From Edmunds Inside Lines:
ROME — An Italian Web site has published what it claims is an internal planning document from BMW, detailing the automaker's planned new-model introductions and revisions through 2012.
The document describes the launch dates and body types of a number of future products, including the so-called "space-functional concept," a large people mover based on the next-generation 7 Series that will make its debut in mid- to late 2008.
Also detailed is the introduction of X6, also known internally as the X-Sport, due in early 2008. The document describes the vehicle as an "SUV coupe" based on the next-generation X5, which goes into production in late 2006 in South Carolina.
There is no startup date for yet another new vehicle, known only as the 3 Series MPV and depicted in the document as a "possible project." Of more immediate interest to enthusiasts is the impending launch of the next M3, which is slated for late 2006. It follows the introduction of the new 3 Series coupe in early 2006 and the 3 Series cabriolet in mid-2006.
Apparently not intended for sale in North America is a new 1 Series roadster, which is on the books for spring 2008. Listed as "possible projects" are a 1 Series coupe and a 1 Series Touring, with no official startup dates.
What this means to you: If a leaked internal document can be believed, BMW intends to flesh out its future product stable with several intriguing new model variants.
Inside Lines
ROME — An Italian Web site has published what it claims is an internal planning document from BMW, detailing the automaker's planned new-model introductions and revisions through 2012.
The document describes the launch dates and body types of a number of future products, including the so-called "space-functional concept," a large people mover based on the next-generation 7 Series that will make its debut in mid- to late 2008.
Also detailed is the introduction of X6, also known internally as the X-Sport, due in early 2008. The document describes the vehicle as an "SUV coupe" based on the next-generation X5, which goes into production in late 2006 in South Carolina.
There is no startup date for yet another new vehicle, known only as the 3 Series MPV and depicted in the document as a "possible project." Of more immediate interest to enthusiasts is the impending launch of the next M3, which is slated for late 2006. It follows the introduction of the new 3 Series coupe in early 2006 and the 3 Series cabriolet in mid-2006.
Apparently not intended for sale in North America is a new 1 Series roadster, which is on the books for spring 2008. Listed as "possible projects" are a 1 Series coupe and a 1 Series Touring, with no official startup dates.
What this means to you: If a leaked internal document can be believed, BMW intends to flesh out its future product stable with several intriguing new model variants.
Inside Lines