We all know that it’s high time the Olympics incorporated some kind of motorsport into its roster. Ken Block-style gumkhana would do just fine, or even an X Games style rally demolition derby. For the 2012 London Olympics, that’s probably not going to happen, but at least BMW is in the right spirit by celebrating sport with two Performance Editions based on the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series.
Fine, so they’re not autocross specials decked out with roll cages and an iconic BASF livery, but they’re neat all the same. The 1 Series Performance Edition comes with all the M styling bits outside (they’re good for aerodynamics too), as well as some 18in M alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust pipes and darkened rear lights. But BMW did the right thing and actually improved the performance too, fitting proper M Sport Suspension.
Inside the 1er gets sporty seats with blue stitching, M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, and London 2012 exterior badges.
The bigger saloon is clothed in the same M skin, also receiving as much attention inside and out as the 1 Series. In the UK, both are available in a choice of four colours: Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater and Black Sapphire.
