[SF Dede]

Originally Posted by My E90

This looks really good. If the A3 sells in the US, why can't this?

Couldn't agree with you more. In the SF Bay Area, I see loads and loads of fully optioned Mini's, all types, A3's, GTIs, and now the Lexus CT 200h. Would seem to me everywhere these vehicles sell well would be ideal markets for this car. I recently read that A3 sales figures were roughly 5,000 units for 2010 and with half TDI, and that they increased dramatically last year. The A3 platform and design is ANCIENT to boot. Just don't understand BMW's stance on the F20 sport hatch.

Was thinking of starting a pre-order petition. Anyone think that could help?

[johanness]

What does the number 400 represent?

[Brucewonder]

Who cares about a power bump, give us lci headlights!!!

[TwinPowerF30]

If the 2012 hatch is not coming to the US, then is there a new coupe design then?

[cb4]

What are you going to do for the other 10 months?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by weiweiwei

If the 2012 hatch is not coming to the US, then is there a new coupe design then?

Yes. Current info suggests it will debut about a year after the initial F20 5-door. This will represent a big change from the E8x generation, where the coupe and 3-door hatch followed the 5 door by more than three years.

[Carchitect]

Originally Posted by bmwdinamo

^ 1
this would so sell in U.S

College kids would be all over this. Would make the perfect commuter car.
Why?! BMW, why?!

...college kids can't AFFORD this. Americans love hatchbacks, but most of us only need them in college, and at that point in a persons life they can afford Only a ford/honda hatchback.

Ive always though of hatchbacks as only having a niche in providing for lower income people (i.e. Students, hipsters, etc.).

[BMWDAD]

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...d-5dr-scooped/

[mkoesel]

^^^

A very interesting read. As always, healthy skepticism is warranted, but some surprising points worth repeating are:

- Efficient Dynamics "Phase II" including elextric aux drive
- They considered FWD for this new generation of 1 hatchbacks, and supposedly the next generation will indeed be just that. Previously I was only aware of FWD for "FAST", GT, SAV, van, etc.
- I6 engines for the 1, which at this point means N55 (the only I6 left, soon)
- 3 door in 9 months

One thing that seemed a bit contradicting to me: if the I6 was important enough to tip the scales to RWD for this generation, then how come that won't also dictate RWD for the next generation? So that part seems fishy.

[Strykaas]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

^^^

then how come that won't also dictate RWD for the next generation? So that part seems fishy.

Simply because of sky rocketing gas price. We're living the end of the 'cheap oil' era. And that sucks big time

[Strykaas]

The next coupe in 2013 only !!??