BMW
is set to pull the wraps from a new concept car at the Geneva Motorshow on
Monday. Dubbed the CS1, it offers the first glimpse of BMW's latest design
philosophy applied to a small car, in this case a four seater convertible. No
doubt it's to test public reaction to the new look that will permeate through to
the next generation 3 series.
The new look, first seen on last year's X Coupe concept is much more sharp
edged that today's rounded cars. The styling is dominated by the shoulder line,
slab sides and chunky bumper.
Twin,
wrap-around headlamps feature the ring-shaped running lights, which have become
a popular feature of the 5 and 7 Series. At the rear, double circular lights are
illuminated by LEDs and act as the indicators and brake lights. The surrounding
light area is set back and illuminated from behind to perform the tail-light
function and gives the units a three-dimensional look.
An interior making use of modern, lightweight materials like neoprene and
matt-finished aluminium, gives a unique, if fragile look. Self-supporting
surfaces appear to float in the cabin, giving a feeling of space and light.
Aluminium covered with neoprene (the material used to make wet suits), form part
of the cabin structures. A central spine runs down the middle of the car,
dividing front and rear seats and at the front "wings" branch off it
under the dashboard.
PetrolTed Says |
I'm trying to keep an open mind about this car, but it's
difficult!
The way the 3 and 5 series have evolved in recent years has been an
object lesson to other manufacturers. Radical change is difficult for old
stick-in-the-muds like me to take on. Whether you're a fan of the marque
or not, you have to admire the subtle way in which the cars have evolved
into their current rounded yet muscular shapes (with the exception of the
7 series)
The sharp edges and slab sided styling of the CS1 are a departure from
that evolution and one that BMW's conservative customers may take time to
be comfortable with.
Perhaps at the end of the day I just like rounded cars. I'd better get
used to this look though as it's obviously what will be filling corporate
car parks in five years from now.
|
An aluminium crossbar forms the dash and neoprene-covered dome structures
rise above it, the undersides of which are coloured flame orange, to give a glow
to the space below. In front of the driver, the speedometer and rev counter are
attached to the steering column, under another curved cowl.
The other main material used is soft brown nappa leather, which features
wherever the driver or passengers come into contact with the car - on the
steering wheel, head rests and seat cushion. The side bolsters are in more
robust Nubuk leather.
At the heart of the CS1 is BMW's four cylinder, 1.8 litre petrol engine,
built at Hams Hall in the West Midlands. It develops 115 bhp and 129 lb ft of
torque. Like all BMWs, the CS1 has its engine mounted longitudinally, driving
the rear wheels. Large, 18 inch wheels are shod with 215/45 tyres at the front
and 235/45 tyres at the rear. Racing brakes have six-piston callipers at the
front and four at the back.
Paddles mounted on the steering wheel are used to change gear via BMW's SSG
(Sequential Sports Gearbox) as available for the 3 Series Coupé. The clutch is
operated electromagnetically, so there is no clutch pedal.
Although billed as a concept car, it is likely that it will form the basis of BMW's new 1 series range that will take it into a lower level of the market than it's has ever ventured before