In a speech given today in Munich, Germany, new BMW Motorrad General Director Hendrik Von Kuenheim outlined the future of the company, which includes entering the 1000cc “Supersport” market segment with a new model dubbed the S 1000 RR. Von Kuenheim went on to say the company plans to race the new model in the 2009 FIM Superbike World Championship. “We are confident that we will be able to start the Superbike World Championship next year with a convincing all-round package, and that our series motorcycle will be just as convincing,” Von Kuenheim was quoted as saying. “In both terms of both its technology and price, our Supersports will be absolutely competitive.” No technical details about the S 1000 RR were available at post time, but photos of a prototype racer were provided. In the photos, the bike appears to be equipped with: conventional Ohlins suspension (not Paralever or Telelever suspension systems); an inline, multi-cylinder engine with its crankshaft and transmission shafts laid out in a triangular arrangement; a twin-spar main frame; a long, gull-wing swingarm; and wheel speed sensors, front and rear. More details will be posted when they become available.