[Jason]

From Scott26:

X , Y , Z.

The X series identifies the range of Sport Activity Vehicles , such as X5 , X3 , X6 and very soon the X1.
The Z series identifies the range of Sporting Roadsters namely the Z4 but in the future the Z2.
Where does Y come into play.

It has been identified that certain customers were looking for something more sporting with their SAV's, Which although the liked the X5 there was something missing in regards to how the X5 was anonymous in concept along with the X5's competitors. One shape for each marque which brought the question for the purpose of the X6 The Worlds first Sport Activity Coupe.

Even after the introduction of the BMW X6 some customers have been identified who might want a bit more identity and creativity with a Sport Activity Coupe. Something with two doors rather than three an interesting new concept of Sport Activity Coupe which would be dynamic , lighter and more personal as a smaller Sport Activity Coupe.

Identified as a Concept and a creative idea. The Y series aims to be the hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z model. By being based within the the 1er portfolio BMW can be very cost efficient with an entirely new concept of car . First proposals showcase a small sedan like coupe shape with a raised driving position but not to much ground clearence. The Glasshouse is very shallow with a glass solar roof that will in theory retract down to the rear windshield offering a wide open Targa style roof.
Solar technology will be introduced on the next generation 1er as an Efficient Dynamics feature.

When it was shown , many recoiled in horror but in truth the DNA of the BMW Xcoupe Concept can be found in not only both incarnations of the Z4 Roadster but also the BMW X6. The idea of a combination of an X vehicle with the looks of a small coupe or roadster has been very much on the agenda since the Xcoupe was unveiled. Strictly billed as a niche model , not a volume model would help the Y create a key market as a unique unconventional choice as seen with the X6.

Although strictly as a two seater , the interior will be very sport orientated and feature such materials such as neoprene and synthetic shark skin type stretched materials like a zepplin shell over an all aluminium dashboard and the structure of the two seats..

In the future BMW will set out to gain focus on such a idea with a design concept in the near future, If the idea is well received then expect to see the Y on the roads in a few years time. For now it is a proposal of creativity.

Also described as:

Y is a slim car .... It's basically a speedster / roadster with AWD with an inch or two higher riding height.

Like an Roadster Allroad.


Perhaps something similar to an x-coupe?

[Draman]

Originally Posted by Jason

From Scott26:


Also described as:

Y is a slim car .... It's basically a speedster / roadster with AWD with an inch or two higher riding height.

Like an Roadster Allroad.


Perhaps something similar to an x-coupe?

Attachment 275008

Something about that concept reminds me of an RX-8.

[Year's_End]

...

[bigslick82]

Originally Posted by Jason

From Scott26:


Also described as:

Y is a slim car .... It's basically a speedster / roadster with AWD with an inch or two higher riding height.

Like an Roadster Allroad.


Perhaps something similar to an x-coupe?

Attachment 275008

So it's basically like a Murtaya, which uses the underpinning of a STI?

[YYdoodle]

I saw this post from another bmw insider and thought it was a pretty good reasoning for bmw rolling out all these niche models:

Core models & lines will still be there - for those who want traditional shapes.

But there will be also various adventurous niche vehicles available - low-volume sellers - for those who want a bit more special cars.

So, a win-win situation.

And all the niche vehicles will prove the innovative, avant-garde & pioneer nature of BMW brand. And all the vehicles will still be very BMW: sporty, dynamic, modern, prestigious, a joy to drive, ....

But as said: all the niche vehicles will be NICHE - meaning selling in low volumes. But very important for the company from the profitability point of view. Generating extra profits - since such vehicles are extremely profitable from day one.

It's a well thought strategy - which will keep the brand alive for a LONG, LONG time.

BMW again pushing the boundaries ...

It's the same old scenario again, like when people foretasted Armageddon for BMW when an SUV (X5) was launched, when new avant-garde Bangle designs were introduced, when "ugly" 6er & 1er & X3 were introduced, when X6 was introduced, when 5er GT was introduced, when X1 was introduced etc. And - how come - all the models are selling well.

