Spy Photos and Video: F30 BMW 3 Series

The next BMW 3-Series spied in camo -- Click above to watch the video

The next BMW 3 Series, codenamed F30, was filmed at a gas station enduring some cold weather testing. Even in its psychedelic-swirl coating, the mule shows that the 5 Series' growth was no aberration -- the next 3 will be large. Watch for the man to emerge from the back seat in the video. Not long ago he wouldn't have even fit in a 3'er.

That's not all der neue 3 takes from its larger sibling: the elevated hoodline and what appears to be a return to unfussy lines down the side are also noted. We've yet to see much in the way of tech details, but the car will share its chassis with the next 1 Series, and this could be the 3 to receive the full weight of BMW's ActiveHybrid and EfficientDynamics goodies. Whatever engine they've got in this prototype, though, sounds good. Follow the jump for the video. Hat tip to Alexander

Source: Auto Blog

Spy Photos: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe

Following in the footsteps of its Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe is due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of next year and today we have the new images of a prototype for the updated car rolling around the streets of Munich. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8in LCD display and an optional 80Gb hard drive music and navigation system.

Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Coupe include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance.

Expect to see the car make its debut in the second half of next year before going on sale in most markets by the end of the year as a 2011 model.

Photo Gallery: 2011 BMW 3-series Coupe facelift spy shots

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Photo Gallery: 2009 BMW 3-series facelift

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BMW confirms plans for 3-series GT

BMW has just taken the wraps off its new 5-series GT, which goes on sale early next year and shares its design with the next-generation 5-series sedan, also due next year. The concept of the vehicle has proven so popular – at least to BMW’s management - that a smaller version based on the next-generation 3-series sedan has been confirmed for production.

Picking up the 3-series GT moniker, the car will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also likely adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. The computer generated rendering gives us a preview of what the new car may look like, revealing that it will share the aggressive new look that’s being implemented across BMW’s lineup.

Speaking with Edmunds, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that his company has not cancelled plans for a 3-series crossover as it’s “considered a volume builder with which we [BMW] can earn good money.”

Designers will be stressing the car’s coupe characteristics just as they did with the X6 and new 5-series GT. Expect to see extremely short overhangs, pumped fenders and sporty alloy wheels. Pricing will also reflect the car’s positioning above the standard 3-series on which it will be based. Along with an upcoming replacement for the X3, it will give BMW a vital rival to Audi’s A4 Avant as well as the upcoming Q3 SUV.

Its release date is scheduled for late 2011, about the same time that the next-generation 3-series sedan is due.

BMW Developing 6-Series GT, Z2, 3 Series Supersports & New Mini Variant?

We've got some exciting news on the BMW front. Sources over at Germancarzone, say BMW is planning a GT version of the next-gen BMW 6 Series. They also claim BMW is working on a Z2, to be introduced later this year, a 3 Series Supersports, and a new MINI model.

AUTOMEDIA / BMW Z2 artist illustration

Just a short while after the introduction of the BMW 5 Series GT, the German automaker looks to be in the concept development stage of a BMW GT 6. This concept would be based on the platform for the new 6 Series, expected to hit the market at the end of 2010. Look for it to have some design cues similar to the on-again-off-again BMW CS Concept, with suicide doors in back. The rear-hinged doors should make entering and exiting the car very easy for backseat passengers, while maintaining a flowing look thanks to the elimination of the B-pillar. If it goes to dealerships, a 6 Series GT would be a natural competitor to the Audi A7 Sportback, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and the forthcoming Porsche Panamera.

Also interesting is the talk of a BMW Z2. Alleged to be near completion, the car could see the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. If the Z2 goes into production soon, it would be the first time BMW has assembled two different Z Series roadsters concurrently.

Rumor also has it that BMW is putting together the BMW 335i Supersports. The SS level would bring the car almost to the level of the M3, with various performance upgrades. Some of these could include use of more lightweight materials, better suspension, bigger brakes, and possibly an additional engine choice.

Lastly, BMW may be looking to continue the expansion of their British brand MINI, with the development of the MINI SpaceBox. We are not sure what this could be. After all, the upcoming MINI Crossover is expected to be about four meters long, only five centimeters longer than the Clubman. Perhaps the SpaceBox is something akin to the Volkswagen Bus. A true "MINIvan," if you will.

We look forward to additional information on any of these models. As soon as we get new news we'll let you know.