SCOTT27
Drift Dynamo
February Update : 2011 and Beyond.
As you know BMW have announced that between now and 2015 they will bring 20 new models to the market covering a vast range of segments.
With the future growth of the small compact city , Premium Compact and Premium Entry segments in the minds of the product planners. BMW will unleash a greater majority of models based on this model matrix to increase it's volumes in the Premium segment.
Beginning in 2011 we will see the first results of this strategy within the new BMW 1er Sporthatch and BMW 3er Sedan which will be unveiled just before the end of 2011.
Another new exciting additions for the M-Division include the exciting new 1 series M Coupe and the sixth generation BMW M5.
The Premium market will welcome a new luxury set of BMW 6er Coupe and Convertible. Whilst the first evidence of the Gran coupe will be seen on the streets of Munich.
The new BMW X3 begins it's first year on the market with additional engines in europe along with a new four cylinder petrol turbo which will be announced later in the year. The BMW X1 continues it's success with over 100,000 units sold and top place in the market with an additional M-Sport packet.
The BMW X6 which recently celebrated it's three years launch in December 2007 will see a slight refresh life cycle improvement.
Although this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In 2011 you will get to hear more regarding BMW's innovative think-tank on sustainable future mobility as BMW begin preparing the world for it's innovative new Sub brand. New innovations Aswell as exciting new Concepts scheduled for Detroit , Geneva , Shanghai and Frankfurt. all to show BMW's leadership of the premium segment.
In Part one we focus on the MINI Brand , and the new BMW sub brand "BMW "i"
IN Part Two it will concentrate on the BMW Premium Compact and Premium Entry segment . BMW's FWD compact series, The BMW 1er and BMW 3er, BMW X1 and BMW X3 and X4.
In Part Three we will touch on the Core BMW Premium luxury models - BMW 5er , 6er and 7er. BMW X5 and X6.
In Part Four we will look at the other BMW sub brands - BMW "M" and BMW "Z" and finally Rolls-Royce Motor cars.
2:2 I have Seen the future.... It is compact... and it works....
Given BMW's primary focus over the last few years has been it's strategy to increase it's growth within three particular segments.
We have already covered the segments involving the Front wheel Drive platform with the MINI brand.
Now we move onto the modular architecture that will bring forth the next generation BMW 1er and 3er models. Although the modular structure of the architecture allows for Front wheel Drive.
The core of the BMW 1er and 3er models will remain driven from the Rear wheels unless the car is all-wheel driven.
Front wheel Drive variants of the 1er allows BMW to compete in segments where utility and space is a priority to customers with both the 1er GT and BMW 1er FAST offering customers exciting reinterpretations of existing concepts but in a more BMW -friendly way.
The first of the new Rear Wheel drive models begins with the next generation BMW 1er Sporthatch which is only a couple of monts away from making it's debut before it's public premiere and market introduction at and just after the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt this September.
Given the priority of growth in these segments BMW see the 1er and 3er as segments that will offer the customer big-car luxuries , technology and premium ambience in a smaller package.
At the height of the economic crisis it was found that customers were downsizing from segments but were equipping their cars with the same levels of luxury and optional equipment.
By introducing more features found within luxury premium concepts.
BMW can mass produce them for the volume market at a cost that is reasonable to the customer and maximise profits.
The premium Compact and Premium Entry segments which cover the BMW 1er and 3er are the single most important sector for manufacturers this decade.
Whilst several models are in the pipeline for both the 1er and 3er and created to take advantage of growing segments including segments BMW are not recognised within. Some are still in the conception stage.
such as the following three concepts here.
Here is a breakdown of these concepts and why they are being looked at it. It is possible one or two (or maybe all ) will not see the light of day but the breakdown shows how BMW are considering such concepts in light of how they can increase the market both in Germany and across the world,
and how BMW can enter the market by offering a more appealing and highly individual approach.
BMW 3er AFAST : Advanced Family Sports Activity Tourer
- Synergy of MPV , SAV and Touring
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Flexible Interior , Space within a car-like body
- Based on architecture for China built F30 3er Li.
