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SCOOP: Slumping BMW 3-Series sales push up successor

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | November 06, 2009 | In bmw news

Despite a recent facelift, sales of the current BMW 3-Series reportedly dropped 40% during the first half of 2009, prompting BMW to accelerate the development of the next generation of its bread-and-butter car. Codenamed F30, the new car will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The new car's styling was signed off by now-departed BMW Group design boss Chris Bangle and is said to be a departure from the current car's looks. Many changes will take place on the engine side. The 335i, while featuring the venerable inline-6 engine, will lose one of its two turbochargers and go down to 280 hp. This is to make marketing room for the 340i, featuring a new twin-turbo engine that produces 360 hp. In European markets, BMW will offer turbocharged 1.6L and 2.0L four-cylinder engines, as well a 204 hp 323d and a 306 hp 335d.

On the body style front, we will see a coupe, a 3-Series GT crossover inspired by the 5-Series GT, and a convertible that reverts back to a soft-top in order to save weight. Models such as four-wheel-drive, mild hybrid power and perhaps even a plug-in hybrid are quite likely in the works as well.

[Source: Car]

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