SPY PICS: BMW 2 Series goes topless
BMW's new compact convertible sports car turns it on for the camerasNew photos of BMW's upcoming 2 Series convertible have been snapped in Germany, and with the warmer weather in Europe the car has dropped its top for the first time.
We previously reported on the BMW 2 Series convertible in December 2012 and since then the Bavarian car maker has been busy testing the folding cloth roof mechanism.
These spy photos taken by Automedia in Munich precede the car's expected launch in about a year's time, when the new 2 Series will replace the 1 Series coupe and convertible models. The new 2er has been confirmed for Australia in 2014 and as promised BMW has ensured the new model is a more sporty proposition than the 1 Series hatchback with which it shares its underpinnings.
It features a slightly lower and wider stance and despite the psychedelic camo paint, it's clear to see a more aggressive front end design.
Engine types are not yet known for the 2 Series, but it is likely to be packaged with four-cylinder turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel units paired with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The rear-wheel drive 2 Series models adhere to BMW's new naming convention that sees most even numbered cars as sporty two-door vehicles, starting with the 2 Series, then 4 Series, plus the 6 Series and i8 electric car, while odd-numbered cars get four- and five-doors.
In European markets the new 2 Series cabriolet will be offered with BMW's xDrive AWD system, aimed at colder climate regions, but the all-paw models are not likely to be offered in Australia if BMW continues its current practice of offering only 2WD in its passenger cars. However a high-performance version of the 2 Series coupe and convertible tuned by the M division would be a shoe-in for Australia due to our proclivity for high-performance machinery.
The 1 Series platform that underpins BMW's new 2 Series will also spawn a new compact sedan to rival the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class but like the drop-top in the images isn't expected to be seen undisguised on the road until 2014.
– with Automedia
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