- Re-birth of RFK proposal
- Segment to grow by 65% by 2015.
The media will describe it as a BMW Mini-van. But the AFAST takes it's approach from the BMW FAST which for the 3er is known as AFAST Advanced Family Activity Sports Tourer.
The idea is to mix the space and flexibility of an MPV , The solidity and of an SAV with the shape of a larger Touring model but have it remain more car-like in it's appearance.
When BMW talk about FAST And AFAST the question is why do customers have to conform to a single concept which is a typical eurobox or a van with windows if they require space and flexibility? BMW's ideas are to reinterpret the concept to be more car like but without compromise of space, flexibility and how the car drives.
Both flexible options for the 1er and 3er are demanded by customers who want a more Premium offering and for customers who need a car that fullfills their requirements but would like a BMW.
The 3er unlike the FAST 1er will be Rear wheel drive and for cost effectiveness will be based on the LWB platform of the Chinese only market BMW 3er Li which will be introduced for the first time with the F30.
AFAST is if you can put it the reincarnation of BMW's RFK project that morphed into the BMW 5er Gran Turismo. @ BMW some concepts might not be suitable for some segments but can work in others where there is demand for a BMW Concept of this type.
To describe the order in size for BMW space Concepts in height - First would be Shooting Brake(6er) , Touring (3er,5er) , Gran Turismo (1er,3er,5er) and then FAST/AFAST (1er,3er).
BMW 1er Gran Coupe Sports Sedan
- Demand for a four door in the important US Market
- Could be built in Spartanburg
- A more sporting approach without intercepting important euro fleet market for lower engined BMW 3er models.
- Rear wheel Drive
- Unique styling Concept from the sporthatch.
- Returns to the formula of the classic BMW Sports sedan.
The European fleet market for BMW is a tightly contested market that is dominated by the lower BMW 320d and BMW 520d models.
This is one reason why BMW have not sought to introduce a 1er based sedan in light of the 1er being proved to be too small with fleets resorting to the C-Klasse and A4 Audi.
With demand for a 1er that can fit within the important US Market , The world of a premium sporthatch does not fit as the premium BMW will charge for the Sporthatch in the US will not make the 1er competitive with the relevant VW Golf.
One solution is to introduce a four door 1er but under the disguise of a four door Coupe in the mold of the BMW 6er Gran Coupe - Giving it a sleeker appearance and a more niche market. Based on the 1er the car will retain Rear Wheel drive and offer the more performance-led diesel and petrol four cylinder turbo charged family.
Designed to emulate the classic RWD BMW Sports sedan , small compact but instantly recognisable.
One option could be to manufacture the car in the US.
BMW 1er Shooting Brake
- Reinterpeting the design of the 1600/2002 Touring shape
- Performance led Style concept
- Rear Wheel Drive
- 2dr (3dr with hatch)
Another option for the 1er is to further emulate the classic historic 1600/2002 models and introduce a compact based Shooting Brake Touring styled in the form of the classic BMW 1600/2002 Touring with it's almost streamlined wedge-like shape.
The Payoff of an Uncharted Territory.
Although the BMW X3 was the first out of the gate using the latest architecture that will be found under the 1er and 3er.
The Premium Compact expansion begins with the next generation BMW 1er Sporthatch which you will see in a couple of months time.
Using and evolutionary styling approach , the new 1er follows the X3 and "Reverse Engineers" the original concept enhancing what worked and re-evaluating what didnt work. Rear space which was a contributory factor to the E87 is now improved as is cabin materials.
The new 1er retains that individual C-Segment typical hatch shape which defined BMW as a major competitor in the compact segment with the 1er being the drivers choice. Launched almost simultaneously with the 5dr Sporthatch is the 3dr Sporthatch , the option for the 1er driver who had no need for 5drs, this time the 3dr Sporthatch will live up to it's appearance with a more sport orientated model overlooked in face of the Coupe reincarnating BMW's classic Tii label with turbocharged four cylinder power to produce for the first time a competitor for the VW Golf GTi ,
although those who need the extra doors will also get to play with a relative 5dr.
