BMW's Direction for 1/2/3/4 Series

[Kg810]

Source - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536653


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[Kg810]

Background information:

File this under history repeating. According to a new report from Autobild, BMW is considering reordering the nomenclature of their model lineup for consistency. If this happens, all sedan, wagons, and GT's will get odd numbers. All coupes, convertibles and Gran Coupe's get even numbers.

In other words, the successors of the E92 3-series coupe would become the 4-series coupe (F32), the E93 3-series convertible a 4-series convertible (F33). BMW had similar plans for the current generation E92 and E93 3-series but got cold feet for several reasons. Now the successful introduction of Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is reportedly making BMW reconsider the introduction of a 4-series again, says Autobild. If this pans out, this may be the next generation 3-series and 4-series models lineup:

3-series

F30 3-series Sedan (2012)
F31 3-series Wagon (2012)
F34 3-series GT (2013)

4-series

F32 4-series Coupe (2013)
F33 4-series Convertible (2014)
F35 4-series Gran Coupe (2015)

The idea makes some sense, but the M enthusiasts among us probably have noticed the big flaw already. This move would require the iconic M3 coupe to be renamed to M4 coupe in the next generation (which is not happening according to SCOTT26's latest information). Just imagine yourself standing at a petrol station and answering the question about the car you drive with "M4, the successor of the M3" and you'll see the issue.

F22/23 2-series
Following the same idea, Autobild also claims that the next generation 1-series coupe and convertible (F22 and F23) will be renamed the 2-series coupe and convertible. This move makes quite some sense as BMW is also planning the introduction of FWD 1-series models, and the designation reflecting the different layout seems reasonable. But, even here we see an issue, and that's related to the F20 and F21 hatchbacks which will be introduced imminently. Both cars will remain 1-series cars, and yet they're RWD. It remains to be seen how BMW solves this "mystery."


SCOTT26 Quotes

SCOTT26
It is going to happen.


The 3er will consist of Sedan , Touring and Gran Turismo (Touring and GT possibly not US bound)

The 4er will consist of Coupe , Cabrio and Gran Coupe.

Given that M are going to make greater use of the Sub-brand - M3 will remain and will be available as Coupe , Cabrio and Gran Coupe.
The scope for the M3 is that it is not just a faster 335i it is a totally different car . And the future M3 will distinguish itself further from the Coupe.



SCOTT26
BMW have kept the evolutionary appearance on the account of the current car is the best selling 3er Coupe to date. BMW credit this on the fact that the car is no longer a two door sedan but a singular model with it's own style and individuality.
The 3er Coupe/Cabrio has seen new customers for the first time , especially because of the exclusivity and Premium appearance of the Coupe and Cabrio.

The next generation car is significant for this decade , because it is in the segment that will grow and the new car retains a premium make over , because this new 4er Coupe and Cabrio will become more profitable than before.

The styling is evolutionary but brings forth some new elements to exert the premiumness of the car and to illustrate it's proximity with it's larger brother the 6er.
Some elements carried over to the 4er from the 6er include the similiar boat plowing through waves imprinted on the lower flanks , although the 4er begins much earlier in the door skin and allows the characterline to overlap forming the decorative side intake with will designate the engine and whether xDrive is featured. The side repeater is relocated to the mirror. The glasshouse becomes more shallower , allowing for the cars stretched proportions.

The front end of the car receives a wide grille , surrounded by slanted headlamp units , similar in shape to todays car with shapely flicks at each corner , where they surround the grille. To add more premiumness and a relationship to the bigger 6er brother the repeaters are located underneath the headlamp units , however they are covered by the main glass cover and are not individual elements like the 6er Coupe.

At the rear the car progresses the outgoing look of the Coupe but with more dynamic shaped rear tail lamps that wrap around the body in a similar fashion that the previous E60 5er did , but with a more slimmer look. Aping the look of the current car a more BMW-like L-Shape is applied but the base of the units angles diagonally upwards to the recess for the licence plate, it gives a more dramatic feel and adds more sports orientated profile to the rear. The L-Shape are longer than before and like the 6er will offer exclusive LED technology.

The Cabrio retains a 3 piece folding hard-top for more exclusivity and the reputation of the car as a popular boulevard cruiser in which the demographic of owners is dominately female.
In some markets - China for example. The 3er Cabrio (E93) outsells the relevant Coupe due to the car appealing to younger customers.

The 4er Gran Coupe transmits some of the Coupes elegant style but with four doors. The Gran Coupe model will be BMW's lowest (in height) four door yet.



SCOTT26
The next Coupe and Cabrio of the 3er are extremely signifcant for BMW in many ways , as is the next generation of 3er platform.

