REPORT: BMW developing new 0 Series on Mini platform

[mikeyb]

The BMW 3 Series, once the smallest car in the company's catalog, has grown tremendously over the past few generations. So to meet demand for smaller vehicles, the Bavarian automaker has been continuously cranking out smaller models to slot in below it. Reports now indicate that BMW is preparing a new 0 Series to bridge the gap between the 1 Series and the Mini.

According to the reports, BMW will base the new 0 Series on the next Mini's platform, which tells us two things: first, that it will break with company convention and go front-wheel-drive, and second, that they're planning on developing the next Mini in-house, instead of co-developing it with another automaker. Meanwhile the 0 Series is expected to arrive in three- and five-door hatchback body styles, and potentially (as is usually the case with BMW rumors) breed a compact roadster as well. The point of the 0 Series is to help the company bring down its environmental impact overall, while flipping the same coin to offer premium buyers a smaller, more efficient package.

[Source: CAR Magazine via MotoringFile]

 

[coolmazda5]

Interesting, the idea is clever but I see a problem with the name "0 series", to me zero means nothing, LOL

BTW, How are they gonna call the BMW bicycles, -1 Series?

 

[skylar2ups]

That's a MINI Clubman... so is it based on just the MINI or the streched MINI Clubman?

 

[coolmazda5]

I guess the 0 series has not come out yet, I think they just used that MINI Clubman pic to make the article look prettier, LOL

 

[nealric]

BTW, How are they gonna call the BMW bicycles, -1 Series?

As an aside, I am always baffled by the bicycles crated by car companies. They are, with the exception of the 15k Ferarri bike made by Pinarello, steaming piles of poo. The BMW bike appears to be particularly overpriced and particularly fecal. Why would a luxury automaker defile their name like that?

 

[altspace]

Found this in the local toy store.

 

[mikeyb]

 

[Kymerik]

uhm, 1st off, ugly ass wheels and whats with the bubblebutt?

 

[mikeyb]

O Is The Loneliest Number

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. Its 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, its an answer to Audis 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 thats 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 were 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 ]

 

[Kymerik]

I'd hit that esp with that 1.5L turbo diesel