Here's what we know: BMW will unveil the next generation 3-Series in 2012. That piece of information, though, comes with good news and bad news. First, let's start with the good news: For the first time, the BMW 3-Series will be offered in five different body versions: a four-door sedan coming on March 2012, a touring wagon on September 2012, a GT version on March 2013, a coupe version on September 2013 and a convertible variant on March 2014.

The powertrain line-up will include engines 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.

And now - clear your throats - for the bad news: the M3 version will only be offered in coupe and convertible version and the 420-hp V8 engine will be replaced by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six engine set to deliver around 450 hp.

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