[naywa01]

Originally Posted by AZ1

1 series needs that front bumper option. Can someone make a photo of that?

They're different cars built on different platforms; the current 1-series and 2 Gran Coupe uses the FWD 'UKL' platform used in the current Mini range (with the option of FWD-biased XDrive for the M135i, same as the AWD Mini variants). While the G42 2er is based on a shortened version of the G2x platform, with the option of the same rear-biased XDrive seen in the M340i/440i.

So in short the front-ends constructions will be different and its very unlikely the G42 nose assembly would have the right dimensions & attachment points.

Having said that, that doesn't stop BMW from copying the design elements onto something that would fit, although they are (thankfully) very clearly putting effort into making the G42 and the 1er/2 Gran Coupe distinct models.

I for one like having the clear delineation between the models, not just from a looks point of view, but that BMW have been bothered to create this model at all and in the process give it more expensive engineering components from the class above. We should probably also be grateful they didn't decide to go the easier route, saving costs and boosting margins, by creating a FWD two-door version of the 2 Gran Coupe!

[naywa01]

Originally Posted by bmwloverm2

For the newbies like me

Does this thing on the side is expected to be in all painting colors?

Purple does not seem to have it while the gray yes.

Is this the something to go in production?

No, believe it or not, those are items that you can choose to pay extra to have stuck on your car! Its from the 'Motorsport' accessories range, so this is undoubtedly leaked from brochure pics showing the various possibilites.

Now whether you find those possibilities enticing or not is a question for your conscience, personally I was under the impression that the habit of putting silly stickers on your car had died in the '90s! Although some parts of BMW marketing seem to want to push this kind of thing - I present exhibit A, the Kith M4 'special' edition!

[naywa01]

Originally Posted by ihbase

I wonder if this foreshadows a larger shift away from the G20 design language.

In the alternative, perhaps the g42 did not adopt the g20 design elements simply because it is based on a different platform this time - i.e., not the 3/4 series platform this time.

On the first point - Not really; BMW are already moving on and adopting a newer design language evolving some of those themes, as shown in the X3 LCI and upcoming X7 LCI.

Having said that they have stated in various of their videos with the design people that they intentionally give certain model ranges distinct looks. Hence the different grille and headlight treatments across the various ranges depending on whether the 'character' is a SAV/SUV, sportier coupe, luxury sedan/saloon etc.

On the second point - I'm afraid you're wrong; the G42 is absolutely based on the G2x platform, using a shortened chassis. It is only the current 1-series and 2 Gran Coupe that are using the unrelated Mini platform.

As in the first point, the BMW designers will have wanted to give it a distinct look (from either the G2x or the 2 GC), likely combined with familiar design cues from the F22 (which is apparent in some details), so will have purposely avoided making it appear like a 75% photocopy of a G22!!

[TargaM2]

Meh…neither love it nor hate it.
Think it's safe to say we've passed the high point of BMW design.

[naywa01]

Originally Posted by 2one3E90

Wheres the NA engines now

NA engines are long gone - turbo engines are more efficient, cleaner and more powerful/torquier in the process.

The whole industry has been moving this way for some time, although we've probably seen the effects of it more here in Europe than you have in the US, as we have stricter universal (cross-regional, rather than individual state) emissions targets which is a prime factor pushing manufacturers.

It would be very difficult and far too expensive for BMW to make and sell a ~630hp NA M5 or a 510hp NA M3, then at the lower end of the scale ~200-300hp NA four/six cylinders would simply not meet mandated corporate efficiency/emissions standards enforced by law. Not to mention they would undoubtedly be larger displacement (so heavier) and more demanding & expensive to maintain, both things that consumers wouldn't accept and would be very unlikely to meet targets.

Certainly in our market we very rarely see the 7 liter large displacement type motors you get in USDM, even V8s as a whole are much less commmon outside of high end models - most 8er/8-GC over here (which are pretty rare anyway) will be 840i, while the majority of 7-series are 730d and 3 & 5-series are 320/520d or 320/520i (I can count on one hand the amount of M340i I have seen!).

Remember they tried it with the E60 M5 V10 and everyone (at least on YT!!) seems to call that garbage now, basically because to deliver the numbers they had to use what was effectively a race engine - which doesn't work so well when abused by the 2nd or 3rd owner or with deferred maintenance.

