BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën are set to extend their joint venture operations to include a new small car platform, which could be used to create a front-wheel-drive 1-series as well as the next generation of Minis.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/245478/
Already involved in the joint design and production of four-pot engines for Mini and PSA models, the two firms are working on a deal to build a new modular front-wheel drive platform.

The planned structure will underpin the next-generation Mini range, as well as successors to the Citroën C3 and C4, Peugeot 308 and the forthcoming Peugeot 208.

“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.

But the biggest change would involve the platform’s use in the 1-series. BMW officials have hinted that future incarnations of the 1-series could sit on the same basic structure as the 2013 Mini.

“Nothing is concrete at this stage but discussions are on-going about whether or not BMW should break with the tradition of rear and four-wheel-drive cars,” said a BMW source. “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.”

The platform is said to centre on a front-end module, including the entire engine bay, front suspension and bulkhead, to which each car maker will attach its own rear end. That solution would allow BMW to retain the Mini’s multi-link suspension.

 

So, 1-Series = Mini Cooper?

 

If, that's a big if, the 1-series really moves to FWD I would love to see how the Bimmer fanboys are going to spin it...

 

I would be shocked if FWD actually happened.

 

sounds like BMW is considering some big cost cutting moves, In the future I think we will be seeing a lot more chassis sharing. I knew this was coming

 

I'd rather see them drop the 1-series than move it to FWD. Having FWD at the bottom of the range is the proverbial camel's nose under the tent.

 

I can't wait for my upcoming 1 series.

 

I've spoken to three 1-series owners who had no idea that their car was RWD and I'd wager about 80% of of the buyers are the same.

 

I would think the current twin turbo engine in the 135 has too much torque for FWD. A friend of mine just bought a 135, he absolutely loves that thing. He is single, so it fits his life style. The funny thing is that now he wants to race everybody

 

they could use AWD for those versions.... makes a lot sense. Unlike current 1-series that does not make much sense. Too little space inside and in the trunk is the big problem.

 

BMW is known for handling and steering.
FWD kills both.

 

And that's not even the biggest problem. It'd be damn near impossible to transverse mount an inline six (turbo or not) in a car the size of a 7-series. Doing it in something the size of a 1 is just laughable. If the 1 goes FWD, there will be NO traditional BMW engines available in it--only 4-bangers will fit.

 

Recent BMW articles state that BMW is going to go back to a turbo 4 banger in the 3 series.Maybe as early as the new generation 3's in '12.

 

Not a bad idea for BMW. Right now the 1 series is too similar to the 3 series that its almost pointless, and sales numbers pretty much reflect that. If moving the 1 series to FWD platform can reduce its price and if it can handle as well as mini cooper, its gonna be a major win for BMW.

 

That is a good point, that would mean that BMW will have to get rid of the 6 cyl engine for the 1 series.