Photo: wilcoblok/Instagram
Get behind the wheel of the outgoing F30 BMW 3 Series and you'll have a hard time believing the Bavarian is preparing to retire. However, the G20 next-gen 3er is currently in its advanced development stages and we can now show you a fresh batch of spyshots.
The G20 BMW 3 Series has recently been spotted testing just outside the Nurburgring and you'll find the prototype in the Instagram images at the bottom of the page.
The CLAR modular architecture that already serves the 3 Series's big brothers will also be found under the newcomer, with this set to bring benefits on multiple fronts.
For one thing, the 2019 BMW 3 Series will be lighter, despite the sedan set to grow. The new model is set to be put on a diet that will allow it to shed around 40 kg (88 lbs), with the platform mixing aluminum with the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) experience the automaker gained with the i3 and the i8.
The G20 will be around 6 cm (2.3 inches) longer than the car it replaces, with its wheelbase set to grow by 2 cm (0.7 inches).
The German engineers are working to deliver a slight output boost, with the average hp and torque increase of gasoline engines expected to sit at 7 hp and 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
Old Continent buyers will be able to enjoy more muscular diesels. As such, the 316d will jump from 115 to 136 hp, the 318 from 150 to 163 hp, while the 320d's 190 hp output will raise to 204 hp. As for the range-topping four-banger, the 325d will deliver 238 hp.
Nevertheless, those seeking serious performance will be rewarded with a pair of M Performance models. As such, the M340i will offer 370 hp, thus topping the E46-generation M3, while the M340d will deliver 320 hp. The pair will be offered in both rear-paw and xDrive guise.
As for the M3, the S55 heart of the current model might only be four years old, but the rumor mill talks about this being replaced with an updated 3.0-liter straight-six. Dubbed S58, the motor will maintain the twin-turbo configuration, but this is expected to deliver at least 460 hp and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of twist.
The German automotive producer should introduce the G20 incarnation of the 3 Series late next year.
The CLAR modular architecture that already serves the 3 Series's big brothers will also be found under the newcomer, with this set to bring benefits on multiple fronts.
For one thing, the 2019 BMW 3 Series will be lighter, despite the sedan set to grow. The new model is set to be put on a diet that will allow it to shed around 40 kg (88 lbs), with the platform mixing aluminum with the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) experience the automaker gained with the i3 and the i8.
The G20 will be around 6 cm (2.3 inches) longer than the car it replaces, with its wheelbase set to grow by 2 cm (0.7 inches).
The German engineers are working to deliver a slight output boost, with the average hp and torque increase of gasoline engines expected to sit at 7 hp and 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
Old Continent buyers will be able to enjoy more muscular diesels. As such, the 316d will jump from 115 to 136 hp, the 318 from 150 to 163 hp, while the 320d's 190 hp output will raise to 204 hp. As for the range-topping four-banger, the 325d will deliver 238 hp.
Nevertheless, those seeking serious performance will be rewarded with a pair of M Performance models. As such, the M340i will offer 370 hp, thus topping the E46-generation M3, while the M340d will deliver 320 hp. The pair will be offered in both rear-paw and xDrive guise.
As for the M3, the S55 heart of the current model might only be four years old, but the rumor mill talks about this being replaced with an updated 3.0-liter straight-six. Dubbed S58, the motor will maintain the twin-turbo configuration, but this is expected to deliver at least 460 hp and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of twist.
The German automotive producer should introduce the G20 incarnation of the 3 Series late next year.
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