In Early 2012 , The first details of the BMW M-Sport Packet for the 1er will be announced again offering enhancement and not distraction.
With the 1er and 3er being the two signifcant volume models introduced by BMW in 2011, the 1er will open the mid-year whilst the 3er will end the year.
Return of the KING : The BMW 3er Sedan and BMW 3er Touring
Signifying it's lead as the car for the premium entry sedan market with numerous awards under it's belt within each generation.
The next 3er again builds on what makes this car just perfect.
BMW knows what makes a 3er so appealing and they succeed in every generation. F30 is no different .
The styling might be formulatic but it is what the 3er customer wants , although the F30 continues the evolutionary approach since the E36 , the appearance becomes sharper , fresher and the lines bring the 3er into the next generation of BMW surface design.
Debuting juat before the end of the year , the new 3er will make it's world debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Salon. An additional Active Hybrid 3 will also be shown at the same event. Following the same timeline as the BMW 5er , the 3er Touring (F31) will debut immediately after with the Premiere penciled to follow it's bigger 5er brother and debut at the AMI in Leipzig in 2012 coinciding with a premiere in BMW's largest 3er and 5er Touring's market- Germany.
Travelling in Style...FAST ! The BMW 3er Gran Turismo.
At the Beijing Autoshow in April , BMW will follow it's 5er Li with a 3er Li built exclusively for the Chinese market in China.
To bring the extended 3er a more cost effective approach.
BMW will not follow the lead by the 5er Gran Turismo and base it on a model above but use the Chinese extended platform for it's Gran Turismo variant of the 3er.
The 3er Gran Turismo will offer more or less the same attributes as the 5er Gran Turismo but in a much more sleeker package. The same rules apply in terms of the passenger is more important. But the 3er GT will inherit a touch of dynamic flavor with BMW seeing the GT 3 as driving in style and luxury but also fast. The success of the 5er GT in which has contributed greatly to BMW's bottom line since it's introduction has spurned on the development of the much maligned concept.
The 3er GT will offer a simple hatch function forgoing the twin trunk arrangement on the 5er GT. BMW intend to offer both turbocharged Petrol and Diesel Four and Six Cylinders and a Hybrid variant with the 3er GT aswell as xDrive. The customer can specify a 3er GT 20d xDrive aswell as a 3er GT 35i xDrive.
The apperance of the 3er GT will follow the 5er GT and be totally independent from the 3er as the 5er GT declares it's independence from the 5er but inherits a bloodline shared between the two.
2013 : The Year of the BMW Coupe and Convertible.
With the 3er Coupe and Cabrio even within it's current E92 and E93 models has surprised BMW that the individual appearance has worked wonders for the car and it's customer base. Since the car is so far removed from the Sedan and Touring in every way that the F32 and F33 the replacments for the E92 and E93 will follow the same formula.
Due out in 2013 at the beginning and the end of the year respectively
The Coupe begins the transition to shaper lines which we are seeing within the BMW Connected Drive Concept Car but because of the importance of the 3er Coupe which in Europe for example the customer buys the 320d Coupe the best selling 3er Coupe but equip it to a level of luxury coupes that cost up to twice or three times as much.
Realising that customers who do so are not a minority the 3er Coupe will get a more individual look that defines the Coupe as Premium.
Styling is evolutionary but will be retain sharper looks and angles , the rear end reinterprets the current car but adds the typical L-Shape but in a fresh direction. The headlights are more angular and sharper but retain that flick at the inner edges for a more premium feel ,the indicators are recessed underneath the light covers giving a relationship to the new BMW 6er Coupe.
The Cabrio will retain the folding hardtop as BMW cannot ignore the popularity of this model in key markets - one being China.
The E93 3er Cabrio is very popular amongst the chinese especially with the female demographic. The same goes for the world over. The car is much loved for it's style and ambience plus the added security of the hardtop. With many enjoying the showing off of the hardtop via the key.
The Hardtop is carried over to the new car which will allow the designers to reinstate that level of design function of how the car's side remains consistent when you only have to look at the Lexus IS cabrio to see this done very,very wrong.