And even in the worst-time-ever for automotive industry BMW managed to retain the lead & managed to stay #1 selling premium brand in the world. For the first time in 12 years also overtaking Lexus in US market. Not to mention the company is financially healthy - much more than Daimler, and without any "internal affairs" like VAG / PAG.

The brand is strong & extremelly popular - also due to new "weird" vehicles.

And the company is determined to take this economic crisis as an oppurtunity - and come out even stronger & even more focused & even more determined to be a pioneer.

[YYdoodle]

And this:


BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE


Guys, traditional segments are becoming over-saturated. Newcomers are coming, the old-guard is getting narrower profits from the deals.

Therefore to survive new segments are need to be opened. And since people are familiar with traditional shapes & segments, the segments are mainly about cross-over vehicles. Sedan+coupe, sedan+cabrio, van+SUV, SUV+coupe, SUV+sedan, etc.

The point is not many carmakers own brands so strong being able to pioneer the new segments. That's why eg. car like 5er GT will work, and why Renault Vel Satis didn't. That's why X6 works, and Ssangyong Action doesn't etc. That's why Suzuki ??? didn't work, while BMW Y will.

That's the advantage of the premium brands - to push boundaries further. And with an image of a innovator, design leader & a pioneer BMW see a great opportunity to introduce new funky cars - unconventional crossovers with typical BMW appeal.

The relatively high-volume selling niches are rare - eg. small premium SUV niche (X1). But there is much more opportunities in small, low-volume selling niches. And to make them relevant, they have to be filled. The more the better. A sum of all niches = high-volume sale comparable to numbers of one core series selling numbers (eg. 5er sedan, or 1er hatch etc). With one significant difference: niche vehicles are extremely profitable. Due to their relative low R&D etc costs, and higher-than-normal price tag.

So, don't expect niche vehicles to sell in big numbers. Since their aim is not to boost sales but to boost profits.

Will such new vehicles dilute BMW brand? No. All the introduced cars will ooze typical BMW spirit: sheer driving pleasure. Nothing is changed here. The essence & core brand value is still there. Also with the post 2000 designs BMW proved to be an avant-garde, and über-modern brand. A leader & a pioneer - therefore today they can afford to bring out "weird" vehicles more easily than 10 years ago. That hurdle had been already cleared years ago.

[SCOTT26]

We have identified customers who are interested in the Sports Activity Coupe Concept with more attention to compact and sportyness rather than a large coupe. It is here the Y1 will succeed because of it's intentions it's a hybrid of the X and Z series it wont be as raised as a conventional BMW SAV but it will have the looks of a Z series meaning strictly for two but with a very dynamic looking appearence.

Many have always liked the idea of a Xcoupe , but marketing were pushing for a larger premium models. The Y will strictly become a member of the 1er family .
BMW have now seen the need for expansion in your smaller , compact segment , because we are at the stage certainly in the current economic climate where downsizing is frequent and after the economic climate passes customers both old and new will be look for exciting more compact cars.
We have to think about the future and what will happen to the SAV? Y1 is an interpretaion of how we can think along those lines , new customers will evolve and want more versatility in their cars , these are future customers that today are being instructed on the environmental effect in regards to hybrids and electric powered automobiles.

Y1 will be a very dynamic car to drive and is purely aimed at young customers. As part of the next phase of Efficient Dynamics - Solar roofs will be featured to enable areas of the car to be regenerated. The Y1 will get a unique sliding Targa roof that will provide maximum exposure for the passenger compartment .

There are customers for every type of vehicle BMW offers . Even though the media claimed the X6 was a step too far we have proven them wrong and have outfooted our competitors but we know that in Design studios at Audi , Porsche and Mercedes-Benz they have there own interpretations of a Sport Activity Coupe ready to go and when things get clearer economically they will come to light.
There are customers for the 5er GT as there will be a customer base for the X1 plus there will still be customers for core models such as the 3er , 5er and so on.

