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It seems like our info regarding the future of the car making process over at BMW plants was accurate, as the Germans are planning on using just two highly modular platforms in the future. The rumor was confirmed the other day, during the company’s yearly press address in which future plans and profits for the previous year are discussed.
Surprisingly though, it didn’t came from the CEO or anyone involved in the research, development or even production processes but instead, from an accountant. Excuse us for our rudeness but the one that made the statement was Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, the Member of the Board of Management in charge of financial problems or CFO as others would call him.
To quote his exact words: “The new rear-wheel-drive architecture is virtually ready for series production and will be implemented in our future models.”
That’s the rumored 35up platform or CLAR (Cluster Architecture) that was mentioned over and over again in our spyshots articles. According to our info, this will be the basis for all new rear-wheel drive cars from this year forward from the 3 Series model up in size. That means the 3er, 5er, 7er and even SUVs will be using it.
On the other hand, that’s bad news for us as the 2 Series falls beneath that psychological barrier and it might be turned to an all-wheel drive model. The smallest Coupe BMW is currently making is now in danger of becoming a dull alternative.
The UKL platform is that second one, the part that deals with cars like the MINI range, the 2 Series Tourers and future X1 and whatnots. It also uses B-family engines and allows the cars to be fitted with all-wheel drive systems.
If the 3 Series facelift model will come out this year, that’s going to be one of the cars the Dr. is talking about. Other candidates, that we’ve even seen out testing are the 2 Series Active Tourer, the X1, G11 7 Series and even some MINI models, like the Countryman.
The same layout as on the X5 is expected, with a conventional engine under the bonnet, up front and an electric one encompassed in the gearbox that would allow a range of up to 19 miles (31 km). You can read his full statement in the press release section, below.
To quote his exact words: “The new rear-wheel-drive architecture is virtually ready for series production and will be implemented in our future models.”
That’s the rumored 35up platform or CLAR (Cluster Architecture) that was mentioned over and over again in our spyshots articles. According to our info, this will be the basis for all new rear-wheel drive cars from this year forward from the 3 Series model up in size. That means the 3er, 5er, 7er and even SUVs will be using it.
On the other hand, that’s bad news for us as the 2 Series falls beneath that psychological barrier and it might be turned to an all-wheel drive model. The smallest Coupe BMW is currently making is now in danger of becoming a dull alternative.
The UKL platform is that second one, the part that deals with cars like the MINI range, the 2 Series Tourers and future X1 and whatnots. It also uses B-family engines and allows the cars to be fitted with all-wheel drive systems.
More plug-in hybrid models to come
During the same statement, Eichiner said that “additional models will be fitted with the innovative eDrive system this year.” Since the xDrive40e X5 was launched days before the event he was talking at even took place, we’re expecting more cars of this sort to show up by the end of 2015.If the 3 Series facelift model will come out this year, that’s going to be one of the cars the Dr. is talking about. Other candidates, that we’ve even seen out testing are the 2 Series Active Tourer, the X1, G11 7 Series and even some MINI models, like the Countryman.
The same layout as on the X5 is expected, with a conventional engine under the bonnet, up front and an electric one encompassed in the gearbox that would allow a range of up to 19 miles (31 km). You can read his full statement in the press release section, below.
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