2012 / 2013 BMW 3-series
The sports-sedan benchmark nears its next redesign.
Captured by our spy photographers in Munich, Germany, this four-door is internally called the F30. There's a lot to come: The next-generation 3 will again be offered in number of body styles, including a wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, which—contrary to what we've hoped for—will keep the heavy and complex retractable hardtop. BMW will also offer a five-door hatchback dubbed the "Gran Turismo" which apes the concept of the 5-series GT but will be more carlike and less imposing on the road.
BMW's excellent diesel-engine lineup will largely carry over in Europe, but there are imminent changes for its current range of rewarding but thirsty gasoline engines. Variable valve timing, single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems are in the works for a new generation of modular, four-cylinder engines producing 140 to 230 hp. A 2.0-liter version with close to 300 hp is possible, but we are optimistic BMW will keep at least one of its 3.0-liter inline-sixes in the portfolio. That six is still the stuff of legend, and we'd be sorry to see it go in favor of a force-fed four.
The M3 will remain the ultimate 3, but it is not yet clear whether it will keep its naturally aspirated V-8. A turbocharged inline-six is a distinct possibility. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will remain an option for the M3, while the six-speed manual will be standard, as it is on most other 3-series models except the most powerful diesels. But unlike the M3, those other versions will be available with an optional ZF eight-speed automatic in place of the current six-speed unit. Interestingly, BMW is mulling the launch of a high-efficiency, three-cylinder version of the 3-series, which will share its engine architecture with the next-generation Mini and will likely be hybridized, too.
The 3-series will be equipped with a full bag of electro-nanny systems, such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and speed-limit recognition. BMW's night-vision system is technically possible but unlikely to be offered in the 3. However, you will be able to tinker with the engine and chassis setup by means of a "driving dynamics" button.
The styling of the next 3 will be a rather conservative evolution of the current model, with a protruding kidney grill similar to that of the 7-series and the 5-series GT. The interior will look decidedly richer and will lose the center hump that houses the current model's optional navigation system.
Look for the next 3-series at the 2012 Geneva auto show. It should arrive at U.S. dealers later in 2012 for the 2013 model year.
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