Ever since the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo made its debut, we’ve been hearing rumors about a 3-Series sibling for the half-sedan, half-minivan model. Up until today, the model has been known as the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo; however, new reports suggest that the model will carry the BMW 4-Series badge.

Based on the next-generation 3-Series, the BMW 4-Series will sit between the new 3-Series and the 5-Series.

The BMW 4-Series will complement the 3-Series range but will take on the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback.

Sources say that BMW won’t released the 4-Series until after the next-generation 3-Series is launched next year. With that in mind, you can expect to see the BMW 4-Series on the roads sometime in 2013-2014.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

We’ve been hearing about a BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo getting the green light for production since July 2009. We now have some more details on the model courtesy of the popular BMW insider known as Scott27.

According to Scott27, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo will skip the twin-trunk arrangement as found in the 5-Series Gran Turismo and just offer a simple hatchback. He says that BMW also plans on offering both, its new 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo and a 4-cylinder turbo diesel in the lineup. The high-end models of the 3-Series Gran Turismo will offer 6-cylinder units and a hybrid drivetrain. BMW’s all-wheel-drive will also be available as an option.

Design wise the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo will look much like its big brother but will have a much lower and sleeker stance than the 5-Series Gran Turismo.

So what happens to the BMW 3-Series station-wagon? God knows.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: BMWBlog

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

According to a report by Channel4, BMW is planning a 3-series version of the new 5-Series Gran Turismo for 2011. The publication says that the 335i Gran Turismo will go on sale in 2011 and will be priced between the 3-Series and the 5-Series.

“Like the 5 Series GT, the 3 Series hatchback will have two-stage tailgate and rumors suggest that there’ll be a four-seat and five-seat version,” said Channel4.

BMW said there will be no M3 version of the 3-Series Gran Turismo – we’re relieved to say the least.

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will go on sale next year.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Channel4

At first there was doubt whether or not BMW will build a 3-Series Gran Turismo, following in the footsteps of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo. However, it is now been confirmed that a 3-Series GT model will be moving forward and will sit between the 3-Series lineup and the X1.

“We haven’t cancelled the crossover of the 3-Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money,” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said.

The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo will be heavily inspired by the 5-Series Gran Turismo and will feature the same split tailgate, roomy interior and raised driving position.

Engine choices are likely to be taken from the rest of the BMW 3-Series lineup.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar