World Premiere of the F30 3er is about two years away, and we're already starting to see/hear test videos, renderings, and speculation about engines sizes...

Thought I would keep you guys in the loop with the latest developments on the F30 3-Series.

Some great resources put together by member Mii from bimmerpost.
BMW 3-Series (F30): Tracking the development of the new 3-Series - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

This may help people who are interested in the development of the new 3-Series. Here are some of the dates we gathered so far.

Time Line
- Plan to unveil in late 2011
- World Premiere at Geneva Autoshow 2012
- 3er arrive Europe around Geneva Autoshow 2012
- 3er sales begin in North America in early summer of 2012

This was created by Mii on bimmerpost.
2012 F30 3-Series Body Profile/Proportion Illustrated - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

Some observations based on the trace:

1. Shorter overhangs (Shorter than previous generation 3er)
2. Longer wheelbase (Estimate 1.5”+ longer than previous generation 3er)
3. Hofmeister kink followed by near straight rear door cutline which nicely curved around rear wheel well
4. Forward pushing nose similar to E89 Z4 front end
5. Similar hood profile as E89 Z4
6. Minimal downward slope on rear quarter panel following the C-pillar

With longer wheelbase, F30 looks longer than previous generation 3er. It also provides more legroom both front and rear judging from the door cutline. Although there are still missing details such as body panel creases, headlight and taillight shape from this phase of spy shot, the overall profile and proportion looked rather impressive. I’d expect F30 profile and proportion to surpass our expection.

Side profile trace from the spy shot and comparison between F30, E90 and E46:



Various test mule pics (probably to test drivetrain/suspension/brakes):



The front brake calipers look interesting compared to the current gen


Testing vids:
Sounds pretty good here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGqyb...layer_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFVnX...layer_embedded

I speculate there will be some type of I4 Turbo engine available on US spec F30's.

There are several rumors floating around in the BMW community - an M version supersport 1-Series, maybe a new super car, even turbocharged 4-cylinder engines in the 1er and 3er. It will be very interesting to see how everything develops - stay tuned...

 

^^Awesome info!

 

Thanks for the info! I am really liking the new design language of BMW. The new 7 looks great on the road!

 

by: Mii at bimmerpost

Here is another trace based on a better angle straight-on side view from one of the F30 video. The first spy shot had partial skewed from camera perspective. Instead of tracing camo lights, I applied design cues from F01 and F10. The final design is yet to be seen.

Based on tire diameter scaling on side view profile of the video shot.

Estimate dimension of F30: (+/- 0.6% (0.006) margin of error)

Height: 55.8"
Length: 178.7"
Wheelbase: 110.2"

 

Great info! Good to see your new title too

 

LOL, what in the hell! It's like they are just removing parts for every facelift.

I took the liberty of seeing into the future:

 

Now that is evolution.

 

Next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series spied again on German freeway -





autocar.co.uk seems to think BMW is testing the disguised 3 on top of a 3 GT chassis.

BMW 3-series GT caught testing - Autocar.co.uk





Remember this one from Jon a while back? I'm sure we'll see some type 3 GT from BMW.

 

Web TV - auto motor und sport

 

BMW 3 Series in camouflage on German roads. From 2012 there is BMW's new 3 Series to buy on the market.

YouTube - Erlkönig: BMW 3 series

Hot on the heels of the revamped 7 and 5 Series, BMW is testing the next generation of the 3, with plans to launch the car in the third quarter of 2011 as a 2012 model. Like the approach we’ve seen with the more senior cars, BMW is getting back to basics with clean uncluttered shapes, plus lower and wider kidney grille openings. The 3 Series has its wheels pushed all the way out to the corners, which gives the car a great stance and muscular good looks. The 3 Series family will return with coupe, convertible hardtop and sedan models, with the expected range of 6-cylinder powerplants augmented by a new range of fuel-sipping 4-cylinder engines and possibly even a 3-cylinder variant for Europe.







Source >> Spied! 2012 BMW 3 Series - Car News - Road and Track