Audi BMW

Update: A source close to the company mentions that the 1 Series and 3 Series will continue down the path of rear-wheel drive platforms and at this moment, it is unclear what naming convention will any future front-wheel drive models carry. Any news around a 1 Series FWD are speculative at the moment.

Next year, BMW will unveil their new generation 1 Series. Built under the codename F20, the 2012 BMW 1 Series will first launch in a hatchback variant. The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model.

It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

The three and five-door hatch will only be available in Europe, but coupe and convertible variants will make their way onto the U.S. soil.

Rendering by Automobile Magazine

Starting in 2013, BMW will add two more 1 Series variants to their line-up, and rumors around a front-wheel drive, and even xDrive, continue to surface monthly. To generate enough volume, BMW will link its FWD/AWD newcomers to the third-edition MINI, which happens to debut almost simultaneously.

Rendering by Automarket

The following year, BMW plants to introduce a Gran Turismo version of the new 1 Series. Dubbed 1 Series GT, the new model will be a 5-door vehicle, a mix between a hatch, wagon and sedan. 1 GT will be 2 inches (5cm) longer than the 3-door and 5-door models, but it will sport an unique front-end. To reflect the Gran Turismo design, the 1 GT will have an elevated driving position, as seen in the 5 Gran Turismo. Inside, the 1 Series GT should provide an alternative between two individual rear seats separated by a central console or the classic rear seats setup.

Its fastback body follows the tone set by the 5-series Gran Turismo and upcoming 3-series GT due in 2013.

Starting in 2013, however, BMW will add two more 1-series variants, this time with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, thereby following a recipe chosen by Audi for the A3 and by Mercedes for the next A-/B-class. For enhanced synergy effects, even the body styles offered by the two brands are closely related. There’s a , and a fastback BMW that shares its vehicle structure with next Mini Clubman.

But an interesting report comes today from the fellows over at Automobile Magazine. Along with the above renderings, Automobile Magazine launches an hypothesis of even more 1 Series variants. One of them, a high-roof 1-series model, for instance, that relates to the upcoming MiniVan, and it is being referred to as the Compact Activity Tourer (CAT).

“That more pragmatic role will be played by the – relatively – higher-roofed Compact Activity Tourer (CAT). Although CAT is in fact a broad-shouldered low-slung mid-size minivan not unlike the new Opel Meriva, nobody inside BMW calls it that. Instead, SportsCruiser is a possible designation; Family Activity Vehicle (FAV) is another. Like the MiniVan, CAT has four conventionally hinged doors, a flexible seating arrangement, and an extended rear overhang for extra luggage space.”, mentions Automobile Magazine.

Even further, apparently the entire project is still masterminded by BMW, not MINI. The modular matrix is sure to use an independent suspension front and rear, variable-ratio electro-hydraulic steering, a low-friction lightweight version of xDrive (not the Countryman AWD hardware) and a mix of three- and four-cylinder engines.

Our sources indicate that new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 horsepower. The gasoline version, dubbed N30, comes in displacements of 1.2 and 1.5 liters with power output of ranging from 70 to 184 horsepower.

At the high-end of the line-up, the 135i will be using the N55 Twin-Scroll engine.

In the diesel segment, a new three-cylinder 1.5 liter N37 engine will have a power output ranging from 110 to 125 horsepower.

The threes-cylinder engines will use about 10 percent less fuel.

A new BMW 1 Series Hatchback Concept is rumored to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

[Renderings by Automobile Magazine and Automarket ]

Next year, BMW will unveil their new generation 1 Series. Built under the codename F20, the 2012 BMW 1 Series will first launch in a hatchback variant. The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model.

It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

The three and five-door hatch will only be available in Europe, but coupe and convertible variants will make their way onto the U.S. soil.

Rendering by Automobile Magazine

Starting in 2013, BMW will add two more 1 Series variants to their line-up, and rumors around a front-wheel drive, and even xDrive, continue to surface monthly. To generate enough volume, BMW will link its FWD/AWD newcomers to the third-edition MINI, which happens to debut almost simultaneously.

Rendering by Automarket

The following year, BMW plants to introduce a Gran Turismo version of the new 1 Series. Dubbed 1 Series GT, the new model will be a 5-door vehicle, a mix between a hatch, wagon and sedan. 1 GT will be 2 inches (5cm) longer than the 3-door and 5-door models, but it will sport an unique front-end. To reflect the Gran Turismo design, the 1 GT will have an elevated driving position, as seen in the 5 Gran Turismo. Inside, the 1 Series GT should provide an alternative between two individual rear seats separated by a central console or the classic rear seats setup.

Its fastback body follows the tone set by the 5-series Gran Turismo and upcoming 3-series GT due in 2013.