[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by FinalRenegade

Always disliked the way the 2 series looked, short stubby and awkward, the new design is not much better, no thanks

I'll take a 2 series over current 4 series any day.

This new 2 looks the business. Good recovery BMW.

[cb804]

Originally Posted by advantage20

What the fluff?

[BRNDNSLVRA]

God what has happened to BMW. That's horrible.

[KINY3RA]

Originally Posted by dr_frankfurter

Full extent of my photo editing abilities. If anyone can make this look better, please send it to BMW and label it G42 LCI...

Here you go. Taillight and some edit to the triangle on the front bumper.

[jwr0721]

No manual RWD M240i?

I had read in an earlier discussion that might be avail only in US.

Anyone know anything more?

Or is it really as bad as it seems?

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Feel like we need a t-shirt that says:

"I bought an F87 M2 and all I got was some lousy understeer"

[jkap27]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

Part of me is relieved that it doesn't have the coffin grill.

Part of me is relieved that my OG M2 looks soooo much better than this car.

And part of me is deflated, as I really wanted to like the new 2 series.

yea i was thinking the same thing although i like the new M3 so i thought maybe it was just me and my opinions were stupid seems like the m3 got everything right but the grille and the new 2 series got everything wrong but the grille and most people only care about the grille from reading these posts haha

[jkap27]

Originally Posted by ihbase

Great character line from the A-pillar forward to the side of the grill. That hood line is will probably make the front end feel much smaller from the driver's seat - just like it did in the e90 / e82. The f30 / f87 feel fat from that perspective. The way this g42 hood wraps out over the front fender is also really nice.

It is almost as if the manufacturer knows that they screwed up with the G20 / G80 design language and now seeks amends.

Because the g42 does not adopt many of the terrible G20 design elements, I wonder if this foreshadows a larger shift away from the G20 design language. In the alternative, perhaps the g42 did not adopt the g20 design elements simply because it is based on a different platform this time - i.e., not the 3/4 series platform this time.

-Michael

i like the g8x a lot but i think i now know how people that dont like it feel haha. I own an F22 M240i and there is not a single thing about this new 2 series that I like...other than the grille which is fine.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by jkap27

yea i was thinking the same thing although i like the new M3 so i thought maybe it was just me and my opinions were stupid seems like the m3 got everything right but the grille and the new 2 series got everything wrong but the grille and most people only care about the grille from reading these posts haha

I think most people are, like with faces, just looking for balance. The new M3/M4 grill just doesn't balance with the rest of the car. The new 2's grill is more balanced, but there are other parts that are off-balance, like the huge triangle front intakes, which makes the package not as popular as it could have been.

[10"]

Huge improvement on the previous 2 series. This brings back some of the boxiness of the E8X. Dig it

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy's Dodge

Feel like we need a t-shirt that says:

"I bought an F87 M2 and all I got was some lousy understeer"

And then on the back… 😈

"I sold it but still heavily troll the M2 Forums"

[bgexpress]

I like it, fingers crossed the m2 will get a more aggressive rear end

[ihbase]

Originally Posted by 3RDSECTOR

"Terrible G20 design elements." Girl where?…[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

My condolences. At least the interior is beautiful.

-Michael

[Tag]

Simply tinting the clear section of the taillight is an improvement.

[rilla]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

There really is no excuse for BMW to keep messing up their vehicles. This person's design was beautiful. And a nice tie-in with the 4-door version

Originally Posted by jwr0721

There really is no excuse for BMW to keep messing up their vehicles. This person's design was beautiful. And a nice tie-in with the 4-door version

This sketch above or something along the lines of the 2002 hommage and I'd be cutting a big check.

[zipstic]

Originally Posted by advantage20

So the sketch of the M2 doesn't have a functional trunk? The taillights would have to be "cut" so the trunk lid would be able to open, which would negate the nice clean lines.

I'm not a huge fan of the lights below the number plate, but overall it's a nice sketch.

[TheoIam]

Originally Posted by Tag

Simply tinting the clear section of the taillight is an improvement.

Thank god the G87 will fix that god awful shiny plastic diffuser with the glued on fake exhaust tips.