US researchers filmed...
US researchers filmed the driving habits of 100 volunteers for a year, recording 82 crashes and 761 near-misses. Of those, 80 and 65 per cent respectively were due solely to driver distraction. Meanwhile, British insurers warn that motorists" cover could be at risk if an iPod is proven to have taken the driver"s attention.
What gives the game...
What gives the game away are the revised intakes at the front, designed to force air under the bonnet. These reveal the prototype"s true purpose - it"s being used to test a muscular new engine.
Insiders are tight-lipped about what this powerplant might be. But Auto Express"s spies have learned that the German firm is trialling its all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol unit in the rear-wheel-drive hatchback. Showcased in the next-generation 3-Series Coupé, the engine produces 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. What"s more, the motor weighs 70kg less than a naturally aspirated V8 producing similar power outputs. Fitted to a 1-Series, the straight-six unit would offer exhilarating performance, with 0-60mph covered in less than six seconds.
Since the 1-Series went on sale back in 2004, BMW fans have been feverishly speculating that an M version will eventually join the line-up. However, despite this car"s potential performance, it may not actually wear the hallowed badge.
And turning up the heat isn"t the only thing BMW has in store for its premium hatchback. The firm will also launch a three-door version next year. Testing is well underway, and our spies caught the latest prototype on the road. The company tried to disguise the car by adding fake rear door handles, but this failed to throw our snappers off the scent.