A VERY good source says this is an X1 SAV Prototype. I believe him as it looks a bit small to be an X3. It will compete with the RDX and EX37. They better put a revised version of the TT N54 in it!! On the other hand, if the MINI SUV gets the greenlight it wont be called a Cooper. The company will call it something else. It will share the same underpinnings as the X1.

The company also greenlighted a small Z roadster. He says,

"Also greenlighted today was a Small Z Roadster. Think a modern interpretation of the BMW Z1 - Elegant, compact and dynamically sporty - a modern interpretation of the Z1 Concept.

Why the expansion of smaller focused performance and lifestyle orientated cars?

In this segment sales are rocketing and projected sales are even expected to increase as people downsize and more younger enthusiasts come to the market. The 1er Coupe and Cabrio are the first step but there are many,many more to come. Including BMW's much talked about "City Concept for the Future" I have never seen so many eyes light up when the the sketches were unveiled."

 

Wow...BMW is moving down market.

 

Indeed. The X3 has a base price of $38,000. Many of the cues looks to come from the new X6. I wonder what that Z1 is going to compete with. Perhaps the performance versions of the Sky, Soltice, and MX-5.

 

The X3 is a direct competitor to the RDX in size and power. I don't see how making a smaller vehicle makes it a competitor in anything but price.

 

Perhaps the X3 is going up in size. The X3 prototypes will be easily identified by it's shortened glasshouse and dynamically sloping roof. They will hit the road early next year.

 

There are rumors that the X3 will go bye, bye due to slow sales. The possible replacement for the X3 is called the F3, which is much similar to the 3 series wagon, but x-over like.

 

Why is there a red erected throbbing pen1s behind the car

 

More to the point, why did you notice?

 

it's flamboyant, and very unique.

 

BMW isn't the only one Mercedes is prepping yet another new vehicle in the GLK, which is, my guess, intended to compete with the X3.

But maybe Infiniti is to blame for this. Their EX35 is definitely a good deal smaller than the FX while looking quite good. I saw it at a show recently, and have seen one on the road, and I think Infiniti may have another success on its hands.