DonovanPorter
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2012 3 Series
Meet the must-have executive car that’s heading straight to the top of the sales charts. This sleek saloon is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new 3-Series, which is due 
to make its debut in 
the next 12 months.
Offering more efficient engines, smarter looks, a sharper driving experience and a larger model range than ever – including a Gran Turismo hatch – it’s the most desirable 3-Series yet. As you can see, the newcomer is every inch the baby 5-Series, with a more upright front end featuring wider kidney grilles. Subtle cues that mark out the 3-Series include 
a pointed, aggressive nose, deeper faired-in headlights 
and more scalloped flanks.
The new model is the work of design boss Adrian Van Hoydoonk, and is typical of his approach, which is far less controversial than that of predecessor Chris Bangle. The styling 
is more slippery, too, enclosing as much of the chassis as possible to help reduce drag.
Under the skin 
lies a refreshed rear-wheel-drive platform that’s so versatile it will also underpin the next-generation 1-Series. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear layout, and boasts a new electronic power-steering system. Engineers will be keen to make the driving experience as fun as ever, and improve ride comfort, too.
With the sixth-generation car being slightly longer and wider, it’s expected to offer more space inside, while increased use of composite materials will reduce weight. The cabin also nods to the 5-Series, with gadgets such as wireless internet, a lane-
departure warning set-up, infra-red night vision, a system to stop the driver falling asleep and radar-
based adaptive cruise control.
Big-selling models will get a range of new 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbos. These will feature variable intake and exhaust timing, plus direct 
injection to improve performance and efficiency. A six-speed 
manual box will be standard, 
with an eight-speed auto option.
Factor in the latest EfficientDynamics emissions-
cutting tweaks – such as stop-start, brake energy recovery and clever alternators – and it’s easy to see how the new line-up will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 10 per cent.
But that’s not all! BMW is also working on a three-
cylinder engine, which promises 75mpg and 100g/km of CO2. Of course, there will also still be the option of the firm’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – a motor that the new 
M3 will use 
to even greater effect.
The new 3-Series is likely 
to debut at the end of 2011. 
We’ll have to wait until 2012 
for the Coupé, Convertible – which is likely to maintain its retractable metal roof – and Touring estate versions to arrive.
2012 M3 - 3.0 liter turbocharged straight-six engine 450bhp
This is the sports car that every driver has been waiting for – the new BMW M3.
The model has consistently set the performance coupé benchmark, and this latest version will raise the bar further with its more efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. Replacing the much-loved 4.0-litre V8, it will be the first turbo to grace the M3. This will help to improve overall fuel consumption and reduce emissions, even on high-performance BMWs.
Even so, the engine will pack a serious punch, delivering around 450bhp. It is likely to be a development of the unit used by the 1-Series M Coupé, but with approximately another 100bhp, it should be able to push the car from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
The engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or twin-clutch paddleshift gearboxes. The car gets the latest M Sport active diff, too, and will be better to drive than the previous M3, as well as faster, lighter – thanks to composite materials – and more efficient. It will also be a real head-turner. As with the current car, the coupé will get sleek bodywork with unique panels. These will give it a longer, sportier profile, complemented by a more rakish windscreen.
Think of the car as a downsized version of the new 6-Series and you’ll get the idea. The M3 will add a muscular bodykit, low front splitter and air intakes. In addition to the Coupé we have illustrated here, there will be a drop-top Convertible.
However, this time there won’t be an M3 saloon option – the four-door has been relatively unpopular, so BMW is likely to drop it from the range. Expect to see the new M3 in 2012.
2012 3-Series GT
An all-new member of the 3-Series family is hatching out. Following in the wheeltracks of the 5-Series Gran Turismo is this smaller version.
Due in 2012, it will sit above the saloon and Touring, with a mix of estate-style load space, a raised ride height and ample rear room. While it will carry a price premium, customers will get a flexible family car that loses none of the standard model’s driver appeal, while adding some extra usability.
Our illustration shows the 3-Series GT’s sleek four-door coupé body with a rakish hatch tail. Inside there will be raised, sliding back seats and a Skoda Superb-style dual boot opening. As with the Touring, the car will use a stretched saloon platform to increase rear space.
