2012 Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

2012 Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

The new concept also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Renault’s iconic Alpine A110 Berlinette and serves as a link to the automaker’s motorsports prowess, particularly in racing the Megane Trophy and supplying race-winning engines for a number of Formula 1 teams.

Renault is now set to showcase the concept in front of a public audience for the first time, announcing today that it will be on show at the upcoming 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The automaker has also teased that a surprise announcement will be made, and should cause quite the stir.

In addition to the surprise announcement and the presentation of the Alpine A110-50 Concept, Renault will roll out the classic Type K-fitted with the automaker’s first four-cylinder engine, which won the Paris-Vienna race in 1902. Other vehicles will include the Viva Grand Sport from 1935, plus the current Clio and Megane RS models.

Joining these classics will be the RS01 and RE40 Formula 1 cars, the rally-winning R5 Maxi Turbo, Alpine A443 and the current Megane Trophy race car. The array of vehicles will be driven by Renault chief Carlos Tavares as well as current brand ambassador and F1 legend Alain Prost.

The 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed kicks off on June 28 on the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England.

Source: MotorAuthority

2013 Infiniti FX and EX to Boast New V-6 Engines

The Infiniti FX and EX crossover models have been staples in Infiniti’s lineup since 2003 and 2008, respectively. In each year, both models came standard with Nissan’s aging, yet still effective, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, despite the fact the Nissan all but replaced the 3.5-liter with the newer and more powerful 3.7-liter V-6. There’s really no rhyme or reason for the crossover siblings to still use the old 3.5-liter engine and Infiniti is finally realizing it.

As of the 2013 model year, both the FX and EX models will boast the now seasoned 3.7-liter V-6 engine that sees use in multiple Nissan and Infiniti models. This boosts the FX and EX to 325 horsepower, which is a 22-horsepower boost and 28-horsepower boost, respectively. This also brings about a slight name change, as the base FX now becomes the FX37 and the base EX becomes the EX37, replacing the FX35 and EX35.

Infiniti is also adding a few more goodies to the 2013 FX37. These upgrades include a moving object detector on the crossover’s Around View monitor, two new exterior colors (Iridium Blue and Moonlight White), and a new Graphite interior color combination.

The two new models are expected to debut this summer, with the FX37 arriving in showrooms in July 2012 and the EX37 bowing in around August 2012. If any more details on these new models pop up, we’ll update you, but for now it looks like new engines and a few new colors are the only changes to look out for.

BMW to launch 335iS coupe to slot in above new 335i, below M3

2011 BMW 335i – Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that BMW has replaced the twin-turbo 335i with the new twin-scroll, direct injection model, the question everyone's been asking – and by everyone, we mean Bimmer fanatics – is what will happen to the outgoing N44 engine? The new N55 produces the same power and the same torque, but with a flatter curve that makes the grunt more accessible. Yet as every BMW tuner knows, the outgoing N44 has more potential. So the answer, according to reports, is BMW's plan to offer a new model dubbed the 335is.

Like the almost-an-M Z4 sDrive35is that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last week, the new 335is is tipped to get a revised version of the twin-turbo inline-six, producing 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque (with overboost unleashing 369 lb-ft). Coupled with an M-Sport appearance package with a blacked-out grille and matching mirrors, and a choice of either six-speed manual or (for the first time outside of the M range) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and you're looking at the hottest dreiwagen this side of an M3. The run from 0 to 60 is expected to be dispatched in five seconds flat, with a top speed limited to 149 mph instead of 130.

The best part, however, is that – according to reports and some leaked documents – the 335is is slated to launch in the North American market before being considered for anywhere else. Finally some payback for all those hot European models we've been longing for from the opposite shore.

Detroit Auto Show: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is rounding out its Detroit Auto Show premier lineup with the North American debut of the 535i Gran Turismo. The 550i GT that's powered by the 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 is already on sale in the U.S., but we won't get our shot at the six cylinder model until the spring of 2010. Like the recently-announced 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo is getting a new version of the 3.0-liter inline six cylinder turbo.

The current 535i and 335i both use a version of the six with two turbochargers. The version in the GT produces the same 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. The engine also incorporates BMW's Valvetronic valve control system to reduce fuel consumption by eliminating the throttle and reducing pumping losses. The six will be mated up with the same new ZF eight-speed automatic used in the 550i and the ActiveHybrid 7. Want more details? Click past the break for the press release.

