Front Wheel Drive BMWs coming...

[Traveler]

No, it's not a joke. I read hints about it last week at Motoring File and just now saw the official news at Paul Tan's blog. BMW “0″ Series Based on the Next Generation MINI?BMW has a hit on their hands with the MINI. But they also have a problem; how to sell more small premium cars. Research is showing that the small premium car category has huge growth potential and that only having one brand offering such a car may be a mistake. BMW’s solution? To based a small front wheel or all wheel drive BMW off of the next generation MINI platform.
Front wheel drive BMWs confirmed by CEOFirst we had a BMW SUV, and then came the turbocharged BMW. And then turbocharging invaded the sacred temple of BMW M, which also spawned not just one but two BMW M SUVs. Today comes the biggest shock of all – there is going to be a front wheel drive car with a BMW badge in the near future.

 

[initialM]

Never mind I'll stick to my old school BMW forever.
Dunno what happen to BMW nowadays. No wonder they exit F1.
Tired of rear wheel & goin front wheel geez:stupid:

 

[John_Smith]

Oh no!
This is like Proton finally makes its power window sturdy and reliable for 10 years usage.

Will the driving pleasure be lost with FWD BMWs?

 

[initialM]

Oh no!
This is like Proton finally makes its power window sturdy and reliable for 10 years usage.

Will the driving pleasure be lost with FWD BMWs?

Of course if I want front wheel, I'll buy AUDI, better built.
Even newer BMW power window not really reliable.

 

[Traveler]

If it's based off the MINI platform I think the driving pleasure should still be there. The MINIs are known for their driving agility. I drive a R56 MINI One (normal suspension) on a semi-regular basis, and I find it's cornering ability to be very good, I routinely take high-speed corners (in city highways) at the same speed as my E90 (M-Sport suspension), and felt the main difference to be a bit more body roll.

From the articles I've read, I'm guessing the move to FWD is to find more interior space, as the RWD systems take up quite a bit of space on smaller vehicle sizes. One of the articles specifically mention the sacrifices in interior space needed for the RWD 1-series.

It appears to me that this is only for the smallest BMW, or whatever is based off the MINI platform. I don't think they would mess with the tried-tested-and-successful formula for the rest of the range.

 

[kevster30]

If anyone can build an involving FWD, you bet it will be BMW. Drive the new minis and you'll understand