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Next BMW X1 moving to smaller, lighter FWD-biased platform

BMW's decision to make the upcoming 2-Series Active Tourer front-wheel drive has been polarizing to say the least, but like it or not, that is the direction the company will go in the near future - one rumor put the number as high as 23 front-wheel-drive models for Mini and BMW combined. The next-generation X1 won't send all its power to the front wheels, though, when it launches in early 2016. While it will use the same platform as the Active Tourer, rumors suggest all models will use all-wheel drive - at least at launch.
A "high-ranking," unnamed BMW manager confirmed to AutoWeek that the new model will switch to transversely-mounted three- and four-cylinder engines and the same six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions as the Active Tourer. The new, smaller platform will allow for more efficient packaging, and despite the smaller size, interior space will remain comparable. All the changes should make it significantly lighter too.
Don't start wailing just yet because BMW surely won't be entirely abandoning sporty models. AutoWeek claims that the Bavarians are working on a higher-output version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with power closer to 300 horsepower, about a 72-hp boost. It's also rumored to offer a sporty version of the X1 that may be called the X2.

Next BMW X1 caught on flatbed

The X1 had been around for four years before it was added to BMW's US lineup, so it isn't all that surprising that a new version of the company's smallest Sport Activity Vehicle is already in the works. Captured in transit on the back of a flatbed truck, these spy shots give us our first look at the next-gen X1 - codenamed F48 - which is expected to debut around 2015.
While the camouflage does a good job of obscuring most of the styling elements, we definitely see evidence of the X1's new platform. Elements like the loss of the long nose and a noticeably shrunken dash-axle gap (just compare this spy shot picture to this one from our X1 review), are good indicators that the next X1 will move to the new front-wheel-drive platform BMW is using for the new Mini and 1 Series GT. Aside from this, the overall shape is very similar to the current design, but we're sure it will pull many cues from the updated range of BMW products.

This BMW 2 Series ad has run afoul of Aussie ad watchdogs [w/poll]

A complaint by an Australian movie-goer has put the brakes on an extended in-theater ad campaign by BMW, and drawn the attention of the country's Advertising Standards Board. According to the anonymous complaint, the ad "portrays an unfavorable message, contrary to safe and sensible driving."
The ASB upheld the complaint, which said the ad for the new M235i showed driving "typical of hoon activity," thanks to the burnouts, dusty drifts and runs up to redline. It's that last one that seems to have gotten the spot in the most trouble, with the ASB acknowledging that even though the car wasn't shown breaking the speed limit, the ad was in violation of a voluntary code of conduct for automotive advertising, according to Australia's Go Auto.
BMW doesn't seem to agree, pointing out that the ad uses creative editing, aggressive camera angles and other filming tricks to "add visual impact."