Just a few months ago, rumors from Germany have put the BMW community on alert. According to a previous report, BMW was toying with the idea of moving the 2 Series models (coupe and convertible) onto the new UKL front-wheel drive platform. But the recent board changes at BMW might be a good thing for the BMW fans.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the engineering team lead by Klaus Froehlich, BMW’s chief development officer, is advocating for the next iteration of the 2 Series sports models to be built on the company’s next-generation rear-wheel drive architecture which also supports the future 3,5,6 and 7 Series models. 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.
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.
A 2 Series Gran Coupe is also rumored to appear in 2018, which will make it an interesting case since the car would have to be built on the current platform.
