Driving Dynamics Be Damned, BMW Confirms Front Wheel Drive Models

Might not be such a bad thing. If anyone can make a FWD car extremely sporty and handling, it's BMW.

They already do - mini cooper S
The only thing new is they will put the BMW badge on it

So now BMW is rebadged MINI? GREAT!

Willis: Try to drift or correct your path when you are lossing control....it wont be in any real sport car. So, do not wait for any M with front drive.

I don't think they will create an M version of this FWD car. AMG hasn't touched the A and B classes either.

You are statement is absolutely correct for the inexperienced in handling a front wheel drive car under excess revs.
However, with some trial and error during the early stage of learning to drive, one can get really good at approaching corners extremely fast and pull (note "pull") out of the corner perhaps even a bit quicker than when being "pushed" (rear wheel drive) out of the bend.
This is not something I've read about. It's based on many years of experience driving on roads not much wider than the Mini with an average of 10 (plus/minus) corners per hilly mile (which may include a quick heel/toe and hand break every so often to take the corner when travelling over 50 mph). It's quite fun especially at night when there are less vehicles on the road in countries with hardly any street lights.
A fun thing that was done in the younger days was to use the hand break (emergency break) to bring the rear around. With the front wheel drive this can be done without doubt. However, the front drive also provides the option of doing the front drift (what fun upon take off). This brings back some fun memories. E.g. at a stop light, you need to u-turn, flip the front of the car around while the rear of the car stands still (that use to be fun). Let me see you try that with a rear-wheel drive. No need to try it if over 40 years old. Just kidding – Enjoy the Grins Per Mile (GPM – Better than MPG)

Willis: Thanks God for that man.

OMG what blasphemy is next for BMW!?!?! Turbos?

Oh, wait- they're already doing that......

BMW- the Ultimate Conforming Machine.

Conforming is a necessity in this day and age for ALL carmakers.

Let's see now...All-wheel drive, turbocharging, direct injection, dual-clutch transmissions and now front wheel drive. Seems like BMW is following Audi's footsteps?

In the last 5 years BMW has scoffed at Turbocharging, Hybrids, and FWD. Now it seems they have embraced all 3. So I guess the question is, who really knew best, BMW or the competition?

Show us the "scoffing" please. I am interested to see it.

Five years ago BMW was in a partnership developing hybrid technology, but maybe they scoffed at it, too.

BMW won the Formula One Championship in 1983 with a turbocharged motor, but maybe they scoffed at turbocharging.

BMW is a open-minded company that makes decisions based on science, not dogma. Rear-wheel drive is the best setup for larger and more powerful cars where driving dynamics are the primary goal (like the 1 Series on up which are keeping rear drive). For a small car that has ultra low emissions, high fuel economy, and is functional in tight European and Asian cities, front drive might make more sense for a mini/micro car.


Anyway, still interested to see the "scoffing", unless that was a lie that you just made up.

The MINI is probably the best FWD car I've owned. But...does it make sense to build this now, in 2010? I think the money would be better spent on a hybrid platform where FWD/RWD/AWD decisions are just a motor and a set of wires away.

All I know is that every movement by BMW and Mercedes are carefully checked this is true so I don't think is a bad movement now about the FWD just let see , they also try before with Mini and everything is fine under control and Mini is a great car.

Time to fire the CEO and his staff!!!

Yes, now poor rich wannabe teen girls can have their cake and eat it too!!!

BMW is going down the gutter now that bangle is gone.

BMW Executive: "It is wrong for the great BMW to EVER consider FWD for a Sometimes Performing Machine. Only idiots would ever consider TURBO charging as a form of adding performance. That is simply not in our blood! No, no, no, that's as unBMW as sharing platforms!!!"... er, well maybe not turbo - I didn't really mean that - and oh yes, well, FWD, that could go well with some of our upcoming models, and while we're at it screw the independent thinking company thingy, let's share platforms to save costs."

Talk about standing by your mantra- as bad as it may be. Some people follow this brand as if it was a religion. Well, everyone, the principles of your religion change for the same reason most everything changes, to increase profits.

What about the Mazdaspeed3 and VW GTI?

Yes, yes, torque steer - but those are 2 very sporty, fun to drive and well-equipped cars. What if a potential buyer could wander over to BMW's lot and find the same type of car with a premium label and more "adult" styling?

This will work on 1 condition: they price it competitively - no more than an Acura TSX, if not cheaper.