Source: Autobild
Heres the translated version (sry about the choppy translation)(this article also talks about the 1 series and 3 series)
Now the sport Vans comes
"We do not need Van!" Gene FFS vibrate the BMW responsible persons the head, if it concerns times again the question to a family-suited BMW. Topic thus checked off? By no means! Because it depends on how it is angepackt. And so can the native of Munich suddenly very probably a region sedan imagine. However with restrictions: "if our requirements regarding variability and dynamics are fulfilled." Aha. Further in the CBM where clay/tone: "we have a spacefunctional concept? RFK abbreviated? developed, that the typical BMW characteristics with the advantages of a high roof body connects."
That comes us nevertheless admits forwards. More than ten years ago BMW with the Megaron undertook a first approach toward sport Van, the project then however as not convincing and uneconomically again falls left. The fact that the Vordenker concerns itself now again strengthened with the RFK strategy is probably also because of the ore rival Mercedes Benz, where with CST , MST and GST equal to three interesting Crossover models are in work. In addition this time the outside basic conditions are correct in contrast to the Megaron. They make already in the concept phase, the components possible, to specify processes and structures for each possible derivative.
Also the schedule fits, because with the current more ër (2003), the new 1er-Reihe (2004) and three approaches stand for the next ér row (2005) within 36 months on the program. Similarly as the xDrive all-wheel drive is to function RFK architecture as spreading clip between the series.
Medium-term the BMW model pallet in this segment could look in such a way: V1, of fuenfsitziger Sportvan; possibly also as V3 conceivablly? more ér touring, sport combination? X3, of fuenfsitziges SAV? more ër touring, sport combination? X5 successor, five or siebensitziges SAV? V5, of siebensitziger Sportvan. Also a X1 and a 1er are on a long-term basis touring conceivable. With the x-models the all-wheel drive belongs to the standard scope of supply, with the touring variants and with the RFK is a xDrive important, but surcharge-requiring extra.
The new module structure, which replaced the platform concept also with BMW long, makes a clearly larger formative free space possible. Wheel base and length are not only variable in the future, but also width and height, the front car with triebkopf and the rear end as well as the position of the A-column particularly critical with the Van. Development boss Burkhard Goeschel: "if one it makes correct, then a spacefunctional concept with the most diverse technical elements and the most different bodies is combinable."
The BMW Sportvans is not at all again fitted out X3 and X5 of derivatives? this beginning would be costing and weight-intensively. Instead the RFK strategy pursues another concept. A crucial criterion is the h-point in such a way specified, which fixes the seating position of the driver as Hueftpunkt. This h-point is to x-row with the RFK approximately on half height between touring and. In order to optimize the space utilization, BMW wants to develop an intelligent seat plant, which is to set yardsticks regarding variability and operability.
The smaller V1/V3 is more strongly sedan-referred as the adult V5, it is rather a MPV than a SAV, and he does not become even with all-wheel drive also optically the Crossover car. BMW does completely consciously without larger wheels (less comfort), a more highly set body (critical position of the center of gravity) and krawallige attachments (negative for the image).
A Insider describes the RFK 1 instead as sporty family car with much place and with handling characteristics, which are inferior to one touring in nothing. The core motorizing consists of four and six-cylinders. The V8 planned for the M3 fits under the hood, not however the concept. The question after the time of the introduction on the market is already difficult to answer, because there is no board resolution for both RFK programs still. From today's view 2007 appear as earliest possible date.
While most customers might grant themselves with the V1/V3 with the rear propulsion, the product planners count with the V5 on easy advantages for the all-wheel drive. The large Van, to which connoisseurs of the scene after-say a certain similarity with the Showcar Lexus Lf-x, is to connect the space offer of a XXL combination with the prestige of a luxury sedan and the driving dynamics of a Sportcoupés.
Clearly that BMW does not want to do without also within the Crossover range technology Schmankerl such as active steering element, dynamic drive and the electronic absorber adjustment EDC. In preparation beyond that a new trace guiding system (LDW, Lane Departure warning) is, which prevents against second sleep, holds automatically to cross-wind reacted and with narrowed lanes the course. For the V5 is taken into account excluding six and eight-cylinders, whereby here already for 2006 advised NG8-Direkteinspritzer of the second generation might be available. While BMW wants to shortly ignite the next innovation stage with the Diesel by register loading, engineers go with the Benziner different ways.
Beside the m-engines, which remain faithful for the principle of the highly turning Saugers, NG6 are (zirka 300 HP) for NG4 (zirka 240 HP), and NG8 (zirka 400 HP) loaded Topvarianten planned, which do not only make achievement, but also in puncto consumption and exhaust gas indication to set could. As means for the purpose serve further developed injecting procedures and rule techniques, friction and weight-optimized materials as well as loaders with continuously variable turbine geometry.
Also on the transmission sector does which. For the Diesels an improved automat is in preparation, which instead of the torque converter a wet multiple disk clutch uses. The advantages: less slip, faster reasoning. As alternative to the double clutch switching box of the competition Bavaria a completely special automated transmission patented had themselves. ZSG is called the good piece? Central synchronous transmission. It gets along with only one clutch, which takes access to the constantly inserted central wave. The advantages: sporty switching without traction power loss, course jumps and course preselection possible, in addition perfect mechanism mode. Is ZSG ready to be launched in three years? at the same time with the new Vans, which are actually none.