[Mark]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

2012 BMW 1-Series Hatch (F20) spied in Red with her hood showing!

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BMW gave us a real treat in the Arctic north today! Sure sure, this is another set of pictures of the F20 1-Series hatch, but look closely, there is something new and different here. BMW had previously removed almost all the masking tape from the hood to give us an advance snapshot of the styling language we should expect to see on the next generation 1-Series and 3-Series. However, before the cars were a bland silver color which hid the true depth to the styling. Now with a sparkling red color, we can see the depth in the lines of the hood.

From the first look, this is the most sculpted hood ever seen on a 1-Series (not hard with only 1 Generation), or even a 3-Series for that matter, and takes a tangential design direction from the F01 7-Series, F10 5-Series and even F25 X3 hood design. The hood on this car has the raised edges as on the aformentioned series cars, but the edges have been substantially softened to give a much more flowing effect. A new central column is now raised (whereas it is sunken by sharp lines on the F10), giving a very very sporty effect and is reminscent of the Fisker Karma.

Just a quick note before someone makes a comment about it. The headlights are not as massive as you may think they are from looking at the pictures. BMW has cleverly masked the headlights into a strange shape as an illusion, to make you think they are giant L shaped pieces. In fact, if you look closely you can see that these headlights are somethin more akin to the pieces you would see on the 5-Series GT.

The overall effect is too give the new 1-Series a much more upmarket elegant/sport visual appeal; I have to assume the same styling language will be seen on the other parts of the car that are still covered up. BMW has long talked about stepping up the quality and attention to detail on this car, as the 1-Series is expected to make a bigger part of the sales pie for the next generation.

Both cars are due out later this year, with the 1-Series hatchback (a car not likely to come to the USA) expected to make its World Premiere at the Frankfurt Autoshow in September (http://www.bimmerpost.com/future-bmw/).

In usual BMW fashion, the Coupe body style (F22?) should arrive roughly 1 Year later, and would be expected as a 2013 model. BMW M will also have its hands at the new 1-Series and an M version should arrive 2 Years after the arrival of the hatchback this year. Rumors have been afloat as to whether the next generation 1-Series Coupe would indeed be spun off as its own series, presumably the 2-Series, which opens the door for the 1M to be renamed more properly as the M2.

I've included a snapshot of the 1-Series and next generation 3-Series (F30) next to each other to demonstrate how far along in development the new 1 is compared to the 3!

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[dmboone25]

I think the headlights are going to look awesome.

The hood looks nice as well. Very promising.

[Diver]

Interesting shots. The real question is whether the 1 series will be available with any I6 engine.

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by Diver

Interesting shots. The real question is whether the 1 series will be available with any I6 engine.

it will not. all NA I6 are currently being replaced by FI 4cylinders. As the N55 is only offered in the coupe, I doubt they will bring it in the F20

[rori zahr]

I think the next next generation 1Series coupé is gonna be a killer.
rippled hood, hide kidneys a-la-Z4...
uffffffff, can't wait to see it

[JB135MDCT]

Looking more like a 3er. The 1er is loosing it's mojo.

[Itanius]

At least it's rear wheel drive.

[wilstave]

Originally Posted by jmikeh

Tasty as hell. Too freaking bad we won't ever see this car in the States.

why will this never make it to North America?

[positiveions]

if it does make it to the states, it will have a TT 4 bangers

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by wilstave

why will this never make it to North America?

Because BMW thinks we'd rather have an X1. Seriously.

[magbarn]

Originally Posted by wilstave

why will this never make it to North America?

Clueless BMW Marketing.

[IE#02]

The hood design has a hint of the old e30 hood in it.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Itanius

At least it's rear wheel drive.

How do you know that? Maybe they put the snow chains on the wrong axel! lolol <jk>

[Kart]

BMWNA should bring it to USA - Canada. I'm sure it will sell well with a decent engine. My wife will buy one... We have been harassing our sells rep so much with this.... The current hatchback 1 series sells well in Mexico. It will also make competition to the A3.

Why did they put snow chains on the mule?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Kart

Why did they put snow chains on the mule?

Gonna go ahead and guess that it has something to do with the white precipitation on the ground. Just a hunch.

[MCM]

Hello,
Any news if the new F20 2012 will have larger leg room for rear pasengers?

[Mark]

Originally Posted by MCM

Hello,
Any news if the new F20 2012 will have larger leg room for rear pasengers?

No official figures are out yet, but judging by the pictures, the 1er is growing by a few inches, and most certainly that extra space will be used for the rear legroom, as that is the tighest part of the car right now

[FDM68]

Can any one say VW Scirocco???? New ones that is.....This could pass as a 4 door.....

[Niro]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I think the headlights are going to look awesome.

The hood looks nice as well. Very promising.

Agree re. the hood/ bonnet, but I can't fathom how you have deduced the look of the headlights!!

[taYab]

I am not sure why put 5 doors instead of 3 doors?
What would this have unique market value compare to 3 series 5 doors?
or possible x1?

[WAY]

One thing is for sure, this is now a big car as opposed to the first gen 1 hatch which is quite compact.

[Mark]

Its bigger, but I wouldnt classify it as a 'big' car just yet, its still smaller then a 3 series, has the potential to be something really great if they got the driving dynamics right