Here is an announcement previously posted on GermanCarZone on 16/03/07.
It gives you all the info in the marketing direction of the 1er Coupe and it's nomenclature.
Although the purpose of this text was to be a clandestine announcement of the (then) incoming BMW Concept CS.
Quote:
" Forwards not Backwards" : BMW Group into 2010 and Beyond. (updated)
Today I attended a marketing meeting concerning a very exciting project agenda within the BMW Group.
I will update in due course of what I am allowed to reveal.
Many new models were confirmed and ideas from basic strategies and designers visions were proposed and presented to marketing.
First of all it is now definite that BMW have decided to call their baby Coupe and Cabrio series as 1er. The 2er which was strongly proposed as their was quite a few arguments for this nomenclature. Most importantly was the design connection and overall purpose to be a modern day incarnation of the 2002, as both the 2002 and the new Coupe share the same "Bath Tub" shoulder line.
There is an M1 and it is a classic but now BMW believe that because their successful small car the 1er is very much an important part of it's current and future model strategy It is right to move forwards and not backwards with the 1er . So their will be a M1 based on the 1er Coupe using a new six cylinder engine expected to deliver round about 350 PS BMW also announced that when the time comes there will be a M1 concept car.
Which all future M-Cars in Coupe form will feature the Reinforced Carbon Fibre Roof and additional CSL model for more hardcore performance and dynamics . BMW M is to become the pinnacle for BMW's "Efficient Dynamics" programme
in the greater flexibility of utilising lightweight materials , body panels and cutting edge technology to become the most efficient and dynamic cars in it's segment.
The success and nostalgia of the 2002 is highly evident in North America and BMW want to tap into this area of 2002 owners who have never felt there is a car in the current BMW product line that has great simularities with the 02 series. Although the key market will be the youth segment people moving up to their first car "their first BMW"
Also we want to target the progression from MINI . In europe for example young People have progresssed from MINI Cooper-MINI Cooper S - BMW 1er again we are hoping for a similar effect with the North American debut of the 1er Coupe and Cabrio. initially only Coupe and Cabrio models will be available in the North American/Canadian market there is no plans to introduce the 3dr or 5dr model to these markets. BMW will release teaser adverts annoucing the arrival of the 1er to North America prior to it's debut : for example one will contain the headlights of the 1er with the caption " Some say that if you look into someone's eyes you can see their soul....we can..." and in the headlights is the 2002.
The Coupe and Cabrio are as you say the "Acid Test" for North America and Canada if successful then the next generation of 1er models which will emulate the current platform variants that have been-or-still-to-be-launched and additional models such as a Roadster an X1 lifestyle vehicle and an F1 CSV (Compact Sport Vehicle).
The next expansion will be for the X-series first up with the SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) The BMW X6. And BMW are very excited about this car because it is a trendsetter . With Manufacturers unleashing their SUV Coupe Concepts from Detroit-Frankfurt illustrates how much this idea is taking off it is very radical project from a company such as BMW that maintains it's conservatism as it's status.
The X6 is radical because it has been developed as a performance car - X-drive and additional driver aids will be promoted for the X6 as for more control . Technology being introduced in the X6 will make this stand out by offering road orientated performance and dynamics.
The X6's success will determine if the additional X6 models such as a Coupe and Cabrio get the green light. But first will be BMW M's first foray into the non Sedan ,Coupe and cabrio market The X6-M again as this is a Coupe model a Carbon Fibre Roof will feature strongly in it's weight saving plan.
Expected to be powered by an upgraded V10 engine BMW will position the X6-M right into the bowels of performance Coupe owners with families and the need for luggage space.Although the sloping coupe roof line of the X6 suggests headroom is not going to be class leading their will be space for four The dash design will be similar to owners of the X5 but be more upright and driver orientated.
There is no chance of BMW reinstating the X7 project as BMW believe the X5 is sufficient for the US Market. A small mid size X4 will sit above the next X3 which becomes more sport orientated and dynamic looking with sloped back roof and shallow glass area - It will still look like a SAV but will be more dynamic looking than today's X3.
Update #1:
After the huge risk BMW took in the late nineties with the X5 and the introduction of a new series of models under the X-badge although with only the X3 , the new X5 and the incoming X6 The X-Series has not expanded as much until now .
Today BMW consider the next ambitious series called "F" will be more risky than introducing the first X series model the X5.
Although the X5 had to wait to be established before committing to a smaller X3 model , BMW are prepping a series of models under their core products the 5er , 3er and the 1er.
With the F5 known internally as RFK , the F3 known internally as "Coupe Space" and the F1 known as CSV or Compact Sport Vehicle. Of these projects F5 will arrive first and will be positioned above the 5er Touring . Known all to well that the Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse has not exactly set it's target market (North America) on Fire .
BMW are aiming the F5 at the European market and differing the F5 from the R-Klasse in not only looks but promising true car like dynamics and handling with the latest high performance engines BMW have to offer.
F5 which it's styling has already been internally leaked to the outside world showcases a low slung coupe like vehicle a cross between a Coupe and a shooting brake , shallow glass area and an aggressively styled front facia with angled snake eye slits for headlamps and a dramatic wide kidney grille with titanium facings. The RFK will also be the first BMW to incorporate "Suicide doors" The F5 will be offered with 5 seats initially - The rear packaging is the most interesting feature which features a centalized rear seat seat forward from the individual rear seats . BMW will also offer a seven seat option similar to the X5 and intended for child use only. Given the sole demographic BMW are aiming for the RFK will be the first non M-BMW to offer a Carbon fibre roof the results this brings to the F5 keeping the weight and the car's center of gravity down is nothing short of appealing - BMW say that we make Sporty Dynamic cars such as Compacts,sedans,Coupes,Roadsters,Tourings and SAV's The RFK will be no different.
The RFK will be part of the four vehicles BMW are developing to bridge the gap to Rolls-Royce. Along with the RFK , There will be the Z10 Roadster and the next 7er and BMW's exciting four door Coupe the Z9.
Whilst everyone is answering to the question that has been successfully answered by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse BMW are concentrating on making their interpretation as further upmarket as possible , positioning it above the 7er and aiming straight at Porsche's Panamera and Aston Martin's Rapide in fact if BMW acquired Aston Martin then the Rapide would be the car we are talking about, alas they did not and Z9 will replace that piece of the jigsaw.
The Z9 will be based on architecture and platform modules from the next 6er Coupe and the next 7er . The Z9 is aiming right at the Panamera by offering a strong four door Coupe shape with strong sloping roof line and short rear deck . Z9 will be the Flagship for BMW in style , performance , luxury and dynamics , Uniquely for this car it will receive a four door suicide set up with hidden rear handles and entry points located internally. Space will be limited to four and the interiors will be prepared by BMW's "Individual" programme . The Z9 will basically be a Coupe version of the Z10 Roadster which will feature a folding hardtop roof using Painted Carbon Fibre.
Both cars share the same front end and rear end styling with a very wide Kidney grille , small aggressive shaped lights and the rear with wrap around lights similar to the California Spyder project - Z10 and Z9 will bridge BMW to Rolls-Royce's sedan below the Phantom - The Seraph.
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