The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo has been the subject of many rumors over the last few months, but now we have proof of its existence.
Spies nabbed the shots of BMW’s upcoming hatchback-esque 3-Series GT today while it was resting at an engineering center in Europe. The photos show pretty much what we expected to see – a shrunken version of the larger 5-Series GT, although it’s hard to say if the innovative twin-trunk lid design will make production.
The design stresses the coupe-like cues seen in the X6 and 5-Series GT. The massive rear bumper is likely a disguise, although the long rear overhang will be part of the 3-Series GT’s basic design, much as it is in the larger 5-Series GT.
BMW says that the 3-Series GT will help it build volume in some key markets, including Asia. In North America, the 5-Series GT has hardly been a sales success, but BMW seems confident that it could profitably sell a smaller model here.
What we know
At least in the European market, BMW will offer two four cylinder offerings with the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower turbocharged gas engine, and a four-cylinder turbo diesel. It was unclear if the diesel variant would be coming to U.S. shores, but it was also specified that the GT will come with at least one six-cylinder offering and a hybrid variant as well.
The 3-Series GT will complement a standard 3-Series wagon, now confirmed in both the U.S. and European markets. It will also offer a more stylish alternative for those who don’t need quite as much space as the full wagon provides. The 3-Series GT will be positioned as the premium model in the 3-Series lineup – excluding the M3 – and is intended to bridge the gap between the 3-Series and the more up-scale 5-Series.
Two versions of the 3-Series GT are planned – a four-seat version and a five-seat version. Now that the 3-Series GT has the green light for U.S. consumption, expect it to arrive Stateside in 2012. The 3-Series GT will also ride on a front strut suspension – the same as what is found under the next generation 1-Series.
The 3-Series GT will give BMW five 3-Series-variants, each set to release several months apart, in addition to the upcoming sub-1-Series BMW model set to arrive around 2012.
Look for the 3-Series GT will bow later this fall alongside BMW’s updated 3-Series lineup at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
References
1. ‘Insider reveals new…’ view
2. ‘More details on the…’ view
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