Front-Wheel Drive BMW Z2 May Come on 1 Series Platform

BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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43 videos
will have the first vehicles based on its new front-wheel drive platform ready by the end of 2013 and on sale in early 2014. The platform will be used by all of the next generation MiniMINI (BMW)Germany, 2000 > present15 models
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models and even several small BMWs. Making front-wheel drive sexy might be a challenge for a traditionally sporty brand like BMW, and that is why it is working on a front-wheel drive, two-seat roadster tentatively called the Z2. 

If BMW decides to build the tiny roadster, it would take until at least 2015 for it to come to market because the better selling hatchback and sedan models have a higher priority. 

The new platform, called the UKL1, will give BMW a large economy of scale, which will also allow it to sell the cars at a competitive price. While all of the cars will be front-wheel drive as standard, the platform has been engineered to also support all-wheel drive. 

The Z2 will be about the same size as the original Z3BMW Z3Germany, 1995 > 200217 versions
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and built to compete with the next generation Mazda MX-5 MiataMazda MX-5 Gen.3 [NC]Japan, 2006 > 201448 versions
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and Alfa Romeo SpiderAlfa Romeo Spider Gen.1 [916]Italy, 1994 > 200611 versions
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. The car will be powered by BMW's new modular engine family with either the turbocharged 1.5-liter three cylinder or turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder the most likely candidates for the little car. 

BMW teased its first car to use this platform with the Concept Active TourerBMW Concept Active TourerGermany, 2012 > 201240 photos
at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Source: Autocar