For example. The 3er segment - defined as Premium Entry is expected to grow this decade thanks to new emergring markets and customers downsizing to smaller more efficient premium cars.

The 3er platform is defined by the Sedan and Touring , Coupe and Cabrio and of course the X3.
With the new generation of modular structures designed to accomodate the 3er and 1er it is a particularly good investment for BMW. Because it makes both the 1er and 3er more profitable for the company. The modular platform begins with a central piece where front and rear sections are adapted (depending on the size of the concept) this allows BMW to seperate each model by relocating firewalls, suspension mounts etc to suit the character of each vehicle. This process will allow each the 1er and 3er to become more profitable between each unit.

The Platform can accomodate many "hats" or various body styles leading to each unit and body style to become more profitable than the previous E87/E90. Given that the 3er is in the Prime segment for growth that is why BMW are expanding and splitting the model line.

The new Coupe and Cabrio are defined by this , because the new car although it will remain within the current cars price range. It gets a stylish new appearance , again like the E92/E93 it will not be a Two door Sedan but again continue it's own identity , just like the E92/E93 which is BMW's successful 3er Coupe/Cabrio to date. originally the E92/E93 were to be called 4er that is why it is not simply, a two door sedan.
There is a mini-6er vibe to the new car which is signifcant because in Europe customers are specifying their 320d Coupes with the premium features normally found in high end luxury coupes.

The folding hard top remains due to the fact in key markets where a Blue sky is practically (at times) a permanent feature, outsells the relevant Coupe.
In China - The Cabrio outsells the Coupe especially between young females in China who like the Premium feel and security of a folding hard top.

The new Coupe and Cabrio continue there individual appearance with specific design treatment and individual appearance at the front and rear of the car, lower roof line and a more sporting character than the 3er sedan as you would expect the Coupe to be. Again the Coupe will be used as the basis for the M3 and as BMW M tell you and which other manufacturers fail to grasp is that to do an M car you must have a successful chassis , a perfect basis to start off with. And the 3er Coupe is a very good car to drive.

The testament to this is of course the M3. It is now four years since it's launch and we have heard the competition stress their car is the M3 killer but simply do not live up to this claim. Granted they are faster but an M3 is never about the straight-line , M3 updates are more about enhancing the driving experience which is why the Audi RS5 failed to conquer it and the Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe failed to dethrone it. But you have to take note of the progress where it used to be miles behind the competition are getting closer yet.

The M3 is not your average faster 3er Coupe the engineering and development of the M3 takes on the aspects that need to distinguish an M car and something BMW M do very well it is all about bringing a new character with an Mcar and focusing on the individual aspects.
BMW M is the other sub-brand and you will see more scope for individuality.
The M3 will not die , because people will know it's an M3 just like the 1er M coupe is in fact an M1 to most (because it is based on the 1er). Even though it is marketed as 1er M Coupe. M3 and 4er can co-exist.

[Kg810]

BMW 1-series FWD Family

http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=531869&d=1306612369


* Variants:
- City Compact
- F.A.S.T. Family Activity Sports Tourer
- Gran Turismo
- Z2
* Architecture/platform shared with next MINI (F56)
* FWD, optional AWD for F.A.S.T.
* Z2 Roadster as entry level choice for a compact and sporty roadster, FWD.

Sharing architecture with the next MINI , The BMW entry models retain the 1er designation but will be identified by unique badging.
BMW's first foray into the highly contested Premium City segment will comprise of unique concepts with a sporty edge.

The wheels may be front driven or in the case of the FAST optional xDrive.

But the mission statement remains the same to offer a unique sporting impression even though the rules have been changed.

The Z2 now becomes part of the FWD architecture and will comprise of a single model Roadster, The car is extremely compact and will offer a entry choice for a sporty BMW.




BMW 1-series sDrive RWD

http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=532171&d=1306685984


* Variants:
- F20 Sporthatch 5dr
- F21 Sporthatch 3dr
* Debut imminent
* Longer wheelbase to accomodate more rear room
* Innovative features and options usually found in high end cars only
* Next generation of Efficient Dynamics

The imminent new Sporthatch continues it's success story in a much more rounded successor. Especially focusing on the increase of the wheelbase for rear passenger accomodation. Launched with a signifcant number of features for a new BMW. The new 1er justifies it's cause in regards to it's importance to the coming growth of the Premium Compact Segment.

Allowing luxury options normally found in high end Premium luxury cars available in the compact class.

The new 1er Sporthatch also heralds the introduction of next generation "Efficient Dynamics" technologies in order for the 1er to remain the principle choice as the most fuel efficient car in it's segment.


