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from leftlane news:

BMW has filed for three interesting trademarks that give clues to its future product plans. They are: BMW M10, Progressive Activity Sedan, and BMW 555. The first appears to refer to a new high-performance model, while last clearly relates a new 5-Series variant. As for the new "PAS" — we're not too sure.


BMW M10

Insiders have long believed BMW to be working on a successor to the M1 mid-engine sports car, which was built between 1978 to 1981. A number of names have been rumored for the supercar, with "M10" recently appearing in the German press.

It turns out that might be the badge of choice, because BMW filed for a trademark on the name "M10" on July 18th, 2007.

BMW 555

BMW's trademark on the name "555" was 'published for opposition' on August 7th, 2007. That step usually indicates a company is actively pursuing the trademark with intentions of using it.

At first glance, 555 might seem to refer to a 5-Series sedan with a 5.5 liter engine, but it could also mean something different. BMW's 335, for example, has a 3.0 liter engine with the extra "5" representing its turbocharger, rather than another half liter of displacement.

Progressive Activity Sedan

Another new acronym from BMW? The automaker's new X6 is referred to as a "Sports Activity Coupe," which creates a less-than-ideal acronym — SAC.

Could BMW be considering a new marketing term for its four-door X6? Or perhaps the "Progressive Activity Sedan" is yet another new niche vehicle coming from BMW. Only time will tell.