It was reported earlier this month that BMW is considering a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model that will be positioned under the existing 1-Series. CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed today that BMW is indeed working on a front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive architecture that will underpin a new range of entry-level BMW vehicles along with the next-generation Mini models.
“There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future,” Reithofer said.
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Klaus Draeger, BMW’s development boss, said that the new front-wheel-drive architecture will debut in 2014 with the third-generation Mini. He said that the architecture will enable BMW to produce a range of vehicles that will measure between 3,800mm and 4,300mm long – that’s comparable to the Volkswagen Polo, Golf and Scirocco.
Insiders say that at its peak, the new platform will underpin up to 20 different BMW and Mini models.
– By: Kap Shah
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)