BMW's new 128ti compact sports car is currently undergoing calibration test drives on the hilly roads of the Eifel around the Nordschleife of the Nurburgring as well as directly on the world's most demanding racetrack.

The front-wheel drive BMW 128ti is positioned directly below the top-of-the-range model of the BMW 1 Series, the BMW M135i xDrive.

The new car also features its 2.0-litre engine. The four-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology in the 128ti has a power output of 261bhp, facilitating sporty driving performance and delivering a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds.

The BMW 128ti comes as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential, providing for better traction on the front axle.

A specifically tuned M sport suspension lowers the car by 10mm, while BMW's Performance Control drivetrain and chassis control system has also been specially adapted for increased agility.

The steering of the BMW 128ti has also been specifically aligned to the vehicle for precise reactions, providing the driver with a more direct response.

The BMW 128ti is around 80kg lighter than the four-wheel drive BMW M135i xDrive from which it takes the highly pre-stressed stabilisers and stabiliser bearing.

Sports tyres are optionally available to the customer at no extra charge and guarantee even more driving pleasure, while M sport brakes from the top-of-the-range model guarantee braking characteristics that match the driving performance.