The FWD 1 Series "Compactive Tourer," - the first model in BMW's upcoming lineup of FWD 1 series cars, will be making its world public premiere at the 2012 Paris autoshow in late September, but a purported design diagram of its rear lights has now
been revealed. The FWD 1 series models ride on the UKL platform, which it will share with the upcoming MINI models. It will hit the market sometime in 2013.
Its tail lights appear to feature the floating light bar design seen in recent BMW models. The circular hole behind the light bars will house the brake light and the holes at the bottom of the lights are likely indicator and reverse bulbs.
The FWD 1-series models will join the rest of the 1-series lineup which in the next generation is expected to go all FWD. Meanwhile, the F22 coupe and F23 cabrio (both RWD) are likely to be badged as "2-series".
Will the FWD 1 Series be destined for the US? If Ian Robertson's (BMW AG's board member for sales and marketing) words from the Paris auto show in September 2010 still holds true, these vehicles will have a four-cylinder engine in the United States at launch. At the time he made those comments, Robertson also indicated that he expected significant volume from BMW's future small car lineup, with sales of 100,000 vehicles worldwide a year.
And how will they perform? If MINIs are any judge, these should not be considered "entry level" performance wise, but serious, refined, sporting engined cars.