Thread: БМВ ўчасткі новыя малодшыя М-машыны

Forthcoming 1-series saloon may get 300bhp M range-topper BMW is hatching plans for a hot entry-level M model based around a new saloon version of the second-generation 1-series.
The compact four-door aims to provide BMW with a direct rival to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and Audi S3 saloon. The new BMW has already been earmarked to run a highly strung 2. 0-litre turbo engine with at least 300bhp.
However, because of the heavy engineering workload facing BMW on existing new model development, the compact M Performance saloon is unlikely to hit the UK until the latter half of 2015 at the earliest.
We are actively considering it, said a high-ranking BMW insider. Do we think there is a potential market? Yes, and it is likely to grow rapidly. If we had the capacity, we would already be well down the road [to production] by now.
Internal BMW studies reveal that the market for compact performance saloons is set for high growth in key high-volume markets, such as China and North America. With both the S3 saloon and CLA45 AMG due to arrive before the end of next year, BMW officials are keen to fast-track the new model, possibly with contracted engineering, according to sources within automotive component supplier ranks.
The decision to form plans for a price-leading M Performance saloon stems from the sellout success of the limited-run 1-series M Coupe and the critical acclaim heaped on the 315bhp six-cylinder M135i hatch, road tested in the 14 November issue.
Назіраецца масавы пераход на рынку, сказаў адзін крыніца. Нашы традыцыйныя мадэлі М — М3 і М5 — ці стала больш, нашмат больш магутны, лепш абсталявана і, натуральна, даражэй з гадамі. Яны па-ранейшаму прадаюць у самавітыя лічбы, але гэта час, каб засяродзіцца на больш даступных канец дыяпазону прадукцыйнасці.
A thick shroud of secrecy surrounds BMWs junior saloon plans. However, Autocar can reveal that the firm is mulling over two disparate strategies.
The first revolves around the existing rear-wheel-drive 1-series. Already offered in three-door and five-door body styles, it will be bolstered next year by the arrival of second-generation coupe and convertible models, to be sold under a new 2-series nomenclature. Proposals call for the rear-drive underpinnings of the 2-series, which will have a slightly longer rear overhang than that of their hatchback siblings, to be used for the new 1-series saloon and possibly an entry-level Touring model.
Другая стратэгія прадугледжвае БМВ новая переднепріводный платформа дыск прадстаўлены на Парыжскім аўтасалоне ў верасні ў якасці асновы для кампактны спартыўны аўтамабіль — канцэпт кампаніі маючых адбыцца пятиместной суперніка мінівэн Мэрсэдэс B-класа.
Сталёвы монокок UKL1 структуры, якія лягуць у аснову будучых мадэляў Mini, таксама ўспрымаюцца як магчымая аснова для 1–й серыі седан, каб канкурыраваць з чатырох-дзвярная версія новага Audi А3, што ў 2011 Жэнеўскі аўтасалон, і swoopy новы Мэрсэдэс CLA, якія прагледжаныя ў гэтым годзе на Пекінскім аўтасалоне ў якасці кампактных спартыўных купэ. Аўтамагістралі A3 і CLA з'яўляюцца базавымі аўтамабілямі для S3 і CLA45 АМГ.
BMW is already planning an M Performance version of the 2-series coupe, likely to be badged M235i coupe. An open-top version based on the new 2-series convertible is likely to follow. But as with the recently introduced M135i hatch, which is sold in both three-door and five-door body styles, BMW sees potential in offering a more practical M Performance saloon as well.
The shortlisted rear-drive BMW platform supports longitudinal engine mounting, and the front-drive one has been conceived around a transverse engine layout. Although the rear-drive platform is considered to be dynamically superior because of its ability to achieve near-perfect front-to-rear weight distribution, it lacks the interior packaging advantages of the front-drive structure. Both have been engineered to take four-wheel drive.
Cost considerations are also a concern. BMW sources suggest that the added processes involved in producing the rear-drive structure make it up to 15 per cent more expensive than the new front-drive platform. However, they also point out that the rear-drive one currently benefits from greater economies of scale because it shares components with the platform used beneath the 3-series, which is still BMWs best-selling model.
Making it front-wheel drive would allow it to be twinned with a rumoured new Mini saloon thats due in 2015.
Although a question mark hangs over which platform BMW will use, its bosses appear to have already settled on four-cylinder power for its new entry-level performance saloon. Details are scarce, but the new unit is described as a development of todays 2. 0-litre turbo engine, the N20 as it is known internally, conceived for both longitudinal and transverse mounting.
With twin-scroll turbocharging, fully variable valve timing, lightweight internals and piezo-guided direct fuel injection, it aims to match the heady levels achieved by the latest version of Audis turbocharged 296bhp 2. 0-litre EA888 engine and AMGs similarly configured 349bhp M132 powerplant.
In its current highest state of tune, the N20 kicks out 242bhp, as in the 128i. For its new entry-level M model, BMW is looking at extracting more than 300bhp from the unit.
The decision to go with four-cylinder power provides a sufficient gap in the line-up to the sixth-generation M3, which is set to switch from its existing naturally aspirated 4. 0-litre V8 to a turbocharged 3. 0-litre straight six.