Autoblog

BMW 2 Series Convertible goes for a drive in the cold

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury

The BMW 2 Series is the car that will eventually replace the 1 Series here in the United States (remember: the 1 Series moniker will live on to describe the hatchback models in other markets), and while we've seen the new coupe out on the prowl, we're now seeing the droptop version out on the road. We don't have much information about the new 2er models, only that they are expected to bow sometime in 2014.

Dimensionally, the new 2 Series convertible looks very similar in size to its outgoing 1 Series kin, with things like the roofline and roof shape looking nearly identical. Of course, reworked front and rear fascias are immediately noticeable, and judging by what little we can see, it appears as though the small BMW will take many of its design cues from the larger 3 Series rather than the oft-awkward-looking 1 Series hatch that's currently available in Europe.

Assuming things are still on track for 2014, we won't rule out a possible debut in Geneva, though the Frankfurt expo in September makes even more sense.

BMW 2 Series Convertible goes for a drive in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 2 Series spied on the road

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, BMW

Following the introduction of the newly named BMW 4 Series, we knew it wasn't going to be long before BMW renamed its entry-level car to following this new naming system, too. Here's our first look at the 2014 2 Series, formerly known as the 1 Series coupe, strutting for the camera.

Based on these shots of the 2 Series coupe, the big changes (aside from the new name) in store visually might be limited to the front- and rear-end as the roofline and window openings look very similar, if not the same, to the current 1 Series. There is no information about the new 2 Series Coupe, but since this prototype does appear to be in final testing stages, our previous report of the car coming for 2014 looks to be holding up.

BMW 2 Series spied on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW replacing 'is' with M Performance models

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

Since the end of the Detroit Auto Show this year we've been getting more details on the coming line of M Performance vehicles from BMW. Taking their spots between the standard line and the true M vehicles, examples like the 2012 BMW X6 M50d and M550d xDrive (neither of which will come here) get tweaks developed by the M division under the hood, in the cabin and around the exterior, mated to traditional items like torque converter automatic transmissions instead of dual-clutch gearboxes.

Their arrival here is planned for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show starting with the M235i coupe (the coupe and convertible versions of what we know now as the 135is, pictured), and when that happens a report in Car and Driver says M Performance models will replace the "is" trim as the next-generation BMWs are being introduced. That would mean cars like the 335is become the M335i sedan and M435i coupe and convertible. Initial M flavors right now are expected to include the Z4, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Series.

The original announcement from BMW claimed that the M Performance vehicles would receive "exclusive engines," but the C/D report suggests that might not be the case. The mag also says that we'll see the M335i or M435i as soon as next year.

BMW replacing 'is' with M Performance models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M Performance models bound for U.S.

Michael Harley — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW's new M Performance models, enthusiast-tuned vehicles slotted below the hardcore M models but above the standard lineup, will start rolling into the States in early 2014. First in line will reportedly be the M235i coupe, set to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, according to Autoweek.

As BMW is renaming the coupe and convertible models the 2 Series (the hatchback will retain its 1 Series nomenclature), the M235i coupe will be the official successor to the 1 Series M Coupe (shown above) which quickly sold out in our market last year after just 600 examples were offered for sale (worldwide, the production run was 6,000 units).

Autoweek is reporting that the M235i coupe will be fitted with BMW's N55 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 316 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive may be offered in some markets. Eventually, the automaker is expected to add an M235i convertible with a cloth roof and the same powertrain and driveline as the coupe.

BMW M Performance models bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW copyrights 2 Series, X2, M7, M10, etc.

Zach Bowman — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, BMW, Luxury

BMW looks to be on something of a name-grabbing spree. The German automaker has reportedly trademarked a number of new vehicle names, including 2 Series, X2, M7 and M10 among others. Of course, just because a manufacturer lays claim to a name doesn't mean there's a production model around the bend, but the monikers at least give us an idea of what's being thrown around conference tables in Munich. While names like 2 Series, X2 and M7 are no real shock given the rumors we've heard as of late, it is interesting to ponder what an M10 might be.

The German manufacturer also planted its flag on awkward names like Compactive, Compactive Tourer and Urbanic. All of those badges could conceivably find a home on the new line of front-wheel drive BMW models set to be introduced in the near future. Check out the full list of trademarked names over at E90Post.com.

