Spied: BMW F30 3-er [With interior]

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Philly

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Lately, we've been hearing a lot about BMW's plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We've heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It's all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear – BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit.

BMW 3 Series interior spy shotOur sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn't been altered too much from other development cars we've seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er's reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks – it isn't too far removed from what we've come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW's new remote-sized shifter.

We're still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there's always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we'll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

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I'll be interested to see what they come up with for this one. I'm going to guess the looks won't be all that revolutionary. The idea of a four cylinder is exciting though. A turbo'd four might make the 328 a bit redundant, but I think I'd like to see one available. Especially if they could take the 328 up to 250 hp or so. Or they could just bring the 320 over.
 
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I know it is camo'd and everything, but I see so much Rover 75 in the front of this that I couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
 
From renders I've seen of this thing it's lining up to be quite a striking design.

Engines for the European market are likely to be developments of what we get already - fours, diesels, turbo'd sixes etc. I think this 3er is the one they're considering dropping a turbocharged triple into as well, which could be interesting.

Interior looks quite 1-Series.
 
Nothing much I can say since its all camoed up, but the interior should be an improvement over its predecessor... Hopefully the back legroom is also improved, because the E90 is a bit cramped that I sit like a prawn!

BMW has been designing an interior that really suits me, so this one should be no problem.
 
Nothing much I can say since its all camoed up, but the interior should be an improvement over its predecessor... Hopefully the back legroom is also improved, because the E90 is a bit cramped that I sit like a prawn.

The wheelbase is supposed to grow by up to an inch and a half for this car. That should help with rear leg room.
 
I know it is camo'd and everything, but I see so much Rover 75 in the front of this that I couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

Huh? Rover 75? More like Vauxhall Cavalier, in my opinion. Neither is good in any case :lol:.
 
I know it is camo'd and everything, but I see so much Rover 75 in the front of this that I couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

Rover 75? I see Volvo S60 in front and Lexus IS (first gen) in the back.

The wheelbase is supposed to grow by up to an inch and a half for this car. That should help with rear leg room.

How long will this new 3 be? At what point is it going to be the size of an E39 or even a E34 5-series?
 
How long will this new 3 be? At what point is it going to be the size of an E39 or even a E34 5-series?

The current E90 length at 178.2 inches while the E34 length at 185.8 inches. So if BMW adds up like 1-2 inches, it will still be shorter than the E34 and obviously shorter than the E39...

Just my thought.. :p
 
Here are some interesting observations...

F30_Profile_Trace.jpg


Some observations based on the trace:
  • Shorter overhangs (Shorter than previous generation 3er)
  • Longer wheelbase (Estimate 1.5”+ longer than previous generation 3er)
  • Hofmeister Kink followed by near straight rear door cutline which nicely curved around rear wheel well
  • Forward pushing nose similar to E89 Z4 front end
  • Similar hood profile as E89 Z4
  • Minimal downward slope on rear quarter panel following the C-pillar

Side profile trace from the spy shot and comparison between F30, E90 and E46:

E46_E90_F30_Profile.jpg


Latest renderings:

f30-1_875.jpg


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Some further information:

BMW will also enable the next 3 Series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies, such as aerodynamically designed wheels , BMW active aerodynamics, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration , stop-start technology , pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential. Many of the technology powering the new 3 Series, such as the climate control system or telematics, will be completely re-engineered.

The expected range of powerplants includes 6-cylinder engines, complemented by a new range of 4-cylinder engines and possibly even a 3-cylinder variant for Europe.

[Pictures and informations courtesy of BMWBLOG.COM]
 
Small update, the F30 will be featured a Square-Shaped Angel Eyes headlights that looks alike the one in the Gran Coupe Concept...

2012-BMW-3-Series-21.jpg


[Picture courtesy of gmotors.co.uk via BMWBLOG.com]
 
At first, I couldn't figure out that those were the headlights and though that was the front kidneys. I got really confused that BMW was trying to put headlights inside the kidneys in the middle of the car, a la Tucker 48. :lol:
 
Actually, it's not going to be completely square-shaped - instead being just a flat bottom like this one though I have no idea what could be the shape on top as it's been blocked by the camo...

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[Picture courtesy of inautonews.com]
 
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