Meet the must-have executive car that’s heading straight to the top of the sales charts. This sleek saloon is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new 3-Series, which is due 
to make its debut in 
the next 12 months.
Offering more efficient engines, smarter looks, a sharper driving experience and a larger model range than ever – including a Gran Turismo hatch – it’s the most desirable 3-Series yet. As you can see, the newcomer is every inch the baby 5-Series, with a more upright front end featuring wider kidney grilles. Subtle cues that mark out the 3-Series include 
a pointed, aggressive nose, deeper faired-in headlights 
and more scalloped flanks.
The new model is the work of design boss Adrian Van Hoydoonk, and is typical of his approach, which is far less controversial than that of predecessor Chris Bangle. The styling 
is more slippery, too, enclosing as much of the chassis as possible to help reduce drag.
Under the skin 
lies a refreshed rear-wheel-drive platform that’s so versatile it will also underpin the next-generation 1-Series. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear layout, and boasts a new electronic power-steering system. Engineers will be keen to make the driving experience as fun as ever, and improve ride comfort, too.
With the sixth-generation car being slightly longer and wider, it’s expected to offer more space inside, while increased use of composite materials will reduce weight. The cabin also nods to the 5-Series, with gadgets such as wireless internet, a lane-
departure warning set-up, infra-red night vision, a system to stop the driver falling asleep and radar-
based adaptive cruise control.
Big-selling models will get a range of new 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbos. These will feature variable intake and exhaust timing, plus direct 
injection to improve performance and efficiency. A six-speed 
manual box will be standard, 
with an eight-speed auto option.
Factor in the latest EfficientDynamics emissions-
cutting tweaks – such as stop-start, brake energy recovery and clever alternators – and it’s easy to see how the new line-up will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 10 per cent.
But that’s not all! BMW is also working on a three-
cylinder engine, which promises 75mpg and 100g/km of CO2. Of course, there will also still be the option of the firm’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – a motor that the new 
M3 will use 
to even greater effect.
The new 3-Series is likely 
to debut at the end of 2011. 
We’ll have to wait until 2012 
for the Coupé, Convertible – which is likely to maintain its retractable metal roof – and Touring estate versions to arrive.
2012 M3 - 3.0 liter turbocharged straight-six engine 450bhp
This is the sports car that every driver has been waiting for – the new BMW M3.
The model has consistently set the performance coupé benchmark, and this latest version will raise the bar further with its more efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. Replacing the much-loved 4.0-litre V8, it will be the first turbo to grace the M3. This will help to improve overall fuel consumption and reduce emissions, even on high-performance BMWs.
Even so, the engine will pack a serious punch, delivering around 450bhp. It is likely to be a development of the unit used by the 1-Series M Coupé, but with approximately another 100bhp, it should be able to push the car from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
The engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or twin-clutch paddleshift gearboxes. The car gets the latest M Sport active diff, too, and will be better to drive than the previous M3, as well as faster, lighter – thanks to composite materials – and more efficient. It will also be a real head-turner. As with the current car, the coupé will get sleek bodywork with unique panels. These will give it a longer, sportier profile, complemented by a more rakish windscreen.
Think of the car as a downsized version of the new 6-Series and you’ll get the idea. The M3 will add a muscular bodykit, low front splitter and air intakes. In addition to the Coupé we have illustrated here, there will be a drop-top Convertible.
However, this time there won’t be an M3 saloon option – the four-door has been relatively unpopular, so BMW is likely to drop it from the range. Expect to see the new M3 in 2012.
2012 3-Series GT
An all-new member of the 3-Series family is hatching out. Following in the wheeltracks of the 5-Series Gran Turismo is this smaller version.
Due in 2012, it will sit above the saloon and Touring, with a mix of estate-style load space, a raised ride height and ample rear room. While it will carry a price premium, customers will get a flexible family car that loses none of the standard model’s driver appeal, while adding some extra usability.
Our illustration shows the 3-Series GT’s sleek four-door coupé body with a rakish hatch tail. Inside there will be raised, sliding back seats and a Skoda Superb-style dual boot opening. As with the Touring, the car will use a stretched saloon platform to increase rear space.
