From MotorAuthority:
http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-sh...-1-series.html
Copied from the link:
BMW released an updated version of the 1-series compact late last year and since then a suspicious prototype of the car has been captured running around the south of Germany. Until now, we had only seen early development test-mules but the latest shots reveal the first full prototypes for the next-generation 1-series Hatchback.
The current 1-series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in. However, the rear seat room in this new model is expected to be much improved. This may also see BMW finally release a Hatchback version of the 1-series in the all-important U.S. market. A slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model will be present.
Attached to the wheels of this latest prototype, spotted at Germany’s Nurburgring, is a RoaDyn torque sensor that is used to monitor the different forces and torque levels exerted on a specific wheel at different speeds. Interestingly, the data gathered is usually used by engineers to work out varying grip and traction levels in an effort to fine tune a vehicle’s AWD and suspension settings, and ride characteristics.
Personally, I'd ignore the AWD statement and focus on the suspension settings, ride characteristics for the use of the
RoaDyn. But if they stretch the wheelbase, what's the difference between a 1 and a 3, unless the 3 moves to a 5 size wheelbase? Sigh.