BMW to rename 3-series coupe, convertible as 4-series models

BMW, in a major marketing shift, is renaming the next-generation 3-series coupe and convertible the 4 series to create more exclusivity and command higher prices on some of its sportiest, high-volume models.The 4-series coupe is expected to go on sale in mid-2013, followed by the 4-series convertible in the fall, the company said today.They will be joined by the X4 crossover that goes into production in Spartanburg, S.C., late next year and hits U.S. showrooms in early 2014. BMW also markets a Z4 roadster.BMW released photos of the concept 4-series coupe today, but did not provide additional production or price details. The concept 4-series coupe will be introduced at the Detroit auto show in January, BMW says.The future two-door is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing 3-series coupe. It also rides on a larger chassis than the model it replaces, with the wheelbase extended by about two inches and the front and rear tracks increased as well. BMW said the new chassis helps improve interior packaging and room.The 4 series -- developed under the internal codename F32 -- is based on the same high strength steel platform structure and uses the same aluminum intensive underpinnings as the latest 3-series sedan.Alongside standard rear-wheel drive models, BMW plans to offer selected all-wheel drive xDrive versions of the coupe.BMW has not disclosed the engine lineup for the new 4 series line.BMW also plans a four-door 4 series gran coupe, Autoweek reported today.The 3-series line - sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon -- is a cornerstone of BMW's global product portfolio and profits.It is the top-selling luxury nameplate worldwide with 2011 sales of 382,218 -- or 28 percent of the BMW brand's sales of 1.38 million, according to IHS Automotive and the company.The coupe and convertible each accounted for 15 percent -- or about 14,000 units apiece -- of the 3 series' U.S. sales of 94,371 last year, BMW said.Through November, U.S. sales of the 3 series have increased 4 percent, to 88,857. U.S. sales of the 3 series peaked at 142,490 in 2007.BMW appears to be following the naming practices at rival Audi, which markets an A5 coupe and convertible positioned above the A4 sedan, and the A7 coupe above the A6 sedan. The A5 and A7 are priced considerably higher than the four-door models. Mercedes-Benz is adopting a different strategy by rebadging its coupes and convertibles to become part of the sedan family as they are redesigned.

BMW to rename 3-series coupe, convertible as 4-series models

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