Spy Video: New BMW 3-Series Sedan and GT Testing at the Nürburgring

Our trusty Teamspeed spies have filmed for us the new 3-Sereis sedan at the famous Nürburgring. As we have previously reported the proportions of a typical 3-series, evident since the E36 through to the E46 and currently the E90, will remain – meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner. The overall look will be slimmer and more toned compared to the current 3 series

Sources indicate the front of the car receives a widened but not too large kidney grille, smaller than at the current 5-series with shapely lighting units surrounding the grille. The rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L-shape lighting units.

The Cabrio will retain the folding hardtop as BMW have found today’s model to be the most successful 3-series cabrio ever. Customers also like how the hardtop E93 has successful retained a coherent design instead of sitting under the A-pillar or having the rear end raised to accommodate the roof.

As for powertrains, BMW will add a 2.0-litre, in-line-4 motor to the lineup in addition to its 6 cylinder offerings. There are also rumours that BMW is working on a 3-cylinder motor. Watch for production to start in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2011.

‪New 3-Series Sedan and GT Testing at the Nürburgring‬‏ - YouTube

Picking up the 3-series GT moniker, the all-new BMW 3-series GT will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. Our exclusive spy-shots give a preview of what the new car will look like, revealing that it will share the aggressive new look that’s being implemented across BMW’s lineup.

In 2010, long before we shot caught the prototype today, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that his company has not cancelled plans for a 3-series crossover as it’s “considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money.”

Designers have stressed the car’s coupe characteristics just as they did with the X6 and new 5-series GT. As expected, we see extremely short overhangs, pumped fenders and sporty alloy wheels. Pricing will also reflect the car’s positioning above the standard 3-series on which it will be based. Along with the still-new X3, it will give BMW a vital rival to Audi’s A4 Avant as well as the upcoming Q3 SUV. The GT version of the new 3-series will be presented at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of the F30 sedan that will arrive in 2012.