Xcoupe always had a future but at BMW we like things to progress slowly we like to understand and we like to showcase creativity for the customer.
Everything begins with a clean sheet of paper but are never rushed , ideas that mature longer . We did say in 2001 that you will see this car on the road sometime in the future. Now almost a decade later that future is almost here.

[BMWI6]

wow, BMW is going downhill.... propelled by gravity and two f-22 raptors with afterburners.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by BMWI6

wow, BMW is going downhill.... propelled by gravity and two f-22 raptors with afterburners.

A company who doesn't move into new territory will die. BMW is able to identify new markets to expand the products while, still have the volume 3, 5 and 7s.

The one and only one concept of BMW that always stays true to is that it has to be a driver's car (although you might argue there were some exceptions, like the Z3, and the original X3).

The 1 series is actually a niche, with so much demand that there's not much discounts being offered. So is the Z, and the X6.

I personally would like to see a sporty light 4wd, something that's good for the beach, with good clearance. May be what a suzuki is... but one that oozes class. There's no reason why these niche can't be filled with a premier brand. Like to see BMW return to the heavy 4wd as well, as there's no good competition to the Range Rover which BMW owned for a bit, and the Lexus LX.

[SuPaSkillz]

Originally Posted by BMWI6

wow, BMW is going downhill.... propelled by gravity and two f-22 raptors with afterburners.

+1

[yashBMW]

if BMW have a partnership with Merc then they together might create ALL the series!!!!

Think about it: A Class, B Class, C Class,(Need a D Class over here), E Class, (think that big SUV HATCHBACK thing is going into production and i think they are calling it F Class) G Class (ok fine its GL BIG DEAL),H??,I???, J????, K???, L???, M class, N????, O??? , P???, Q???, R class, S class, T??, U??, V Class(consider it VIANO), W??, X series(BMW), Y(BMW), Z(BMW)


so only 13 more classes/series to build!! NO BIG DEAL!!

[BillLee]

dang i thought they were going to make a series of supercars

[Sparky66]

Same here.

They should follow Audi's lead with the R8 and venture into supercar territory. BMW got caught with their pants down by this other German auto giant and they are now not going to play second fiddle any longer. The economic climate may not be ideal at present but if they wait any further, they risk well and truly slipping behind Audi....who BTW is going full steam ahead. Their ownership and revival of the Lamborghini brand was a good business move and has allowed them to move forward.

These type of "Crossover Sports Vehicles" have always received scathing reviews as they are pretty useless as a 4WD and pointless for normal road use.

Is this BMW's answer for the "Y" generation or are they questioning their own motives........why?? ( Y )

Seems like a April Fools joke except they're 2 months late. LOL

[fdsasdasdf]

X series - 4WD
Y series - 3WD?

[SCOTT26]

Same here.

They should follow Audi's lead with the R8 and venture into supercar territory. BMW got caught with their pants down by this other German auto giant and they are now not going to play second fiddle any longer. The economic climate may not be ideal at present but if they wait any further, they risk well and truly slipping behind Audi....who BTW is going full steam ahead. Their ownership and revival of the Lamborghini brand was a good business move and has allowed them to move forward.

BMW leads... They do not follow.....

[Bimmer Nerd]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

BMW leads... They do not follow.....

that might be very true in some areas such as efficent dynamics and technology, but you gotta admit mercs are leading the way in the way of how MANY cars they design and HOW efficient they are, merc has almost a car for each letter in the alphabet and bmw designs what, 1,3,5,6,7, Z and X cars. (4 of them including X1), now merk has a full line up which is more than what bmw produces, but look we have NOTHING to compete against their SL class and when it comes to sl and cl AMG's we are completely squashed by their monstorous power, so all BMW needs to make ( as for the first prospective) is to make a supercar maybe like 8 series because when the 8 series came out there was almost nothing in its price range that competed on the street, SUPERCARS now, Y series later.

