2009 BMW 1-Series
BMW isn't alone in planning big for a sales rebound in North America: Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes are banking on America and Canada and Mexico to kick in big profits again, someday. But BMW is approaching things a little differently--in part, by plotting a major expansion of North American production and in tandem, a big expansion of its 1-Series lineup.
Today BMW builds two-door coupe and convertible and hatchback versions of the 1-Series; the U.S. gets only the coupe and convertible. That could change with the 2013 BMW 1-Series, which could add sedan, wagon and crossover models as well as a spin-off 2012 Z2 sportscar, according to colleagues at Motor Authority.
The Z2 seems a natural for production, with sportscars approaching a moment of green reckoning: both Porsche and Audi are said to be planning entry-level, four-cylinder roadsters right in step with BMW.
Powertrains for the next-gen 1-Series will likely include small four-cylinders from 1.3 to 2.0 liters, with and without turbocharging. A return of the 3.0-liter six, with and without twin turbos, is also likely, since those models are essential for competition in the luxury-minded U.S. market. Diesels are part of the plan as well, Motor Authority reports.
The first of the new BMW 1-Series vehicles should arrive in European markets in 2011, which likely means a 2013 model year stamp in America.
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