Another month and more rumors of a possible collaboration between BMW and the French group PSA. While the previous reports revolved around future four-cylinder engines, this time the british magazine Autocar mentioned a joint venture to design a new small car platform which could be used to create a front-wheel-drive 1 Series.
Before we go even further, we would like to mention that the possibility of using the FWD for future 1 Series models is very slim and most likely the small car platform will be used in the Project i programme.
But to continue the report from Autocar, the article mentions a modular front-wheel-drive platform to be used in the next generation MINI, as well as future Citroen and Peugeot models.
“It’s no secret that we have been seeking to extend our joint venture operations. In the end we decided to build on our successful relationship with Peugeot,” said a BMW source. The decision is scheduled to be made public early next year.
The same source mentions on-going discussions on whether or not BMW should break the tradition and history of rear-wheel-drive car. “For many in this company it is a taboo subject. But we have to be realistic with the targets we have set ourselves for fuel consumption and emissions, and they clearly favour a front-wheel-drive solution for 2018”, said the BMW source.
The next generation 1 Series is due in 2012 and the development and design are well underway, so to clarify, these rumors are around a 2018-2019 1 Series.
[Source: Autocar ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/12/04/rumor ... -platform/