[135Eye]

Originally Posted by godora

that might be very true in some areas such as efficent dynamics and technology, but you gotta admit mercs are leading the way in the way of how MANY cars they design and HOW efficient they are, merc has almost a car for each letter in the alphabet and bmw designs what, 1,3,5,6,7, Z and X cars. (4 of them including X1), now merk has a full line up which is more than what bmw produces, but look we have NOTHING to compete against their SL class and when it comes to sl and cl AMG's we are completely squashed by their monstorous power, so all BMW needs to make ( as for the first prospective) is to make a supercar maybe like 8 series because when the 8 series came out there was almost nothing in its price range that competed on the street, SUPERCARS now, Y series later.

I would take a look at sales figures where you will see it's Benz and audi who are getting their buts kicked. How can anyone argue that bmws strategy is wrong when they are doing so much better. I am glad they are moving into new areas instead of trying to tackle the same old booring crap like the big fat heavy and inefficient cl or sl. Bmw brought us cars like the m coupe by going a different direction. That's a real bmw not an 8 series

[SCOTT26]

that might be very true in some areas such as efficent dynamics and technology,

but you gotta admit mercs are leading the way in the way of how MANY cars they design and HOW efficient they are,

merc has almost a car for each letter in the alphabet and bmw designs what, 1,3,5,6,7, Z and X cars. (4 of them including X1), now merk has a full line up which is more than what bmw produces,

but look we have NOTHING to compete against their SL class and when it comes to sl and cl

AMG's we are completely squashed by their monstorous power,

so all BMW needs to make ( as for the first prospective) is to make a supercar maybe like 8 series because when the 8 series came out there was almost nothing in its price range that competed on the street, SUPERCARS now, Y series later.

Someone seems to have misinformed you there - BMW are the premium segment leader when it comes to the lowest emissions in each of it's class - from the 1er to the 7er, BMW have more core models than our premium competitors that meet emission targets in europe.


The difference between BMW and AMG is really quite simple. In straight-line speed and general thrust - The AMG models unleash their power , The M driver knows the difference because as soon as the road begins to curve they feel connected to the car rather than the numbness of direction evident by the AMG. Even the Audi RS6 offers more power than the M5 but the M5 has seen it off in regards to handling , as the M Division always states on each new model - "It helps if the base chassis is really , really good"
but if AMG were really better than BMW in the engine department why has an AMG engine not come top in best engine of the year awards?

You make noises regarding the R8 and SLS but these cars were considered earlier before the economic collapse. Had the R8 and SLS been conceived now they would have certainly be cancelled. Audi have the economic resources of VAG and use of Lamborghini platforms to help create the R8.
The purpose to develop a supercar now is not feasible , The BMW CS was unfortunately too late. Currently BMW are focusing on it's compact portfolio of the 1er for expansion because these cars will be very important regarding the future - people will be looking for new ways on how cars are used and BMW aim to be there when that day comes.

[fxhomie]

The idea of BMW creating a supercar sounds great. But it's the wrong economic climate now. Plus the economies of scale just aren't there for BMW like they are for the Audi R8. BMW has read the tea leaves, which state that small, luxurious, and efficient are the buzzwords of the future.

[JeepJeep]

Originally Posted by fxhomie

The idea of BMW creating a supercar sounds great. But it's the wrong economic climate now. Plus the economies of scale just aren't there for BMW like they are for the Audi R8. BMW has read the tea leaves, which state that small, luxurious, and efficient are the buzzwords of the future.

....so you're telling me that the massive X6, the gargantuan 5-Series GT, and now a large, raised off-roader coupe thing are all small, luxurious, and efficient?

[jhv]

noooooooooooooooooooooo

[jhv]

Originally Posted by JeepJeep

....so you're telling me that the massive X6, the gargantuan 5-Series GT, and now a large, raised off-roader coupe thing are all small, luxurious, and efficient?

not to mention the upcoming XxM