BMW Gives Green Light to 2011 335i GT Hatchback
07-02-09, 08:13 AM
#1
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BMW Gives Green Light to 2011 335i GT Hatchback
MUNICH, Germany — BMW has confirmed its plans for a 3 Series hatch called the 335i Gran Turismo, which follows in the footsteps of its bigger relative — the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. It's slated to hit the streets in 2011.
Like 5 Series GT, the 335i GT will carry a price premium, settling in between the standard 3 Series and 5 Series. It is meant to rival Audi's A4 Avant lineup as well as the new Q3 SUV, which is an interesting point considering the compact X1 crossover is similar in size to the 335i and already set to come to the States in 2011.
With comparable models like the X1 and 5 Series GT, BMW offers proof that a global recession is not hindering its production plans: "We haven't cancelled the crossover of the 3 Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.
Like the 5 Series Gran Turismo first shown at this year's Geneva auto show, the 3 Series GT will have a unique two-stage tailgate, giving owners the option of opening just a small part of the trunk or the complete tailgate (including the rear window) if more space is desired. Remember, BMW does sell a wagon version of the 3 Series in the U.S., so the Gran Turismo will bring the model's body style count to five (coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and the GT five-door).
Sources also tell us that two seating configurations will be offered, a four-seat or a more practical five-seat setup, and BMW's latest turbo and diesel engines will be offered. As far as we know no M3 version is planned.
Inside Line says: Seemingly, the slow sales of the X6 haven't changed any minds over in Munich, as BMW continues its commitment to this low slung five-door body style. At least in the near term. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
http://jbrlsr.com/?aid=5336121816&bi...cleId%3D151786
Like 5 Series GT, the 335i GT will carry a price premium, settling in between the standard 3 Series and 5 Series. It is meant to rival Audi's A4 Avant lineup as well as the new Q3 SUV, which is an interesting point considering the compact X1 crossover is similar in size to the 335i and already set to come to the States in 2011.
With comparable models like the X1 and 5 Series GT, BMW offers proof that a global recession is not hindering its production plans: "We haven't cancelled the crossover of the 3 Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.
Like the 5 Series Gran Turismo first shown at this year's Geneva auto show, the 3 Series GT will have a unique two-stage tailgate, giving owners the option of opening just a small part of the trunk or the complete tailgate (including the rear window) if more space is desired. Remember, BMW does sell a wagon version of the 3 Series in the U.S., so the Gran Turismo will bring the model's body style count to five (coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and the GT five-door).
Sources also tell us that two seating configurations will be offered, a four-seat or a more practical five-seat setup, and BMW's latest turbo and diesel engines will be offered. As far as we know no M3 version is planned.
Inside Line says: Seemingly, the slow sales of the X6 haven't changed any minds over in Munich, as BMW continues its commitment to this low slung five-door body style. At least in the near term. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
http://jbrlsr.com/?aid=5336121816&bi...cleId%3D151786
07-02-09, 08:37 AM
#7
Pretty soon BMW will offer more models in North America than Ford, GM, or Toyota.
Is almost seems as if they are trying to liken their presence in the American market to that of Europe. Instead of being a premium, prestigeous automaker, they are going for an almost mainstream approach of "something for everyone".
Not so say they won't still have luxurious, premium models like the 7 Series, but as they continue to diversify the bottom end of their portfolio, it just makes the brand accessible to more and more people.
Is almost seems as if they are trying to liken their presence in the American market to that of Europe. Instead of being a premium, prestigeous automaker, they are going for an almost mainstream approach of "something for everyone".
Not so say they won't still have luxurious, premium models like the 7 Series, but as they continue to diversify the bottom end of their portfolio, it just makes the brand accessible to more and more people.
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07-02-09, 08:40 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
Pretty soon BMW will offer more models in North America than Ford, GM, or Toyota.
Is almost seems as if they are trying to liken their presence in the American market to that of Europe. Instead of being a premium, prestigeous automaker, they are going for an almost mainstream approach of "something for everyone".
Not so say they won't still have luxurious, premium models like the 7 Series, but as they continue to diversify the bottom end of their portfolio, it just makes the brand accessible to more and more people.
Is almost seems as if they are trying to liken their presence in the American market to that of Europe. Instead of being a premium, prestigeous automaker, they are going for an almost mainstream approach of "something for everyone".
Not so say they won't still have luxurious, premium models like the 7 Series, but as they continue to diversify the bottom end of their portfolio, it just makes the brand accessible to more and more people.
07-02-09, 09:10 AM
#11
BMW lacks a serious sports car while Audi has the R8, Mercedes has the coming SLS, and Lexus has the LFA. They were also supposed to be coming out with an 8 series, too. Where are those products? It seems that BMW has decided to cater to the bottom end of the luxury class while Audi and Lexus aim higher. Mercedes seems steady.
There was some talk a few years ago, about BMW struggling to remain profitable because they did not have the economies of scale that Lexus or Audi do with their parent companies. One of the proposed solutions was to build more models that could use more common parts to help lower costs across the line. Looking at the explosion of models in just the last 5-6 years, this does seem to be the case. They are likely trying to diversify and expand at the bottom end because it has the highest volume of sales and has the potential to earn the most money, while helping to lower common costs on common parts for all BMW vehicles.
At the end of the day, it is what it is, and the company has to do what it takes to survive. I am not trying to make it sound like BMW is in dire straits, but they are doing what is required to stay alive and profitable. It seems to me that in the midst of this "shift" the image of BMW is changing in America. It's hard to look at a brand that sells something the size of a Fit for $30K as as premium and exclusive as Mercedes, Jaguar, or Lexus, which don't. Unfortunately it sounds like Audi is preparing to follow BMW with the new A3, and a new A2.
07-02-09, 09:36 AM
#12
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You can look at any metropolitan newspaper and you can lease a 5 series for IS/C class/TL/ES money.
07-02-09, 10:07 AM
#14
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http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive...sign-director/
Adrian van Hooydonk will take over as Director of BMW Group Design with immediate effect. He succeeds Chris Bangle and will be responsible for design development for the BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI brands.
The new Z4 was designed by women by inside and out FYI.
Adrian van Hooydonk will take over as Director of BMW Group Design with immediate effect. He succeeds Chris Bangle and will be responsible for design development for the BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI brands.
The new Z4 was designed by women by inside and out FYI.
