The next-generation 2012 BMW 3-Series may seem a long way off, but Brenda Priddy tells us these are the first shots of the next 3-Series prototype. From these photos, it appears the typical 3-Series proportions—short rear overhang, aggressive stance typical of the E36 through current E90 models—will remain. But the overall look is slimmer and more toned than the current 3, Priddy says.

Her sources also tell her that the front of the car will receive a widened kidney grille (but smaller than the current 5-Series), and classic L-shaped lighting units and typical BMW layout in back. The convertible will retain the folding hardtop, as the current folding hardtop has proven to be the most successful 3-Series cabrio yet.

The next 3 will also likely incorporate the latest in BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technologies. Like the 1-series, there will be an active hybrid model using a range-extended three-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as BMW's active aerodynamics, a solar roof panel for energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration, stop-start and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

The next-generation 2012 BMW 3-Series may seem a long way off, but Brenda Priddy tells us these are the first shots of the next 3-Series prototype. From these photos, it appears the typical 3-Series proportions—short rear overhang, aggressive stance typical of the E36 through current E90 models—will remain. But the overall look is slimmer and more toned than the current 3, Priddy says.

Her sources also tell her that the front of the car will receive a widened kidney grille (but smaller than the current 5-Series), and classic L-shaped lighting units and typical BMW layout in back. The convertible will retain the folding hardtop, as the current folding hardtop has proven to be the most successful 3-Series cabrio yet.

The next 3 will also likely incorporate the latest in BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technologies. Like the 1-series, there will be an active hybrid model using a range-extended three-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as BMW's active aerodynamics, a solar roof panel for energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration, stop-start and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Mainstream consumers are discovering the benefits of vehicle customization through an industry-wide consumer awareness program. Articles educating the public on how the industry’s products could give their older car or truck a new look or increase its performance were developed in June. The articles have attracted media attention from throughout the country, resulting in 985 published stories in mainstream newspapers and websites. Notable clips include the Chicago Sun-Times, southern California’s Orange Country Register, Flint Journal in Michigan and the Reading Eagle in Pennsylvania.

Read two of the most recent articles from the outreach campaign.

 

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, WDs, jobbers, and retailers serving every automotive niche.

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) was founded in 1971 with goals very similar to those of SEMA. PWA's membership includes specialty automotive parts wholesalers who have banded together to deal with management, financial and legislative issues.

Each of the associations either has just installed or is about to install new leadership. Rick Rollins has assumed the chairmanship of the SEMA Board of Directors, and Donnie Eatherly will take the reins of PWA as its new president beginning in January. Both are industry veterans who share the unique perspective of years of volunteer experience in both associations.

Recently, SEMA News had the opportunity to speak with the two executives about how SEMA and PWA might work together.