[Marauder]

BMW's new platform will create an army of new cars using modular architecture.The platform will be shared by its new FWD cars along with the Mini range.

UKL1: BMW’s massive investment

THE UKL1 platform is a massive investment for BMW, but it is one that could, according to analysts, eventually allow BMW to produce more than 900,000 cars per year. So far, the company has remained tight-lipped about the amount it has invested, but an all-new platform and the equipment needed for four different production sites won’t have been cheap.

UKL1 is a typically modern modular architecture that is expected to come in three wheelbases and at least two different seat heights. As these future product plans show, UKL1 will underpin a very wide range of compact vehicles, from 3.8m to about 4.4m in length.

While the Mini has used a mix of engines over the past 12 years (BMW, Chrysler, Toyota and PSA), BMW has ensured that its new corporate engine range can be mounted both longitudinally and transversely. There will also be a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for the UKL1 cars, but while BMW has built 3-series prototypes with three-cylinder engines, it says it has no production plans for the cars.

UKL1 Minis will be produced at Oxford alongside models from the current Mini range. That will require considerable logistics expertise because the factory will be producing two entirely different model lines. BMW has already said it will also be building the Mini Mk3 at the Nedcar factory in the Netherlands, because sources expect ìa big leap in demandî. BMW will produce the 1-series in Germany and China.

IMO,that is stretching the line-up too much especially the Mini Saloon and 1GT lineup.


http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...r-one-platform

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by Marauder

especially the Mini Saloon

BMW is planning to make a luxury version of the Swift DZire?

Really sad IMO. The others in the range look decent though! I bet the strong fascination for sedans in markets like India & China are forcing them to take this route.

[Ashkait Kapoor]

The idea of a mini saloon is just hideous!
The 1-series saloon is the one to look out for!