BMW S1000RR takes on Japanese litre-class superbikes, and wins!

The BMW S1000RR goes up against the R1, Fireblade, GSX-R1000 and ZX-10R, and comes out on top! Pretty amazing

Auto News: BMW Roadmap For MINI Coupe And Roadster Production Leaked

Fans of the Mini brand will soon get two more vehicles to love. Back in September MINI's UK arm confirmed that both will soon be headed to production. Today, we've got the leaked word on a timeline for their production.

The latest line is that they're being fast-tracked to pre-production status by January of 2010, with full production models rolling out as early as October of 2010, pending a smooth and successful testing and ramp-up process. Even with such a short development and near-term production date, don't expect to see sales on this side of the Atlantic before sometime in early 2011.

With its sleek looks and even smaller size - there is no back seat in the Coupe concept - the new car certainly fits with the 'MINI' moniker. MINI had previously said it would ultimately be the public and press reaction to the concept that would guide Mini's plans on the matter, with its unveiling in Frankfurt and a U.S. showing at the Los Angeles Auto Show being the touchstones for that reaction. Instead the early reaction was so strongly favorable that MINI went ahead and made the decision to build it even before revealing it live.

Adding another pair of models to the Cooper/Convertible/Clubman range would move Mini closer to offering a full range of vehicles, though there are obviously no plans for true trucks/SUVs. Recent reports say the crossover won't be coming until 2010 at the earliest, meaning both the Coupe and whichever model that comes with it are still likely at least a year, and possibly as many as three years distant.

News of the production in MINI's Oxford facility came along with plans to hire an additional 1,000 workers to help build the new models.

Source: Motor Authority

BMW C1-E: concept

This is what a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future. BMW Motorrad developed the C1-E study as a contribution to the European safety project eSUM. This study unit is based on the concept of the BMW C1. It is characterized by a very high level of active and passive safety and is driven by an electric motor.

The BMW C1-E provides exemplary protection for its rider. This is ensured by the safety cell with the conspicuous roll-over bar which dynamically spans the rider seat in combination with the energy-absorbing impact element at the nose end. A further special point is that the C1-E rider wears a seat-belt. In the study this safety feature is highlighted by red belts and belt buckles.

Visually the concept vehicle expresses brand typical sheer driving pleasure and clearly distinguishes itself from typical scooter looks. Its lines are dynamically stretched and flow horizontally with a low visual centre of gravity. The fairing with its windscreen, the luggage space behind the rider and the side stand for effortless parking ensure high suitability for everyday riding combined with a high degree of wind and weather protection.

The electric motor employed in the study has been designed for city use and is based on components by the company Vectrix. The motor obtains its power from a lithium-ion battery and thus possesses sufficient power for mastering most inner-city traffic riding with ease. Alternatively the vehicle could also be equipped with an efficient, low-emissions internal combustion engine.

The safety features of the C1-E have been taken from the former BMW C1 and further enhanced. BMW’s avant-garde two-wheeler is regarded as a milestone in safety on two wheels. It is the only motorised single-track vehicle to be exempt from mandatory helmet wearing in almost all European countries.

This BMW Motorrad study is to remain the only model of its kind. Series production is currently not planned. Nevertheless, findings from the project will find their way into other future developments in the field of single-track vehicles.

eSUM stands for European Safer Urban Motorcycling. It is a cooperation project between major urban European motorcycling centres and motorcycle manufacturers. The cities currently involved in the project include Paris, Rome, Barcelona and London and the manufacturers are BMW and Piaggio.

The advantage of two-wheeled transportation is that it offers a great opportunity for improving the flow of traffic in urban locations. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and lends itself to individualisation. However, the vast majority of accidents occur in urban traffic, in areas where 80 percent of the population live. The idea behind eSum is to look into ways of countering this trend. The joint goal is the identification, development, and practical demonstration of measures which are able to guarantee safe motorcycle and motor-scooter transport in the inner-city traffic of the future.

One of BMW Motorrad’s major concerns over the last twenty years has been the improvement of motorcycle safety. This was amply demonstrated by the consistent strategy which has led to the Motorrad ABS and continued with its long-term ongoing development. Only a few weeks ago, on August 31, the 1,000,000th BMW motorcycle with Integral ABS, a BMW K 1300 R, left the production line in Berlin-Spandau.

