The first modern day BMW to be offered with front-wheel drive is almost upon us as the Bavarian car manufacturer is moving ahead with the development of the 1-Series Gran Turismo (GT) that was previewed through the Concept Active Hybrid at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this past September.
The 1-Series GT is a roomier and more practical addition to the 1-Series range that currently comprises the new generation three- and five-door hatchbacks available in both RWD and AWD configurations, and the exclusively RWD older Coupe and Convertible body styles.
For the most part, the production model will remain true to the concept’s styling, though to get the same “wow” effect, buyers will likely have to dig into BMW’s extensive range of packages and extras such as the study’s 20-inch alloy wheels.
We suspect that the 1-Series GT will have, if not an identical, a similar footprint to the concept that is 4,350mm (171.2-inches) long, 1,834mm (72.2-inches) wide and 1,560mm (61.4-inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,670mm (105.2-inches).
BMW’s MPV-like model will ride on the group’s modular UKL1 platform architecture that will also underpin the next generation of Mini cars.
The 1-Series GT will be if not the first, one of the first models in the group to be available with BMW’s new lineup of turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged (TwinPower) engines with outputs ranging from 120hp and 222hp for the gasoline units and between 80hp and 180hp for the diesels.
It is expected that aside from the base front-wheel drive models, BMW’s x-Drive all-wheel drive system will also be available at some point in select models.
Look for the new 1-Series GT to make its world premiere at a major international motor show next year.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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