BMW Boss Hints at New Roadster, Supercar, and Crossover

Reports are surfacing about a possible new crossover from BMW based on the platform underpinning the upcoming 1-series coupe. BMW’s boss Norbert Reithofer confirmed during an interview with German buff mag Auto Zeitung that the new car, which is likely to be labeled the X1, is still in the proposal stage. Reithofer also mentioned that BMW needs to add more high-end sports models to its lineup, referring to the older Z8 Roadster and M1 supercar. “These are the type of products we need in the future” he said.

If given the go-ahead, the new X1 could be on the market by 2010. To speed up development, the coupe-crossover is expected to utilize the X-drive 4WD system from the current X3 with powertrains and electronics coming from the 1-series. Production numbers are expected to be around the 100,000 mark with work most likely outsourced to the Magna-Steyr factory near Graz.


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S4cabriofoxone - 3/21/2007 1:02:06 PM

+2 Boost

What would be the point of the roadster if they're coming out with an R8-imitator?

And the crossover... wouldn't that mark their fourth crossover vehicle?

d1sinfo - 3/21/2007 3:23:20 PM

+4 Boost

I have read in the past that they were considering a roadster based on the 1 series. I imagine it as being more like the original z3 1.8 which was pretty tasty ride.

I would love to see a 'new' M1(or whatever it might be called) that would be hot.

Josh

matt635 - 3/22/2007 4:26:33 AM

-1 Boost

S4 don't be an idiot, are you telling me that the R8 is the first ever mid-engined sportscar and therefore all that come after are imitators?

Heyhuub - 3/22/2007 6:01:55 AM

+1 Boost

@Matt

@Matt

No he's saying that Audi is the first of the big german three that's coming out with a modern mid engined sports car which allready turns out to be quite the succes.
So it'll probably only be a matter of time before BMW and Mercedes are gonna do the same thing.

lewissalem - 3/23/2007 9:13:03 AM

+1 Boost

I thought that the new x6 crossover was going to be labeled as a F-Series. The small crossover segment will explode in a few years.

Whattt - 3/23/2007 9:36:40 AM

+1 Boost

Cut it out !
Mercedes has the SLR which IS a mid engine car.
Mercedes is working on the P8,(off then on).... for some time now.
BMW had the M1 and if you really get technical the Mclaren F1.