Centurion

I hope this is just a bad unit because I don't like the very visible panel gap around the bootlid.

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EMpower

Most of time he is spot on. Wonder if he is shown things privately.

Just_me

second that! BMw should have relesed this instead of facelifted 6-series. Leaked images sometimes hurts more than they do good.

BMW LISTEN TO YOUR FANS!!!

Hypersonic

Hmmm,

The Generation Y demographic have grown up with an unprecedented range of product choices. The desire to stand out and be individual is clearly reflected in the popular culture. I think in 10-20 years from now, the mainstream car buyers will be much more demanding than the baby boomers.

Baby boomers mostly like to be part of a scene or a group. Gen Y (and Gen X perhaps to a slightly lesser extent) is more about self-expression. Gen Y is probably the most self-assured generation the world has ever known. They are supremely confident about themselves, like to be the center of attention, and view all products, whether an iPod, cellphone, or automobile, as a reflection of their persona and lifestyle. This is why I seriously believe the market for much more personalized vehicles has huge potential. The "average consumer" of the near future is a much more complex and demanding individual than we have seen in the past -- I don't think he/she will feel alienated by the plethora of choices that will be available -- quite the contrary: they will expect nothing less.

Harry Plopper

Sorry, then 90% of people is:

a) tasteless
b) blind
c) unable to comprehend the design


E82 1er coupe's rear follows the design of other BMW coupe rears.

Look at the rear lights: cluster design follows the shape of E46 3er coupe rear light, trunk lid cut lines follow E36 3er coupe design, typical all-red-cluster-with-white-strip-at-the-bottom cluster graphics follows E92 3er coupe & E63 6er coupe cluster graphics. Trunk lid incorporated 3rd break lights follows E85 Z4 coupe design (and also FL E63 6er coupe) ...

Front & side are almost identical to 1er hatch - surprise, it's only a different body variant within 1er family. Don't be fooled by 3er coupe situation - that's a specific story.

Also side character line mimic the line of original 2002, while the compact dimensions of E82 mimic 2002, E21 3er & E30 3er.

Also all the typical BMW design trademarks are there: quad headlights, Hofmeister's kink, L-shaped rear lights, typical BMW proportions, etc.


There can't be more BMW genes in this car design wise.

So ... Please people, zip your poisonous lips.

klier

Whatever, I am going to make a poll now. We'll see who likes it and who doesn't

Just_me

Eni its not the lines the car share, its those blurry shots, you dont see details just a mess and it destroys the cars design. First impression is important.

Harry Plopper

What? Based on what? 2 crappy pics?

Wait till official pics are out ...


I agree the latest pics are far from being flattering. The car looks looks cheap & have "Lada" appearence.

But that's due bad pics (bad lighting) and not due bad design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ehhhh ... Do what you want ... But I can see you changing your mind after seeing official pics, and even more when seeing the car IRL.

Just_me

Come on wait for officialls, cant make a clear judgement based on blurry shots.

martinbo

I conceded to Eni and Osna and so on about model proliferation being a pervasive and almost necessary event in an automaker's evolution.

So I'm not disinclined to agree with you. (Hey I was only poking fun with that whole history lesson thing...)

The Cayman example you use isn't necessarily the best. If you'd mentioned Cayenne as being an example of model diversification beyond the core brand identity I would have agreed with you.

First and foremost, whilst I may think the 135i Coupe is unnecessary, I don't think that it detracts from modern and traditional BMW core values. It still oozes BMWness.

The Cayman was not introduced to ensure the long-term sustainability and survivability of the Porsche brand. The world's most profitable car maker relies on 911, Cayenne and Boxster (with an "S" please) for this. The Cayman is a niche model aimed at boosting brand image whilst simultaneously bringing in good profits considering its higher than Boxster pricing which in the 911 model range works the other way round.

This however is not a Porsche debate. My argument is around whether BMW really needs a 1er coupe and according to the industry insiders - they do.

I frankly would've preferred to see a global initiative for the 1er 3 door hatch and a pumped up, M-werked, Le Mans blue 135i 3 door hatch with 335i-style twin tailpipes exiting from a macho looking rear diffuser. Better that than this rather effeminate and dainty looking two door coupe.

That way BMW keeps the model numbers low and PC Valkyrie gets his hot trackday burner...

But hey, the rest of the world doesn't agree with me and that's just the way it goes.

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