(AUTOMOBILE) BMW UNVEILS NEW 2-SERIES COUPE

BMW 2-SERIES COUPE

After being caught with its cloak off in May, BMW has given in to the Internet's unyielding pressure and divulged details about its upcoming 2-Series Coupe.
The new 2-Series replaces the 1-Series Coupe, although the rest of the world continues to get the newer 1-Series hatchback models that already offer most everything the 2-Series now has, including optional adaptive steering and adaptive suspension, plus a standard 8-speed automatic and electronic locking rear differential. 

Next to the stubby U.S.-spec 1-Series, the 2-Series looks graceful this time around, and that's because BMW stretched out all the short parts. The wheelbase and width are 1.3 inches longer, overall length is stretched by 2.8 inches, and front and rear tracks widen by 1.6 and 1.7 inches, respectively.

• A Bimmer '2' many? New M235i coupe coming for 2014
• 2013 BMW 135is: Farewell to the brave and bold
• BMW unveils the 2014 4-Series Convertible

Speed was never a problem for the current 1-Series, which packed the last of BMW's silky 3.0-liter inline-6 engines on the 128i and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo on the 135i. In turn with the new 4-Series Coupe, the new 228i uses a 2.0-liter twin-turbo 4-cylinder good for 240 horsepower, and the M235i uses a 322-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 from the current 335is and 135is coupes -- the latter of which is an incredibly fast compact car we can't help but love.

That "M" designation doesn't mean the 235i is a proper M car such as the limited-edition 1M Coupe from 2011. Rather, it's what BMW calls an "M Performance" car, which means that various M-specific suspension, exhaust and aero kits are used rather than a complete hot-rod overhaul. For now, both 228i and M235i models will be sold with rear-wheel drive (although overseas buyers can grab an M135i hatch with xDrive all-wheel drive). The 2-Series convertible isn't coming yet, either, so we'll continue to have the current 1-Series drop-top until BMW releases a replacement.

Anyone who has driven a new 1-Series overseas won't be surprised at the new 2-Series' interior improvements, most notably the removal of the silly cupholder sticking off the center stack. Better materials and a fresher interface, including a redesigned controller for the standard iDrive infotainment system, are all there.

Several new features are added, like the Active Driving Assistant, which when coupled with optional navigation coaches the driver when to reduce speed before turns, roundabouts and junctions to save fuel. Like on the 2014 X5, BMW's Air Curtains -- aka wind deflectors on the front spoiler -- direct air over and around the wheels for improved aerodynamics. A torque-vectoring rear differential is standard, which like Porsche, can brake the inside wheel during corners to improve stability. A mechanically locking rear differential is optional on the M235i.

While the 8-speed sport automatic is standard along with launch control, a 6-speed manual is thankfully a no-cost option on both models. Oddly, however, BMW's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, an option on the current 135is, isn't available on the M235i. Fuel economy estimates for the 228i are 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the automatic and 22/34 mpg for the manual; the M235i checks in at 22/32 mpg in automatic trim and 19/28 mpg with the stick.

The coupes will debut in Detroit at the 2014 North American International Auto Show and will go on sale next March. Prices start at $33,025 for the 228i ($600 more than the 128i) and $44,025 for the M235i ($450 less than the 135is), both including destination.