BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Gran Sport Tourer.

In a strategy to bring a more radical approach to the compact segment in terms of innovation and desirability. BMW are currently working on an entirely introductory downsized luxury model for the compact segment. Spurred on by an increasing demand for downsized luxury cars and potential competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW are set to introduce their 2er line in a more expansive programme emulating the larger 6er and forthcoming 4er family line to offer the customer a more sporting and exclusive option.

The key symmetrical approach for BMW would be to develop a 1er Sedan off of their new modular FWD architecture alongside a currently in development MINI sedan - aimed at increasing the potential of the … CONTINUED

Automotive News has also published a report supporting the claim that BMW has plans to launch a 1 Series [2 Series] sedan. They claim that BMW will bring the RWD small sedan in 2015 to rival the future Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA sedans, both expected as early as next year.

According to them, company sources say the growing dimensions of the 3-series sedan led to the decision to build this sedan.

BMW has been busy trademarking. Below is a list of some recent BMW trademark filings for future potential models. Remember, just because a manufacturer registers a trademark does not mean that the model will necessarily come to fruition. But, it makes for some fun speculation and certainly paints a rough map of what potential future models we may see out of Munich.

Recent Trademark List:

X2, X4
M1, M2, M7, M10
2 Series Active Tourer
M35, M40, M55, M300, M350, M400, M500
M130, M135, M140, M230, M235, M240, M330, M335, M340, M430, M435, M440, M450, M550, M650, M750
M50d
Compactive, … CONTINUED

A new BMW 2 series coupe render has been posted, courtesy of Autoexpress. Although this render may give us an idea as to the general shape, size, and proportions, the BMW 2-series coupe is expected to have a significantly different look (particularly the front end) than the F20 1-series hatchback upon which this render is clearly based.

There will be no next generation 1-series coupe and convertible, as they will take on the 2-series badge instead. The 2 series coupe is expected as early as sometime in 2013.

One of the most anticipated BMW models in the next few years will include the BMW 2-series coupe/convertible (which will replace the 1-series coupe/convertible). With the 1M coupe receiving overwhelming praise, its successor, the BMW M2 (based off 2 series coupe) will surely receive even more attention.

Here’s the latest of what we’ve recently learned from a trusty source regarding the upcoming M2 and 2-series:

- The M2 has not yet officially been approved for production (and may not be officially approved until the 2-series commences production)
- Intent is to make the M2 based primarily on future M3 parts (a la 1M coupe and current M3)
- Standard 2-series lineup as a whole is being designed specifically to leave open the possibility of fitting some F30/F32 M3 parts (i.e. … CONTINUED

Autoexpress comes in with some exciting confirmation from BMW M GmbH’s new managing director Dr. Friedrich Nitschke - the M2 is in the works. But that’s not all… a ‘revolutionary’ new M3 is in development and discussions are underway about a possible Lamborghini Aventador rival supercar!

The M2 will be based off BMW’s F22 platform (Autoexpress uses ‘F21′) and will be based on the upcoming 2-series / 2 series coupe (BMW has plans to rebadge its small coupe model as 2-series beginning the next generation) due in early 2014. Its looks will purportedly be instantly recognizable from the standard model with unique front and rear end styling (though most likely not as radical and unique as Autoexpress’ renders). The M2 coupe would be expected sometime in 2014/2015.

Two … CONTINUED

We’d like to make clear that the previous announcement of the 1M coupe’s end of production in December 2011 is specific for the US market. The production schedule we refer to for such info is US-market specific. Whether the 1M remains in production beyond that for the other markets remains to be seen.

According to the official BMW model production schedule (attached below), the 1M coupe will end production in December 2011, making a total production run of 10 months. The chart also indicates that there will not be a second (2012) model year. If recent speculations comes to fruition, the successor to the 1M coupe will be the BMW M2 Coupe, as BMW will switch the next generation small BMW coupe to the 2-series badge.