[Jason]

Featured on BIMMERPOST HOMEPAGE.

Automobile Magazine has put together a preview of the upcoming front wheel drive BMW lineup, including a 1-series GT, compact activity tourer, family activity sportster, each intended to utilitarian vehicles. BMW development boss Klaus Draeger has previously confirmed that the new FWD architectures will debut in 2014.

Although only a few models are discussed below, sources say that at its peak the new FWD architecture will underpin up to 20 different BMW and Mini model variants.

Per Automobile Magazine:

BMW Joy and Mini Clubman: Joy is simply the internal name for a 1-series Gran Turismo, featuring a similar body shape to the current 5-series Gran Turismo. Even with its slant-back shape, this is the most traditional of the three vehicle lines and will target the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz B-class. To set the two models apart, the Clubman will get two full-length, rear-hinged aft doors and retain the split barn doors for the tailgate.

BMW Compact Activity Tourer and Mini Countryman: These vehicles feature four conventional doors and large single-piece tailgates, but the higher roofs to lend them a more utilitarian look that's more crossover than car.

BMW Family Activity Sporster and Mini Traveller: The official name is still up in the air, but the Traveller is the long-rumored MiniVan. Both the BMW and Mini models are to be family- and leisure-oriented, boasting sliding rear doors, longer rear overhangs, and super-flexible interiors.

The ability to offer both front- and all-wheel drive on the ULK1 architecture is critical to challenging the Audi A3 and the next Mercedes-Benz A- and B-class. To keep up with the higher performance Audi S3/RS3 and Mercedes-Benz B22 AMG, Mini will continue to develop the Cooper S and John Cooper Works portfolios. BMW, on the other hand, is still pondering whether to downsize the M model range or to opt for a more unique ti/tii approach.

To differentiate the vehicle pairings, Mini will put a strong emphasis on three-cylinder engines. However, it's unclear if the new three-cylinder lineup can cover the entire range including the Cooper S and even the John Cooper Works cars. Engineering has reportedly developed a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder producing 272 hp, but we're still waiting to hear more details about running characteristics and durability. The volume-model gas and diesel three-cylinders would be good for up to 184 hp and 122 hp, respectively. BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer notes that selling three-cylinder Minis may present a challenge: "Although the three is definitely an up-and-coming thing, some markets like North America may be skeptical in how far down you can go. For our rear-wheel cars, fours and sixes have therefore a clear mid-term priority."

And rear-wheel drive will continue to play a role at BMW, even in small cars. Sporty variants of the 1-series, such as the coupe, the convertible, and the soon-to-arrive M coupe, will still send power back to the rear axle. For the BMW front-wheel-drive products, though, insiders are predicting an emphasis on new four-cylinder units. Expect two different gas engine families: a 1.6-liter (N13) covering the 122 hp to 177 hp bracket and a 2.0-liter version (N20) spanning from 184 hp to 252 hp.

RENDERINGS/IMPRESSIONS (not official):

[Oulixes]

An exciting prospect. A chicken in every pot and a BMW in every garage.

[DougLikesBMW]

Can someone clear this up for me? Why does BMW want this vehicle to be FWD? Is it more MPG efficient than RWD?

[ArabianSensation]

Originally Posted by DougLikesBMW

Can someone clear this up for me? Why does BMW want this vehicle to be FWD? Is it more MPG efficient than RWD?

Yes, FWD is slightly more efficient (1-2mpg) than RWD. Also, many buyers are in colder climates are put off by the RWD since the perception is that its much more difficult to drive in snow than FWD.

[DougLikesBMW]

Originally Posted by ArabianSensation

Yes, FWD is slightly more efficient (1-2mpg) than RWD. Also, many buyers are in colder climates are put off by the RWD since the perception is that its much more difficult to drive in snow than FWD.

Ah, gotcha...thanks.

[robotrenegade]

ugly.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by robotrenegade

ugly.

Render, based off artist's own imagination and nothing else really.

[antzcrashing]

if BMW makes a single 3 series in FWD, then BMW is going downhill. They already have AWD for snow.

This is short-term profiit smart, long term brand stupid.

