Preview : CLA , A3, Gran Coupe ,1er, MINI?

[SCOTT27]

CLA , A3 , 2er Gran Coupe , 1er , MINI?

Aspiring to "The Dream"

For those looking for a compact sedan the choices are becoming greater than ever. As is the growth projections.
In the next report we will discuss on why BMW are aiming for a three brand four strong attack on the global and Asian markets.

The secrets will be revealed starting in Shanghai.

 

[Human]

MINI 4or2? Door Coupe, how could this idea not be on everyone on GCF's mind?

Makes me feel humble, avarege and down to earth again

Cleansing the soul:

I would and cannot count myslef out ok! But we are a arrogant, know it all, all too clever for our own good and the one more IQ than the other here on GCF. Those who think they are so clever and wise are not so, as they thought they were!

Reading recent posts and even some of the suppsedly funny sh!t I wrote am I now turning into a Betty Swollocks? No, just starting to realise his logic and why he gets pissed at some of the crap that is written here.

Time to get serious again and take things to the max of sense and sensability.

Did I have a bad day? Hell no, it's Saturday! Spend a good night with dear friends

Sorry! OFF TOPIC @SCOTT27, I do like the idea and your post is most useful IMO. I like the exploiting and expansion of the MINI brand. BMW saved the dead brand and it's theirs to build on the success already achieved by the BMW Group. Keep at it, great job Munich! And I honestly mean it.

 

[SCOTT27]

The MINI is a 4dr, it has a hidden door handle for that unique MINI enter the cabin experience. It aims to be very different from what you expect a 4dr Sedan to be but still retain the MINI experience and design language but with more adventure than you would expect.

 

[SKY]

What the...? A MINI sedan? I hipe it looks completely different from that render.

 

[Giannis]

So there may be another new MINI model.

It's kind of weird as the last few days you can find a lot of articles online that suggest that some of the current MINI models will be discontinued, for low sales reasons.

 

[Human]

So there may be another new MINI model.

It's kind of weird as the last few days you can find a lot of articles online that suggest that some of the current MINI models will be discontinued, for low sales reasons.

Do you have any or can you post references, Giannis? Would be interesting also informative to see which models. If such an article refers to the MINI Clubman I won't be surprized.

As for a 4door coupe, just what the Doctor ordered!

What the...? A MINI sedan? I hipe it looks completely different from that render.

IMO if the CLA and A3 are being used as a starting point or reference for a 4 Door MINI, shoud be good. For starters, BMW Group can avoid the criteria against the CLA and build on the positive comments of the A3 Sedan. Thus milking us Forums and any other online info regarding the CLA/A3 and getting it right from the start, how's that for a 'saving' BMW Group!?

Such a MINI 4Door should not be the alternative here - should my wishes come true.
Based on new/upcoming MINI Cooper.

Brilliant FWD chassis - check.
Brilliant Engine range - check
Brilliant customisation options - check
**Magnetorheological dampers for a adaptive chassis setup + ride comfort enhancer = my humble suggestion
**(as an Extra Cost-option off course BMW)

 

[Giannis]

Do you have any or can you post references, Giannis? Would be interesting also informative to see which models. If such an article refers to the MINI Clubman I won't be surprized.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/some-mini-models-may-be-on-chopping-block.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mini-may-have-overexpanded-some-models-may-not-be-replaced/

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113040556195/mini-to-revise-lineup-some-models-could-be-axed---report

 

[EnI]

First, he is talking about US market. Meaning: not all MINI models (that are now available in US market) will be available when the new generation of MINI hits the showrooms, but some new models will be offered instead. Eg. 5dr MINI Hatch instead of MINI Clubman.

Regarding the FWD UKL platform: there will be even more new models (MINI & BMW) in the future, not less.

 

[Levi68]

Regarding the FWD UKL platform: there will be even more new models (MINI & BMW) in the future, not less.

2nd generation M2?

 

[SCOTT27]

First, he is talking about US market. Meaning: not all MINI models (that are now available in US market) will be available when the new generation of MINI hits the showrooms, but some new models will be offered instead. Eg. 5dr MINI Hatch instead of MINI Clubman.

Regarding the FWD UKL platform: there will be even more new models (MINI & BMW) in the future, not less.

The BMW strategy for the sub-compact segment is currently at 23 models with a majority already green lighted. Potentially you are looking at a segment which by 2022 could be worth almost 10 times of current sales , BMW are hoping that this returns combined MINI and BMW UKL sales to 600,000 units. It is no wonder that Daimler investors have now put the sub-compact programme back on the agenda and by any means possible hence the collaboration being talked about with Renault for the Sub-A model. Smart is not going to achieve that growth they need.

For the next generation of MINI variants we will see greater design individuality, not everything will be an extended MINI. MINI Countryman proved that individuality can be successful. The MINI PACEMAN is showing signs of being A MINI in demand since the launch of the first MINI in 2001. Some countries have orders stretching through to December.

 

[EnI]

BMW are hoping that this returns combined MINI and BMW UKL sales to 600,000 units.

600,000? MINI & BMW combined? Not at all! Perhaps BMW UKL models only.

BMW already sells more than 600.000 vehicles that will be based on UKL platform in the future (3dr & 5dr 1er hatch, X1, all MINI models) - in 2012: ~640.000 those vehicles were sold (of them 301,500 MINIs).