Since 2005, a series of further active safety features have been developed to enhance the safety BMW motorcycles still further: RDC Tyre Pressure Control, ASC Anti-Slip Control, the new Race ABS and the DTC Traction Control incorporated in the new BMW S 1000 RR, not to mention the innovative range of BMW Motorrad rider equipment.

Over and above this, BMW Motorrad is also conducting research into forward-looking rider assistance systems designed to increased road safety, as part of the ConnectedRide project. Features being looked at include cross-traffic and traffic-light assistance as well as a warning system for impending poor weather, road obstacles, an approaching emergency vehicle, or sudden braking manoeuvres.

Source: Babez

First pics and specs 2010 BMW R1200GS, R1200RT

The 2010 BMW R1200GS/Adventure and R1200RT feature improvements in all areas, including engine, chassis and suspension performance as well as ergonomics

BMW have released pics and specs of the 2010 R1200GS and R1200RT bikes. Both machines are fitted with an updated version of BMW’s 1,170cc boxer twin, which now produces 110 horsepower at 7,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Engine internals come from the sportier, more aggressive HP2 Sport and include double overhead cams (DOHC), bigger inlet and exhaust valves, lighter, forged aluminium pistons and bigger throttle bodies for the fuel injectors. Also, the revised (slightly lower) gear ratios help improve acceleration.

Both bikes are available with ABS and optional electronic suspension adjustment (ESA II). Both bikes get LED headlamps, while the RT also gets an MP3 audio system with USB connectivity and iPod compatibility, redesigned fairing for improved weather protection and an electrically operated windshield. A lower seat, better suited for shorter riders, is available as an option on the GS/Adventure.

Various new colours are available, including red, white, silver, black and yellow. Prices for both the BMWs will be announced later this month.

Source : Faster and Faster

BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8

The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the 'M' button. That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.

BMW M5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay – although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition. Six wasn't enough, ten was too much and eight is just right. Thanks for the tip, Derick!

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1 shows up

While us Americans will probably never get the three- and/or five-door 1 Series, we will be getting the new BMW X1. Here's your pudding proof. For some this is a maddening reality. For others it's like music you dislike. Still, we were a bit surprised by how much we liked the looks of the X1, especially in brown. With a grill lifted right off the 7-Series and a sinister set of angel eyes, the X1 is easily twice as handsome as big brother X3. Which might very prove to be the X1's major selling point. Just like the 3 Series and the 1 Series, the X3 and X1 are very closely related, not only in terms of powertrains, but mechanicals and chassis, too.

Engine choices are the usual BMW fare, ranging from the 258 hp double-VANOS straight-six in the xDrive28i to the 295 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo and common-rail diesel xDrive23d to less powerful diesel models like the 258 lb-ft xDrive20d/sDrive20d. There's also the sDrive18d which can get up to a BMW claimed 54.3 imperial miles per gallon. If you've somehow forgotten, the "x" in BMW-speak stands for AWD and the "s" stands for RWD. BMW claims the latter is the "most efficient rendition of spontaneous driving pleasure." If you can figure out what that means, let us know.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo took a whirl on the plinth and we have to admit it doesn't look the least bit absurd standing in person. We completely forgot to be offended at the fact we're being handed this instead of the perfectly fantastic 5 Series Sport Wagon. At least, until we played around with the dual-action lift gate -- then the word "gimmick" did flit through our cranial region for a moment.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Still, it's not bad, and on the road it looks like it has the potential to get a whole lot better. As the Hesse-novel-length press release after the jump explains, the car will combine the legroom of the 7 Series, head room of the X5, 59.5 cubic feet of storage space, and a base diesel with 245 hp and 43 mpg. Go for gold, and there's a V8 twin turbo with 407 hp and a 5.5-second run to 60. Check it out for yourselves in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW isn't taking any chances with its reputation for dynamics with the 7 Series Active Hybrid. To its 449-hp and 479-lb-ft 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 heart it adds a 60-pound, 35-cell lithium-ion battery in the boot. The battery doesn't take too much away from the trunk since it replaces the rear-seat air-conditioning unit from the standard 7.

The battery boosts maximum torque to 516 lb-ft when everything is really humming, and that gets the huge-ish hybrid to 60 in 4.9 seconds rowing through the eight-speed automatic. The battery, a judicious foot, and hybrid stalwarts like brake energy regeneration can get you 25 mpg. Until Brad and Angelina finish with their Hydrogen 7, this is your best bet for a caring Bavarian luxo-barge.

BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S.

While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel four-cylinder versions of the 3-Series, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a six-cylinder powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at BMW are now planning to add a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup.

The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167 horsepower gasoline four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The engines planned for the U.S. will feature turbocharging technology, however.

2009 BMW 3-Series

The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell, who revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show that the introduction of the powerplants, equipped with the automaker's next-generation twin turbochargers, “is the goal and we will do it.” The car will be available for sale in spring of 2012.

If successful, BMW intends on adding four-cylinder engines to its X1 and X3 crossovers in the U.S. as well.

O'Donnell explained that the move is part of the company’s goal to meet tough new fuel economy standards coming into the U.S. between now and 2016. In line with the new standards, automakers will have to boost the fuel economy of their fleets by 5% every year before a national standard of 35.5 mpg takes effect in 2016.

Rival Mercedes-Benz has already decided to bring four-cylinder cars, including its new diesels, to the U.S. and Canada in 2010, proving even luxury and premium brands aren't entirely immune from the more mundane considerations of efficiency.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Live At Frankfurt

2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

We've all seen the photos and videos of BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept for a few weeks now, but even that level of familiarity isn't enough to dull the impact of the car's appearance from arm's length.

Live shots from the floor of the Frankfurt auto show reveal the Vision concept to be as much about design as it is about efficiency, and it's serious about efficiency.

The concept is powered by a 1.5-liter, 163-horsepower three-cylinder turbodiesel with two electric motors (one for each axle) powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, the whole system delivers 390 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid drive system isn't the only efficient aspect of the car, however.

It's also good for just 50 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer (though, of course, they're variable, since this is a plug-in hybrid design), and it's good for 31 miles on electricity alone.

For the full skinny on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, check out our coverage of its initial release--but not before you get sucked into the live gallery below.

2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

2011 BMW X1 Makes Public Debut

2011 BMW X1

Way back at the beginning of July, BMW revealed full details and images of the BMW X1. People immediately began to ask, "Why?" It's not without good reason the question is raised; it's uncomfortably close in size to the X3, and though Europeans will get a range of small and efficient diesel engines, it's not clear how Americans--BMW's biggest market--will benefit from the just-barely-smallest SUV in the brand's lineup.

Live photos from the Frankfurt auto show taken today reveal the car as it looks from eye-level, rather than in the often distorting light of the studio, and it has to be said it looks smaller than the X3 in person.

2011 BMW X1

Marketing for the X1 is also playing up the vehicle's split city-sporty personality, casting it as a more youthful alternative to the other SUVs and crossovers in the BMW range. And that may be the key to BMW's desire to sell a slightly smaller, slightly decontented X1 alongside the X3: pricing, and market position.

Whatever the reasoning behind the X1, however, it's an attractive vehicle inside and out. Check out the gallery below, or read up on our coverage of the official release of the 2011 BMW X1.

Photos: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle almost completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in time for the 2010 model year.

Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside, such as the addition as BMW’s second-generation iDrive system, and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut.

The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model and U.S. customers will be able to opt for BMW’s brilliant 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine as well. Another new addition will be the xDrive 50i from the X6.

So, when will the facelifted BMW X5 be unveiled? The most likely point would be next year’s Detroit auto show in January but an earlier reveal at this year’s Los Angeles auto show in November cannot be discounted.

BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team heads to Canada

The month of August has been the most intense period on the 2009 American Le Mans Series calendar. The rush of events at Mid-Ohio, Road America and now Mosport provide race fans with nearly uninterrupted action. The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team heads to Canada and Mosport International Raceway fresh from its first GT2 win on August 16 at Road America, where the No. 90 M3 of Joey Hand and Bill Auberlen led a one-two class sweep for the team in only the seventh race of its inaugural season.

With three high-profile events remaining in the season, the team has had no time for rest. Mosport is known as the fastest track in the history of the American Le Mans Series. The circuit’s high-speed corners and elevation changes require complete preparation and focus by the crew and drivers.

The two-hour-and-forty-five-minute race will also provide an excellent opportunity to fine tune for the equally demanding Road Atlanta and the grueling ten-hour Petit Le Mans on September 26.

BMW Pull-Ahead Extended and Expanded!

Great news for current BMW owners! According to our friends at Classic BMW, BMW North America announced today that their Pull-Ahead offer would be extended through the end of September. Originally it was to expire August 31st.