Given the establishment period of the 1er from 2004 - 2007 which allowed BMW to push ahead and emulate the leading profit segment of the 3er with additional concepts. In which 2007 introduced the 1er Sporthatch and of course the 1er Coupe and Cabrio which also allowed BMW to introduce the 1er to the North American market in a more appealing form.
The 1er Coupe and Cabrio has shown that Premium compacts do work and especially in the North American market. To which if you look at what BMW's competitors are currently involving themselves in is more Premium Compact concepts, especially after seeing how BMW have established a market for these models which after the 3er is BMW's most profitable line-up. Given the time from Sporthatch to Coupe did not give BMW much time to become more adventurous with the appearance mainly due to the first step into a new segment with the E87 1er in which all BMWs entering a new segment have an establishment period of 2-3 years to determine if the intergration has been successful.
The next Coupe and Cabrio allows BMW to instigate a more classic yet modern approach of it's present day incarnation of the typical 2dr BMW RWD Concept starting from the 2002,E21 and E30 3er but returning in the E82 1er Coupe. The Coupe and Cabrio become more adventurous from the F20 hatch it allows them to form their own identity but keep the propotions and that classic look which has made the E82 an enthusiasts car and a much loved one at that. With the model line up refelecting today's choices and
Engine choices for the new Coupe and Cabrio will emulate the Sporthatch and offer more performance and efficiency with less cylinders .
The next Cabrio will carry over that straight forward clean appearance of the current car with the new design but will retain it's quick and lightweight soft top roof as 1er customers are deemed to be very happy with the simple function of the folding soft-top.
The current discussion especially for the 1er Coupe and Cabrio models is to reclassify them as a BMW 2er in light of the FWD 1er models to avoid confusion.
Although the FWD models will inherit f Drive to classify them with the Sporthatches inheriting sDrive.
BMW see the growth of the Premium Compact and Premium Entry Segments paramount to their target of 2 million units by 2020 in which unit sales will be determined by the MINI Brand /BMW FWD vehicles and the Premium Compact and Premium Entry vehicles.
As you know BMW have announced that between now and 2015 they will bring 20 new models to the market covering a vast range of segments.
With the future growth of the small compact city , Premium Compact and Premium Entry segments in the minds of the product planners. BMW will unleash a greater majority of models based on this model matrix to increase it's volumes in the Premium segment.
Beginning in 2011 we will see the first results of this strategy within the new BMW 1er Sporthatch and BMW 3er Sedan which will be unveiled just before the end of 2011.
Another new exciting additions for the M-Division include the exciting new 1 series M Coupe and the sixth generation BMW M5.
The Premium market will welcome a new luxury set of BMW 6er Coupe and Convertible. Whilst the first evidence of the Gran coupe will be seen on the streets of Munich.
The new BMW X3 begins it's first year on the market with additional engines in europe along with a new four cylinder petrol turbo which will be announced later in the year. The BMW X1 continues it's success with over 100,000 units sold and top place in the market with an additional M-Sport packet.
The BMW X6 which recently celebrated it's three years launch in December 2007 will see a slight refresh life cycle improvement.
Although this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In 2011 you will get to hear more regarding BMW's innovative think-tank on sustainable future mobility as BMW begin preparing the world for it's innovative new Sub brand. New innovations Aswell as exciting new Concepts scheduled for Detroit , Geneva , Shanghai and Frankfurt. all to show BMW's leadership of the premium segment.
In Part one we focus on the MINI Brand , and the new BMW sub brand "BMW "i"
IN Part Two it will concentrate on the BMW Premium Compact and Premium Entry segment . BMW's FWD compact series, The BMW 1er and BMW 3er, BMW X1 and BMW X3 and X4.
In Part Three we will touch on the Core BMW Premium luxury models - BMW 5er , 6er and 7er. BMW X5 and X6.
In Part Four we will look at the other BMW sub brands - BMW "M" and BMW "Z" and finally Rolls-Royce Motor cars.
2:2 I have Seen the future.... It is compact... and it works....
