The BMW New Class (German: Neue Klasse)
was a line of compact sedans and coupes produced between 1962 and
1977.The New Class was the product that ensured BMW's solvency after
the company's financial crises of the 1950s and established the
identity of BMW automobiles as sports sedans. The term New Class
referred to the 1.5–2–litre class of automobiles from which BMW had
been absent since World War II.
The New Class began in 1962 with the 1500, a new automobile with a
new engine. The 1500, and all subsequent New Class cars, had a unit
body, fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front
and semi-trailing arms at the rear, front disc brakes, and a
front-mounted four-cylinder M10 engine.
Initially a series of four-door sedans, the New Class line was
broadened to include the 2000C and 2000CS two-door coupes at the
high end in 1965 and the 1600-2 two-door economy sedan at the low
end in 1966. The 1600-2, later renamed the 1602, was itself expanded
into the 02 Series 1600 and 2002. Using the engine and suspension of
the original four-door design in a smaller and lighter two-door unit
body, the 02 series, especially the 2002, caught auto enthusiasts'
attention and established BMW as an international brand.
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