Add the MINI Paceman, MINI Sedan, BMW ActiveTourer, BMW X2, BMW sub-1er, possible BMW 1er sedan and/or BMW 1er GT etc etc ...

So the realistic number is at least 900,000, if not 1,000,000 ... Definitely not 600,000.

 

[SCOTT27]

600,000? MINI & BMW combined? Not at all! Perhaps BMW UKL models only.

BMW already sells more than 600.000 vehicles that will be based on UKL platform in the future (3dr & 5dr 1er hatch, X1, all MINI models) - in 2012: ~640.000 those vehicles were sold (of them 301,500 MINIs).

Add the MINI Paceman, MINI Sedan, BMW ActiveTourer, BMW X2, BMW sub-1er, possible BMW 1er sedan and/or BMW 1er GT etc etc ...

So the realistic number is at least 900,000, if not 1,000,000 ... Definitely not 600,000.

I typed in 6 instead of 9... Damn these flip around iPads.

 

[dalab]

Love the idea of mini sedan "4 door coupe" and I like it even more if keep this distinctive aura similar to scott picture.
Will look something in Shanghai? a concept or a new thing for Mini??

WHAT ELSE FOR BMW AND MINI IN SHANGHAI?

 

[Merc1]

When does the X5 and production 4er arrive?

M

 

[SCOTT27]

On Monday I fly to Shanghai in readiness for Auto China 2013' although I intend to report from the show and once again provide the pictures and industry low down as everyone descends into China over the next week.

Not forgetting the latest developments at home including the importance of the 2er Gran Coupe and how the late arrival to the compact segment will be dynamic, innovative and awesome. Having seen the finished car it really puts the compact angle in perspective and although some may see it is biased the dynamic roofline shows that the 2er Gran Coupe will be the best looking car of the segment. Sporting perfection , stylish and elegant the Gran Coupe shows how basic and contrived the A3 and CLA are respectively.
Clue - The roofline is like a Mini 6er Gran Coupe , elongated but still dynamic.

As well as advancing a MINI 4dr , they are looking at a possible shooting brake twin incorporating the sedans adventurous individuality into a four dr sleeker wagon. Internally dubbed Shooting Brake. Then there is Glastonbury the code name for the replacements for the MINI Coupe and Roadster. Which some liken MINI to the Porsche model -iconic , recognisable and one purpose. Glastonbury is being conceived as the MINI-equivalent in stature and positioning to the Boxster/Cayman but as MINIs.

And why a Rolls-Royce Ghost based Crossover could work if it is done differently from an SUV?

 

[Levi68]

So Rolls Royce SUV is still coming? Unlike Ferrari BMW can't keep their word. No M SUV! Not. No FWD BMW! Not. Etc.


When you Scott/Eni talk about "beautiful" BMW, it is hard for me to believe. Yes 6er GranCoupé and 4 er Coupé are beauty queens, but 1 Series? It has grown on me but I still don't think it looks good. X4, there are some details I really dislike. As long as the 2er GranCoupé looks like a 1er Hatch but with better front, I think it'll stil be OK.

 

[dalab]

On Monday I fly to Shanghai in readiness for Auto China 2013' although I intend to report from the show and once again provide the pictures and industry low down as everyone descends into China over the next week.

Not forgetting the latest developments at home including the importance of the 2er Gran Coupe and how the late arrival to the compact segment will be dynamic, innovative and awesome. Having seen the finished car it really puts the compact angle in perspective and although some may see it is biased the dynamic roofline shows that the 2er Gran Coupe will be the best looking car of the segment. Sporting perfection , stylish and elegant the Gran Coupe shows how basic and contrived the A3 and CLA are respectively.
Clue - The roofline is like a Mini 6er Gran Coupe , elongated but still dynamic.

As well as advancing a MINI 4dr , they are looking at a possible shooting brake twin incorporating the sedans adventurous individuality into a four dr sleeker wagon. Internally dubbed Shooting Brake. Then there is Glastonbury the code name for the replacements for the MINI Coupe and Roadster. Which some liken MINI to the Porsche model -iconic , recognisable and one purpose. Glastonbury is being conceived as the MINI-equivalent in stature and positioning to the Boxster/Cayman but as MINIs.

And why a Rolls-Royce Ghost based Crossover could work if it is done differently from an SUV?

Great news, thanks!! I can not wait.
I guess the 2 grand coupe concept will be presented soon to impact possible buyers A3 - CLA?

I'd love to see even a project drawing MINI-CAYMAN ...................

ROLLS ROYCE crossover, the world changes and not be left behind, in this case the design will be the key

 

[EnI]

And why a Rolls-Royce Ghost based Crossover could work if it is done differently from an SUV?

 

[klier]

Great news, thanks!! I can not wait.
I guess the 2 grand coupe concept will be presented soon to impact possible buyers A3 - CLA?

Not too soon, the coupe will be first

 

[bmwownage]

no don't screw the Roller up, Rolls Royce ok? it doesn't need a SUV model please.
THere are so many models in the BMW line up, perhaps still less than VAG but god, i just hope they will stay focused, don't lose the soul, don't lose the uniqueness, don't lose the meaning in each car. imo the X4 concept is an example of too many models and they don't have much to dream up anymore. Making 5 models in the same era that all look unique with correct character i think is better than having 15 models that doesn't convey meaning. E46 E39 E38, perfect example of how well the characters were.