After months of speculation, BMW served a welcome surprise by announcing in Geneva, February 2001, that it would be expanding its model offerings with both a 1 and 6 Series. Although official information is quite slim, the puzzle pieces have started to come together, painting a clearer picture of what these range-expanding offerings will be like.
First off, the 1 Series will not be an Isetta redux, nor the much loved 2002 reborn. Rather, it will be a true "series" of models, encompassing several traditional body styles with a volume sales mission. BMW AG CEO, Prof. Joachim Milberg, said these affordable cars will exude BMW virtues, with excellent handling, high quality, and driving pleasure as hallmarks. The 1 will be slotted between the Mini and 3 Series in the lineup.
Rather than employ elements from the stillborn front-drive Rover R30, the 1 Series will use a new BMW-proper rear-drive platform. All-new British engines ranging from 1.2-liter/75-horsepower to 2.0-liter/220-horse turbo are reportedly being considered. Among other things, we expect the four-cylinder engines to be a key distinguishing element separating the 1 from the six-cylinder 3 Series. (If the 3 Series Compact does finally come to the U.S. market, it is expected to boast the 2.5-liter inline six, not a four like last generation.)
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