After snooping around in Germany, our spies were able to snag some photos that offer us our best look to date at the upcoming BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo or GT for short.
The prototype has dropped all of its heavy camouflage affording us a much clearer view of the car that will soon become the third addition to the sixth generation of the 3-Series after the F30 sedan and Touring.
This is the first new body style to be added to BMW‘s highly successful 3-Series range since the “Compact” of the 1990s, which was a three-door hatchback.
The 3 GT is a life-style orientated model sporting a five-door liftback body and a longer wheelbase than the sedan for improved passenger space.
The shape of the car is far less awkward and more elegant than the larger and taller 5-Series GT, though it doesn’t appear to be as sporty looking as its chief rival, the Audi A5 Sportback.
While it may look different than the sedan on the outside, the interior as well the hardware underneath will be shared with the four-door model.
This means buyers should expect a similar engine lineup comprising 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrols with up to 240-horses (245PS), a 3.0-liter turbocharged six with 300hp (306PS in EU-trim), and an assortment of inline-four and straight-six diesels (depending on the market). BMW may also offer a hybrid variant in the near future.
Like the sedan, certain versions of the GT will also be available with all-wheel drive.
It is rumored that BMW may premiere a thinly disguised concept of the new 3-Series GT at next month’s Paris Motor Show with the production model to go on sale in 2013.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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