I particularly like the body styles I've seen so far, albeit all are either prototypes or artist's renderings. The first, featured in our concept car archives, is the CS1. It's a sexy little 4-seat convertible that would no doubt be a hit if produced just as it is. Of course much of the funky interior would have to go just to bring its price within reason, but its Chris Bangle penned shape is enticing.
The 5-door wagon images, just like the 4-door sedan, 2-door sedan and 3-door hatchback pictures, came out more recently. While each closely resembles the CS1, none originated in BMW's studios, but from a variety of 'enlightened' photo shop editors. I like what I see, and wouldn't doubt if this group of seers got the car's styling right on the nose.
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| If BMW feels there's a market for a less expensive roadster to compete with the Miata, a Z2 may become a reality. |
I've heard word from my BMW sources that the wagon won't be coming to North America, but I would push it unless an X1 Sport Activity Vehicle (SUV) is part of the game plan. A pint-sized BMW sport utility would be a solid bet to win over North American and European buyers, we'll have to wait and see.
And what about a Z2 roadster? Why not? If BMW feels there's a market for a less expensive roadster to compete with the Miata, and there obviously is as the Miata is the best selling roadster in the world, then it only makes sense.
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| I wouldn't put it past the boys in Bavaria to cram a 3.2-L M engine under the 1-Series hood. Analysts are predicting a turbocharged 2.0-L four. |
What engines can we expect? It wouldn't serve BMW well to continue its 'ban' on 4-cylinder engines in North America when the 1 is introduced, so expect either the brand's 1.8-L four-cylinder to be the entry-level powerplant this side of the pond or a new engine, possibly a 2.0-L four. Will a 2.5 or 3.0-L six be part of the program? No doubt if BMW expects it to compete with the Golf. I wouldn't put it past the boys in Bavaria to cram a 3.2-L M engine under the hood either, along with the associated go-fast goodies. After all, only the future M Roadster will be using the lovely 333-hp inline-6 if the M3 actually goes ahead and drops its monstrous V8 into the 3's engine bay when the M5 gets an all-new 500 plus horsepower V10.