While the 2012 BMW 3-Series might seem a long ways off, our spies have captured the first photos of a next-generation prototype fresh from Europe. The typical 3-Series look — evident since the E36 through to the E46 and currently the E90 — will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner. That said, the car will look slimmer and more toned compared to the current 3-Series.
Sources indicate the front of the car receives a widened kidney grille with shapely lighting units on either side. The rear of the car will sport a typical BMW layout with classic L-shape lighting units.
The Cabrio will retain the folding hardtop, which has proven to be the most successful 3-Series cabrio ever.
BMW will also ship the next 3-Series with the latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies. Like the 1-Series, there will be an active hybrid model using a range-extended three-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor. Also on the feature list will be lightweight resistance tires, aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, improved aerodynamics, a solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency, brake energy regeneration, stop-start technology, and pre-heating for the engine, gearbox and differential.
11/04, 3:52 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Cars have been getting bigger – maybe this will mean the start of the next movement – going smaller, or at least looking smaller.
11/04, 4:05 PM
posted by:
bmwmpower
It does look pretty small! nice so far..
11/04, 4:10 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
How perfect. On the back of a flatbed, an oh so familiar sighting for imports.
GM. An American Revolution
11/04, 4:17 PM
posted by:
reedfast
i think the next 3 series will have some good stuff, let’s wait and see
11/04, 4:21 PM
posted by:
save saab
Sweet just what I wanted a smaller BMW 3-series, hopefully the price comes down also.
11/04, 4:49 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I wonder what the performance will be like with that 3 cyl engine. Hopefully there is some weight reduction also
11/04, 5:08 PM
posted by:
Hazdaz
I doesn’t look smaller to me… obviously this is all camo’ed out so its kind of hard to tell, but I do truly hope that it is no bigger than the current car… I am sooo sick of this ridiculous trend of cars getting bigger and heavier.
11/04, 5:40 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
bow to your new yuppie overlord!
11/04, 6:07 PM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
Looks like their reaching back into their MG Rover bag of designs.
11/04, 6:28 PM
posted by:
The Stig
“… and wheels placed to each corner.”
Oh, I sure hope so.
11/04, 6:46 PM
posted by:
Spingood Tanoya
“Shapely lighting units.” Oooh baby.
11/04, 7:58 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Note to BMW
Lose the raised front bumper/fascia that’s on the new 7 and next 5
DrFill
11/04, 8:57 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
@ NMOFGM – Ah how perfect!! A car on the back of a truck to take it to the racetrack to wipe the walls with the CTS!! If the CTS doesn’t break down within the 1st quarter mile. And then drive to a junkyard with my autobahn designed BMW to pick up parts for my science project and see a familiar sighting of many GM cars there!! Brings back good memories.
@ Blog – They’re already redesigning this? And of course I can’t make out the styling. Well hopefully many styling ques from the redesigned 5-series will be included with the package. Howabout a new X3 BMW? I’ve been anticipating the redesign of the X3. Us New Yorkers have snow to battle damn it.
11/04, 10:25 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
You’re close leftwing… that would be “bend over for your new yuppie overlord”.
11/05, 12:42 AM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
Looks good so far. Just hope they lose the dinosaur F-150 mirrors. Baby 5 series on the way. I wonder if it will be the same size as the previous 90-00’s models.
11/05, 9:48 AM
posted by:
darkwingduck
Just a test mule!!!! Car will dramatically change from that to what it IS going to be. to say “It looks good so far” is to say a baby in the womb is on track to be the president of the United States or the Prime Minister.
To NMOFGM – BUY FORD!!! THAT HAVEN’T USED OUR TAX MONEY!!!
11/05, 9:49 AM
posted by:
darkwingduck
THEY not that. I just woke up, sorry.
11/05, 6:16 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
“lightweight resistance tires”? Was this written by someone knowledgeable about cars?
11/05, 8:38 PM
posted by:
aggie531
Hey nmofgm, its on a platform… try again.
anyways… I hope that those aren’t the production taillights. Other than that, it looks good.
11/06, 8:08 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
What’s good for General motors is good for America
11/06, 3:46 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
What’s good for America is fuel efficient cars of high quality. Which in turn wouldn’t hurt GM either if they actually had any.