This high-flying German brand is on track for a 16th straight year of record U.S. sales. An ever-expanding lineup has been a key factor, and it expanded again at L.A. with the North American premiere of four 2008 models.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
BMW's 1-Series made its debut at the L.A. Show. The base 128i versions have 230 horsepower; 135i models get a 300-horsepower twin-turbo engine.

Taking center stage was the 1-Series, a new entry-level line that borrows many underskin components from the mainstay 3-Series. Sales begin next spring. Buyers can choose from two flavors of coupe, as shown at L.A., and a soft-top convertible, which premieres at the Detroit show in January. All use inline six-cylinder engines to drive the rear wheels through six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The base 128i versions have 230 horsepower; 135i models get a 300-horsepower twin-turbo engine. All 1-Series come with BMW's usual assortment of active and passive safety features, including antilock disc brakes, stability/traction control, front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags. Options will include BMW's Active Steering, designed for quicker response in fast turns, and a navigation system with BMW's iDrive infotainment systems controller. Leatherette upholstery is standard, with genuine leather optional. Though the 1-Series is a more-affordable BMW, it isn't exactly cheap. BMW says the 128i coupe will start at $29,375, while the counterpart 135i costs $6300 more. Convertibles will be higher still.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
The new BMW M3 coupe and sedan should start around $62,500.

BMW's other new-model news is a redesign for the high-performance M3 coupe and the first U.S.-market M3 sedan since 2001. Both use a specially developed 4.0-liter V8--a first for M3s--derived from the potent V10 that powers BMW's M5 and M6 models. Horsepower checks in at 414, delivered through a mandatory six-speed manual transmission. Other specific features include larger brakes, special lightweight body panels and suspension components, and an available carbon-fiber roof panel for the coupe. Prices haven't been announced, but the rumor suggests a minimum ante of $62,500.

Also at L.A., BMW ended long speculation by confirming two future models: a small X1 crossover wagon, expected around 2010, and a production version of the concept CS sports sedan presented at the recent Shanghai Auto Show. The latter will be priced above the 7-Series sedan as BMW's new line-topper, and may be slightly larger than the 7 as well. No timetable was given, however. BMW also confirmed a twin-turbo diesel engine for North America and a Two-Mode Hybrid vehicle using the basic gasoline/electric drive system developed with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. Both of these "green" powertrains should come to market in calendar 2009.

For more information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out: