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Friday, May 17, 2013

Spied Up Date: 2014 BMW 2-Series

Posted by Unknown at 8:39 AM

What It Is: New spy shots of the BMW 2-series, which will replace the 1-series coupe and convertible, caught completely uncovered. The 2-series lineup eventually will include both body styles, and they will look less like the current rear-drive 1-series hatchback than ever before, with a unique front-end treatment. The design scheme allows BMW to place its entry-level cars into the hierarchy followed by the 5-series–based 6-series and the upcoming 3-series–based 4-series. Generally speaking (the 6-series Gran Coupe being an anomaly), sedans, wagons, and hatches will wear odd numbers, and coupes and convertibles will wear even numbers. 

No piece of sheetmetal carries over from the current 1-series coupe, but the 2-series doesn’t deviate far from its formula. It continues to be a compact, three-box two-door with rear-wheel drive and the option of powerful engines. The interior is virtually identical to that of the second-generation 1-series hatchback now being peddled outside the U.S. Only the hood for the instrument panel is different from the earlier form, being more rounded. Our photos show the M235i with the M Sport package, including unique interior trim, aggressive wheels, and meaner exterior detailing. Even though we were previously denied a version of the M135i, we’ve heard that the M235i will have a spot in BMW’s U.S.-market 2-series lineup. Base models will likely be badged 228i and come with four-cylinder power, with the M235i being the sole non-M six-cylinder 2er—there will be no regular-grade 235i. 

Why It Matters: The BMW 2-series will have the same marching orders as those of the 1-series coupe and convertible: to introduce new buyers to the brand. A more-efficient base engine will help. The top-dog 2-series will be the rip-snorting M2, but the car’s classic proportions, neat dimensions, and ostensibly sporty dynamics should entice enthusiasts even in sub-M form. 

Platform: Like the previous and current 1-series, this car is derived from BMW’s compact rear-wheel-drive platform. All-wheel drive is a distinct possibility—it’s offered on the Euro 1-series—and if BMW’s U.S. diesel expansion plans prove successful, the company could offer us a diesel 2, as well. It’s worth noting that the 1-series nameplate eventually will migrate to a front-wheel-drive model riding on the same architecture as the next-generation Mini Cooper. 

Powertrains: Engine choices for the U.S. market will be a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four in the 228i, along with the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six tuned to 320 horsepower in the M235i. Happily, there will be a follow-up to the awesome 1-series M coupe, and that car—the M2—will have 360 or more horsepower. It will directly target the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and the upcoming Audi RS3, and we definitely want it to come here. Six-speed sticks should be standard across the board; the regular-strength cars will offer a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. The M2 could be fitted with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Thanks to: Car and Driver

 

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