Per BMW insider Scott26, rumor comes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe now being ‘fast tracked’ for a 2015 release:
Yes the 2 Series might be behind the CLA and the A3 Sedan. But as the 6 Series Gran Coupe showed that it can be worth the wait. The 4 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe will not be any different. With the 2 Series Gran Coupe now fast tracked for 2015 , BMW intend to make the gran entrance in this segment, the appearance will not just be what counts. With a greater emphasis on dynamics and typical BMW character.
If you read some of the reviews of the CLA there is some ride and dynamic issues that have been picked up by the media.
BMW are … CONTINUED
The 2 Series coupe and convertible are on their way, having already been spied in testing for months now. So what’s next to come in the 2 Series lineup? Possibly the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which Autobild has taken a crack at rendering. Although no prototypes have yet been spotted, it’s been previously rumored by BMW insider Scott26 to be on the way.
Here are the models that may round out the 2 Series lineup (some more likely than others), per Scott26:
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - 4 door addition of 2 Series Coupe with slightly lengthened wheelbase and roof line, aimed at BMW’s RWD dominance against Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. [More Details]
BMW 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer - Hyundai Veloster type A-symmetrical Tourer … CONTINUED
BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke gave some insight into certain aspects of future M models when speaking recently to Autocar.
AWD vs RWD
While current non-SUV M models all remain RWD, as horsepower numbers climb for each successive generation of models, the question has arisen whether future models would benefit from AWD xDrive offerings, to help with traction and getting all that power down to the ground effectively; especially considering the AWD offerings from competitors - such as the E63/CLS63 AMG 4Matic and upcoming RS6/RS7 Quattro models.
To this, Nitschke reaffirms M’s stance on RWD: “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” … “xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive … CONTINUED
A speculative render of a still speculative model - the BMW M2 Convertible. According to BMW insider Scott26:
Such a concept remains a possibility, especially with the M2 becoming a series production car. The rear lights are similiar but in the actual car they wrap around in the opposite direction as proved by a recent bodyshell spy photograph. Aerodynamics are still too dramatic.
Another resident artist, Harold Wood, renders a potential future BMW M2 Coupe. The M2 has not yet been officially confirmed nor denied by BMW, but if the 1M coupe’s success and its following is any barometer, we bet on yes for a future M2 coupe.
Car and Driver reports on some BMW M2 rumors. As reported by Jens Meiners:
The M version of the upcoming BMW 2-series coupe and thus the successor of the immensely good 1-series M coupe. Unlike its predecessor—which was rushed through development in record time, known internally as Project Pyrat—the 2015 M2 will undergo a longer gestation, allowing BMW to come up with a more polished package. Look for aggressive restyling, strongly differentiated from the M135i that’s available in overseas markets. The M2 will feature a unique front-end treatment, large air intakes, a wider track and wider rear fenders, as well as a rear spoiler and four exhaust finishers. The expected change in nomenclature from 1-series coupe to 2-series would fall in line with the rest … CONTINUED
This report comes via Autocar and claims that BMW is mulling over plans for a 300hp 1 Series sedan M model to take on the likes of the Mercedes CLA45 AMG and Audi S3 sedan.
Per Autocar:
BMW is hatching plans for a hot entry-level M model based around a new saloon version of the second-generation 1-series.
The compact four-door aims to provide BMW with a direct rival to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and Audi S3 saloon. The new BMW has already been earmarked to run a highly strung 2.0-litre turbo engine with at least 300bhp.
However, because of the heavy engineering workload facing BMW on existing new model development, the compact M Performance saloon is unlikely to hit the UK until the latter half of 2015 at … CONTINUED
BMW inside Scott26 has posted the following summary of the upcoming 1 series, 2 series, M2, Z1, Z2, and X2 lineup, as plans stand now.
By 2020. BMW hope to have projected sales of over two million units.
The larger majority of this level of sales will be combined MINI/BMW based upon the UKL architecture of around 600,000 units , then you can factor in another large number of dedicated SAV sales before we get to the regular series models. As I have said before welcome to the automobile industry.
It is easy for the question “if I was in charge this what I would do?” But today you have to take in consideration of growing segments , established segments , established markets , new markets and exploiting … CONTINUED
