[Roowah]

I'm not sure if this is a repost, but there is a recent article in Car & Driver regarding the 2012 3 series. Looks like they're thinking of adding a 5 door GT version (like the 5 series) and primarily going to 4 cylinder engines with 1 inline 6 option. As for the design, I'm personally not impressed, but I know a lot of people said that when the E90's came out to replace the E46.

Makes me happy to have my E90.

Here is the link

BMW is planning to dramatically expand the number of offerings within its various model ranges, especially the strong-selling 3-series that is the backbone of the brand. All eyes are on the next 3, due for 2012.

Aside from the usual body styles—sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible—BMW will also build a five-door hatchback version featuring an aggressive design that will combine station-wagon practicality with coupelike style. In other words, the 3-series range will get its own version of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s attempt to cross-pollinate an SUV and a station wagon. Like the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will offer two adjustable seats with a center console in the rear and straddle the fine line between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.

Optional equipment such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from nodding off, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking will bring tech features of the 5- and 7-series into the realm of the 3.

Like the current 3-series, powertrain and suspension tuning will remain sporty. But for those who want greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button similar to that of Audi’s drive select. It will sharpen or soften damping as well as steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.

A new line of aluminum four-cylinder gas engines will get the latest technology, including variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. Power output for the four-cylinder line will range from 135 to 220 horsepower—in the U.S., we’ll likely only get the 220-hp version. Purists need not fret; at least one gas inline six-cylinder engine is expected to survive the downsizing to four-cylinder power. But the 300-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder in the 335i may be replaced by a 2.0-liter, sequential-turbo four-cylinder gas engine making nearly as much horsepower.

BMW will also offer a hybrid version of the 3-series. Like the system in the upcoming X5 hybrid, developed in a joint venture with GM, Chrysler, and Daimler, this one will augment the transmission with two electric motors. Expect a fuel savings of about 20 percent.

You can also click the small picture for a view of the sedan. Looks kind of generic to me.

[e90fanatic]

i think bmw is heading the hatchback style....if this is true..my e92 is my last bmw

[Juanto]

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

i think bmw is heading the hatchback style....if this is true..my e92 is my last bmw

This. I hope they don't though.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by Roowah

As for the design, I'm personally not impressed, but I know a lot of people said that when the E90's came out to replace the E46.

Makes me happy to have my E90.

You can also click the small picture for a view of the sedan. Looks kind of generic to me.

Dude it's obviously a shitty amateur photoshop rendering. The new F35 should look amazing. There's no information on how it'll look at the moment. No need to speculate based off of this.

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

i think bmw is heading the hatchback style....if this is true..my e92 is my last bmw

They'll offer multiple variants, so no worries.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

They'll offer multiple variants, so no worries.

Problem solved. Positive thinking. Thats the pucking way to go bro

[roozie2001]

wether thats a photo rendering or not i think that interior looks great.

[DinoMite]

Meh, they should just give us DCT in the current 335 coupe, bump the power to 350hp, and they can keep the 2012 four cylinder models for grandma.

[fdsasdasdf]

Look, as long as it doesn't like like a super small 7 series like they've seemed to do on every upcoming model so far, then I'm good with whatever it may be.

[Bimmerforlife]

The 550 Grand taillights are horrible, looking at the car from the side view the way the tailights corner up remind me of the Lexus IS350. I sure hope they don't transition that to the 2012 3 Series.

[Thomas_76]

These artist renditions are horrible. I certainly hope BMW doesn't head in this direction.

[Andy M]

2012 4-cyl engine's HP = 2009 6-cyl engine's HP.

Same power, less gas. I'd go for it. Article says they're keeping the 6-cyl still as an option. Don't forget cars 20 years ago were typically 8-cylinders. Doesn't mean they were faster - just means they were big boats and they ended up eating gas faster.

The article just says BMW is expanding its line to offer more variety. That's a good thing. Sure some people will be driving cheap ones, but we have the 323's here in Canada and most people still go for the 328's.

Hopefully BMW expands their upper end vehicles (i.e. M10 supercar?).

[samchoi604]

But for those who want greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button similar to that of Audi’s drive select. It will sharpen or soften damping as well as steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.

I was afraid BMW would come to this.. copying Audi's drive select. IMO I don't like it at all. Too much technology is never a good thing for car enthusiasts. It takes out the driving experience, not to mention costly repairs.

[roozie2001]

Originally Posted by samchoi604

I was afraid BMW would come to this.. copying Audi's drive select. IMO I don't like it at all. Too much technology is never a good thing for car enthusiasts. It takes out the driving experience, not to mention costly repairs.

i dont think the 3 series is any less fun to drive now than before. its faster. more luxurious and handles better than ever. Now its time for it to stay quick and get more economical and green. its just whats happening in the future. High emissions vehicles unfortunately dont stand a chance in the states anymore. As far as repairs, a mechanic charges per hour what he charges and bmw still gives 4/50k free maintenance. so for 4 yrs u know ur taken care of. What you choose to do after that is up to you.

The rendering cars interior looks great to me. The exterior is not as attractive but BMWs 3 series has never been one to disappoint. For the last 20 yrs they've been on top of their game. My faith is with them being the leader in their class once again.

[augustxii]

hate always happen when a newer model starts to show face. few will like the old model better but most will move on with the newer ones. besides, BMW always deliver right?

[BK]

Keeping my fingers crossed it will turn out better than it sounds.

[Potty_Pants]

when you return to the dealer in 2012...

base price will jump 10G
base will have a 4cyl engine

ppp

[I335]

LOVE the interior of the 5 and I LIKE the body style a lot. The tail lights are just fine but I'm not too keen on the headlights.

[Bavaria330]

Thank the libs for the Drop in power!

[ellipsis212]

bad hatchback! bad!

[DinoMite]

Originally Posted by Potty_Pants

when you return to the dealer in 2012...

base price will jump 10G
base will have a 4cyl engine

ppp

if they offer a 4cyl engine in a 3 series, they better lower the price by 7K.

[JoeyBananaz18]

Originally Posted by DinoMite

if they offer a 4cyl engine in a 3 series, they better lower the price by 7K.

haha that aint happening by the time 2012 rolls around

[RX7guy]

Better have 350hp or I'm not interested