Even hardcore aficionados would possibly battle to acknowledge this automotive. Just one was ever made, and it has not often been seen. You might have come throughout it in Steve Saxty’s wonderful BMW’s Hidden Gems ebook, however BMW has remained largely tight-lipped in regards to the 2K2.
BMW Basic has graciously allowed us to take a better take a look at this one-off prototype from the late Nineteen Nineties. The mission explored the concept of a modern-day 2002, constructed on the underpinnings of the E46 3 Series. The 2-door sedan was conceived throughout a transitional interval when BMW’s entry-level automotive was the three Sequence Compact. The E36/5 3 Sequence was heading into retirement to make means for the E46/5 on the flip of the century. This was earlier than BMW launched a real entry-level mannequin, the 1 Sequence, in 2004.
The elusive 2K2 aimed to return to BMW’s roots, specializing in simplicity and low weight. With a plastic physique, the compact three-box sedan weighed solely about 2,976 kilos (1,350 kilograms) and will attain a prime pace of 126 mph (202 km/h). Energy got here from a 1.9-liter inline-four, however particulars past that stay scarce. The displacement suggests it was probably primarily based on the 316i’s “M43” engine, rated at 103 horsepower earlier than later giving option to the marginally stronger “N42” and “N46” items through the E46’s manufacturing run.
We do know that BMW engineered the idea to deal with bigger engines, together with inline-sixes as much as 2.2 liters. That suggests it may have used the 320i’s “M54” engine, good for 168 hp. Apparently, the 2K2 was the primary BMW in historical past to be designed and developed completely utilizing digital instruments.
The corporate was critically contemplating placing it into manufacturing in 2002 as a tribute to the unique 2002. Improvement started in 1997 and wrapped up by 1999 after simply 18 months. Had it been permitted, the 2K2 would have changed the 3 Series Compact. An inside codename was by no means assigned.
Though the 2K2 by no means made it to manufacturing, BMW got here near realizing its spirit with the 1 Series Coupe (E82) launched in 2007.
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