F30 Edmunds articls claims no more Straight 6 in regular 3's!

[ChItalian1027]

2013 BMW 3 Series: Early Look
Published Mar 23, 2010
Just the Facts:
Two years ahead of launch, IL offers an early look at the 2013 BMW 3 Series.
New 3 Series lineup comprises five models, including a new two-door hatch.
Turbocharged four-cylinder engines will replace the current straight 6s.

MUNICH, Germany — Two years ahead of launch, Inside Line is providing an early look at the 2013 BMW 3 Series, along with important details on the ultra-popular car's entire lineup.

Preparing to launch in 2012, the new 3 Series is styled after the striking 2011 BMW 5 Series, which officially debuted last fall in Munich. Despite the fact that the next-generation 3 Series rides on a longer wheelbase than the current model, the new car is expected to be lighter than its predecessor, and will be offered in five models instead of the traditional four.

In addition to the sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible, BMW plans to add a 3 Series two-door hatchback Gran Turismo, which will join the lineup a year later. The GT3 will emulate the current 2010 5 Series GT, which debuted last fall.

Although the 3 Series convertible just received a retractable hardtop for its last major redesign in 2007, BMW is now considering reverting to a fabric soft top in place of the heavier steel roof.

2013 3 Series' models are expected to be powered by smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines in place of the current six-cylinder power plants, which will first debut in the 2011 BMW 1 Series. The exception will be the future BMW M3, which will trade in its V8 for a twin-turbocharged six and electric hybrid drive.

All variations of the new 3 Series will have stop-start technology and Valvetronic variable valve timing.

Inside Line says: It's risky business redesigning a perennial favorite like the 3 Series, but with sharp new sheet metal, more fuel-efficient engines and an even broader choice of body styles, this baby is destined to find even more buyers, not fewer. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor

This is kind of a late post since this was published on March 23, 2010

[tiFreak]

I'm excited about the 2 door hatchback, hopefully it won't be too similar to the 5 series GT

[ChItalian1027]

Yeah I was excited about that too, I wonder what it'll look like.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by tiFreak

I'm excited about the 2 door hatchback, hopefully it won't be too similar to the 5 series GT

Not that we'll ever see a rear-wheel drive, hatchback BMW for sale here in the US.

[spidertri]

Turbo 4cyl should be cool. Would be sweet if the US got a 4cyl diesel too.

[ChItalian1027]

I would definitely buy the hatch with the four in it

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by ChItalian1027

I would definitely buy the hatch with the four in it

You've got a spare $35,000 lying around. Be sure none of them will be affordable new to most... Leasing is NOT an option.

[1996 328ti]

What but BMW NA chooses can be totally different.

Are people actually buying the new Aztec? Err, GT?

[ChItalian1027]

Originally Posted by amancuso

You've got a spare $35,000 lying around. Be sure none of them will be affordable new to most... Leasing is NOT an option.

No, but I would buy one used that is CPO

[chrisbec]

I don't think that I'm as disappointed about news about the 6 cylinder engines disappearing from the future 3 series as I am the news about the next generation BMW's being front wheel drive. What the heck is going on?!? Like everyone else, they probably have to cut cost to stay alive. I just hope that in the near future that BMW remains the ultimate driving machine.