[spyshots]BMW 1-Series
At the launch of the MINI Cooper S earlier this year, BMW Chief Executive Helmut Panke spoke of growing demand for premium small cars and confirmed BMW's intention to enter the so-called 'Golf sector'. He stressed that any small BMW would be clearly different from the MINI, and that the 1-Series 'will pick up where BMW left off with the 1502, 1602 and 2002.' That's small but sporting, then.
To create further distance from the MINI range, the 1-Series is rear-wheel drive, and will not share any engines with the MINI when it is launched in 2004. It will come with a choice of four-cylinder VALVETRONIC units developed at BMW's Hams Hall facility in England, probably including the longitudinally-mounted 1.8-litre unit fitted to the CS1 concept car. There will also be a hot M-Sport model - called M1, of course - tipped to have a 2.0-litre, 240 bhp engine, a less powerful but still sporting turbocharged version, and diesel models.
It's too early to tell just how much influence the CS1 concept has had on the 1-Series design, but these photos show that it is angular in shape, with deep character curves, and it is likely to have a front end similar to that of the new Z4 roadster. Ultimately, the 1-Series range could include four-wheel-drive models, and insiders also hint at a coupe, probably to be badged 2-Series. Where this will leave the 3-Series Compact and Coupe is uncertain, but the Compact hatchback may not be directly replaced, enabling BMW to push the 3-Series range further upmarket.
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Props To Huby
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