underrated. good work.

 

Posted today by our friends at BMWBLOG!





Source and credit >> Renderings: 2012 F30 BMW 3 Series

 

I agree. In pictures, it looks a little wonky, but in person the things looks fantastic. Definitely considering one when the time comes.

 

Part of me loves it, but part of me hates the first part for loving it.

 

The idea of combining the Hyundai Elantra with an old Audi 80 immediately sparked interest at BMW and the new 3-series was born...

 

One drive in the new 3 series and you will understand!

 

The 2012 BMW 3-Series is inching closer to production as our spies have caught a new prototype undergoing testing in Europe.

Despite being heavily camouflaged, we can get a glimpse of the car's head- and tail lights. Furthermore, the prototype is equipped with a production-ready rear bumper which appears to be inspired by the one on the current 5-Series.

As we have previously reported, the redesigned 3-Series is expected to ride on a lengthened wheelbase which will measure approximately 2.8 meters (110.2 inches) long. This should allow for additional interior room, but not enough to make you want to spend an eight hour trip in the rear seats.

Under the hood, power will be provided by the usual assortment of petrol and diesel engines. Nothing is official, but petrol options are slated to include a 1.6-liter turbo with 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp), a 2.0-liter turbo with 245 PS (180 kW / 242 hp) as well as a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 324 PS (239 kW / 320 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

The new 3-Series is scheduled to be unveiled later this year, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: BMWBLOG via worldcarfans

Looks like this may be a 328i model testing. Possibly with a new 4-cyl turbo engine.