Click here to see more pictures of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible

BMW has officially unveiled details of its latest drop-top stunner, the 1-Series Convertible.

Following on the heels of the new 1-Series Coupe, the baby soft-top is the latest in a raft of new model launches for the Munich carmaker.

Last week we reported that a low-slung four-door saloon based on the sensational CS Gran Turismo concept will appear by 2012.

The topless baby Beemer range will include the 120d – a 2-litre diesel producing 177bhp – and a 2-litre petrol engine when it launches next year.

However, petrolheads will be eager to get their hands on the most potent 1-Series convertible – the range-topping 135i.

Featuring a 3-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine, the baby M-car churns out a massive 306bhp and propels Munich’s newest progeny from 0-62mph (100kph) in just 5.6 seconds – enough to give owners of older M3s something to think about.

The new 1-Series convertible will feature an electronically-operated folding cloth roof – shunning the craze for metal roofs – that can open in a claimed 22 seconds at up to speeds of 25mph.

Unique to the 1-Series convertible is the optional Moonlight Black soft-top cloth, interwoven with shiny metallic fibres to produce what BMW call a ‘shimmery metallic appearance in sunlight’.

Inside, the drop-top gets a climate control system that gains an extra ‘convertible’ setting, designed for open-roof conditions. Sensors inside the cabin relay temperature information and sunlight levels to establish the level of ventilation.

In addition, the optional Boston leather will benefit from BMW’s Sun Reflective Technology, said to reduce the effect of the sun’s radiation and prevent excessive heating of the seats.

Starting prices for the new 1-Series Convertible will be around £20,000.

Click here to see more pictures of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible

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