The German automaker BMW has confirmed that the next generation of their entry level 3-Series will also get a GT version to follow the current 5-Series GT. The new model is officialy set to be unveiled in 2011. The new 3-Series GT will be placed between 3 and 5-Series models set to compete with models like the Audi A4 Avant. According to BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer: "We haven’t cancelled the crossover of the 3 Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money."
Sized somewhere between an SUV and an avant, the future BMW GT will be 15 inches longer than the standard model and offer the added bonus of more headroom due to the shooting brake layout. The four-door coupe designed body will combine a set of raised, sliding rear seats with a high lifting tailgate that should make accessing the larger cargo area very trouble-free. The design will be inspired by both the CS Concept and the 5-Series GT.
The 3 Series GT will have a unique two-stage tailgate, giving owners the option of opening just a small part of the trunk or the complete tailgate (including the rear window) if more space is desired. The vehicle will be offered in both four and five seater versions, and under the hood BMW will incorporate a wide range of turbo and diesel engines.
The German automaker has already began working on the next generation BMW 3-Series model that is set to be released sometime in 2012. Aside from the regular body styles, the big news is that the next 3-Series will also be available as a GT. This more spacious vehicle will be slated into the lineup below the 5 Series GT and just above the upcoming 1-Series GT.
The exterior of the entry level GT will be inspired by both the BMW X6 as well as the all new 7-Series. The front end will receive a wider grill while the rear will feature a larger version of the classic L shaped taillights. Both the coupe and convertible will feature designs unique from the traditional sedan and station wagon, thanks to some reshaped lighting and some sculpted body work. The new GT will be less of a niche vehicle than the BMW 5-Series GT and will offer a sporty alternative to the BMW X3 CUV.
The luxury automaker will also incorporate the very latest in Efficient Dynamic Technology; for the fuel conscious there will be an active hybrid model powered by a range extending 3 cylinder engine combined with an electric motor as well as a set of low rolling resistance tires. Even the wheels will be aerodynamically designed so that they do not create excessive drag. Like the hybrid 2010 Toyota Prius, BMW will incorporate a solar panel on the roof to power interior accessories causing less of a drain on the battery. It looks like if you enjoyed the current 3-Series, you will love the next generation model because BMW is now offering something for everyone.
Like its bigger brother, BMW’s 3-Series sedan will receive the fastback treatment just like 5-Series GT. Top Speed originally reported that the 3-Series GT wouldn’t see the light of day before 2013, but new information is saying that it will arrive much earlier than that. Set to be unveiled sometime in 2011, the GT will slot in nicely in between the always popular 3-Series sedan and utilitarian wagon.
Sized somewhere between an SUV and an avant, the future BMW GT will be 15 inches longer than the standard model and offer the added bonus of more headroom due to the shooting brake layout. The four-door coupe designed body will combine a set of raised, sliding rear seats with a high lifting tailgate that should make accessing the larger cargo area very trouble-free. The design will be inspired by both the CS Concept and the 5-Series GT.
The Bavarian automaker, BMW, is busy building the next generation of there ever popular 3-Series. Spy photographers have already caught the first batch of test mules in action. Codenamed F30, the future baby Bimmer is scheduled to debut in early 2012.
The all-new F30 architecture will be offered in three different wheelbase options. The first will measure 2.7 meters and find its way into the underpinnings of the next 1-Series, a car that is currently codenamed F20. The second will measure 2.8 meters, for the standard 3-Series, and the last will be stretched just a bit more to 2.9 meters for the crossover X3.
After revealing their first attempt at a modern GT at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 6 Series GT has been confirmed for 2011. While the Bavarian auto makers are planning a similar treatment for the baby bimmer, the 3 Series that should see the light of day sometime in 2013.
Sized somewhere between an SUV and a wagon, the future BMW 3 Series GT will be with 15 inches longer than the standard model and offer the added bonus of more headroom due to the shooting brake layout.
New to the future BMW 3 Series line-up will be a 340i, powered by a 326 HP six cylinder. On the other hand, the future BMW 1-Series, built on the same platform in order to reduce costs, will receive the sport wagon treatment.
Sometimes modifying the latest and greatest from automotive manufacturers is out of reach for most tuning enthusiasts. Thanks to RDX Racedesign bimmer fans have a few new options for modifying the E46 3-Series.
BMW tuners Lumma Design have just taken the latest 3 series coupe to a whole new level of style. Adorned with the woven black stuff, everything from the grill inserts to the front fenders are made from the composite material, while resting on a set of 19 inch staggered rims.
The BMW tuners RDSport have modified the twin turbo 335 to create the RS35. This lower, more aggressive Bimmer rides on either monoblock or multi piece 20 inch rims and benefits from a carbon fiber front bumper. While modifications to the straight 6 boost power up from 300 to 414 HP, making this vehicle more powerful than the high-performance eight cylinder M3 variant.
After the first official images that have surfaced the internet this morning, BMW revealed the official informations about the 2009 3-Series facelift that will make its world debut this autumn at the Paris Auto Show.
Specific design modifications, a further refined interior design, the new generation of the optional operating concept BMW iDrive, new services provided by BMW ConnectedDrive, a revised range of engines and innovations in the areas of drive technology, safety and comfort make both the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring more attractive than ever before.
The 330d is powered by a 3.0 litre all-aluminium engine with common rail injection that delivers 245 bhp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 520 Nm is available from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. The new BMW 330d accelerates in 6.1 seconds from zero to 60 mph, its maxi-mum speed is electronically cut off at 155 mph.
With five petrol engines and five diesel engines, the new BMW 3 Series offers the most extensive range in its segment. When it comes to both petrol and diesel power units, customers have the choice of four 4-cylinder and three 6-cylinder engines. The output range extends from 143 bhp in the 4-cylinder models BMW 318i and BMW 318d to a 306 bhp in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW 335i. All engines are available for both the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the Touring model, and all are combined with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics measures in the environment of the engine, as suits the specific model configuration. Each of the ten engine types thus has a more favourable relationship between driving dynamics and economy as compared to competitor vehicles of similar output.
BMW tuners ALPINA have created a very likely sedan successor to their acclaimed D3 Bi-turbo coupe. Aside from the typical interior and exterior treatments from the luxury tuners, ALPINA begins the process by removing the turbocharged four cylinder engine from a BMW 123d and transplants it into a full size 3 series sedan. The 2.0 liter engine is then tweaked to produce a maximum output of 214 HP, generating more horsepower per liter than any other ALPINA road car. The vehicle can accelerate to 60 MPH (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 MPH, while returning around 50 MPG.
If you still don’t believe in the performance diesel? Check out this video of the D3 and a 330 lapping the Donnington Park racetrack in the heart of Great Britain.