Bmw CEO confirms new range of entry-level front-wheel-drive cars
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that the Bavarian manufacturer is currently working on front-wheel- and four-wheel-drive vehicle architecture that will underpin a new range of entry-level cars but also the next-generation Mini models. "There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.
For those who don't know, we will tell you: Bmw has only rear-wheel drive models while all Mini variants are front-wheel drive. There is a bad news though: the new Bmw models which will carry the new vehicle architecture will debut in 2014 with the arrival of the third-generation Mini hatchback., according to BMW development boss Klaus Draeger.
The new range of vehicles will be between 3800mm and 4300mm long. For example a Vw Golf, Beetle and Scirocco model will fit the same size range. According to our sources, the new architecture will underpin up to 20 different BMW and Mini model variants. Apparently, Bmw will fit its new front-wheel-drive models below its entry-premium 1-series models, which would keep its rear-drive architecture.
Reithofer said: "We expect the premium small car segment to grow by 4-6 percent annually until 2020," adding that the group would cut its CO2 fleet emissions by at least 25 percent by 2020 versus 2008 levels, when they were 156 grams per km. [via autonews - sub. required]
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