[e92miami]

I have to say I 'm not a fan of the 6er but I was just at the mall and saw a 6GC and WOW that car needs to be seen in person. I was loving how it looked, I still think the front end is weak but the back and side profile is stunning. This maybe a good sign for the 4 GC.

[Imola.ZHP]

The "original" render was for the 440iL GC X-Drive...

These names are out of control...

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by rconti

Because they're building more slightly-different-looking same-old-same-old models at the expense of offering us a more diverse lineup of engine and transmission combinations in the existing vehicles people already want?

Not saying it's a bad business decision, it might well be that the badge whores are upset to spend so much on a sedan and see 50 of the sedan every day, and wonder "why didn't I just buy an appliance car?" So instead they want to buy something "more exclusive" and "slightly more swoopy-looking" so they only see 20 of the same car every day... which might, in turn, drive sales. *shrug*

But I think there are a lot enthusiasts on these kinds of forums who *actually enjoy the cars for what they are* and don't particularly care if other people have the same-looking car.. and would prefer the diverse engine and transmission combinations I mention.

So that's why you see whining here about a decision that might actually play well for the mass market as a whole.

I'm confused, how much more "diverse" would you like drivetrain options to be? As of now you can get x-drive or s-drive in nearly any model, and both the 4cyl and 6cyl (petrol) engines are always winning awards, then you have that great 8-speed auto (not for me though) and a 6-speed manual (albeit that could use some fine-tuning). Hybrids are here, diesels have been offered in the US and will probably come back...

Sure, Europe and other countries get more engine options, but how does that bode well with enthusiasts? Enthusiasts usually want the choice with the most power, not a confusing array of multiple engines...

Your post confuses me... If enthusiasts don't care about what their cars look like, then they won't care that BMW is offering more models...

[Arena Motor Dude]

I'll take it...

[lee.minwoo_]

Is it just me, or does it look more and more like a 7 series? - A mini version, especially with the rear trunk line/tail lights~

[Nyc20ae]

If this is accurate, I like where they are going with the styling.

[Xcution]

So...the reason for a 4 series was to create a "3 series" coupe that is more expensive than a 3 series normal coupe.

Why create a GC of this makes no sense. It is very nice do not get me wrong, but this is like having an iPad mini and getting an iPad...

I would prefer the coupe if I went with a 4 series...if not M2 it will be. Till then keep moding the 1er ;p

It looks good no until release day and it is probably exactly the same as the 3 series, BMW is dumb like that sometimes.

[Zirenz2006]

If it looks anything like that, sign me up!

[RPM90]

Looks good.

But, it's just a body style variation on the F30 theme.
Basically it's a more stylized F30 sedan with less sedan utility as the rear seating area will be more cramped with a lower roof line.

I don't see why this variant should cost anymore than 10% of an equally optioned F30.
Yet from the numbers being thrown around it will be more than that.
It's not different enough from the F30 to garner that much higher of an MSRP, but it will likely need to be for BMW to get a good return on investment mainly for the design as the mechanicals will be from the F30.

Where does this variant fit?
It's not mechanically different from the F30.
It looks nice, but it's basically a more stylized F30.
As I said, it's just not different enough to entice me to pay the premium for it.
It may cannibalize F30 and 5 series sales, but that doesn't matter to BMW because a sale is a sale. If they sell 10% less F30's to get GC sales it's still a win for BMW
This GC is likely to appeal to those who will pay more for it's style not for any added performance as it won't have any added performance.

I hope BMW builds a 1/2 series sedan or 1/2 series GC.
That holds greater appeal for me as I would prefer a BMW sport sedan in a smaller more agile package. Offer the N20 and N55 in that car and I'll be all over it. BMW needs a smaller sedan or GC to compete with Audi's great looking new A3 sedan, and even MB's nice looking new CLA. The CLA is unfortunately FWD but it's style will sell.
As it is right now BMW's offerings are relying too much on big models.
They really need cool looking performance oriented smaller cars the kind that appealed to driving enthusiasts and built BMW's cache as
"The Ultimate Driving Machine".

[zenmaster]

Is the slot behind the front wheel actually functional, for brake cooling, or is it useless?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

Is the slot behind the front wheel actually functional, for brake cooling, or is it useless?

The 'boomerang' vent is functional, as it is on the 3 Series GT.

Details on the vent @ http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=799040

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by Jason

The 'boomerang' vent is functional, as it is on the 3 Series GT.

Details on the vent @ http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=799040

Thanks for that (AKA "Air Breathers"?) (Actually tried to find info before posting the question.)