X3 Powertrain Testing Begins

We thought it would be nice on a Tuesday, which just happens to be the day after Cinco De Mayo to give you some news that may help your headache (or make it worse). That is if you partook in the festivities a bit too hard.

For all you SAV lovers out there we give you the test mule of the next X3. Yes it is an X3 in underpinnings and drive train but looks like an E91 with some serious fender flares. This is a drive train mule. It is still in the early stages of testing, the actual prototype sheet metal will begin its testing mid summer.

The real news is that the current X3 will be replaced before 2011, decreasing the length of run for the current version. We are happy to hear this since in reality the current model is based off the exiled E46 and is archaic compared to the other models in design. As we had discussed in the past, production will be moved to Spartanburg, SC where it will join the X5 and X6 in production. The current contract production with Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria will be replaced by the future MINI crossover dubbed “Colorado”.

Our sources have indicated to us that the X1 will debut well before the new X3 and that it will be about the general size of a Rav 4 and be based on the 1 series platform. You can see more of the X1 here