BMW 2-series

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* Variants:
- F22 Coupe
- F23 Cabrio
* To be renamed to 2-series
* RWD
* Progressive design, yet somewhat a hommage to the BMW 2002 models
* F23 Cabrio to retain a soft top
* Launch in 2013

In order to seperate the Performance and sportier body shape of the Coupe and Cabrio BMW will rename the cars as the 2er. Bypassing the need for overcrowding with the new Sporthatch / FWD Family.

The 2er showcases some new design movement with further progressive sporting interpretation of the hatch ,to some the new car looks more 2002 like than before. The Cabrio model will continue offering a soft-top roof and clean design lines without compromising looks and performance.

Both will be launched in 2013 respectively.



BMW M2


* Following the same renaming, the F22 Coupe M will be called M2
* Big success of the 1M made a great case for this M version
* Significant weight saving
* 4-cylinder turbo engine
* More development and production time (compared to 1M) makes BMW reconsider ideas forgone for the 1M.


Since it is given that the baby 1er M Coupe should really have followed through and be called M1 in relation to the rest of the M cars.
The inclusion of M2 allows the M Division to bypass that dilemma and offer a straight choice of M2. Following on from the exceptional response to the new 1er M Coupe. The new car allows more money and time and the ability to progress. Although the 1er M Coupe showcases what is possible in a tight time frame , BMW will work to emulate the current car by making sure that weight loss is significant a benefactor because it looks to it's forebears with the inclusion of a high performance four cylinder turbo charged engine.

The problem with the current car is it's short window in regards to further progress, there are ideas but not the money nor the time to do so.
This is something that will be rectified with the next generation as the regards to bring a successor "That will push the envelope" for small performance cars.


BMW M-One - Compact Programme


* Project still at a very early stage
* Z2 was switched from RWD to FWD last minute, so the ideas for the original car will be used by BMW M
* Following the approach of BMW i, BMW M might offer unique models
* BMW i and BMW M sharing technology would allow to build small cars to take on Porsche Boxster and Cayman
* Based on F20/F30 platform, yet an exclusive M model

Although in no way moving forward but currently in the realm of ideas.
with the Z2 now joining the FWD family , The original proposed Z2 which went to the final stages before the car was switched to the FWD programme.
Is effectively reborn in this project.

With the sub-brand BMWi arriving with individual products with their own design and technology to give the i3 and i8 complete individualism .
Plans are in motion to allow BMW M as the other BMW sub-brand to offer it's own take of Individualism. With BMWi and BMW M to be the first to share material technology this compact Coupe and Roadster are seen as potential M models to take on the successful and revered Porsche Cayman and Boxster.
Individual design , and exclusively M if given the go-ahead the smaller M models based upon the matrix of the F20/F30 could bring new customers to the M brand thanks to the appeal of the M badge, lightweight technology and stunning looks it could become one of the most significant M cars this decade.

[D'z Nutz]

Anyone remember this?

BMW will never come out with a non-RWD car! BMW will never come out with a turboed car!
- 1990's BMW enthusiasts

[slinkie]

:barf: The designs won't age well IMO, and I hate the 2 series styling and FWD. Good post

[msommers]

At first I saw a 2-series in the title was thinking 'WTF'. Then I read about it, all excited, and came out very disappointed. What's the point!

[dimi]

Yea lets make 40 different cars, at least then we have every segment covered. Lop of shit cars.

[Neil4Speed]

Good post man!

Anyone remember when BMW's were the best looking cars on the road? E39/E38/E46/E53

[rage2]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz
Anyone remember this?

BMW will never come out with a non-RWD car! BMW will never come out with a turboed car!
- 1990's BMW enthusiasts
90's? More like 2005 haha.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I like the looks of that 1 series "family" edition actually.

[dandia89]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed
Good post man!

Anyone remember when BMW's were the best looking cars on the road? E39/E38/E46/E53
:werd:
when BMW was at its prime

[Kg810]

Definitely confusing why BMW would do this especially if they are trying to compete with VAG and MB in the Chinese market.

4-series sales in China would be kind low I'd think. Especially if they make a M4 (M4 in Chinese :rofl: ).


On another note, looks like the trademark "M2" has been officially filed.

Also appears to be talk of the Z3 ressurection and Z5 plans.

Source (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9719674#post9719674)

http://i.imgur.com/Ln7HW.jpg

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[JustinMCS]

A lot of those look very good to me and very plausible.

[arian_ma]

Looks like the 30 different cars they make weren't attracting enough douche bags.