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Head of Research & Development Burkhard Goeschel, claims will ensure that the 1-Series delivers all the “sporting characteristics & driving pleasure” of other models in the BMW line-up.
Alongside the initial three-door & five door hatchback, BMW is also developing four-door saloon & five-door estate variants. Goesschel stated from the start the 1-Series would not just be a model but a whole range of cars. Coupe & booted versions are also in the pipeline.
In line with BMW’s plans to distance sportier 2-door niche models from their volume selling siblings, are likely to receive unique exterior styling & a 2-Series nameplate. They will not be launched until the second half of the decade.
Heavy secrecy surrounds the diamensions of BMW’s new small car, codenamed E81, but rumours have it at around 4150mm in length, matching the Audi A3. The 3-door hatchback should weigh in at 1100kg. It will share a number of components with the next generation 3-Series (codenamed E90) including driveline, suspension & Wiring loom. It will be build alongside the next generation 3-Series to help keep costs down.
Keeping the kerb weight down allows BMW to rely on the four-cylinder 16 valve power plants from the newly established Hams Hall, starting the line-up will be the 1.6 Litre 105 Bhp unit & the 2.0 Litre 143 Bhp four pot units. Together with BMW’s valvetronic varible valve timing, all engines will get Direct Injection technology as seen on the new 6.0 Litre V12 7-Series, promising reductions in fuel consumption & emissions.
A more powerful high performance M-version is also on the cards at the end of 2005, packaging & reworking of the 2.0 Litre unit delivering around 240 Bhp using lightweight magnesium block & electo-magnetic valve actuation to help raise the red-line to 9000 Rpm.
Production of the new 1-Series should start at BMW’s Regensburg factory in Southern Germany in August 2004. Entry level versions should start at £15,000 for the entry level models up to £25,000 for the hot M-Power version in today’s money.
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