Thursday, September 13, 2012

BMW 1 Series GT (Compactive Tourer Concept)

AutoBild Magazine recently leaked an image of the not yet released BMW 1 Series GT also known as the Compactive Tourer Concept. The 1 Series GT will be the first Front Wheel Drive BMW with a lineup of FWD 3 Cylinder BMW models to follow. The BMW 1 Series GT has not yet been confirmed for North America, the size should be similar to the MINI Countryman. We will inform you if we hear of more firm details, for the mean time enjoy our composite render below based on the Autobild Leaked images.




About the new 3 Cylinder units - The design principles are basically common for all of BMW's in-line units, with optimized cylinder modules, each featuring a displacement of 500 cc each.

Thus, the three-cylinder has a 1.5-liter capacity, the four-cylinder is a 2.0-liter and the six-cylinder is 3.0-liters. Moreover, the power developed in each cylinder is between 30 and 55 kW (40-74 HP) and torque from 60 to 80 Nm (44-59 lb-ft) for the petrol engines and 20-45 kW (27-60 HP) and 75-110 Nm (55-81 lb-ft) for the diesel units.

Engines of the same fuel type share 60 percent of their parts, whereas petrol and diesel engines have a 40 percent parts commonality.

The first member of TwinPower family is the 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit. According to the figures provided, the petrol versions will deliver between 120 and 222 HP and 180-240 Nm (133-177 lb-ft) of peak torque, while the diesels will be rated between 80HP and 180 HP and 225-330 Nm (165-243 lb-ft) of torque.

BMW claims that the 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo engines are extremely fuel efficient and provide high low-end torque and rapid response. It adds that the “half of a six-cylinder” unit is free of first-and second-order inertial forces while roll torque, much smaller than the six-cylinder, is eliminated by the use of balancer shaft.

According to the carmaker, the addition of a torsional vibration damper results in a "remarkably smoothly-running engine", while it also points out that it will sound good.

"Because the frequency of the sound of a three-cylinder engine increases 50 percent faster than that of a four-cylinder, the engine is perceived as being extremely vivacious and sporty," said BMW in a statement. - Andrew Tsaousis of Carscoop