http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1060927_bmw-front-wheel-drive-car-spy-shots
In the early part of last year BMW confirmed it was working on a new front-wheel drive model to slot in below its current 1-Series and compete with the likes of the Audi A1 and next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Now, just one year onwards, we have whats likely to be the first spy shots of a prototype for the entry-level BMW, which were taken near the automakers headquarters in Germany. The prototype you see here wearing BMWs typical swirly pattern camouflage is a five-door hatchback, with a fairly conventional body although the front bonnet appears to be very low and the overhangs quite short.
This same week prototypes for the 2013 MINI Cooper, the third-generation of the modern MINI, started testing in the UK and this cars front-wheel drive platform is expected to be the same as the BMWs.
Note that this platform wont be shared with BMWs other new small car, the 2014 BMW i3, which is being designed from the ground up to feature electric drivetrains and will remain rear-wheel drive.
You may recall BMW boss Norbert Reithofer confirmed the joint platform project at a speech last year, saying: "For these new vehicles [the new BMW and MINI] we are developing a common architecture for both front and four-wheel drive."
The thought of a front-wheel drive model wearing the BMW roundel has always seemed like sacrilege to car enthusiasts, but the realities of the modern auto industry have apparently conspired to make the car a necessity for even luxury automakers it seems. Remember, it was revealed that as much as 80 percent of BMW 1-Series drivers werent aware that their cars were actually rear-wheel drive.
In addition to front-wheel drive, another big change will be coming in the form of a new three-cylinder engine family for the new car. This family of modular gasoline and diesel engines will eventually go into some 1.5 million BMW and MINI models annually and will feature BMWs latest TwinPower Turbo technology.
TwinPower Turbo technology features a twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct fuel injection and solenoid injectors, the latter being the latest innovation for BMWs VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. The resulting effect is a small engine--and small engine fuel economy--but with big engine performance.
A hybrid model is expected, too, with BMW working closely with Frances PSA Peugeot Citroen group on the new technology. The two have already signed a deal to expand their already successful powertrain cooperation by now including hybrid component development for front-wheel drive cars. Expect zero emission electric models further down the track as well.
As our computer-generated preview renderings indicate, a three-door model will likely be offered along with the five-door you see in the prototype spy shots above.
The big question now remains as to what will the BMW front-wheel drive cars be called? BMW is unlikely to use the 0-Series title as predicted earlier, and instead may rebadge the successor of the current 1-Series a 2-Series, freeing up the 1-Series badge for the new front-wheel drive model. Of course, this is only conjecture but there are some vital clues that strongly suggest such a possibility.
Late last year BMW filed U.S. trademark applications for 228, 230, and 235--the same engine designations as the current 1-Series range. And to add further fuel to the speculation fire, back in June BMW also trademarked the M2 moniker.
Look out for a release overseas in late 2013, but sadly, the chances of the car being sold in the U.S. are slim.
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