07-03-2012, 09:38 AM | #1 |
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Next Gen 2015 BMW X1 Rumored to Go FWD on UKL Platform
BIMMERPOST NEWS Next Gen 2015 BMW X1 Rumored to Go FWD on UKL Platform Anyone wanting a RWD X1 should look into buying a current generation X1, if a new report coming out of Autocar is true. It's being reported that the current model's RWD / AWD platform (adopted from the E9X 3 series) will be replaced by the FWD / AWD UKL platform when the next gen BMW X1 hits the market around 2015. "UKL" is German for 'Unter Klasse' or 'entry level.' The FWD UKL platform is the same one upon which the initial FWD BMW models and the next MINI will be built on. The initial lineup of FWD BMW cars will include Gran Turismo, City Compact, and Family Activity Sports Tourer variants. See a summary of the next generation RWD / FWD 1 Series and 2 Series models. The UKL platform is FWD in its most basic configuration, but may be adopted for AWD by way of its Haldex-style multi-plate clutch setup (like the current MINI Countryman). The xDrive AWD model of the next X1 should see this setup (although expect standard FWD model to be offered as well). Why the switch to FWD for the non-AWD X1 models? According to the report, this will allow for improved packaging while reducing production costs. There are also economies of scale to come from parts sharing with the next MINI. The transverse mounting of the engine will also result in more interior space. |
07-03-2012, 11:57 AM | #2 |
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I know this day will come, BMW with FWD but I'm not with this at all...BMW should stick to RWD with every car with its badge!....
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07-03-2012, 11:59 AM | #3 |
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If this actually saves costs and those savings actually reach the consumer, I don't really have a problem with this. But I think all all X-Series models should be all AWD/xDrive, the X1 seems to be the only exception to the X-Series line up. The X1 (or any X model) doesn't really need RWD so that doesn't matter to me.
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07-03-2012, 12:09 PM | #5 | |
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How does having a FWD version of the x1, while also offering xdrive model, make BMW worse? So they add a few entry model FWD cars so what. All the other models will stay RWD like now. |
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07-03-2012, 12:20 PM | #7 | |
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Well, it will only bring up my NA V8 6MT value up, so nevermind. I guess people who want those FWD BMW can go ahead to celebrate their BMW badge. |
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07-03-2012, 12:33 PM | #8 |
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As Top Gear UK says
"BMW thinks that FWD is the work of satin" Why change now? They have been doing soooo good! Please standout by keeping small cars with a standard RWD. Have a happy 4th! |
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07-03-2012, 12:37 PM | #9 | ||
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Also, I see the Go Blue badge. What was your focus at UM? Got some engineers in the family. |
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07-03-2012, 01:10 PM | #10 |
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Wtf, don't do it! RWD is da shit!
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07-03-2012, 01:48 PM | #12 | ||
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They are replacing the RWD X1 with a FWD X1, the RWD 1-series with a FWD 1-series, and the RWD 2-series with a FWD 2-series. And if we're being technical, they're also replacing the RWD Z1 with a FWD Z2.
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07-03-2012, 02:11 PM | #13 |
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It will not be a problem with a FWD X1, as most of the cars sold have xdrive
But if they will release a FWD 1series (hatch for Europe) / 2series (coupe/ cab especially for US market) I think that they will loose a lot of customers! |
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07-03-2012, 02:15 PM | #14 |
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My issue isn't so much with the idea of FWD, but the fact it is branded as an X model. The X in a model designation has always indicated "XDrive" All Wheel Drive, so why even bother with the X designation? At this point they may as well just call it the "1 Series Touring" or something that isn't an X model...
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07-03-2012, 02:16 PM | #15 |
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BMW should have purchased Saab and make unique FWD models rather than having their own FWD line up. Saab's are one of the most capable handling FWD cars.
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07-03-2012, 02:22 PM | #16 | |
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The BMW 2er remains as RWD and to combat the loss of the BMW X1 , The BMW X2 will take that place , however it forgoes the Coupe esque styling of the X4 and X6 to be simply a lower dynamic SAV (If you look at the Lamborghini Urus Concept , you can see how BMW are thinking in regards to the sportier model) especially when traditional Coupe styling will limit packaging and headroom for the smaller X2. X2 will be AWD only and will be the first BMW SAC to be offered in 3dr format. It will also be the entry BMW SAC to offer six cylinder engines as the new FWD X1 will not be able to fit an inline six in the engine bay. The move to FWD is to help transform MINI's profitability , MINI is not as profitable as it should be , especially the Oxford-built cars, The BMW FWD cars will not only help MINI to become profitable but will also increase BMW's sales combined MINI and BMW FWD sales by the end of this decade are expected to be around 800,000 extra units making up more than half of BMW's sales. The upcoming firing shot to announce the first FWD BMW is coming very soon with the first concept at the Paris Autoshow. BMW are especially proud because they have re-interpreted FWD to appeal to a BMW customer so much so that some say the upcoming FWD car is especially groundbreaking for a FWD car. Essentially you are looking at possibly one of the most revolutionary and advanced BMW cars yet especially in terms of technology for the class with advanced transmissions and the new advanced Turbo-charged three cylinder engine. The Compactive Sports Tourer is a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz's runaway success new gen B-Klasse. Incidentially a car that European customers have been wanting BMW to build ,away from the mono-space mini-vans offered by mainstream manufacturers.
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07-03-2012, 02:39 PM | #17 | |||
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07-03-2012, 03:39 PM | #19 |
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This is what BMW used to say
See more here; http://www.idale.co.za/2010/01/14/bm...drive-adverts/ But I'm afraid that it will happend. Anyway, so lets hope they still will take care of us Rear Wheel Drivers |
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07-03-2012, 03:44 PM | #20 | ||||
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07-03-2012, 03:51 PM | #21 | |
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I wish each market was defined by regulation. Every car in its class would have to have the exact same wheelbase, with only the engine offerings, equipment, design, technology, and engineering to set each apart from its competitors. As a result, market and car class lines would be more defined and we wouldn't stand for the silly excuses carmakers have to justify their niche-filler vehicles. |
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