German Car Zone

Imhotep Evil · 08-17-2006, 09:22 AM

Know anything about it ?!

Zonda · 08-17-2006, 09:36 AM

Just a rumour

EnI · 08-17-2006, 11:53 AM

It's an unrealised idea. X1. Mini-SAV.

But mind that this Huckfeldt's CGI is pure fiction!

BMW had numerous ideas what to do with E87 (1-series) platform: 3dr hatch (1er), 5dr hatch (1er), 4dr sedan (1er). 5dr touring (1er), 2dr coupe (2er), 2dr cabrio (2er), 3dr shooting brake (2er), 2-seater roadster (Z2), mini-rfk (V1), and mini-SAV (X1).

Designers were playing with sketches, marketingers with analyses, but most projects went into drawer. X1 being one of them.

When new 1er platform is out some ideas will be reconsidered: e.g. sedan, more differatiation between 3dr & 5dr hatch (first being true hatch, second more wagon-ish), Z2 roadster, maybe even X2 SAC if X6 (and eventually X4) proved to be very successful projects. Nothing yet decided, nor being even decided about.

Right now X1 is pure fiction.

Mind it's summer time and AutoBild (Bild is one of the biggest German tabloids - AutoBild being its automotive branch!!!) is writting everytihing to get potential buyers attracted. Such Huckfeldt's dreamings being one of the tactics.

Btw, in Audi A3 Cabrio AutoBild claims A3 cabrio is coming at the endo of year 2007 - before 1er / 2er cabrio which is according to AB coming in Spring 2008. And that's dead wrong: 2er cabrio is coming sooner than everybody think - in Spring 2007 (start of production in April).

siko · 08-17-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EniLab

But mind that this Huckfeldt's CGI is pure fiction!

That's good to know!

EnI · 08-18-2006, 06:56 AM

Scottie calling ...

Quote:

If you have ever seen "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and that final scene when the Ark of the Covenant is crated and destined never to be seen again In some dark warehouse.

The basements of BMW in Munich are similar with all projects that have developed to the last stage only to be vetoed at the last phase of design. Everything from Full scale clay models and styling bucks are crated and destined never to see a studio light or daylight again.

With the first generation of the 1er BMW commissioned a full range of 1er cars - basic hatch, coupe,cabrio sedan, touring , roadster and an X-activity vehicle. Sadly some of these models were vetoed on the fact that they would overlap with lower models of the BMW 3er.

With the X3 in development BMW took to the idea if the X3 is successful that a smaller all wheel drive AC (Activity Compact) might be possible in the expansion of BMW's product range.

The full size clay models to this day exist but are crated away with certain escalated projects such as the BMW X7, BMW CS6 concept car ( which was to be shown @ Geneva 2003 before the 6er official launch was a styled up 6er cabrio with folding metal roof - The Geneva launch was axed because the 6er Cabrio would not follow this route therefore BMW pulled it before expectations and anticipations of the forthcoming 6er were somewhat going to be different.

However with the 5er (E60) and 6er (E63) and 6er Cabrio (E64) waiting in the product schedule for 2003 - All 3 models were back stage @ Geneva 2003 that year.

As well as several BMW's the future of the illfated Rover Group the R30 lies in it's coffin also with several MINI ideas and several other BMW ideas including an E34 5er Coupe and Cabrio , and an X5 luxury pick up. amongst others.

To see a sense of humor in the proceedings one of the smaller crates placed at notice at the entrance does say " Ark of the Covenant " do not open In which they both share a similar fate never to be seen again.

Although an X1 is not final for the next 1er platform as yet, it might rise from the grave as BMW are taking the X3 on a whole new road for the next generation with a more sporting appearence a high belt line , sleeker glass area and a sloping roof it will still be a SAV but will feature a more dynamic appearance.

Although you don't see it when you look at the product line of BMW in the 80's and 90's Even before Chris Bangle and Adrian Van Hooydunk BMW design was still very much creative in products you didn't see for instance.

The 1989 BMW 850i Coupe which was also to be joined by a Cabrio aimed squarely at the 1989 Mercedes SL . This seemed to signal the end of the 6er coupe until the then management decided to follow it's successful E30 product and add a Coupe and Cabrio to the recently introduced E34 5er sedan unfortunately the only model that made production was the Touring to establish a rival to Mercedes W124 T-modell.

The E34 coupe and Cabrio were to replace the demise of the 6er and establish a rival to the W1124 Coupe and Cabrio - Unfortunately these plans fell victim to the world-wide recession .

Even well before BMW employees knew of the death march of Rover and the sell off of Land Rover . A group of chosen designers entered a studio where the next Range Rover The model developed by BMW stood - The brief was to design a competitor - The X7 which looks like a long wheelbase of the X5 but with seven seats and the front end design following the look of the upcoming E65 7er .

This project was terminated on September 11 2001 after analysts predicted that future trends - oil prices etc would not be sustainable in the long term.

klier · 08-18-2006, 07:08 AM

Aaaah, Scott....I almost forgot about our BMW Insider who never has any info that is correct

EnI · 08-18-2006, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klier

Aaaah, Scott....I almost forgot about our BMW Insider who never has any info that is correct

Basicly his info are quiet correct, but sometimes he "add" something on his own.

But he is telling something interesting I was yet about to tell:

Mk2 X3 - much more sportier, much more dynamic. Not so utilitarian and boxish anymore: to fight the upcoming competition (GLK, Q5, etc) better.

Another project is about to be reconsidered again: V3. Marketingers are split between V3 and X4. First being a coupeish hatch / wagon, second a coupeish SAV (= SAC). There is room for only one of them since both are very similar in idea (coupeish quasi-utalitarian activity vehicles). X4 could emerge as a winner in this battle: since it's more acceptable for US market.

Just_me · 08-24-2006, 04:18 AM

Only X5, then X3 and now X1: Third much-purpose-mobilely from BMW starts 2010 in the Golf class. The small SUV combines much place with high seating position and all-wheel drive.

That is still missing in the BMW program: the X1 is to transfer 4.35 meters briefly and with all-wheel drive starting from 2010 in the gulf class the role of the pioneer under the dynamic SUV.

The high seating position makes the X1 attractive even for older customers. Despite the roof portion dropping to the rear the BMW has a large interior and trunk.

Merc1 · 08-24-2006, 04:19 AM

BMW is on a Mercedes-Benz like expansion now if this is real.

M

Just_me · 08-24-2006, 04:22 AM

I rarely like Autobild interpretings of new cars but this PS look good

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German Car Zone

Autobild: BMW X1