The official announcement of the introduction of the BMW 1 Series Coupé to the North American markets in 2008 raises one interesting question for MINI watchers. Are BMW going to be competing with themselves for sales, will potential MINI buyers be lured by the bigger BMW, or will 1 Series window shoppers be taken in by the MINIs charms instead?

If rumours are to be believed, the new 1 Series Coupé could start at around $26,000 US dollars, which puts it on a par with a nicely specified MINI Cooper S.

For those interested in the performance aspect, the 128i Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque. Featuring Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminium/magnesium construction, and features BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies.

The more powerful 135i is driven by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parastic losses for increased output.

The official BMW North America press release states “the 1 Series Coupé will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created”. A bold statement indeed, as the 2002 still has a strong reputation and enthusiastic following to this day. We wonder how many people will be won over to MINIs “Bigger Brother” by the obvious lure of bigger engines and the greater practicality afforded by the greater interior space, especially those who have had past experience of the BMW 2002.

We think this is an interesting prespect, but even if BMW and MINI find themselves battling for your hard earned pay, the 1 Series and the MINI Cooper have such different characters we’re pretty certain that when push comes to shove, if the MINIs captured your imagination in the first place, you’ll be driving away in the MINI. And we don’t believe you’d regret that move one bit either.

Join the debate here on the MINI2 forums.