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Could this be the next design for the best seller in the BMW family, the 3 series? The current E90 BMW 3-series has only been on the market since 2005 but details about the next-gen model are already circulating with most agreeing that the next model will feature styling lifted from the Concept CS.
Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more recognizable face derived from the original styling of the Shanghai concept.
With the new 3-series, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car’s awkward styling and lack of interior space. These renderings, compiled using information from sources close to the project show that the new car will have a pronounced kidney-grille with the air-intakes positioned on either side of the bumper just below the headlights.
New options for the 2012 3-series will include hybrid variants as well as the latest version of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics. The X-Drive AWD system is likely to gain favour thanks to a redesign of the system to reduce weight, which will only increase fuel consumption by 0.5L per 100km over RWD models.
Other features that may make it to production include night-vision devices, a heads-up display and radar safety systems.
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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.
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