BMW off-roader off mind

BMW has put its proposed X7 flagship off-roader on the backburner in order to concentrate on higher priority models.

Speaking to journalists at the launch of the new Mini in Italy last week, BMW AG board member Norbert Reithofer said: "The X7 is a possibility in the future, but it is not a priority".

"The immediate priorities are the 1 Series (small hatchback), X3 (compact four-wheel drive) and 6 Series coupe and convertible." The 1 Series, due here in 2004, will be positioned between the Mini and 3 Series compact, giving BMW a formidable presence in the lower end of the premium segment.

In keeping with BMW's core values, the 1 Series will retain the company's familiar front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, which means it will appeal to a different set of buyers than the Mercedes-Benz A-class, according to BMW Australia corporate communications general manager John Kananghinis.

The baby Beemer, which will be offered in three-door and five-door configurations, is likely to cost just over $40,000 in today's money.

Meanwhile, BMW's X5 line-up will be supplemented by the smaller X3 in late 2003 or early 2004, enabling the German car-maker to cash in on the booming compact off-roader segment. The substantially larger X7 - if it gets the green light - may follow two to three years later.

The 6 Series nameplate will be revived around the same time as the X3 makes its debut, marking BMW's return to the luxury coupe segment.

The slow-selling 8 Series - discontinued here in June, 2000 - was the company's last contender in this category.

Other model additions due within the next two to three years include a new 5 Series and revamped Z3. But these models will be preceded by the 3 Series compact, new Mini and all-new 7 Series, which replaces the existing model early next year.

Dr Reithofer said the new 7 Series would eclipse the Mercedes-Benz S-class in terms of innovation.

"The new 7 Series is a high-tech product revolution - it is very advanced from a technical standpoint," he said.

The range-topping 7 Series will be powered by a 5.8-litre V12 while two V8s, displacing 3.5 and 4.5 litres, will be the other petrol engines offered.

Power will be relayed to the rear wheels by a pioneering six-speed automatic transmission developed in conjunction with ZF.

BMW is believed to be devoting much attention to ensuring the new 7 Series will surpass the S-class in terms of ride and handling.

It is expected to eschew conventional coil-spring suspension in favour of air springs. The new system uses hydraulic canisters at each corner to keep body roll in check.

Increases in body stiffness and crashworthiness will be complemented by a barrage of safety features, including multiple airbags, stability and traction control, dynamic brake control, radar-linked cruise control, infra-red night vision, satellite navigation and voice control.

Rolls-Royce to take spotlight

ALTHOUGH the new 7 Series will be loaded with high-tech gadgetry, Rolls-Royce will be positioned as the premium brand in the BMW Group when the marque is relaunched in 2003. The brand is under the control of Volkswagen until December, 2002.

"Rolls-Royce has to be something special, so a lot of features incorporated will be unique to that car - it has to be completely different from BMW," BMW AG board member Dr Norbert Reithofer said.

"You cannot compare Rolls-Royce with the 7 Series. The 7 Series is a real-world production car while Rolls-Royce will remain a premium hand-built car. Our target is to produce the top premium car in the world." Its key rival will be Mercedes-Benz's Maybach, due around the same time.

Mini variations

THE much-hyped new Mini is likely to be supplemented by other variants, including a convertible, within the next few years, according to BMW AG board member Norbert Reithofer.

A turbo-diesel powerplant will also be added to the 1.6-litre petrol engine line-up in due course.

The stiffness of the Mini's bodyshell makes it well suited to a roof chop and the car's niche appeal suggests there will be no shortage of customers for a drop-top version.