Photo: bmw
Mercedes-Benz launched its new C-Class not long ago and now we’re looking at the fresh Audi A4 coming out from under the sheets after an extremely long wait. With Cadillac’s ATS pushing in as well and the Lexus IS claiming a bite of the sport sedan market things are not looking great for BMW’s 3 Series.
Sure, the Bavarians did just launch an extensive facelift for the car one that’s a bit more generous than anyone expected, to be honest. The Germans added plenty of tech to the car as well as two different, entirely new models. We’re talking about the 330i and 340i, both of them aiming at keeping the 3 Series an interesting option, especially at the top, where huge price tags meet.
However, that might prove too little, too late for the long run so people are already thinking about the new 3 Series that should be launched around 2018. Automobile magazine claims a lot of things will change.
Just like UKL that’s the basis for the front-wheel drive models, CLAR brings forward a lot of improvements. The main advantage that recommends it is the drop in weight allowed, making the future 3 Series considerably lighter than before.
As we’ve been getting used to lately, the new 3er should be more agile, better to drive and more comfortable at the same time. That’s a pretty hard feat to pull off if you ask us, but there are some tricks the engineers can use.
According to the source, there will be switchable anti-roll bars included in the mix as well as active steering, a new torque vectoring system, stronger brakes, reduced-friction wheel bearings, adaptive suspension that can modulate camber on the fly and aluminum and carbon-fiber compound wheels.
All of those sound good in our book but it’s not enough to list them, they also have to work together and that’s going to be tricky.
Moving down we’ll find 2-liter and 1.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3-cylinder engines making more power than right now. Chances are we’ll even see water injection tech being used on them as showcased on the M4 GTS to improve power output and viability.
Of course, hybrids will get even more attention and at least two versions should be offered, one using a 1.5-liter and one with a 2-liter mill, the latter possibly spawning a high-performance model. Either way, both will probably have enough electric range to allow you to do your daily chores with ease.
However, that might prove too little, too late for the long run so people are already thinking about the new 3 Series that should be launched around 2018. Automobile magazine claims a lot of things will change.
Less weight to carry around and self-adjusting camber
The new 3 Series codenamed G20, will be built atop the new CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, the one that will supposedly be the basis for all rear-wheel drive cars in the future. The first model that uses this architecture is the new G11 7 Series, but others will soon follow.Just like UKL that’s the basis for the front-wheel drive models, CLAR brings forward a lot of improvements. The main advantage that recommends it is the drop in weight allowed, making the future 3 Series considerably lighter than before.
As we’ve been getting used to lately, the new 3er should be more agile, better to drive and more comfortable at the same time. That’s a pretty hard feat to pull off if you ask us, but there are some tricks the engineers can use.
According to the source, there will be switchable anti-roll bars included in the mix as well as active steering, a new torque vectoring system, stronger brakes, reduced-friction wheel bearings, adaptive suspension that can modulate camber on the fly and aluminum and carbon-fiber compound wheels.
All of those sound good in our book but it’s not enough to list them, they also have to work together and that’s going to be tricky.
More Hybrids included
With the CO2 emission limits, the EU set for 2020, the 3 Series range will have to have more efficient engines in its line-up. The size of the mills will remain the same, with 3-liter inline 6-cylinder petrol and diesel versions topping the range at over 350 HP.Moving down we’ll find 2-liter and 1.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3-cylinder engines making more power than right now. Chances are we’ll even see water injection tech being used on them as showcased on the M4 GTS to improve power output and viability.
Of course, hybrids will get even more attention and at least two versions should be offered, one using a 1.5-liter and one with a 2-liter mill, the latter possibly spawning a high-performance model. Either way, both will probably have enough electric range to allow you to do your daily chores with ease.
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