Hi , I am here just very busy at this moment with the BMW X6 and the BMW M3 Cabrio completed I am currently finishing with the new MINI Cabrio's before moving onto BMW's priority launch in 2008. The new 7er.
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1) Has an //M version of the 1 series been given the green light??? That Tii concept really has a lot of people confused around here.
Last I heard is that the plans for an M model has changed with the current Z4-M engine being too heavy. There is plans for the 1er to offer a model above the 135i and a entry performance model - as I am based in Germany I do not know of US protocol on the "entry" performance model. But in Europe we are specially interested in the world-wide appraise we have received for the 1er Coupe. And That there is two levels of progress available for the 1er Coupe and when I mean progress I mean performance models and models that sacrifice weight for maximum driving enjoyment. and current engine enhancement - watch this Space.
The Performance packages previously announced by myself in the "1ntensified Performance Orientation" thread become available in Europe this Spring. Again I do not speak for the USA.
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2)Will BMW trickle down DCT to the 1 series? I could really see them reserving it for the M cars though.
MDCT or MDKG as we call it over here is at first exclusive to a particular series or model. As the 3er Coupe kept the exclusivity of the Six Cylinder Turbo until the 1er Coupe, X6 Sport Activity Coupe and the USA only (535i) . The transmission is for now exclusive for the M3 sedan , Coupe and the new Cabrio and eventually the Touring. A less M orientated equivalent will filter across to other models but it will not be soon. This is the M division's show for the present time.
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3) Will LeMans Blue ever make it over here???
No. And neither will the 123d or an Xdrive 1er for that matter...
Dynamics of Progression , Changing Perceptions.. Thinking Small and the things that will make you smile....
The next 1er series will include : The regular 3dr and 5dr Sporthatches, Replacements for the Coupe and Cabrio , The X1 as seen here - Why X1? BMW very much like the Nissan Quashqai in how it is three segments in one and forms a very unique take on an Hatch/MPV/Activity vehicle whilst the competition focus on mini-interpretations of their larger SUV's.
X1 will be unique in it's class by taking this aproach in which it will effect rule out the possibility of full 1er MPVs. To counter this BMW have plans to introduce a smaller version of it's upcoming Progressive Activity Sedan for the 1er to follow the F5 there are plans for an F1 . BMW want to forgo the usual approach of sedan and Touring for this segment as they would in effect take away sales from entry level 3er and 3er Tourings which make up huge sales for several european countries.
The 1er based F1 PAS will offer a more spacious and flexible interior package compared to a regular estate and MPV and feature a more sophisticated and modernist exterior - a nice touch is the floating rear window as the famous BMW kink is recreated in the metal fairing intowards the rear of the car and the last quarterlight giving a floating look. Unusually for a BMW the rear lights now rise further up the rear body pillars.
but most of all it will still have the driving characteristics of a BMW.
Possibly the most exciting of the Future 1er based models is the inclusion of a smaller based Performance Roadster and possibly Coupe to be called Z2.
Prepare to believe although you don't believe it but the next Z4 due at the close of 2008. Is a much more radical transformation than the previous car. whilst the option of two roofs will be effectively a (PREMIUM) first.
BMW are looking for the new Z4 to be the car that takes it to the establishment of course new technologies and features take their stress on every new model.
The announcement of a smaller Z2 will effectively target the best selling Mx-5 in its segment the car effectively will be as the chosen brief : An open top small performance car just pure unadulterated fun and agility . The highest voices are for something like the Z1 Roadster - something fresh and dynamic with the looks to back it up - effectively the back to basics roadster... BMW's interpretation of the Lotus Elise.
Small cars are making huge inroads in several markets whilst some do not embrace them fully ( A pheat the 1er Coupe and 1er Cabrio will be effectively used to change perceptions especially in the North American market).
Many do and that is where lies the growth to develop more models off the same platform ( Each Individually tweaked for character) and to expand sales across the world With the 1er we established that it could work unfortunately the progression of this series was limited as we had to have the establishment period to cement the 1er in the segment now the expansion is on and it proves how the genius of marketing works with the right product.
BMW foreseen that the C segment would offer substantial growth if the brand adapted to change their own position when many were not so sure and just wanted to keep on building Premium top level cars in which Rover would be the miracle, the growth The stability.
For something new to begin...Something had to end....
