FaLeX
06-21-2005, 09:25 AM
Spy Shot: BMW V5 (Space Functional Concept)<p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-001.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...1.jpg</A> <p><TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><br>What lies underneath this ugly BMW test shell will eventually rival Mercedes-Benz's imminent R-Class, which is a low-slung luxury MPV. <p>The project has been developed under the working title of Space Functional Concept (SFC), but some sources have suggested that this could presage a whole new V-series of cars, most likely introduced by a V5 or V6 model, and followed by a more compact V3 later (currently dubbed Sports Activity Coupe), possibly a top-end, driver-focussed alternative to the Ford Focus C-MAX, SEAT Altea et al. <p>The former will be built in Europe, intended for a European market, says BMW chief exec Helmut Panke; the latter in Spartanburg, South Carolina as BMW expects the majority of sales to come from America.<p>BMW is very interested in competing in the ever-morphing MPV market, and the working title of the project hints at the people-carrying theme that BMW has in mind for it. The SFC should blend design and mechanical elements from the 5-Series Touring, 6-Series coupe and 7-Series luxury four-door, with a long wheelbase carving out more room for rear passengers, and a suitably opulent cabin. <p>There have even been rumours of four-wheel drive for the larger of the two model ranges. The platform being used on this test mule is thought to be that of a 7-Series, and Autocar has pointed out that a complete 7-Series dashboard can be spotted through the window. <p>Marketing boss Michael Ganal told German newspaper Die Welt last year that while the crossover wouldn't be the most spacious, it would certainly be a class-leader to drive.<p>BMW has been slow to turn its attention to the emerging luxo-estate segment. The company is said to have been worried that the radical model would compromise on handling. Weight-saving options for the engineering team mooted in the motoring press have included a carbon-fibre roof and dramatically redesigned suspension. <br></TD></TR></TABLE><p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-002.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...2.jpg</A> <p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-003.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...3.jpg</A> <p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-004.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...4.jpg</A> <p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-005.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...5.jpg</A> <p><A HREF="http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/B/bmw/03-large/BMW-V5-006.jpg" TARGET="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/4car/m...6.jpg</A> <p><BR><BR>
<i>Modified by Ascariss at 10:37 AM 6/21/2005</i>
<i>Modified by Ascariss at 10:37 AM 6/21/2005</i>