There's going to be a more driver-focused, coupé version of the BMW 1-Series. The hatch and rear doors will go, and the engine will be replaced by a version of the high-revving 2.0-litre four-pot mill that's about to find its way into the 320si that we reported on last week (see link below).
It could be badged as the 120si, according to Autocar, and would be what the magazine called a spiritual successor to the original 200bhp 2.3-litre M3, on the grounds that the M3 has headed so far upmarket -- 343bhp and a starting price of £41,875 -- that there's room for a lighter, more focused vehicle.
The replacement of a bulkhead for the hatch means the chassis will be stiffer -- that's a good thing for handling and dynamics. It's also a good thing for BMW's plan to sell it in the US, where hatchbacks don't go down well, especially from premium manufacturers such as BMW.
And while the putative 120si has been given the green light for production, it's also possible that BMW could plug the 130i's engine into the coupé -- a lightweight 265bhp straight-six would probably suit it well.