Next BMW 3-Series to get Gran Turismo model, M3 sedan to be killed off

Come 2012, BMW will start rolling out its next-generation 3-Series lineup, known internally as the F30. The new 3-Series lineup will be built on BMW’s new MSB architecture, meaning it will share its strut and front-end layout with the next-generation 1-Series rather than the current double wishbone layout.

According to Automobile Magazine, there will be five different 3-Series body-styles for the first time. The sedan will appear first in March 2012 followed by the touring wagon in September 2012. Come September 2013, BMW will the new 3-Series coupe followed by the convertible in March 2014.

Also in the works is a new Gran Turismo version, scheduled to appear in March 2013. It is said that the 3-Series Gran Turismo will be more lifestyle-oriented than the 5-Series Gran Turismo. Unlike the 5 Gran Turismo, the 3 Gran Turismo will have a single-piece latch instead of the two-piece hatch of the 5.

As for the next-generation M3, it is reported that BMW will drop the sedan variant and the current V8 will be dropped for a 3.0L twin-turbo straight 6-cylinder making at least 450-hp.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Automobile