[dna550]

Sneak Peek: 2013 BMW 3-Series
March, 2010
By Georg Kacher

BMW will begin to roll out its next generation 3-series, codenamed F30, in 2012. The car will be built on BMW's new MSB architecture, which means it will share its strut front end layout with the next-gen 1-series (codenamed F20) rather than use the double wishbones of the 5, 6, and 7-series cars.

For the first time, there will be five different 3-series bodystyles. The four-door sedan, which will appear March 2012, touring wagon (Sep 2012), coupe (Sep 2013), and convertible (Mar 2014) will all follow the familiar 3-series formula. The newcomer to the family is the hatchback Grand Turismo version, set to appear in March 2013. The GT3 is much more lifestyle-oriented and sportier than the GT5. It has a deep and wide tailgate, but it is a single-piece unit rather than the heavy and complex two-piece hatch of the GT5, and there is more of a notchback silhouette to the rear end. In terms of height, the GT3 sits midway between the 3-series sedan and the GT5.

The four-door sedan is in essence a downsized 5-series, longer, sleeker and more homogenous than the model it supersedes, with none of the polarizing cutlines, flame surfaces, and quirky details. The coupe is not just a two-door sedan with a lower roofline but boasts bespoke sheet metal from nose to tail, featuring more sculptured flanks, a more steeply raked windshield and rear window, a sportier front section and a totally remodelled rear end. To enhance the passive safety performance, BMW has opted for prominent B-posts and thus for fixed rear side windows.



Contrary to earlier plans, the convertible is now likely to retain the controversial retractable hardtop, which is particularly popular in North America and China. There is a slim chance that we might see a 3-series Speedster with a manual fabric roof and a lowered windshield. If that does happen, this car would be engineered and marketed by the M division.

Both the wagon and the GT3 feature a longer wheelbase for additional rear legroom and more spacious luggage compartment. A full-length panorama glass roof with open/tilt mode will be an option for both models.

The next-generation M3 will only come in coupe and convertible versions. In both cases, the 420-hp V-8 will be replaced by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six good for around 450 hp.

Star engines in the new 3-series will be a family of upgraded fours, ranging from 136-hp 1.6-liter to 252-hp 2.0-liter gas models and 150-hp 1.6-liter to 245-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesels. The top diesel engine also boasts a hefty 383 lb-ft of torque. The fuel savings over the current four-bangers range from 11 to 17 percent.

And if five bodystyles isn't enough, product planners are mulling a sixth: a stylish and dynamic three-door "shooting brake" wagon, which would open up a completely new segment. As of right now, though, it's not confirmed for production.

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...ies/index.html

[mbhforum]

Is that a pic of the GT3? I hope so b/c if that's the regular 3 series, we might all be leaving this forum soon. I hate the GT 5 series.

[John 070]

What's going on with the XC90 look? The roundel is not on the hood anymore. It should be a superior car, so looks aren't everything. Question is, whether or not they can keep a 3 series under 60k by 2013.

[pruettfan]

I am sure it is the GT. I love the front end of the car I think it will look very cool as a coupe and sedan.

[chenx15]

wow that's fugly... i moving to nissan or audi

[StockE90]

Repost AND wrong section? C'mon, I only have 18 posts and I already know better than that. Lol!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364993

[Bavaria330]

No 6l turbo engines??

[John 070]

Originally Posted by chenx15

i moving to nissan

That will save you about 50k over 10 years, 22 on the purchase, and 28 in repairs....

[phistyle]

looks like a z4 and the new 5 series smashed together into one....

[ibeclueless]

doesn't look that great

[angler]

wow, that is ugly

[cotmfk]

Sounds like some cost cutting is going on. Hopefully the M3 has better suspension!

[angler]

wow, that is ugly

[jocamryn]

Audi is the only one to have gotten this "GT/Hatchback" right. (see A5 sportback)

[jocamryn]

Audi is the only one to have gotten this "GT/Hatchback" right. (see A5 sportback)

[TommyLi]

Originally Posted by jocamryn

Audi is the only one to have gotten this "GT/Hatchback" right. (see A5 sportback)

wow that does look good.. and that 2013 looks like crap... Def. will not be getting another 3er for a while if that's what it's gonna be..

[VTECaddict]

That pic is a barely photoshopped copy of a 5GT. I highly doubt BMW will make the 3GT look 98% identical, so you guys can stop freaking out.

Plus if the 5GT vs F10 is any indication, the F30 will not look like the 3GT either.

[nl328i]

mmmm

[Kiemyster]

Gt 3 series makes me cry, cry, cry, cry for hours.

[MatNova]

What kind of mileage will the new M3 get? Any indications? it's gotta be better than the 15 it's getting now.

[Rome]

wow, audi doesnt even need to try to steal bmw customers anymore with bmw lookin like that..

[MatNova]

Any numbers on the mpg of the new TT6? If it was 20+ in the city, with more HP, i'd say it's worth it.