BMW Abandons Rear Wheel Drive As It Readies 1 Series GT For Paris Debut

Agent009 submitted on 8/1/2012 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:32:00 AM

6 user comments | Views : 4,644 | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.autoexpress.co.uk

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 BMW is preparing to break with tradition and launch its first-ever front-wheel-drive model at September’s Paris Motor Show.



Likely to be badged 1 Series GT, the newcomer – seen here in our exclusive images – will be based on the same platform as the next-generation MINI (on sale next year), and pitched as a more practical and cheaper-to-run alternative to the 1 Series hatch.


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BMW Abandons Rear Wheel Drive As It Readies 1 Series GT For Paris Debut

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Agent009

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User Comments

bmwMotorsport

Cant wait, considering it will be based on the new Mini platform it should be a great handling car, especially with the AWD option. Being a GT it will be larger than a Mini, and should be priced similar to comparable A3 models.

— bmwMotorsport (View Profile)

Posted on 8/1/2012 11:33:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

91z4me

I get why they want this but why call it a 1 series if there will also be a RWD 1 series?

— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 8/1/2012 11:49:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Willis

A small car like this is completely impractical if it is RWD. RWD takes away to much interior space (as will AWD). In Europe the 1 series always fails to measure up to its competitors in the areas that count: interior space and overall practicality. Sure, it drives better than its FWD rivals but that's unimportant when virtually 90% of people buying a 1 series don't care about the drive or which wheels are powered.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 8/1/2012 2:51:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

M5twinturbo

BMW need to utilize FWD in some form to survive, and make Mini more profitable. Anything larger than a 1 series will never user FWD, b/c they do not use the Mini chassis, same with the standard 1 series.

For what it’s worth I am surprised BMW lasted this long without FWD.
All other manufactures that make only RWD cars are owned by another larger economy car brand(Porsche,Ferrari,Jaguar,Lambo). BMW is independent, and if they need few niche FWD vehicles to stay that way I'm all for it.

— M5twinturbo (View Profile)

Posted on 8/1/2012 3:26:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

wins555

Its only a matter of time before BMW goes lower in the niche by offering more FWD models. Mercedes to follow too. Studies have shown that majority of BMW and MB buyers don't even know if their car is RWD or FWD.

— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2012 2:04:48 AM | | Votes: 2   

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