Rumors of new body styles to come with the next generation of the BMW 1-Series have been brewing since at least 2009. We even brought you a rendering of what a 1-Series Gran Turismo might look like last summer (also pictured above). This summer, the rumors about the car are heating up once again.
Like the 5-Series GT and the upcoming 3-Series GT, the 1-Series GT is expected to get a body that's somewhere between a hatchback and a wagon with some unique cargo and passenger options. Based on the same platform as the rest of the 1-Series as well as the third-generation MINI line, it will take on competition from Audi in Europe, but would stand alone should it come to the U.S. It's also expected to be front-wheel drive, hinting that this "1-Series GT" is part of the renamed 1-Series lineup, with the 1-Series we currently know becoming the 2-Series.
Previous rumors include talk of engine downsizing for the upcoming 1-Series, with 1.4 to 2.0-liter four-cylinders, both turbo and naturally aspirated, to dominate the range. In the U.S., the inline six-cylinders will continue forward as well, and the smallest of the fours may not be offered. The 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder coming to the Z4 sDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i is almost a certainty, however.
As many as three other new variants could join the 1-Series range with the next iteration of the platform, including a shooting brake, a wagon and a roadster.
The new 1-Series should be on sale for the 2013 model year, with the 1-Series GT arriving by 2014.
[Autocar]
