BMW will launch the sixth generation of its 3 series simultaneously in all its world markets, the company said at a press event Friday. Hit the jump to read the read of the story.
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The new 3 series will offer more fuel-efficient versions than the current model, with fuel economy boosted by an optional eight-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to a standard six-speed unit and a new four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline unit, replacing the six-cylinder 3.0-liter engines on the 325i and 330i.
The 3 series will arrive in showrooms on Feb. 11 after its public debut at the Detroit auto show in January.
A gasoline-electric hybrid version that uses the same drivetrain as the 5-series hybrid follows late 2012.
BMW said the United States will be the biggest single market for the new 3 series, accounting for an expected 24 percent of sales, followed by China (22 percent), the UK (16 percent) and Germany (10 percent).
The car will be built in Germany, South Africa and China.
IHS Automotive expects global sales of the 3 series to increase by 22 percent to 448,600 cars next year.
BMW said the 3 series will be the first premium mid-range car to offer optional head-up display.
The new 3 series is 93mm longer than the current car with a 50mm longer wheelbase, boosting interior space with load capacity increased by 20 liters to 480 liters.
BMW has sold about 2.8 million 3-series cars since the outgoing version premiered in March 2005, bringing the overall total sales of the model to over 12 million since the very first 3 series hit markets in 1975.
