The BMW->ke178 GT (Gran Turismo) family has been growing steadily since the introduction of the 5-series GT in 2010. Earlier this month we saw what will become the 6-Series Gran Coupe which seems to be the more mature GT car. Now Munich has been busy working on a Gran Turismo version of the 1-Series->ke313 and it was recently spotted with camouflage. From what we can gather, it almost looks like a Nissan Versa that has been stuck in the copier then blown up about 25%. The very upright frame combined with a somewhat dull rake helps accent this look.

This baby Beemer is slated to hit the market in 2014 (in either three or five door models) and according to Car and Driver , this hatchback will most likely be powered by turbocharged three and four cylinder engines that "will produce anywhere from 75 to 200 horsepower." This power will be routed to the - gasp! - front wheels. While BMW-philes will scoff at this drivetrain, the Chairman of the Board for BMW Norbert Reithofer pointed out "... For these new vehicles we could envisage developing a common architecture for both front- and four-wheel drive.”

When this hatchback appears on the market it will offer stiff competition from the Mercedes B-Class->ke2751 as well as the VW Golf->ke164. It will give consumers a more luxurious option than the Golf and, after the engineers from Munich have fretted and fiddled with the suspension and powertrain, it will make this tall hatchback live up to the BMW reputation.

2014 BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW 1-Series Gran Turismo
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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