BMW copyrights 2 Series, X2, M7, M10, etc. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #282

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Podcasts, Wagon, BMW, Chrysler, Honda, Volkswagen

Carroll Shelby's passing, BMW 3 Series Wagon, Porsche sub-Boxster/Pajun, Google car in public, BMW 2 Series

Episode #282 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan and Zach chat about the passing of industry legend Carroll Shelby, the BMW 3 Series Wagon that's coming soon, Porsche and its rumored small five-door, Pajun (along with plans for a baby Boxster), Google's self-driving car getting the go-ahead to roam Nevada's streets, and the coming BMW 2 Series. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #282:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Chrylser 300 AWD
2012 Honda Fit Sport
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:23:51

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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #282

Autoblog Podcast #282 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 2 Series coming in 2014

Zach Bowman — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, BMW, Luxury

CAR magazine reports BMW is hard at work on crafting the next-generation 1 Series Convertible. When it bows, the machine is expected to carry with it an all-new nomenclature, doing away with the 1 badge in favor of a new 2 Series emblem. This isn't the first time we've heard of BMW filling in its model line with both 2 and 4 Series models, nor the first hint that the 1 Series Convertible will be reborn as the 2 Series. CAR does supply a few more details however, stating that the 1 and 2 will be separated largely by a few sheetmetal tweaks. That means we can expect to see more or less the same engine options behind the headlights.

Why bother changing the naming structure at all? According to CAR, BMW is attempting to get its fleet more inline with those of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which use a hierarchical structure to differentiate less premium models from pricier hardware. The report suggests buyers can expect to see the new 2 starting in 2014, complete with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW 2 Series coming in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW thinks FAST

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Hatchback, BMW

BMW loves long strings of characters that somehow swirl together to create the name of a specific vehicle in its lineup. We don't, however, and would love to see names like the Z4 sDrive35is give way to easier-to-understand nomenclature, alphanumeric or no. To that end, our spy photographers have managed to snap some shots of a new hatchback/wagon that could help restore a bit of naming sanity, and it goes by the nickname FAST.

Those four letters are the shortened version of Family Active Sports Tourer. We'd prefer to call it a wagon, but FAST (the model's internal designation according to AutoExpress), is far better than BMW 1 Series Family Active Sports Tourer Fdrive30iT... or whatever the company's marketers would prefer to call it.

Speculation is that the BMW FAST will take over for the 1 Series, which itself will soon graduate to become 2 Series. This new wagon will utilize a front-wheel-drive platform that's shared with the next crop of Mini vehicles. Rumor has it that an all-wheel-drive version will also be made available. We're not counting on it keeping the FAST designation when it reaches showrooms, but either way, look for this creature to arrive by 2013.

Spy Shots: BMW thinks FAST originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to rename 1 and 3 Series coupes as 2 and 4 Series

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW

2011 BMW 335i coupe and cabrio - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Mercedes-Benz has been steadily re-integrating its four-seat coupes and cabrios into their corresponding sedan ranges, BMW is reportedly preparing to go the other way. Word from Car Magazine has it that the Bavarian automaker is preparing to launch the next-generation versions of its 1 Series and 3 Series coupes and convertibles as the 2 Series and 4 Series, respectively.

The move would correspond well to the 6 Series, the coupe and convertible that sits between the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. It's not the first time BMW has considered such a move, having come close to spinning the two-door 3 Series into a 4 Series about a decade ago.

Audi recently completed a similar shift, replacing the A4 convertible with the A5. That model has since spawned a five-door Sportback, in whose company BMW may soon find itself with the 3 Series GT that may likewise be badged as a 4 Series.

BMW to rename 1 and 3 Series coupes as 2 and 4 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW files trademark for M2

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Rumormill

2011 BMW 1 Series M - Click above for high-res image gallery

We already told you that BMW has decided to limit production of the 1 Series M, making it a one-year proposition. Now, we may know a bit more about this decision. The German automaker has reportedly filed trademarks on the terms "M2" and "BMW M2." Where is the 2 Series upon which these terms could apply? Rumor has it that the next-generation BMW 1 Series will grow up and become the 2 Series.

Of course, a BMW 2 Series is not a foregone conclusion, but it's always a wise idea to stay a step ahead. At the very least, BMW is making sure that the M2 name will be ready should it choose to go the 2 Series route.

BMW files trademark for M2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW planning rear-wheel-drive 2 Series?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

Consider our fingers crossed. With all of the talk of front-wheel-drive BMW models coming down the pike, we simply assumed that the future of small German hatchbacks with roundels on the hood would be littered with soulless heaps. According to the sleuths over at Car and Driver, however, that's not the case. After discovering that BMW had filed for U.S. patents for the names 228, 230 and 235, someone at BMW let it slip that the new 2 Series would, in fact, send its power to the aft. But hold onto your teacups, kids, it gets better.

BMW has also filed for a patent for the M2 moniker.

Now, we know as well as anyone that a patent doth not a production vehicle make, but it's still exciting to know that BMW isn't walking away from the notion of a smallish, fun-to-drive model anytime soon. Supposedly the company is planning a rash of models positioned below the current 1 Series to help decrease its corporate average fuel economy, but the news of a rear-wheel drive model with an M badge on the back goes a long way toward salving any ails inflicted by the thought of a front-wheel-drive Bimmer.

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW planning rear-wheel-drive 2 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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