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Preview: 2010 BMW Minicar

Preview: 2010 BMW Minicar

Alex Kaufmann August 29th, 2007 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author August 29th, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 There have been numerous reports pertaining to the possibility of BMW building a new model positioned below the 1-series hatch that’ll share its underpinnings with the current Mini. Not only would the car be the first FWD BMW, it would also be cheapest as it’s rumored to cost less than the aforementioned Mini. Part of the reason for BMW considering such a model is the mounting environmental awareness that’s spreading across Europe. A new, low-emissions minicar would help reduce BMW’s fleet average emissions levels in light of the new CO2 standards being pushed by the EU and it’d also give it a better standing against similar superminis being developed by rival brand Audi and to a less extent VW. Though we highly doubt BMW designers would style the car after the striking Concept CS as this rendering suggests, any model wearing the Propeller Badge would likely feature the trademark kidney grille. According to earlier reports, development has been carried out on the new model although final production plans are yet to be confirmed. If given the go-ahead, production would likely be outsourced to Magna Steyr but the engines and drivetrain would be built by BMW at plants in Germany. How the new model will live up to the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos, however, is anyone’s guess.
Preview: 2010 BMW Minicar

Preview: 2010 BMW Minicar

Enlarge Photo

There have been numerous reports pertaining to the possibility of BMW building a new model positioned below the 1-series hatch that’ll share its underpinnings with the current Mini. Not only would the car be the first FWD BMW, it would also be cheapest as it’s rumored to cost less than the aforementioned Mini.

Part of the reason for BMW considering such a model is the mounting environmental awareness that’s spreading across Europe. A new, low-emissions minicar would help reduce BMW’s fleet average emissions levels in light of the new CO2 standards being pushed by the EU and it’d also give it a better standing against similar superminis being developed by rival brand Audi and to a less extent VW.

Though we highly doubt BMW designers would style the car after the striking Concept CS as this rendering suggests, any model wearing the Propeller Badge would likely feature the trademark kidney grille. According to earlier reports, development has been carried out on the new model although final production plans are yet to be confirmed.

If given the go-ahead, production would likely be outsourced to Magna Steyr but the engines and drivetrain would be built by BMW at plants in Germany. How the new model will live up to the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos, however, is anyone’s guess.

bmw_minicar_main01.jpgEnlarge Photo

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: BMW, Spy Shots


Comments (8 total)

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  1. By MARIO #1, Posted: 8/29/2007

    Cool car...

  2. By kafkef #2, Posted: 8/29/2007

    it's like a tiny monster :P

  3. By Ryanza #3, Posted: 8/29/2007

    It would be easier for BM to expand the range without loosing identity than it is for MINI! BM could have an X version, F version! I think this is gr8 news for BM

  4. By jim #4, Posted: 8/30/2007

    "The 0 series!" Nah, the 0.5 Series, you need to leave room for them to go further down market. Maybe they should resurrect the Messerschmitt name from the 50s bubble car.

  5. By GiaMpiero #5, Posted: 8/31/2007

    Noooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
    BMW only traction rear....
    It's typycal solution.

    Una vettura insignificante.

  6. By james #6, Posted: 9/1/2007

    they could always name it the 'E' for economy or economical. Like the X for their SAV's. E for their economy cars or hybrids. Or if it is a deisil they should call it the 'D'

    So... E3 or D6

  7. By takn_1 #7, Posted: 9/12/2007

    As to a 0-series name that would be stupid, Call this the 1-series and BMW could be one of the few Car Manufactures to make a Replacement Vehicle Lighter and Maybe faster and come in at a lower price. This concept illustration does look good

  8. By Oliver Sutherland #8, Posted: 6/5/2008

    my mate who works for bmw says that the base model will only be 6300

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