The English automotive journal, AutoCar has gotten their hands on a few more details about the future BMW 3-Series. The 2012 model is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Paris Motor Show, and according to a source at BMW, the German automaker will offer class-leading aerodynamics, as well as pioneering the use of three-cylinder engines in the company's full size premium vehicles.

The engine lineup will include a choice of turbocharged three-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Starting off with a 1.5 Liter diesel engine that will deliver around 150 HP, while the gas burning version will deliver 150 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque. One thing that is for certain is that all of the engines will be offered with BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology. The car will remain a front-engined, rear-drive model, but will use some sort of hybrid electric assist coupled to the rear axle, meaning it will be able to operate in both hybrid and fully electric vehicle modes.

The engines will be mated to a standard 8-speed automatic gearbox first seen in the 7 Series, while the performance models will be offered with 7-speed DCT. BMW has also announced that the 2012 BMW 3-Series will move through the air with exceptional aerodynamics, the car's coefficient of drag will measure only 0.24 thanks in part to something called an Air Curtain.

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