Latest from the mouths of the BMW rumor mill are that the German automaker is in development of a small, front-wheel drive hatchback called the 0 Series. It’s said to be slated right between the 1 series and MINI line up to fulfill the needs of customers wanting a smaller, but premium vehicle.
Most notably, it’s an answer to Audi’s all new hatchback, the A1. Although the 0 series goes against conventional BMW driving dynamics, it does share traditional BMW traits and design cues. From the pictures, the 0 Series sports traditional BMW kidney grilles, Hofmeister kink, subtle rear spoiler and sporty (M-like) front bumper.
The power plant will be a 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbo diesel engine boasting 161-hp with an all electric variant said to be available at a later date. The 0 series is said to start at $24,000 and will be available in both three and five door offerings with production beginning in 2012.
We certainly have our doubts when it comes to designation.”The all new 0 series”, for marketing purposes. I could see it being clever for a struggling brand trying to develop a 0 emissions vehicle for the consumer of tomorrow, okay maybe that’s just me being a bit to pessimistic, but for BMW?!
Also the rendering photos above are simply a photoshop attempt to combine the 1,7 and 3 series into a single product.
If indeed we’re going to see a model below the 1 Series, we believe that it will take some elements from the recently revealed Vision Concept, including the hybrid system with three cylinder diesel engines and electric motors.
Of course, this all could be entirely true and BMW could be pulling a fast one on all of its die hard enthusiasts with the introduction of the 0 series. None the less, it should be very interesting to see how this all turns out.
[Source: AutoExpress ]
Author: Joey Babs
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/11/14/0-is- ... st-number/