[Karlb]

Originally Posted by Jason

Render, based off artist's own imagination and nothing else really.

and thank god for that!! I could never own anything that looked like that fugly thing JHMO

[Jason]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

if BMW makes a single 3 series in FWD, then BMW is going downhill. They already have AWD for snow.

This is short-term profiit smart, long term brand stupid.

Relax, that's not happening. The only current model which may add a FWD version is the 1-series. It's been mentioned that there will be both RWD and FWD 1-series once this new FWD platform comes out.

If BMW retains RWD and great driving dynamics on all its current models while adding new FWD models, I don't see why this is a stupid long term brand move. They are rounding out their model lineup even further with different options to capture an even bigger demographic. Sure, the purists will lament that BMW will no longer a RWD only company, but then again purists rarely have to consider the bottom line or business growth.

[BMWinNorthdakota]

Great for BMW.

I dont have a vendetta against FWD BMWs like most forum members do..

I do hope its far more aesthetically pleasing than this horid render lol.

[Imola.ZHP]

I don't oppose FWD as much as some, but I do think it would be best left to the Mini Brands. Those that oppose it the most probably are American's, and honestly, we may not ever see these models in the US...

The only issue I have with Mini is that they are so damn "cutesy" if they infused more attitude in their design language, they wouldn't be so off-putting to me.

[Ash83]

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by Karlb

and thank god for that!! I could never own anything that looked like that fugly thing JHMO

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In 30 years, automotive design will have very little resemblance to what it is today.

[Tiz113]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo

[SlicktopTTZ]

God dammit....... I'm buying a Mustang.


Imagine if Ford/Chevy/Dodge started selling FWD Mustangs/Camaros/Challengers........


Not only that, but these new car designs are FUGLY! BMW, get serious, this is some stupid shit.

I want to be proud of every BMW on the road, not just some of them.......


And really, a three-cylinder? I'm sure that has great mechanical balance! Hey guys, lets pay BMW prices for a Geo Metro that is trying to show off, sounds like a great idea!

If I wanted fuel economy, the Mini would not even be in question, even more so now with the great idea to give them even weaker engines and worse styling......

It's not like the Mini will be able to compete with a Prius, unless it goes diesel, a turbo-diesel I4 in a Mini would be much better than a gas turbo 3 IMO.....

[E39hijinks]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

if BMW makes a single 3 series in FWD, then BMW is going downhill. They already have AWD for snow.

This is short-term profiit smart, long term brand stupid.

lolwat. I guess this is why you're CEO of BMW North America, isn't it? Where's your car company?

Gotta love these fanboys who think every car has to be RWD, weigh 500 lbs, have 10,000 horsepower and have carbon fiber everything. Get over it. The world does not cater to fanboys. Fanboys make up a tiny, tiny fraction of the market.

Besides, nobody said BMW is replacing their entire lineup with FWD models.

BMW isn't going downhill, nor will they. It's the perception and the understanding of people like yourself that is.

[axoid]

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

God dammit....... I'm buying a Mustang.

Imagine if Ford/Chevy/Dodge started selling FWD Mustangs/Camaros/Challengers........

Ford tried to do that in the early 90s, but the Mustang faithful rebelled. Ford still sold the car under another name and it only lasted a few years. The Ford Probe was suppose to be named Mustang. The car sucked ether way, but I would have sucked more with the Mustang name.

[mkoesel]

Expect two different gas engine families: a 1.6-liter (N13) covering the 122 hp to 177 hp bracket and a 2.0-liter version (N20) spanning from 184 hp to 252 hp.

That's the first I've heard the new turbo 4 cylinder engines called out by name. Cool stuff. Looking forward to hearing a lot more about these within the next year to 18 months.

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

God dammit....... I'm buying a Mustang.

Oh, this was a real looker:

[hector]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

That's the first I've heard the new turbo 4 cylinder engines called out by name. Cool stuff. Looking forward to hearing a lot more about these within the next year to 18 months.

i read recently that bmw was going to use .5ltr. cylinders. if true, then wouldn't the 3 cyl. displace 1.5ltrs. not 1.6?

btw dude, how did u excerpt that part of jason's quote from the segregated article???

[Robo Squirrel]

uhg....bmw...please stop trying to fill every niche...its annoying and dilutes ur brand....FTL