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- We already mentioned that BMW fully intends to bring its 1-Series sedan stateside, but more details have emerged from BMW North America CEO Tom Purves via a recent Automotive News report.
Purves confirms what we reported in the May issue of Motor Trend, that the U.S. will get a two-door coupe version (pictured) of the 1-Series first for 2008 - not the three-door hatchback variant (pictured below) that was expected by most - with a convertible version expected to follow. The German automaker currently offers the 1-Series in the European market in a variety of configurations including a five-door sedan. BMW's 265 horsepower 3.0-liter straight six will likley be the hot engine option, with 170 and 140 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mills to round out the range.
The falling value of the euro to the dollar, while heavily impacting profit margins on European imports, is manageable according to Purves. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen where pricing will fall on the 1-Series, generally considered to be BMW's budget model. Seems to us that BMW may choose to take a small hit on per-car profits to keep the price of the 1-Series competitive. Projections are that BMW will have a winner in the small coupe and profit may be able to be gained back with high-volume sales.
We tend to agree. After all, who doesn't love a sporty, value-priced, two-door, rear-drive coupe?
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