Over the past year, we brought you plenty of spy shots and videos of the next generation of the 3-Series sedan, codenamed F30, but now our spy photographers caught the newest addition to the family of BMW’s bread and butter model, the Gran Turismo.
When it goes on sale towards the end of 2012 or early 2013, the new 3 GT will join the existing body styles of the 3-Series, which include the four-door sedan, the two-door coupe, the five-door station wagon and the hardtop convertible, offering BMW a direct rival to the Audi A5 Sportback.
Ingolstadt’s pitch in the premium segment appears to have played a significant role in BMW’s styling decisions as unlike the Bavarian firm’s first GT model based on the 5-Series, the 3 GT appears to have sportier lines with a lower roof than the more practical-orientated 5-Series Gran Turismo. Nevertheless, the addition of the rear hatch at the back should improve practicality over the standard 3-Series sedan model.
Although the swirly camouflage leaves a lot to the imagination, aside from the bespoke rear end styling, it looks like the 3 GT will also get a modified nose and judging by the photos, frameless doors. Also, expect to see some changes and unique to this body style features in the interior.
The Gran Turismo’s engine lineup will mirror that of the rest of the F30 3-Series range including BMW’s spanking new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit, which has already been announced for the X1, 5-Series and Z4 roadster. In these models it produces 245-horsepower, but chances are we could see BMW following the VW Group’s example of offering the same engine in a variety of tunes and outputs. BMW’s range of four-and six-cylinder diesels as well as its turbocharged straight-six petrol will also be available.
Though it’s far too early to know, we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW offers an M version of the 3 GT down the line.
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