Given BMW's primary focus over the last few years has been it's strategy to increase it's growth within three particular segments.
We have already covered the segments involving the Front wheel Drive platform with the MINI brand.
Now we move onto the modular architecture that will bring forth the next generation BMW 1er and 3er models. Although the modular structure of the architecture allows for Front wheel Drive.
The core of the BMW 1er and 3er models will remain driven from the Rear wheels unless the car is all-wheel driven.
Front wheel Drive variants of the 1er allows BMW to compete in segments where utility and space is a priority to customers with both the 1er GT and BMW 1er FAST offering customers exciting reinterpretations of existing concepts but in a more BMW -friendly way.
The first of the new Rear Wheel drive models begins with the next generation BMW 1er Sporthatch which is only a couple of monts away from making it's debut before it's public premiere and market introduction at and just after the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt this September.
Given the priority of growth in these segments BMW see the 1er and 3er as segments that will offer the customer big-car luxuries , technology and premium ambience in a smaller package.
At the height of the economic crisis it was found that customers were downsizing from segments but were equipping their cars with the same levels of luxury and optional equipment.
By introducing more features found within luxury premium concepts.
BMW can mass produce them for the volume market at a cost that is reasonable to the customer and maximise profits.
The premium Compact and Premium Entry segments which cover the BMW 1er and 3er are the single most important sector for manufacturers this decade.
Whilst several models are in the pipeline for both the 1er and 3er and created to take advantage of growing segments including segments BMW are not recognised within. Some are still in the conception stage.
such as the following three concepts here.
Here is a breakdown of these concepts and why they are being looked at it. It is possible one or two (or maybe all ) will not see the light of day but the breakdown shows how BMW are considering such concepts in light of how they can increase the market both in Germany and across the world,
and how BMW can enter the market by offering a more appealing and highly individual approach.
BMW 3er AFAST : Advanced Family Sports Activity Tourer
- Synergy of MPV , SAV and Touring
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Flexible Interior , Space within a car-like body
- Based on architecture for China built F30 3er Li.
- Re-birth of RFK proposal
- Segment to grow by 65% by 2015.
The media will describe it as a BMW Mini-van. But the AFAST takes it's approach from the BMW FAST which for the 3er is known as AFAST Advanced Family Activity Sports Tourer.
The idea is to mix the space and flexibility of an MPV , The solidity and of an SAV with the shape of a larger Touring model but have it remain more car-like in it's appearance.
When BMW talk about FAST And AFAST the question is why do customers have to conform to a single concept which is a typical eurobox or a van with windows if they require space and flexibility? BMW's ideas are to reinterpret the concept to be more car like but without compromise of space, flexibility and how the car drives.
Both flexible options for the 1er and 3er are demanded by customers who want a more Premium offering and for customers who need a car that fullfills their requirements but would like a BMW.
The 3er unlike the FAST 1er will be Rear wheel drive and for cost effectiveness will be based on the LWB platform of the Chinese only market BMW 3er Li which will be introduced for the first time with the F30.
AFAST is if you can put it the reincarnation of BMW's RFK project that morphed into the BMW 5er Gran Turismo. @ BMW some concepts might not be suitable for some segments but can work in others where there is demand for a BMW Concept of this type.
To describe the order in size for BMW space Concepts in height - First would be Shooting Brake(6er) , Touring (3er,5er) , Gran Turismo (1er,3er,5er) and then FAST/AFAST (1er,3er).
BMW 1er Gran Coupe Sports Sedan
- Demand for a four door in the important US Market
- Could be built in Spartanburg
- A more sporting approach without intercepting important euro fleet market for lower engined BMW 3er models.
- Rear wheel Drive
- Unique styling Concept from the sporthatch.
- Returns to the formula of the classic BMW Sports sedan.
The European fleet market for BMW is a tightly contested market that is dominated by the lower BMW 320d and BMW 520d models.
This is one reason why BMW have not sought to introduce a 1er based sedan in light of the 1er being proved to be too small with fleets resorting to the C-Klasse and A4 Audi.