Starting in 2013, however, BMW will add two more 1-series variants, this time with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, thereby following a recipe chosen by Audi for the A3 and by Mercedes for the next A-/B-class. For enhanced synergy effects, even the body styles offered by the two brands are closely related. There’s a , and a fastback BMW that shares its vehicle structure with next Mini Clubman.

But an interesting report comes today from the fellows over at Automobile Magazine. Along with the above renderings, Automobile Magazine launches an hypothesis of even more 1 Series variants. One of them, a high-roof 1-series model, for instance, that relates to the upcoming MiniVan, and it is being referred to as the Compact Activity Tourer (CAT).

“That more pragmatic role will be played by the – relatively – higher-roofed Compact Activity Tourer (CAT). Although CAT is in fact a broad-shouldered low-slung mid-size minivan not unlike the new Opel Meriva, nobody inside BMW calls it that. Instead, SportsCruiser is a possible designation; Family Activity Vehicle (FAV) is another. Like the MiniVan, CAT has four conventionally hinged doors, a flexible seating arrangement, and an extended rear overhang for extra luggage space.”, mentions Automobile Magazine.

Even further, apparently the entire project is still masterminded by BMW, not MINI. The modular matrix is sure to use an independent suspension front and rear, variable-ratio electro-hydraulic steering, a low-friction lightweight version of xDrive (not the Countryman AWD hardware) and a mix of three- and four-cylinder engines.

Our sources indicate that new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 horsepower. The gasoline version, dubbed N30, comes in displacements of 1.2 and 1.5 liters with power output of ranging from 70 to 184 horsepower.

At the high-end of the line-up, the 135i will be using the N55 Twin-Scroll engine.

In the diesel segment, a new three-cylinder 1.5 liter N37 engine will have a power output ranging from 110 to 125 horsepower.

The threes-cylinder engines will use about 10 percent less fuel.

A new BMW 1 Series Hatchback Concept is rumored to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

[Renderings by Automobile Magazine and Automarket ]

BMW continues its winter testing sessions and the agile spy photographers managed to snag some new shots of the next generation BMW 1 Series.

Due to launch in 2012, the F20 1 Series bring significant changes to the entry-level BMW line-up. The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform.

Design wise, the new 1 Series is rumored to be a revolutionary model with the new design language under Chief Designer Adrian Von Hooydonk making its way into the F20 car. So we expect so see a lot of flaming surfaces, concave/convex shapes and an unique, unseen headlights design.

Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. At the high-end of the line-up, the 135i will be using the N55 Twin-Scroll engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well.

One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

The new BMW 1 Series Hatchback is scheduled to be unveiled in 2011 at one of the major European auto shows.

[Source: SecretNewCars ]

Winter testing sessions are well underway and BMW continues to test a wide range of vehicles in less than attractive weather. Using the internal code F20, the next generation 1 Series hatchback was spotted during one of these sessions.

As seen in the spy shot below, the F20 prototype continues to sport the now famous psychedelic camouflage making it hard for us to see the design lines prepared by BMW. The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. At the high-end of the line-up, the 135i will be using the N55 Twin-Scroll engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well.

One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

The rumor mill says BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible.

The new BMW 1 Series Hatchback is scheduled to be unveiled in 2011.

[Source: MotorAuthority ]

Spy photographers spotted the next generation BMW 1 Series during the winter testing in Arctic Driving Center in Rovaniemi, FinlandBMW. With a launch date set for early 2011, BMW continues the development and testing of the new, redesigned 1 Series, a model that has been described by people with knowledge of the product as being more revolutionary than its predecessors.

Built on a new modular platform that allows BMW to expand its 1 Series lineup, the new approach will allow BMW to reduce its productions costs. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle.

Several 1 Series models are being considered, starting with the “regular” hatch, the coupe and continuing with a 3-door touring and even a possible GT. The high-end model is rumored to be a 135i Supersport, a vehicle with M-like capabilities, but without carrying the M badge. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it will use lightweight materials, such as Carbon Fiber Roof, hood or bootlid, lightweight glass.

BMW will offer four cylinder turbo charged engines in line with the next generation 3er across the world. Six cylinder options will still be available. One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

The next generation 1 Series will be unveiled in 2011 at one of the major auto shows.

[Source: Spyshots ]

The next generation 1 Series prototypes, dubbed F20, have been spotted once again. While nothing really changed since last week when we published some exclusive photos of the 1er, the new spy shots are bringing giving us something new: the first turbocharged 1 Series prototype. The test mule spots a dual-exhaust, a trademark of all the BMW twin-turbo models available on the market.

