[Jason]

Motortrend has posted its speculations on the 2012 F30 3 series. Here are the highlights:

• [It] runs on a longer wheelbase and wider track than the currrent E90-based models. The 3 Series grows by 2 inches overall, but spy photos reveal it has shortened overhangs, especially at the front, meaning occupants will enjoy more space.

• Seen in profile, it is clearly a member of the same family as the new 5 Series. The headlamps are more tapered toward the center, with a series of lines that radiate out and back from the corners of the BMW kidney grilles, giving the face a dynamic look. The hood centerline is raised slightly, improving pedestrian crash protection.

• The new platform's suspension is effectively an update of the existing hardware, with a five-link rear end, most of which is forged aluminum, and aluminum-intensive double-joint struts up front. Because the platform incorporates new electronics networks, the car will come with optional adaptive dampers as well as the active front steering currently offered. We don't know yet whether the adaptive anti-roll chassis will filter down from the 5 Series.

• Powertrains get various upgrades to match the firm's Efficient Dynamics motto. In Europe, the base gasoline engine will be the Mini Cooper S' 1.6 turbo, though at a lower state of tune of about 150 horsepower. A new four-cylinder Valvetronic gas direct-injection 2.0-liter turbo will replace the current unblown sixes. A 3.0-liter blown six will remain at the top of the range, possibly topping out with the 320-horsepower version from the new 640i. All automatic transmissions will have eight ratios.

• BMW also plans a gas/electric hybrid version for the U.S.

For all our past and future F30 info, spy shots, and media, please see http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/

[ruff]

Jason,

Thanks for the info.

[GOLFFRR]

interesting. also glad to see the hybrid 3 coming here. that will be a great seller for CA.

[bmrm396]

Longer? Wider?

Please dont tell me this also means HEAVIER?

[mtechnik3]

Interesting info here. Thanks.

With advanced plastics and steel technology I hope BMW can keep weight gain negligible.

[ES BMW]

They just keep getting bigger. Pretty soon, the 1-series will be as big as the current 3.

[Advevo]

Originally Posted by My E90

They just keep getting bigger. Pretty soon, the 1-series will be as big as the current 3.

Yep.

3 series is already big and lardy. The 1 series as a drivers car is the better choice.

7 series drivers buy a new 5 series
5 series drivers buy a new 3 series
3 series drivers buy a new 1 series
The X5 drivers buy a new X3

With those choices they all drive the same car they used to have.

At bmw cars have grown bigger every generation. It s bmw marketing at its best to get you in a more expensive car every new generation. It s time to downgrade guys to have the car you always have owned.

an other 2 inch is an other 2 inch to manny for me.

[WWONG]

Originally Posted by Advevo

Yep.

3 series is already big and lardy. The 1 series as a drivers car is the better choice.

7 series drivers buy a new 5 series
5 series drivers buy a new 3 series
3 series drivers buy a new 1 series
The X5 drivers buy a new X3

With those choices they all drive the same car they used to have.

At bmw cars have grown bigger every generation. It s bmw marketing at its best to get you in a more expensive car every new generation. It s time to downgrade guys to have the car you always have owned.

an other 2 inch is an other 2 inch to manny for me.

I agree. I own a E39 5 and just bought a new E92 3 just a few months back. Parked in the garage, the 3 only seems <5 inches shorter. Only difference I notice is shorter headroom due to the coupe lines

[Leo_328i]

I hope we'll soon get to the point when all car manufacturers actually start downsizing their cars. Nissan has already started with the 370Z being smaller and lighter than the 350Z.

[M340i Pride]

we need to get LIGHTER... agreed. 3-series is all about great performance in a tight, compact package.

[BMW1983]

Noooo........not bigger.......not heavier.......enough already.....I want a sedan that handles like a sports car....not possible with getting larger/heavier........

......BMW......The Ultimate Driving Boat......

[Mu Mu]

The 3er is beginning to suck balls. Getting bigger all the time. The e46 was the perfect size for me. Guess I will be looking at the 1 series from now on!

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by bmrm396

Longer? Wider?

Please dont tell me this also means HEAVIER?

With the amount of tech toys going into this car, I have no doubt it's going to get heavier. How much is the question.

[Trier Germany]

I dont understand why they keep getting bigger and heavier. The E-90 is already grossly oversized. BMW is shifting the classes 1 series is the old 3 & the 3 series is the old 5 and 5 series is the old 7.

[jmunro]

Oh look, it's a small 5 Series!

[Diver]

My hunch is the increase in track and wheelbase for the new three series is to bump it up into the next larger vehicle footprint class for US EPA mileage rules. the 8 speed automatic makes a lot of sense as it gets great EPA numbers in the 535 GT. LIkewise, replacing the normally aspirated 6 with a turbocharged four should do wonders for gas mileage with no horsepower loss. The four should also weigh a bunch kess than the 6.

Currently, the 3 is in class 2 which is for subcompact cars. Class one is for mini cars. If BMW can get the dimensions into class 3, the fuel economy target is nearly 10% lower than class 2. That means N55 engine availability and the associated performance. I did the math and a 3" wheelbase plus 2" track increase would do the job. [By comparison the 1 series just makes it into class 2.]

Vehicle footprint is wheelbase x track, so it is advantageous for manufacturers to reduce overhang and maximize wheelbase.

In 1968 when pollution controls started in the US, the auto industry world wide was not ready with good technological solutions. Consequently, horsepower, fuel mileage and drivability took a huge hit and did not recover until the early 1990's. I just hope it's not 1968 again.

[mryakanisachoad]

lol 2.0 turbo?

so bmw is becoming audi?

will they have the nerve to badge it with 320i?

doubtful as average folks will view 320 as 8 something less than a 328.

[Diver]

I think the marketing guys will call it a 325i, following the naming for the 3 litre turbo models as 335i and similar designations throughout the line. That would only be three less somethings, and matches a designation given to 6 cylinder models of the recent past. It should be easy to match the acceleration of the 328, the question will be if the overall driving experience is matched.

[secretsquirrel]

Cars get bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, they have to match "Spreadsheet consumers" who compare cars using headroom and legroom numbers. They have to match or exceed the numbers of their competitors to stay in the ballgame with 90% of consumers.

[OnlyTruth]

Originally Posted by Advevo

Yep.

3 series is already big and lardy. The 1 series as a drivers car is the better choice.

7 series drivers buy a new 5 series
5 series drivers buy a new 3 series
3 series drivers buy a new 1 series
The X5 drivers buy a new X3

With those choices they all drive the same car they used to have.

At bmw cars have grown bigger every generation. It s bmw marketing at its best to get you in a more expensive car every new generation. It s time to downgrade guys to have the car you always have owned.

an other 2 inch is an other 2 inch to manny for me.

This happens across all the industry. All car brands expand their current models and then add a small new comer to the bottom of the list.

[335iMIAMI]

I really hate that BMW is going with a four banger , and the fact that it's turbo. They have turbo engines across the line up , not sure I like that. And they just keep adding size to all cars. Mainly because what someone said above , the stupid magazine test comparing head room , leg room , trunk space etc. Have you seen the jump in size since the e36 M ? Look at the size of a e92 M next to it , looks like a 3 and a 5 next to each other. That was just the size jump in ten years , could you imagine in another 10? To be honest I don't like what BMW is doing right now with there cars , when I sell mine I'm pretty sure I won't be buying another one unless it's an m3.

[kinan_sleiman2006]

Originally Posted by Jason

Motortrend has posted its speculations on the 2012 F30 3 series. Here are the highlights:
For all our past and future F30 info, spy shots, and media, please see http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/

interesting..Thanks