2013 Audi A3

BMW 1-Series To Be Rebadged A 2-Series For Next-Gen Model?

 
2 1,757 views Oct 26, 2010
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2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible rendering

2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible rendering

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BMW has already confirmed that it’s working on a new front-wheel drive model to slot in below its current 1-Series and compete with the likes of the Audi A1 and next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. But BMW has a problem on its hands: if it continues its current naming convention the new model would have to be called the 0-Series, something that’s unlikely to occur.

Instead, BMW may rebadge the successor of the current 1-Series a 2-Series, freeing up the 1-Series badge for the new front-wheel drive model. Of course, this is only conjecture but there are some vital clues that strongly suggest such a possibility.

Just this month BMW filed U.S. trademark applications for 228, 230, and 235--the same engine designations as the current 1-Series range. And to add further fuel to the speculation fire, back in June BMW also trademarked the M2 moniker, according to Car and Driver.

The change could come as early as the middle of next year when the current 1-Series Coupe and Convertible are expected to undergo a heavy facelift. Further down the track there could even by hybrid variants of BMW’s future front-wheel drive models as the automaker just this month also announced an agreement with France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen group to develop new hybrid technology for front-wheel drive cars.

Pictured above is a computer-generated rendering of the next-generation BMW 1-Series Convertible, which if the rumors prove true could be called a 2-Series Convertible.

[Car and Driver]



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Comments (2)

  1. By Dave Posted: 10/27/2010 6:23am PDT

    That's not very good math. Unless it will be a coupe only the baby beamer should be called a -1 series. Although, I am more a fan of shrinking the 1 down to E30 size, calling it 3 series, calling the existing 3 the 5 series, the current 5 the 7 and either discontinuing the 7 or calling it 9.
     
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  2. By R2Dad Posted: 10/27/2010 12:35pm PDT

    Not enjoying BMW model bloat, Dave? Between the poor design and declining reliability, ze germans have bigger problems than the model naming convention. Curious how many people will want a FWD Bimmer, "The Ultimate Posing Machine."
     
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