• BMW 1 Series makes its global motorsport debut in Melbourne next year.

• Perfect balance, rear-wheel drive make for racing delight.

• Road versions priced from $37,900.

BMW Group Australia launched the all new 1 Series in Australia in October 2004.

The BMW 1 Series is available in two guises, the 120i, as used by the Celebrity Challenge racers, and the 118i, which arrives in dealerships early in 2005.

The 120i uses a powerful, free-revving and smooth 2.0-litre four-cylinder VALVETRONIC engine to produce strong acceleration across the rev range.

Performance figures are impressive: the 2.0-litre engine produces 110 kW of power at 6,200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at a low 3,600 rpm.

The car races from standstill to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h, ideal for the blast up the back straight at Albert Park and the charge down the start-finish straight in front of the grandstands.

Priced from $37,900 for the 118i and $41,900 for the 120i, the BMW 1 Series takes the acclaimed German brand into a new chic, urban market. As such it is the ideal choice for a race on a track situated in the middle of one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The new BMW 1 Series is the perfect car for driving enthusiasts and Celebrity Challenge racers.

Thanks to a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout, BMW has engineered the car to have a near perfect front-to-rear weight distribution which enhances stability in corners.

Precise steering, excellent traction, refined ride and agile handling are further keynote features of the BMW 1 Series, adding up to a thoroughbred driving experience on the road or track.

The BMW 1 Series is well equipped for racing round Albert Park or simply cruising along the Great Ocean Road. It features 17-inch light alloy wheels, runflat tyres, adjustable leather-covered multi-function sport steering wheel, and climate control air conditioning.

Active safety features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with integrated Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). These electronic chassis systems ensure the driver stays in control even under the most arduous conditions.

The BMW 1 Series is so intelligent it uses a digital readout on the dash instead of a dip-stick under the bonnet to monitor the engine oil capacity.

“The new BMW 1 Series represents incredible driving enjoyment for all customers,” says Franz Sauter, Managing Director, BMW Group Australia.

“We are certain the Celebrity Challenge racers will have the time of their lives behind the wheel of the new 1 Series. It is the ideal car for the Albert Park track.

“The new 1 Series will provide spirited performance and close, exciting racing and we wish all the Celebrity Challenge drivers well on their return to racing. May the Best of the Best win.”