|
|
|
|
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
08-09-2007, 11:08 PM | #1 |
New Member
9
Rep 20
Posts |
1 Series will be the benchmark, which automaker will be the next to follow?
So I'm sure the 1 series will be a hit. Even with the odd placed single cupholder in the front (maybe they have cupholders in the space in the middle of the backseat?).
My question is which automaker will be the next to follow that will also produce a high powered sedan at such a niche pricepoint (and export it to NA)? I'd like to see a Lexus variant of the I series sedans with "F" treatment. Maybe in a nice coupe format. It's going to be exciting for us consumers in the next 10 yrs to see the ripple affect the 1 will have on the auto industry. I'm sure Honda (Acura), Mercedes, Audi, Lexus etc....will be looking to produce a car with similar power and price point. Only time will tell, things can only get better! :drinking: |
08-10-2007, 07:19 AM | #3 |
Enlisted Member
1
Rep 48
Posts |
I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch...I have yet to see the official pricing on NA cars and BMW is notorious for their options list.
Audi S3 has traditionally been a strong competitor in EU, albeit a pricey one. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-10-2007, 09:33 AM | #4 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 36
Posts |
I hesitate to use the term "benchmark" at this early point, given that no one outside of the BMW organization has driven or compared the 1 series with other autos. True objectivity really isn't possible for human beings (we all view the world with some biases), but I would still prefer to hear from some folks outside of BMW who have compared the 1 before calling it a benchmark.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-10-2007, 10:13 AM | #5 |
Moderator
556
Rep 4,240
Posts |
I expect competitors from Audi first and then Mercedes. I personally believe it would be INCREDIBLY HARD for Infiniti, Lexus, or any other luxo japenese competitor to come up with something. Mainly because it would overlap there non luxo-offerings such as Nissan and Toyota.
**On a side note, I can easily see it being a benchmark. Its the only car in its class. And with the N54 and typical BMW characteristics then its a no brainer.
__________________
- 04 Honda S2000(gone)
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-10-2007, 10:42 AM | #6 |
Large Member
160
Rep 937
Posts |
The 1-Series will get cross shopped against lots of cars. There is performance and price overlap between it and the Evo/STi. People who don't need the backseat will cross shop it with the 350Z. Others will cross shop it with the Mustang/Camaro/Challenger. Still others with the A3 and R32.
There's nothing else like the 1-Series on the market, true, but it overlaps in certain ways with lots of other desirable cars. For me, it represents the best of all worlds. Others will no doubt come to different conclusions. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-10-2007, 10:58 AM | #7 |
Private First Class
36
Rep 145
Posts |
I don't know if anyone would call this competition, but Acura is supposed to be bringing out the next generation TSX with a turbo-charged engine (270+ bhp) and AWD. I know this is all still speculation, but thought I'd stick to the subject of the thread and find an up-and-coming competitor to the 1-series :wink: |
Appreciate
0
|
08-10-2007, 11:08 AM | #9 | |
Private
2
Rep 98
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 07:43 AM | #11 |
Private
0
Rep 86
Posts |
It is tough to predict. It is in its own league. Interestingly, rumour has it that Toyota is planning to bring back AE86 to the market in the next few years... The picture I saw was not as attractive, but the formula is there. And it should be significantly cheaper than BMW.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 07:55 AM | #12 |
Enlisted Member
2
Rep 30
Posts |
Regarding the 1er cabrio: Audi A3 cabrio is coming in the Spiring 2008. No words on A3 coupe though. Perhaps in the next generation A3 - especially if / when 1er coupe proves to be a hit.
Btw, some German magazines also reported a while ago next generation MB B-class would also come as classic coupe & cabrio, beside mini-van variant (original B-class variant) - not sure if in FWD or RWD layout. C-class SportCoupe would be ditched in that case. Also a B-class based SUV was reported (BLK?). IMO Also Romeo will also come with some sort 149-based RWD coupe & cabrio. Lexus, Infiniti, Acura? Who knows ... :iono: |
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 08:16 AM | #13 |
Lieutenant General
2146
Rep 10,176
Posts |
The Alfa Romeo Brera is already the 1er competitor in other markets, and one of the sexiest cars on the planet. It's coming to the US in 2010.
IMO, an A3 in coupe form does not have enough power to be a competitor, and Audi will be not wanting to add more power and sap S3 sales. It's certainly going to be interesting if the 1er sells as well as we think it will. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 08:48 AM | #15 | |
Large Member
160
Rep 937
Posts |
Quote:
The problem for the 135i is that it will be getting pressure from all over the place. Lots of cheaper hot hatches and coupes are available with 85% of the 1er's performance at 2/3 the cost. That will drive some buyers down market. Then there is competition from above the 1er (335i, upcoming S4, etc) that will pull some people up market. And don't forget about the STI and Evo that will pull some buyers away, as well. I can't wait to order my 1er. I'm first on my dealer's deposit list. But I don't think we know, at this point, that the 1er will be a massive success. There are a lot of variables in play. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 09:13 AM | #16 | |
No longer moderate
325
Rep 4,401
Posts |
Quote:
BMW has publicly stated that they want to engage younger buyers raised on Japanese cars. How they do that (features & pricing) will determine how successful they'll be. I suspect that the 128i pricing will be more critical to sucess in the US than the 135i pricing will be though. One thing we haven't heard yet is what the projected mix of 128i/135i sales will be in the US. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 09:29 AM | #17 | |
Banned
23
Rep 1,356
Posts |
Quote:
+10 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 09:33 AM | #18 | |
Captain
42
Rep 611
Posts |
Quote:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/carg..._v_rivals.html :roundel: |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 09:44 AM | #19 | |
Large Member
160
Rep 937
Posts |
Quote:
...but if the 135i was a "reach" for me, I might be very happy with one of the current crop of hot hatches instead. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 10:04 AM | #20 | |
Lieutenant General
2146
Rep 10,176
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2007, 10:21 AM | #21 | |
No longer moderate
325
Rep 4,401
Posts |
Quote:
(FWIW, for continuity reasons, I mirrored the image on purpose.) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|