IS THIS WHAT THE NEW 3 SERIES WILL LOOK LIKE?
The car that has been named one of Car & Driver's 10-Best 20 years in a row is due for a re-make and given Adrian van Hooydonk's transition from Chris Bangle's conservative designs of the past for a more aggresive and progressive design; could we see a 3-series closely resembling a smaller version of the new 5-series??
What I want to know from the online community is what they think of the new design, what types of engines will power the new 3-series, and any other thoughts or predictions for this sure to be 21+ time 10-Best award winner.
My thoughts:
The styling will certainly resemble a smaller, yet more aggressive version of the 5-series. With a slightly longer and wider wheelbase, yet with a smaller increase in overall length and smaller overhang; the new 3-series will definitely continue BMW's strive to create the Ultimate Driving Machine. The car will certainly handle better and understeer less even if the car gains a few pounds, which hopefully it won't. I'm not a fan of the new BMW kidney grills, I think they're a bit big but I think the wider, aggresive stance will certainly work for this car. The front headlights with squared off Angel Eyes will definitely be noticable even if you are a fan of the outgoing style. I'm not sure what BMW plans to do with the front bumper, but i'm hoping that M-style sport packaging will enable customers to choose sporty body panels like those currently available for the current 5 and 7 series.
As far as engine size and performance is concerned the new 3 series will still have the 3.0 liter and twin scroll single turbo versions found in the outgoing 328 and 335. Power will more than likely be up a few horses with an increase in efficiency through upgraded Engine Management and direct injection systems. Whether or not BMW will offer a four cylinder turbo situated beneath the 328 remains to be seen. With a push for more efficient vehicles I would not be surprised if BMW did decide to add a smaller engine to the mix. Even if the new 3 series does grow in size, I don't expect the car to gain too much weight as has been the trend in recent years. In a more optimistic approach, BMW could strive to make their cars lighter in an effort to increase efficiency without sacrificing performance. A lighter, updated 3 series could certainly perform better and get better gas mileage than the outgoing model. Even if the new car does gain a few extra pounds like an out of work actor, I expect the new model to handle just as well, if not better, than the E9X generations. The new 5-series not only grew in size, but also gained significantly more weight, but somehow still manages to handle just as well as the previous generation. So, I expect something similar in this case.
A Turbo'd M3?!?! No matter what BMW decides to do with the future M3, it will definitely be a step forward and in the right direction. A turbo'd six cylinder M3 would not be such a bad idea, as long as response from the turbo(s) is negligible. It would certainly allow for tuners to have their way with the M3 and could certainly do alot of interesting and great things. My only request is that they keep the weight down on the new model and increase performance and efficiency through weight reduction, and power increases even with smaller displacement engines. I'm not sure where the new M3 would sit in relation to the 335, but while the 335 does run on low boost, I figure the new M3 would benefit from a higher boost pressure.
Let me know what you think!
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