2012/2013 BMW 1-series Gran Turismo

The BMW 1-series has been quite successful in hatchback form, but one of the knocks against it, compared to its competition, has been interior space and habitability. But according to French magazine Automobile-magazine.fr, BMW is preparing a longer, taller 1-series Gran Turismo, in the vain of its 5-series brother. Reports are that the 1 GT will be 5 CM (around 2 inches) longer than the standard 1-series will be, and taller as well, to allow for elevated seating positions (think Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe seating positions). The rear seats will either be a 3-seat bench or 2 seats. Expect it to share engines with the MINI Countryman, as well as the upcoming 4-cylinder BMW models. RWD and an 8-speed automatic will also be featured, although hopefully BMW will stick with tradition and offer a stick.







(source: Automobile-magazine.fr)