Back in 2014, first news around a new rear-wheel drive platform surfaced on the interwebs. Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, BMW CFO, confirmed yesterday the new architecture during BMW’s annual press conference. “The new rear-wheel-drive architecture is virtually ready for series production and will be implemented in our future models,” says Dr. Eichiner.
Initially called “35up”, the new RWD architecture was later relabeled as CLAR, short for Cluster Architecture. CLAR, which will be found in the next 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series models, and also in the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7, is a platform that mixes high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber to drop significant weight for future models. For example, the upcoming 5 Series is rumored to be 80 kg lighter than its predecessor. It’s unknown at the moment whether the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible will also retain rear-wheel drive and use CLAR.
CLAR depicts the extra flexibility provided by fewer but more versatile submodules (clusters) which are more extensively adjustable in content, size and adaptability. The new architecture also offers enough room for a longer wheelbase and a shorter front overhang. Rolls Royce will also use the same architecture for their upcoming models.
During the same speech, Dr. Eichiner confirms that more plug-in hybrids will arrive in the future. The first, BMW X5 xDrive40e, was just unveiled, and the next one based on the 3 Series will arrive later this year. Other models are expected to arrive next year, including a 2 Series Active Tourer hybrid and even a 7 Series eDrive.
Do you know how much CLAR was developed with hybrid tech in mind? For example not hurting storage or passenger capacity and not raising the center of gravity too much?
I don’t know, and I doubt it BMW will say anything until the new 7 Series is launched. We will certainly ask the question.
By using the same platform, how is this going to affect the handling characteristics of all these cars using the same platform? I mean the 3 Series riding on the same platform as a Rolls Royce? There was mention that the platform has weight saving in mind, but what about handling? I am a bit concerned that the 3 Series etc. won’t have such great handling as the current models, which is one of the reasons why people buy BMWs over competitors! This is a huge concern!
I buy BMW 1 Series NOT because I can’t afford a 3 or 5 Series, but because my city (New Delhi) is just too crowded and parking is a pain for big cars. The price difference is negligible between 1 & 3 Series, at-least here in India. The ONLY reason I buy BMW is because of my love for driving & it is a RWD. Being an enthusiast, a lot of people take my recommendations very seriously, what I am trying to say is that those people may make a part of the 80% you surveyed who don’t care/know whether its a FWD or RWD, BUT people who recommend (enthusiast like me) BMW & push others for buying it over other brands DO CARE ABOUT RWD.
Bad news for you. The new 1 series is FWD instead of RWD:-
http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/amp/news/156658/new-bmw-1-series-goes-front-wheel-drive
Time to consider buying the 3 series. LOL
[…] BMW has big plans with its current platforms for the years to come. According to Froehlich, the CLAR platform, on which all rear-wheel drive cars are built today, will get a serious upgrade in […]
[…] BMW has big plans with its current platforms for the years to come. According to Froehlich, the CLAR platform, on which all rear-wheel drive cars are built today, will get a serious upgrade in […]
[…] BMW has big plans with its current platforms for the years to come. According to Froehlich, the CLAR platform, on which all rear-wheel drive cars are built today, will get a serious upgrade in […]
[…] BMW has big plans with its current platforms for the years to come. According to Froehlich, the CLAR platform, on which all rear-wheel drive cars are built today, will get a serious upgrade in […]