With demand for a 1er that can fit within the important US Market , The world of a premium sporthatch does not fit as the premium BMW will charge for the Sporthatch in the US will not make the 1er competitive with the relevant VW Golf.
One solution is to introduce a four door 1er but under the disguise of a four door Coupe in the mold of the BMW 6er Gran Coupe - Giving it a sleeker appearance and a more niche market. Based on the 1er the car will retain Rear Wheel drive and offer the more performance-led diesel and petrol four cylinder turbo charged family.
Designed to emulate the classic RWD BMW Sports sedan , small compact but instantly recognisable.
One option could be to manufacture the car in the US.
BMW 1er Shooting Brake
- Reinterpeting the design of the 1600/2002 Touring shape
- Performance led Style concept
- Rear Wheel Drive
- 2dr (3dr with hatch)
Another option for the 1er is to further emulate the classic historic 1600/2002 models and introduce a compact based Shooting Brake Touring styled in the form of the classic BMW 1600/2002 Touring with it's almost streamlined wedge-like shape.
The Payoff of an Uncharted Territory.
Although the BMW X3 was the first out of the gate using the latest architecture that will be found under the 1er and 3er.
The Premium Compact expansion begins with the next generation BMW 1er Sporthatch which you will see in a couple of months time.
Using and evolutionary styling approach , the new 1er follows the X3 and "Reverse Engineers" the original concept enhancing what worked and re-evaluating what didnt work. Rear space which was a contributory factor to the E87 is now improved as is cabin materials.
The new 1er retains that individual C-Segment typical hatch shape which defined BMW as a major competitor in the compact segment with the 1er being the drivers choice. Launched almost simultaneously with the 5dr Sporthatch is the 3dr Sporthatch , the option for the 1er driver who had no need for 5drs, this time the 3dr Sporthatch will live up to it's appearance with a more sport orientated model overlooked in face of the Coupe reincarnating BMW's classic Tii label with turbocharged four cylinder power to produce for the first time a competitor for the VW Golf GTi ,
although those who need the extra doors will also get to play with a relative 5dr.
In Early 2012 , The first details of the BMW M-Sport Packet for the 1er will be announced again offering enhancement and not distraction.
With the 1er and 3er being the two signifcant volume models introduced by BMW in 2011, the 1er will open the mid-year whilst the 3er will end the year.
Return of the KING : The BMW 3er Sedan and BMW 3er Touring
Signifying it's lead as the car for the premium entry sedan market with numerous awards under it's belt within each generation.
The next 3er again builds on what makes this car just perfect.
BMW knows what makes a 3er so appealing and they succeed in every generation. F30 is no different .
The styling might be formulatic but it is what the 3er customer wants , although the F30 continues the evolutionary approach since the E36 , the appearance becomes sharper , fresher and the lines bring the 3er into the next generation of BMW surface design.
Debuting juat before the end of the year , the new 3er will make it's world debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Salon. An additional Active Hybrid 3 will also be shown at the same event. Following the same timeline as the BMW 5er , the 3er Touring (F31) will debut immediately after with the Premiere penciled to follow it's bigger 5er brother and debut at the AMI in Leipzig in 2012 coinciding with a premiere in BMW's largest 3er and 5er Touring's market- Germany.
Travelling in Style...FAST ! The BMW 3er Gran Turismo.
At the Beijing Autoshow in April , BMW will follow it's 5er Li with a 3er Li built exclusively for the Chinese market in China.
To bring the extended 3er a more cost effective approach.
BMW will not follow the lead by the 5er Gran Turismo and base it on a model above but use the Chinese extended platform for it's Gran Turismo variant of the 3er.
The 3er Gran Turismo will offer more or less the same attributes as the 5er Gran Turismo but in a much more sleeker package. The same rules apply in terms of the passenger is more important. But the 3er GT will inherit a touch of dynamic flavor with BMW seeing the GT 3 as driving in style and luxury but also fast. The success of the 5er GT in which has contributed greatly to BMW's bottom line since it's introduction has spurned on the development of the much maligned concept.
