the past few months.

While BMW is keeping its cards tight against its chest for the time being, it is believed that both the next M3 Coupe and Sedan models will replace the current M3's naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 with a smaller displacement six-cylinder engine employing two or maybe even three turbochargers for 450-horsepower or more.

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