Autocar rumor: upcoming FWD BMW to be badged 1-series

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by imported_mega

my R56 mini was a handful because of the torque steer, it scared my wife, she does not have a problem with my 135i though, as it does not try to steer for you

For those of you who thinks mini has torque steer, you haven't driven enough FWD vehicles out there....

[imported_mega]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

For those of you who thinks mini has torque steer, you haven't driven enough FWD vehicles out there....

I had an LSD in mine, and in a straight line it would try to yank the wheel out of my hands, any imperfection in the road made it even worse

[BMW269]

No panic. Mercedes and Audi have FWD, so why not BMW? In fact they already have one FWD, and it is the best of all FWD cars (with Renault Clio RS). What they are thinking about is just about putting a BMW badge on the Mini, to sell even more and so build for us the enthusiasts other cars such as Z2 or 8 Series. Just for you to know, here in EU it is so: FWD>RWD>AWD (in amount).

[larryn]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

I doubt very much the CEO is lying. It makes sense, I am sure most BMW drivers purchased the car for image and likely have no idea about the drivetrain. The majority of Acura owners thought their 'competitor to BMW' was RWD.

No LSD...FWD...the world is ending!!!

If you think that "statistic" is true, find just one person that BMW even asked... There's no magic list of folk who do not participate in boards.

I follow most of 1 series boards (auf Englisch und auch auf Deutsch), and those that have a thread about it think it's BS. I agree.

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by imported_mega

I had an LSD in mine, and in a straight line it would try to yank the wheel out of my hands, any imperfection in the road made it even worse

lol. I was in mini community for a long time.. but it seems like you just need to work-out more if mini's torque steer(or since you have mechanical LSD, it is commonly known as anti-torque steer) is enough to yank the wheel out of your hands.

but yes, MCS or JCW with LSD models are prone to this problem. A reason why 2009 JCW + minis no longer have mechanical LSDs.

[jbasedow30]

my guess is that the fwd will take over the 1 series nomenclature while the RWD performance variants will become the 2 series. Probably why the new m based on the current 1 series will be the M2.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

So BMW is turning into Acura.....Just perfect.

[pokerface]

⅞28i, anybody?

[MOCKBA]

I am an ordinary driver and can't tell difference between fwd or rwd. I consider fwd is more stable in turn. No doubt, if you live in snow, then fwd will be better choice. Mercedes and BMW are very conservative companies moving slow from old era rwd to new era fwd. It is obvious wheels which do turn should move a car. It is waste of energy when wheels move a car straight, but you try to turn.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Dontyouwishyouwereme

So BMW is turning into Acura.....Just perfect.

Audi FTW in that situation. In an ironic twist of fate, some of the cars coming through GM and Chrysler over the next few years should shock many Euro and Japanese fanboys. They are not the same companies as even a few years ago. If BMWs get porkier and less engaging to drive, give it a couple years, but the RWD offerings from some domestics may be worth a look.

[BHairsto]

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

It is obvious wheels which do turn should move a car. It is waste of energy when wheels move a car straight, but you try to turn.

Wow--this is so wrong I barely know how to begin (no offense!). The reason you believe FWD is more stable in turns is the understeer you're feeling--due to the front wheels trying to turn and drive at the same time, the car tends to "push" in corners. This is generally not ideal for performance driving, and is why it takes a fair amount of engineering prowess and complex suspension design to make a good handling FWD car. By requiring the same wheels to perform two tasks, neither can be done ideally, and there is a natural compromise.

Each platform has its benefits, but there is a reason that most sports/high-performance cars are RWD. That being said, FWD has its merits, and I'm glad BMW is introducing it at the entry level--I would certainly consider a FWD BMW as an alternative to our GTI (which I love).

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by PM3

U must be high every time u post something in this forum

first u claim most european cars are rwd - where in gods name did u get that impression...now that u cant tell rwd from fwd???
it doesnt take a professional pilot to feel the difference...im not one for sure but i have driven some before...a friends A4 great build the clutch had 100000km felt like new...drove it...hated it.

I wouldn't get to worked up. He's either completely joking or beyond ignorant when it comes to cars and engineering. If that's the case, he should stick to his Camry and be content with his ignorance.

[Imola.ZHP]

0.5 series...

I just don't get the idea of BMW encroaching on Mini's market-share. Expand the Mini lineup, don't encroach on it...

[bimmernotbeamer]

I wonder if BMW will take the current 1 series philosophy (small, RWD cars) and change the nomenclature to "2 series" for the next generation. Then they can make the next gen 1 series FWD without causing any confusion to their customers.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

0.5 series...

I just don't get the idea of BMW encroaching on Mini's market-share. Expand the Mini lineup, don't encroach on it...

I think MINI's really have very limited appeal, and if BMW wants a piece of the compact premium or hot hatch markets, they're going to have to expand the BMW brand to include such concepts. To me, MINI seems like a one trick pony, and I'd bet a lot more consumers would be willing to fork over a premium for a "baby" BMW hatch than anything with a MINI badge on it. Personally, I already find the MINI brand to be quite stale, and introducing something like the Clubman, a three-door variant, just seems like a desperate attempt to continue cashing in on a waning fad.

VAG has shown that people will pay a little extra for a German-engineered, well-handling FWD compact car, and in fact they've grown into a behemoth of a company making such cars - BMW would be crazy to ignore this market, but the basic architecture of the platform precludes incorporating RWD. So what else is BMW to do but offer the consumers they're trying to court what they want? Companies adapt or they die, plain and simple. And, at the end of the day, what do any of you really care if the company you bought your RWD car from also makes and sells entry-level FWD cars?

[nordique14]

1-series available as FWD. okay. I don't like it but I get it.

1-series available as RWD. Hurray.

1-series available a FWD or RWD with each having their own style and platform? Ridiculous. I would love to see the marketing and sales people to explain how this is going to work. What's next? A new city car called the 715i to take advantage of the 7-series name?

[SlicktopTTZ]

Guys come on, think about this, think about BMW's history, and think about what BMW is supposed to be, and a FWD car DOES NOT meet those expectations, not to mention that render was FUGLY.

Some aspects of the future are cool, but this is certainly not one of them.