The Sunday Drive

It is starting to sound like 2012 is going to bring some even-bigger 3 Series changes to Checkered Flag BMW!  First off we could see a GT edition hit the lineup along with a 450 hp inline-6-twin-turbo motor hitting the M3.  So the 3 series is going to get a bit more convenient and the M will be better for the environment.

For the first time, there will be five different 3-series bodystyles. The four-door sedan, which will appear March 2012, touring wagon (Sep 2012), coupe (Sep 2013), and convertible (Mar 2014) will all follow the familiar 3-series formula. The newcomer to the family is the hatchback Grand Turismo version, set to appear in March 2013. The GT3 is much more lifestyle-oriented and sportier than the GT5. It has a deep and wide tailgate, but it is a single-piece unit rather than the heavy and complex two-piece hatch of the GT5, and there is more of a notchback silhouette to the rear end. In terms of height, the GT3 sits midway between the 3-series sedan and the GT5.