Lexus LF-Ch: Production Version of Five-Door Hatchback Rival to BMW 1-Series Scooped!

An anonymous julino billym reader dropped these scoop photos of what appears to be the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch hatch into our mailbox this morning. The LF-Ch concept model made its world debut at last year's Frankfurt motor show with Lexus making it more than clear that it would build the five-door hatchback.

"Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe, told journalists during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid."

The overall shape of the plastic wrapped model depicted in these spy photos is almost identical to the LF-Ch concept right down to the rear window, though the design does appear to have been toned down a notch.

For example, gone are the 'hidden' read door handles that have been replaced by conventional handles while the tail lights and rear bumper design are new.

If the car pictured here is indeed the LF-Ch, then there's a strong possibility that we may see the hatchback model in the flesh at the Geneva Salon next March.

Lexus plans to offer the premium hatch that will rival cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 with both conventional and hybrid powertrains.

Hat tip to our anonymous reader for the shots!

2011 BMW 135i Coupe and Convertible get New Twin Scroll Turbocharged 3.0-liter N55 Straight-Six

BMW is gradually replacing its N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six (featured in models like the 335i) with the firm's new twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine, designated N55. The latest Bavarian products to get the N55 are the 2011 model year 135i Coupe and Convertible that will go on sale in the United States in Spring 2010.

With a maximum output of 300HP at 5,800 rpm and a peak torque of 300 lb-ft available from 1,200–5,000rpm (U.S.-spec version), the new six-cylinder produces the same level of performance as the current twin-turbo six-cylinder.

However, BMW says that thanks to the adoption of the single, twin-scroll turbocharger and the integration of VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology, the new engine promises better throttle response and even more fuel efficiency.

In addition, the automaker claims that peak torque is reached 100rpm earlier than with the previous engine while engine boost response is improved across the entire engine speed range.

Both the 135i Coupe and Convertible will be optionally available with BMW's 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) that now features dedicated steering wheel paddles for upshifting (on the right) and down shifting (on the left).

For the 2011 model year, BMW also replaced the HiFi System Professional with a new Harman Kardon Surround Sound System while the climate control instrument unit features a new alignment and optics.

Teaser Video of BMW's Pure-Electric 1-Series Coupe

BMW has released a short teaser film of its new Concept ActiveE, a fully-electric version of its 1-Series Coupe that will begin trial runs with selected private and fleet drivers in the very near future. The prototype model, which will make its world premiere in Detroit next month, is powered by a an electric motor with 170HP that drives the rear wheels. Watch the teaser video after the jump.

BMW Reveals All-Electric 1-Series Coupe ahead of Detroit Auto Show, Fleet Tests to Follow

The 2010 Detroit Show in January will play host to the world premiere of the BMW Concept ActiveE, a new plug-in electric version of the 1-Series Coupe that will go into limited production and be offered as a lease vehicle to certain customers within the next two years. The Concept ActiveE is the BMW Group's second vehicle after the MINI E to be developed as part of the visionary "project i" initiative.

While retaining the 1-Series Coupe's rear-wheel drive layout, BMW ditched the standard model's internal-combustion engine adding a new synchronous electric motor specially developed for this vehicle that's integrated in the rear axle. The motor produces an output of 125kW or 170hp and a maximum torque of 250Nm or 184 lb-ft.

The electrical energy that powers the motor is stored in a pair of lithium-ion battery packs developed jointly by BMW and SB LiMotive. The battery packs occupy the space that would normally be taken up by the conventional drivetrain and fuel tank in vehicles powered by a combustion engine.

Despite the various weight-saving measures, the Concept ActiveE tips the scales at a hefty 1,800 kg or about 3,970 pounds.

BMW predicts that the all-electric 1-Series can accelerate from zero to 60km/h (37mph) in less than 4.5 seconds and from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 9 seconds, while the car's maximum speed is electronically limited to about 145 km/h or 90 mph.

Like the MINI E, BMW says that the real-world range is expected to be around 160 kilometers or 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.

The car's lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by a conventional power outlet at public charging stations or at a special wall box. On the European grid, BMW says that the battery pack can be fully charged at a high-current power outlet (50 ampere) in as little as three hours, while in North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is expected to be around 4.5 hours.

The all-electric 1-Series Coupe remains a four-seater, however, the car's boot capacity has been reduced to 200 liters due to the electric tidbits.

Design-wise, the Concept ActiveE is distinguished by the Liquid White metallic finish as well as the special logos and graphic elements derived from printed circuits in Electric Blue on the hood, doors, roof and trunk lid.

The coupe also gets specific light-alloy wheel wheels, a specially trimmed interior and revised instrument panel and central display that have been enhanced to include display items specific to electric drive.