The 3er GT will offer a simple hatch function forgoing the twin trunk arrangement on the 5er GT. BMW intend to offer both turbocharged Petrol and Diesel Four and Six Cylinders and a Hybrid variant with the 3er GT aswell as xDrive. The customer can specify a 3er GT 20d xDrive aswell as a 3er GT 35i xDrive.
The apperance of the 3er GT will follow the 5er GT and be totally independent from the 3er as the 5er GT declares it's independence from the 5er but inherits a bloodline shared between the two.
2013 : The Year of the BMW Coupe and Convertible.
With the 3er Coupe and Cabrio even within it's current E92 and E93 models has surprised BMW that the individual appearance has worked wonders for the car and it's customer base. Since the car is so far removed from the Sedan and Touring in every way that the F32 and F33 the replacments for the E92 and E93 will follow the same formula.
Due out in 2013 at the beginning and the end of the year respectively
The Coupe begins the transition to shaper lines which we are seeing within the BMW Connected Drive Concept Car but because of the importance of the 3er Coupe which in Europe for example the customer buys the 320d Coupe the best selling 3er Coupe but equip it to a level of luxury coupes that cost up to twice or three times as much.
Realising that customers who do so are not a minority the 3er Coupe will get a more individual look that defines the Coupe as Premium.
Styling is evolutionary but will be retain sharper looks and angles , the rear end reinterprets the current car but adds the typical L-Shape but in a fresh direction. The headlights are more angular and sharper but retain that flick at the inner edges for a more premium feel ,the indicators are recessed underneath the light covers giving a relationship to the new BMW 6er Coupe.
The Cabrio will retain the folding hardtop as BMW cannot ignore the popularity of this model in key markets - one being China.
The E93 3er Cabrio is very popular amongst the chinese especially with the female demographic. The same goes for the world over. The car is much loved for it's style and ambience plus the added security of the hardtop. With many enjoying the showing off of the hardtop via the key.
The Hardtop is carried over to the new car which will allow the designers to reinstate that level of design function of how the car's side remains consistent when you only have to look at the Lexus IS cabrio to see this done very,very wrong.
Given the establishment period of the 1er from 2004 - 2007 which allowed BMW to push ahead and emulate the leading profit segment of the 3er with additional concepts. In which 2007 introduced the 1er Sporthatch and of course the 1er Coupe and Cabrio which also allowed BMW to introduce the 1er to the North American market in a more appealing form.
The 1er Coupe and Cabrio has shown that Premium compacts do work and especially in the North American market. To which if you look at what BMW's competitors are currently involving themselves in is more Premium Compact concepts, especially after seeing how BMW have established a market for these models which after the 3er is BMW's most profitable line-up. Given the time from Sporthatch to Coupe did not give BMW much time to become more adventurous with the appearance mainly due to the first step into a new segment with the E87 1er in which all BMWs entering a new segment have an establishment period of 2-3 years to determine if the intergration has been successful.
The next Coupe and Cabrio allows BMW to instigate a more classic yet modern approach of it's present day incarnation of the typical 2dr BMW RWD Concept starting from the 2002,E21 and E30 3er but returning in the E82 1er Coupe. The Coupe and Cabrio become more adventurous from the F20 hatch it allows them to form their own identity but keep the propotions and that classic look which has made the E82 an enthusiasts car and a much loved one at that. With the model line up refelecting today's choices and
Engine choices for the new Coupe and Cabrio will emulate the Sporthatch and offer more performance and efficiency with less cylinders .
The next Cabrio will carry over that straight forward clean appearance of the current car with the new design but will retain it's quick and lightweight soft top roof as 1er customers are deemed to be very happy with the simple function of the folding soft-top.
The current discussion especially for the 1er Coupe and Cabrio models is to reclassify them as a BMW 2er in light of the FWD 1er models to avoid confusion.
Although the FWD models will inherit f Drive to classify them with the Sporthatches inheriting sDrive.
BMW see the growth of the Premium Compact and Premium Entry Segments paramount to their target of 2 million units by 2020 in which unit sales will be determined by the MINI Brand /BMW FWD vehicles and the Premium Compact and Premium Entry vehicles.
