Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Spy shots: BMW releases official teasers for new X1






It’s reported that in the next couple of years BMW will be releasing a number of its latest models including new variants of its present top selling models and some models that have never been seen yet. The new X1, revealed in spy photos, is a new crucial model of BMW and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The spy shots of the new X1 shows its outlines and curves under the least amount of camouflage. The checkered cladding does obscure the details, but the overall feel of the vehicle is definitely there. Most notable is the completely undisguised grille, and the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Front and rear lights are similar to the 5-Series GT and 7-Series sedan, respectively.

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.

Engine options will range from a 145hp (108kW) 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range-topping 3L turbodiesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter.

Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini

The production version of the X1 will be shown for the first time to the general public at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. Pricing is unknown at this time, but it will most likely be set between the 1 Series and the X3, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark.

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