2013 BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo Spy Video

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

7,322 views Feb 2, 2012

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Now we have an exclusive spy video of several prototypes that were spotted testing in Germany.

The new vehicle shares its front-wheel drive platform with the next-generation MINI Cooper, which has been spotted testing alongside the BMW in the past.

That piece of info was confirmed by BMW boss Norbert Reithofer during a speech back in 2010 where he said: "For these new vehicles [the new BMW and MINI] we are developing a common architecture for both front and four-wheel drive."

As for the 1-Series Gran Turismo, or 1-Series GT for short, the new model will join BMW’s expanding line of Gran Turismo models, which started with the 5-Series GT and will soon be expanded with the addition of a 3-Series GT as well as this 1-Series variant.

It’s unclear what engines will power the 1-Series GT though we may see a new three-cylinder option offered in the base trim. BMW’s new three-cylinder engines will come in both gasoline and diesel options and will eventually go into some 1.5 million BMW and MINI models annually. A hybrid model is expected, too, with BMW working closely with France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen group on the new technology.

While a U.S. launch of the 1-Series GT is unlikely, European readers can look forward to a sales release in the first half of 2013. For more details, including additional spy shots, click here for our previous report.