Not to be upstaged by the arrival of the new BMW 1 Series M Coupé, the 1 Series Coupé and Convertible ranges have received a number of significant modifications and upgrades for 2011.
Both models differentiate themselves from the outgoing cars by way of a new front bumper with redesigned foglights and redesigned Halogen headlights with an ‘eyebrow’ element.
When Xenon headlights are specified, this ‘eyebrow features an LED illuminated light bar. At the rear, the tail lights have also been changed with a more detailed appearance.
However, the greatest change is that some models are now come fitted with an Aero Curtain – a feature that channels airflow around the front of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby increasing efficiency. Wheel arches are one of the main areas of aerodynamic drag and the Aero Curtain is BMW’s innovative solution to reduce this inefficiency.
Derived from race technology, air is routed into two ducts in the front apron, which then flows out of a narrow opening at high speed into the wheel arch. This jet of air effectively covers the front wheels like a curtain and thus reduces turbulence. As a result, CO2 emissions have been lowered throughout the range.