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BMW M3 Convertible and Concept CS to Debut in New York


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WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - March 13, 2008: BMW will give the Big Apple a glimpse into what the future of pure driving pleasure looks like as its all-new 2008 M3 Convertible and Concept CS vehicles make their North American debuts at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in Manhattan on March 19.

"BMW is excited to present the North American debuts of the 2008 M3 Convertible and the Concept CS at the New York International Auto Show," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW (US) Holding Corp. "The cars round out several new production and concept vehicles introduced by BMW over the past few months, which not only exemplify our dedication to providing the ultimate driving machines, but also give some insight into future innovations."

Arriving this spring, the all-new 2008 M3 Convertible shares the M3 Coupe and Sedan's high-revving 414- horsepower engine, and just as its counterparts, will feature the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3. The introduction of the Convertible also marks the debut of BMW's optional M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT Drivelogic)-a unique 7-speed double clutch transmission specially designed for a high-rpm engine (6-speed manual transmission is standard). The M3 Convertible will also feature driver- adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls encompassing throttle response, steering, damping and stability (with an available steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the preferences) and a sumptuous interior which can be optimized to the driver's desires including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW's latest iDrive controller.

BMW will also present the North American debut of its Concept CS, the German automaker's vision of a unique four-door car that combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Grand Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car. Inside and out, the concept vehicle provides a new definition of powerful and expressive design, utilizing materials of the highest quality while combining stylish luxury with the most uncompromising ambience, full of class and value.

In addition to BMW's latest vehicle lineup, its stand will also feature the following recently debuted vehicles:

2008 X6 Sports Activity Coupe - The world's first Sports Activity Coupe, combining the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model. With two variants, both with Twin Turbo and direct injection, the X6 xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque) will be available in May and the X6 xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) this summer.

2008 1 Series Coupe and Convertible - Inspired by its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago, the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible represent the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. Both available in 128i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 230 hp, 200 lb.-ft. torque) and 135i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque) versions, the Coupe will go on sale in March; the Convertible will go on sale in time for summer.

X5 xDrive35d and 335d Advanced Diesel vehicles - Marking a significant milestone in the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, this fall BMW will release two vehicle models equipped with BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance-the X5 xDrive35d and 335d. Successfully meeting the strict exhaust emissions requirements of the North American automobile market, the vehicles will be available in all 50 states and on average, offer 25 percent less fuel consumption than equally powerful gasoline engines.

2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan - Featuring the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3 just as their roofless sibling, the all-new 2008 BMW M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan arrive in March 2008. Fourth in the line of vehicles that set the standard in minimizing any compromises between race-inspired performance and luxury and convenience, the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible each offer new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics.

BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls- Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.