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Breaking: First BMW 2 Series Spied! F23 Convertible Spotted in Munich

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This just in... we've finally spotted the BMW 2 Series! Seen undergoing winter testing in Munich is this 2 Series Convertible (F23) prototype. If you recall from 2006, the very first 1 Series prototype ever spotted was also the convertible version, prior to the coupe model.

What do we see?

To the delight of many F20/F21 1 Series hecklers, even through the camouflage it appears the 2 Series headlights will indeed be sleeker and sportier! A comparison (photo below) against an F20/F21 1 Series prototype at this stage of camouflage shows the size and shape differences between the headlights already. The photos do not reveal whether the headlights connect to the kidney grilles as it does on the F30 and upcoming models such as the next X5 (F15).

The second most prominent thing we notice is more forward leaning front fascia, which gives the 2 Series a sportier overall front end look compared to the more upright F20/F21 1 Series. There is still significant camouflage cladding in front of the kidney grilles, so it remains to be seen whether this is just clever camo or the bodywork underneath follows the forward leaning angle of the camouflage.

Overall, compared to the F20/F21 1 Series and the current E88 1 Series Convertible, the 2014 2 Series Convertible projects a sportier look even in this early camouflage form, in particular from the A pillar forward - with its downward sloping and more raked appearance.

As expected, the folding convertible top remains cloth construction and appears similar in appearance and folding points as the current E88 1 Series Convertible.

Future 2 Series Lineup

The 2 Series models will be built on the same RWD platform as the current 1 Series hatchbacks (F20/F21) and is expected to spawn the following lineup:

• 2 Series Coupe (F22)
• 2 Series Convertible (F23)
• 2 Series Gran Coupe (four door coupe) - still speculative [more info].
• 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer (Hyundai Veloster type vehicle) - still highly speculative [more info].
• M235i M Performance Automobile - expected to be the first M Performance Automobile model offered in the US. It will be the 2 Series version of the highly regarded petrol M135i.
• M2 Coupe - successor to current 1M coupe, recently rumored to be 4 Cylinder [more info].
• M2 Gran Coupe - M version of 2 Series Gran Coupe to compete with Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG and Audi S3 Sedan; still speculative [more info].

Although we have spotted the F23 convertible first, the F22 coupe will begin production first. Both models will begin production in the second half of 2013. We'll share information on exact dates soon.


* Click on images for high resolution versions *

Compare against F20 1 Series camouflaged headlights







And for fun, here's a spy pic of the current E88 1 Series Convertible from 2006.

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[Brookside]

A clever camo job - the size and proportions look perfect and finally a cleaner look to the headlights. I hope they've kept the pronounced shoulder line- you sure can't tell from these photos if there's vinyl or padding disguising any character lines along the side.
Great pics. Thanks for posting.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Brookside

A clever camo job - the size and proportions look perfect and finally a cleaner look to the headlights. I hope they've kept the pronounced shoulder line- you sure can't tell from these photos if there's vinyl or padding disguising any character lines along the side.
Great pics. Thanks for posting.

The pronounced shoulder lines should still be there. You can see in this photo that there's a large camouflage panel (look to the right of right rear tail light) which covers the entire side of the prototype, masking all character lines.

[My E90]

The information obsession begins!

Very happy to see yellow turn signal lights.

[My E90]

I wonder how much the negative reaction to the headlights of the F20 1-series influenced the design of these lights.

[tdd]

A comparison (photo below) against an F20/F21 1 Series prototype at this stage of camouflage shows the size and shape differences between the headlights already.

Could you post the comparison pics. Thanks.

[Jason]

A comparison (photo below) against an F20/F21 1 Series prototype at this stage of camouflage shows the size and shape differences between the headlights already.

Originally Posted by tdd

Could you post the comparison pics. Thanks.

Already did.

See this photo in the first post.

[SoCali E36]

This is going to be one sexy looking car. Now bring on the 4 door!

[TMR013]

Is it just me, or do the rear wheel arches look much smaller than the E82/88?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by TMR013

Is it just me, or do the rear wheel arches look much smaller than the E82/88?

Can't tell what the rear wheel arches look like yet because of the camouflage panel that covers the side of the car. As you can see in this pic, it extends down to the rear fenders.

What we can best glean from these pics is the car's overall size, proportions, stance, and different headlight shape/size.

[davem3fan]

More product to stand in for the ever growing 3 series is a great idea as far as I'm concerned!

[DDS2015]

Camo is doing a good job... Can't tells friggin thing!

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by Jason

Can't tell what the rear wheel arches look like yet because of the camouflage panel that covers the side of the car. As you can see in this pic, it extends down to the rear fenders.

What we can best glean from these pics is the car's overall size, proportions, stance, and different headlight shape/size.

Smaller is probably not the right word. Lower may be better, meaning more sheet metal between the top of the arch and shoulder line. Which I know is an aerodynamic feature on most cars now, but I always thought was esthetically bad.

[ac427]

Originally Posted by TMR013

Smaller is probably not the right word. Lower may be better, meaning more sheet metal between the top of the arch and shoulder line. Which I know is an aerodynamic feature on most cars now, but I always thought was esthetically bad.

Especially when the height of the window aperture is reduced too.

[Antares]

this car is carlicious even with the camo on
oh yes
finally something for young people

[brio]

Thank goodness they addressed those hideous headlights.

[Jason]

For fun, here's a spy pic of the current E88 1 Series Convertible from 2006.

[bimmerJP]

Is it just me or those headlights are kinda similar to E89? Maybe is because of the camo.

[SCOTT26]

I wonder how much the negative reaction to the headlights of the F20 1-series influenced the design of these lights.

None. The only people who have negative reactions to the lights are people on forums, never actually seen the car and outspoken media who a majority have yes, never seen the car in real life.

The F20 1er is actually proving to be as successful if not more so than the
E87. The car was chosen by the BMW board because of its distinctive appearance. I was recently pointed out a new Golf on the streets of Munich but you would never know because it is completely anonyomus.
The 1er is in no way anonyomus.

The F22/F23/F24 are the 2er. The bloodline is there with the 1er but it heads in a more sportier direction than before with different front end and rear end styling to distinguish the 2er from the 1er just as the 4er will be distinctive from the 3er.

The Coupe will be seen shortly as it is heading to Sweden in a truck soon for winter testing.

[mashimarho]

Reminds me of the bugeye Suby

[GOLFFRR]

interesting

[bimmerjph]

Those wheels.