With a launch date set for early 2011, BMW continues the testing process of this new, redesigned 1 Series which has been described by people with knowledge of the product as being more revolutionary than its predecessors.

The big news around the 1 Series family is the introduction of a new modular platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

A final decision has yet to be made, but BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback, a 3-door Coupe and Convertible and Shooting Brake model. A smaller, compact Z2 Roadster will also utilize the modular platform. The high-end model will be the 135i Supersport, a vehicle with M-like capabilities, but without carrying the M badge.

Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. Moving up in the 1 Series class, the 120i will get the a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo, while the 135i will continue using the N54 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. EfficientDynamics will play an important role in the new 1 Series, so expect a wide range of diesel offerings. Hybrids are expected as well, in a combination of 3 cylinder diesel engines with one or two electric motors.

As we enter 2010, the test mules will advance into the testing phases and more revealing photos will be available.

[Source: 1Addicts ]

Our german blog BimmerToday.de and Ade, one of their readers, are bringing us today some exclusive spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The prototype was spotted on the Autobahn somewhere between Salzburg and Munich.

The F20 prototype continues to sport the now famous psychedelic camouflage making it hard for us to see the design lines prepared by BMW. If the first generation 1 Series can be described as being conservative with a safe design, the new 1er models are expected to feature more revolutionary design elements and of course, the latest technologies, some already tested in the other BMW vehicles.

Looking to reduce the overall costs of a new car, BMW designed a new modular platform for the upcoming 1 Series family. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

Overall details of the next 1 Series are still sketchy at this time, but the rumor mill says BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A smaller, compact Z2 Roadster will also utilize the modular platform.

Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. Moving up in the 1 Series class, the 120i will get the a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo, while the 135i will continue using the N54 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well.

One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

An M-like 1 Series model will also be part of the new 1er family. Dubbed 135i SuperSport, the new sporty model will differentiate from the regular BMW 135i with the Performance Package, by adding upgraded performance parts. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it will use lightweight materials, such as Carbon Fiber Roof, hood or bootlid, lightweight glass. Upgraded suspensions and brakes will give the impression and feel of an M car, but without the M badge.

Some sources mention the first 1 Series model to launch in 2010, but our bet still goes on an early launch in 2011.

Thanks for the photos Ade!

Some of the most interesting BMW news in the last few months revolved around BMW’s future plans to build three-cylinder engines which will power the next generation 1 and 3 Series. The 3-cylinder engines will power some of the entry level vehicles and smaller mild hybrid platforms, including the BMW Z2.

Back in May, we learned that these engines are currently in a testing phase and are still about two years away from the launch date. BMW sources have told Autocar that the next 1-series has been engineered to cope with the unique noise, vibration and harshness of a three-cylinder engine, all characteristics of this type of engine.

BMW already has experience with this technology which has been used in its Motorcycle division.

Autocar UK reports that Mercedes-Benz is working on three-cylinder turbocharged unites as well which will make their way into the C-Class models. “A three-cylinder engine in the C-class is quite conceivable,” said Daimler’s board member in charge of R&D, Dr Thomas Weber.

While BMW’s three cylinder 1.35-liter engine is rumored to output anywhere from 122 to 180 horsepower and 162 lb-ft (220Nm) of torque, Merecedes-Benz talks about a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 168 horsepower and 150-185 lb-ft (203-250Nm) of torque.

These engines with less cylinders and displacement from both automakers will make up the performance by being turbocharged.

BMW plans to release their three-cylinder engine within two years, most likely coinciding with the new generation 1 Series. Merecedes-Benz told Autocar that the first three-cylinder powerplant from them will go on sale in the next four to five years.

[Source: Autocar ]

We know how much you hate love renderings, so we decided to show you some new renderings of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The renderings belong to two different sources and they both take a different approach, so that should open an interesting debate.

As some of you might have probably read on here before, the next generation 1 Series will offer the largest variety of models within the BMW brand, the rumors say that at least five variants of 1 Series models are being considered, excluding the BMW Z2 and X1 which are based on the 1er platform as well. There are also various sources close to BMW that mention a possible 1 Series Shooting Brake and even an X-Cabrio crossover, but those particular models are still in the early research days.

The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

As far as the exterior design, not many details have leaked recently and anything we would say at this point could be interpreted as pure speculations. Of course, the 1 Series test mules seen around don’t help too much, but as the cars go through different evaluation phases, then we should find out more.

What we do know for sure is that the interior will take many design cues from the BMW X1, of course emphasis on the sportiness aspect.

Now looking at the two renderings, the first one is closer to a “real design” than the second one, even though we do see why some people might enjoy the aggressive stand of this last rendering.

[Source: BilNorge.no | Automedia, Inh. Andreas Conradt e.K.| Burlappcars ]