In even bigger news, there are even more vehicles that are now eligible for the offer. Until now, only 2006 & 2007 Rear-Wheel Drive vehicles were eligible for the program. BMW has now lifted the restriction and is offering Pull-Ahead to ALL 2006 & 2007 BMWs as long as the current BMW Financial Services lease has a maturity date of December 31st or earlier.

For those of you that are not familiar with this program offered by BMW Financial Services, let us explain it in a few words. Basically if you lease one of the vehicles listed above, you can get out of your 36-month BMW lease up to 3 months early, BUT with the condition of new lBMW lease from Financial Services.

New information on the 2011 BMW X3

The second generation BMW X3 is one of the most awaited BMW models in 2010. With Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK looking to gain market share in the mid-size SUV market, BMW has no choice but to get the design right.

The current X3 sales have exceeded their expectations throughout the years, but there is still room for improvement. Moving up in size, will allow the X3 to be positioned at the level of the first X5 model, but at a lower price.

Several test mules have been already spotted in Europe and on U.S. soil, but as usual, the funky camouflage hides the fine details, opening the door for more speculations and rumors. Sources close to BMW came to clear some of the mystery around the 2011 BMW X3 and also to provide new information: X3 Hybrid…anyone?? X3 M?

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the light of day in the X3 will be evident as it is now an X3 characteristic and a design element that will be associated with the X3. Although the current car has earned a lot of bad response because of this feature . The new sloping roof on the X3 begins a better interpretation of this feature. As the roof slopes downwards the glasshouse rises to give a quarter light that is more like the kicked up shape as seen on the new X1.

The next X3 will be a very huge moment for BMW because it will be launched in the market aimed at customers who want a really dynamic SAV. The weekend car to the daily 3er and by that the customer should not miss out on an engaging drive.
As seen with the X1 we are not offering the latest Turbo charged Six Cylinder this will be featured in the X3 because of it’s more unique positioning.

Later after the launch BMW will introduce an Active Hybrid X3 which will use a mid-line diesel powerplant, but further down the line BMW will adapt in petrol or diesel , a six cylinder, four cylinder, and a three cylinder to a hybrid drivetrain for use in the 1er and 3er and their variants. By 2015 every core BMW model will have either a full or mild hybrid and that is across the core range.

The X3 will be eagerly awaited because of BMW’s decision to entirely base the new X3 on the next generation platform that will be found underneath the 3er. Will there be an X3 M? it all depends on market response but BMW are now cultivating “Sub Brands” such as seen on the 320d ED.

BMW will wait till the cars response which could see a portfolio of models strictly under “Efficient Dynamics” , The Tri-Turbo diesel which is on the radar could be sold under a sub brand similar to (but not under) BMW M to distinguish these performance diesels from their regular counterparts.

Two new cars from BMW to meet sales target of 3,000 units

"We will launch a roadster Z4 in October with a 3.5 litre engine. The model is expected to be priced between Rs 50 and 60 lakh," BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl told reporters on the sidelines of the SIAM annual convention here.

BMW India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, would also launch a new petrol variant of its 7-Series cars with a six cylinder engine in September, he added.

"Last year, we sold 2,908 units and this year we are confident of crossing 3,000 units on the back of new launches and robust demand for our products," Kronschnabl said.

The company has so far witnessed a 14 per cent jump in its sales during January-July period, he added.

BMW India has its assembly plant in Chennai with a production capacity of 3,000 units per annum. It produces 3-Series and 5-Series cars from the plant.

Earlier, the company had announced that it would consider increasing the capacity of the plant in 2011.

"We will launch a roadster Z4 in October with a 3.5 litre engine. The model is expected to be priced between Rs 50 and 60 lakh," BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl told reporters on the sidelines of the SIAM annual convention here.

BMW India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, would also launch a new petrol variant of its 7-Series cars with a six cylinder engine in September, he added.

"Last year, we sold 2,908 units and this year we are confident of crossing 3,000 units on the back of new launches and robust demand for our products," Kronschnabl said.

The company has so far witnessed a 14 per cent jump in its sales during January-July period, he added.

BMW India has its assembly plant in Chennai with a production capacity of 3,000 units per annum. It produces 3-Series and 5-Series cars from the plant.

Earlier, the company had announced that it would consider increasing the capacity of the plant in 2011.