But it looks like BMW is ready to take off the wrappings and reveal more details to us during a press debut on February 11-12 that will be held in Munich. There is a video that BMW released which shows us a drawing of the new sedan – but it has only a few details. It does give us an idea as to how it will look when it is completed.

If this debut date is true then it will arrive almost a month ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. Which means that the public debut will be in Geneva and hopefully we will get an even better look at it. Until than it will be hard to give our true opinion on the car.

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The front end of the concept car is equipped with a large nose that can be found on the 7-Series. If you examine it even closer you’ll notice that it is very similar to the X3 in terms of size and purpose.

BMW’s official press release goes into better detail of what it has been built with.

PRESS RELEASE

THE FIRST SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE IN THE PREMIUM COMPACT SEGMENT: THE BMW CONCEPT X1

World debut of a concept BMW X model in the premium compact segment.

BMW, the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, is consistently expanding the range of BMW X models.

Authentic transition of the features and design language typical of a BMW X model into a new class of vehicles. A concept study offering a clear expression of modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality through its design alone.

As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.

The BMW Concept X1 offers ample room for spontaneous mobility in many different ways, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of a modern and active target group. Numerous details on the Concept Car provide a clear hint as to the actual production of an appropriate series model within one year.

Exterior Design

Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.

The striking frontal view clearly expresses the robust and powerful character of the car by emphasising its sheer width. A floor protection element finished in a different colour gives additional emphasis to the wide track.

The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. The position of the headlights and foglamps brings back the three-eye face of other BMW X models.

Six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape define the surface design of the engine compartment lid emanating a strong feeling of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.

Through its centre of gravity visibly positioned right in the middle, the small distance between the front axle and the steering wheel, and the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts, the side view of the BMW Concept X1 draws a clear parallel to other BMW X models. Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material highlight the clear orientation towards the wheels. The sturdy, silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.

Characteristic rear end with L-shaped rear light clusters ensuring a homogeneous light effect thanks to LED light tubes. Raked to a low angle, the rear window gives the BMW Concept X1 a truly sporting touch, the horizontal lines emphasising the sheer width of the vehicle.

As a special design feature specific to this model, three-dimensional surrounds encompass the headlights and rear light clusters and help to create the special graphics of the side windows.

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The two-door car is being called the X2 and is described as a “Sports Activity Wagon” instead of the usual “Sports Activity Runabout” that is often associated with the current X2. The X2 will have up-market materials, a wider track, and more standard equipment that will help to separate itself from the X1. Powertrains fitted with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics system will be part of the package, beginning with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines, eventually evolving into mild- and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

While the X1 has already been green-lit for production, the X2 is still in the thinking stage of the process. But if it does come to market, expect the X2 to reveal itself sometime in 2011 after the X1 launches in 2010.

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The three motors are all based on the same 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-twin cylinder lay-out. The smallest is 500cc making around 33bhp, the next is a 650 belching out around 55bhp while the top of range will be 800cc that kicks out 75bhp. According to the factory moles, any thoughts of front-wheel drive have been ditched by the firm in order to keep costs down. Paralever suspension seemd on the cards for the entire range though.

Jean-Michel Cavret, director of the division motion of BMW France, said: “The president of the division BMW motion, Hendrik Von Kuenheim is convinced that we must make a scooter, therefore we are working on the project. We want to be open to new markets and it is for that reason that we produce the motor of the G450X for Kymco and the G650X to the Loncin Chinese factory.”

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The X1 will go on sale in the fourth quarter on 2009 and will be built based off of the platform of the 1-series and “will use the two highest spec gasoline and the two highest spec diesel engines from the 1-series,” according to a source.

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The Brit pub gives up a few teasers about the mid-engine supercar, namely that it won’t be called the M1, BMW’s plan to fit “heron-wing” doors and a powertrain line-up that will include three engine choices. On that last bit, we’d suspect that the twin-turbo’d 3.0-liter engine would be a suitable entry-level mill, followed by the M3’s V8 and the M5/M6’s V10, with the latter benefiting from a duo of turbochargers. It’s all speculation at this point, so we’ll have to wait for the July issue to hit UK newsstands tomorrow, with sales in the U.S. beginning later this week.

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As we can see from the picture (if it’s real) the prototype is something to look at. The design that it sports is sleek and a perfect example of why BMW is so well respected and popular among many people. It looks like a mid-engine coupe that has pulled some design techniques from the M3. We are hoping that if this is the real thing that BMW is possibly thinking about creating a productive version of the M1 Hommage Concept that was debuted just last week at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este.

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The BMW M1 Hommage blends a wide, aggressive stance with intentionally retro/modern twists on the key visual elements that defined Paul Bracq’s original BMW Turbo concept and the Giugiaro-designed M1 homologation special that followed. It is instantly recognizable as an M1, particularly in profile, where the M1 Hommage’s basic shape clearly mimics that of its forebear. BMW’s stylists also incorporated similar nods the particulars of the original, such as the louvered rear window; the badge placement in back; the line extending aft from the side glass; and even the wheel design, which is an exaggerated take on the ones you’ll find on the original road car.

Poring over the details of the Homage is akin to going on an Easter Egg hunt. The greatest departure is seen in front, where BMW has given the M1 Hommage a sinister, imposing face. Naturally, BMW’s prominent double-kidney grille is front and center. Its joined by outboard intakes and a trapezoidal lower opening designed to swallow and direct air for both cooling purposes and aerodynamic effect. The car’s four round headlights lurk behind thin slits in the front fascia, remaining essentially invisible until they’re illuminated — a tip of the cap to the hideaway nature of the classic M1’s flip-up lamps.

There appears to be no interior, and BMW doesn’t even bother mentioning specific powertrain possibilities. The M1 Hommage is strictly a design exercise meant to celebrate an icon, but it also reminds us that Munich can do the supercar thing, too. Maybe one day it will again.

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The diesel by itself can make up to 204 horsepower and 295 pound-ft. of torque. When you add the compact generator you can increase that power another 20 horsepower and 154 pound-ft. of torque. The power is spread throughout the car through the use of the eight speed gearbox.

BMW has also added a regenerative braking system, enhanced and aerodynamically 19” wheels, and solar panels that have been mounted to the roof.

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The Gran Turismo would slot in above the 7-series, being both longer and wider than BMW’s largest sedan, and is likely to pack either a V8 or V12 powerplant. CSM Worldwide pegs production of around 15,000 units annually with a cost of around $150,000.

That puts it in the same realm as Porsche’s soon-to-be-released Panamera, Audi’s rumored A7 and the Aston Martin Rapide, all of which will create a new class of high-priced, high-powered sedans that have yet to be proven in the marketplace.

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