Go green or go niche – these appear to be the options considered by many automakers in the currently hostile economy. BMW is mulling both of these routes with the company’s top brass mentioning the possibility of a ‘green supercar’ and an even more niche version of the 1 Series.
By Gareth Dean
Speaking with US publication , a company insider divulged that consideration is being given to a two-seater sports car showcasing all of BMW’s green technologies and materials.
”The idea is to take the supercar to a whole new level of environmental compatibility using technology and materials already in wide use today”, said the insider of this model, which is reportedly due to emerge at the end of 2012. This means the new model could sport such features as start-stop technology, lightweight body materials, regenerative braking, direct injection, and possibly a cylinder deactivation system.
There have been rumours that this ‘green supercar’ could take the form of the recently-axed M1 Homage, which was forced to give way to green technology initiative earlier this year. Power could be provided by modified versions of a number of the company’s engines, including the 3,0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, the M3’s 4,0-litre V8, or even the 5,0-litre V10 from the M5/6. The possibility of a hybrid powerplant is also being explored.
although the concept is something of a ‘blue sky’ affair, it is reportedly moving at a fair pace. The timing is certainly viable – a 2012 release would see the project side-step the currently volatile global economic conditions (which are likely to be with us for at least another 18 months, or so) and arrive in a marketplace where green technology and efficiency will be in great demand.
Another model under consideration for a 2012 launch is a ‘shooting brake’ version of the 1 Series. According to Klaus Draeger, BMW’s product development head, the shooting brake would be a lifestyle vehicle similar in concept to the 3-door 1-Series, but would take on the flowing lines and low-slung roof of a two-door coupe.
The project has not yet been given the go-ahead, but it looks like a viable addition to the range when the next 1-Series hits the market in late 2011. The only possible obstacle to this model’s conception would be its potential to cannibalize sales from the company’s Mini Cooper offerings.
