[sirata]

As featured on homepage.

Our scoopsters in Germany have caught the next-generation BMW 3-series out on test early in the development process. Our spyshots capture a test mule – the widened track and bulging bodywork let slip this is the new 3-series, codenamed F30, which is due in showrooms in early 2012.

Our info is that the new Three will sport a brand new body, designed by recent design boss appointment Adrian van Hooydonk, wrapped around carryover chassis and suspension from today's E90 3-series family.

Will the new 3-series range share oily bits with other BMWs?

Oh yes. The 1-series, 3-series and X3 will all use parts of the new F30's architecture, which is planned in three different wheelbase options: 2700mm for the next 1-series (codenamed F20), 2800mm for the new 3-series and 2900mm for the off-roaders, according to CAR's sources.

And, BMW being BMW, Munich is studying some interesting new bodystyles for the new 3-series range. Sporty tii models could sport a bespoke bodystyle codenamed 'sharknose' while a Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) version like a mini 5-series Gran Turismo is also under consideration.

Engines on the new 3-series (2012)

Powering the new 3-series will be the latest iteration of familiar powerplants. The latest Efficient Dynamics tech is a given and we'd expect a downsized range of engines with some more exciting icing on the cake for enthusiasts hellbent on bhp rather than mpg.

Rumours abound that the current M3's V8 will be no more, forced to shrink to a bi-turbo V6, while the stepping stone sports model, the imminent tii family of intermediate sports models, is rumoured to boast a 300bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...-F30--scooped/

[1clean335i]

thats not a 2013 3-series.... more like an 06-07

[Jason]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

thats not a 2013 3-series.... more like an 06-07

It's using a modified E90 shell for testing purposes. F30 body will look completely different.

[ctgazer]

F30..sounds like a ferrari

[ZJP]

What a huge disappointment.

Rumours abound that the current M3's V8 will be no more, forced to shrink to a bi-turbo V6, while the stepping stone sports model, the imminent tii family of intermediate sports models, is rumoured to boast a 300bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

[zuggerat89]

I just hope they drop the weight... and uuuupppp the funnnnnn WOOOOOOOOOOOHOO

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

thats not a 2013 3-series.... more like an 06-07

I love these kind of replies...

----

On topic

Is that a pano-roof?

Its interesting to hear that the next gen will have lots of "carry-over" bits, but I guess its a sign of the times. It should help BMW cut costs on bringing out a new car...

[yuyue]

BMW's V6? never thought of that...
a twin-turbo I-4 making 300 hp sounds interesting.

[E90RWC]

If they put a 4 cyl in a BMW I might as well get an STi.

I doubt they will tho, I read in an article that BMW can't put a 4cyl in a car in the United States due to the "image" concerns of people in America.

[Ironring Racing]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Is that a pano-roof?

Don't know about that, but the shark fin is gone!

[RambleJ]

Originally Posted by Jason

It's using a modified E90 shell for testing purposes. F30 body will look completely different.

+1

[Frosty]

..F30 (for what the pictures are worth) appears to track wider than the E90

~Frost

[200Duece]

Originally Posted by E90RWC

If they put a 4 cyl in a BMW I might as well get an STi..

I'd rather drive a E30 M3 than an Sti

[darkphantom]

if they go a V6 tt route....I wonder how much the weight reduction will be by?

If the car is 3k lbs @ 300hp, I'd be extremely happy

[flem]

Originally Posted by 200Duece

I'd rather drive a E30 M3 than an Sti

+1

ohh and fender flares on a BMW FTMFW

[Z22Z]

Originally Posted by E90RWC

If they put a 4 cyl in a BMW I might as well get an STi.

I doubt they will tho, I read in an article that BMW can't put a 4cyl in a car in the United States due to the "image" concerns of people in America.

i would love to have a 4 cyl 300hp car. it's engine power, responsiveness, and car handling that concerns me not size. ford has a 210 hp 4.0L but who needs that?

[d3l0n]

Originally Posted by Z22Z

i would love to have a 4 cyl 300hp car. it's engine power, responsiveness, and car handling that concerns me not size. ford has a 210 hp 4.0L but who needs that?

LOL DAMN THEY ARE TERRIBLE

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

I wonder how much the weight reduction will be by?
If the car is 3k lbs @ 300hp, I'd be extremely happy

I agree. that would be awesome. and a mechanical LSD please (ya right)

I wonder what the power delivery will be like (the cars will probably feel like an EVO) and whether the HPFP beta testing being conducted by current owners will be completed by then (probably not)

[floot_roops]

Originally Posted by 200Duece

I'd rather drive a E30 M3 than an Sti

My opinion's different on this one. WRX's and STi's are a certain type of fun that's hard to come by. The e30 M3 was a great car for it's time, but the STi is awesome to drive when evaluated in the context of today's cars... but it has no refinement whatsoever.

[Bimmer007]

is this forum going to change to 3Post or is a F30post going to be made

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by Ironring Racing

Don't know about that, but the shark fin is gone!

That tape around the top is throwing me off, but yeah, something is going on up there, I don't think they'd tape it off like that for no reason, and the shark fin should be there, even on a tester, I would think...

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

if they go a V6 tt route....I wonder how much the weight reduction will be by?

If the car is 3k lbs @ 300hp, I'd be extremely happy

I think this is more realistic (well, probably not in reality) for the next generation 1 series.

We have seen the weight of all BMWs rise significantly in recent generations, and I think they are going to have a hard time getting the weight down 500+ pounds.

Not to say I wouldn't love it, because a 3K pound 3 series would have to equal a sub-3k pound 1er, which would both be awesome. Just not too likely......