Feast your eyes on the latest spy shots of a prototype for
BMW’s next-generation 3-Series, arguably the automaker’s most important model
of the next several years. It’s expected to be revealed in late 2017, as a 2018
model.
Like past generations, this new 3-Series, code-named the
G20, will likely end up the benchmark for the small sedan segment when it comes
to important metrics such as driving dynamics and performance. However,
Mercedes-Benz and even Cadillac with their latest small sedan offerings have left
BMW in catch-up mode.
Fortunately for BMW, its engineers have developed one of the
most advanced platforms in the business. That platform is the carbon
fiber-infused 35up, which made its debut in the 2016 7-Series and will appear
next in the 2017 5-Series.
The platform benefits from multi-material construction and
incorporates materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in
addition to conventional steel. It can also support alternative powertrains
including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications. The 3-Series will
be BMW’s smallest model spawned from it.
Looking at the spy shots, evolutionary styling has clearly
been adopted. All the signature BMW styling cues are present, such as the
kidney grille, Hofmeister kink and short overhangs. However, the front of the
car appears lower and wider than before, which should give the new 3-Series a
very sporty look, just like Jaguar’s svelte XE.
Though it’s hard to gauge from the grainy shot of the
interior, it looks like there’s a digital instrument cluster. This will likely
be teamed with an advanced infotainment system complete with voice activation
and gesture control. The driver should also have access to full a suite of
electronic driver aids including some autonomous modes.
The core powertrains for the United States should remain
turbocharged in-line four- and six-cylinder engines displacing 2.0 and 3.0
liters respectively. In other markets, we’ll see BMW introduce its 1.5-liter
three-cylinder mill.
Diesel and plug-in hybrid options should be offered here,
with the latter possibly utilizing two electric motors (one driving the front
axle and the other integrated with the transmission) in a setup known as Power
eDrive. BMW’s
current plug-in hybrid 3-Series relies on a single electric motor
integrated with the transmission.
Of course, there will also be a high-performance M3 variant.
Don’t be surprised if this one gets the Power eDrive system mentioned above. A
prototype version of the system shown in 2014 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder and two electric motors to develop
as much as 670 horsepower.
Stay tuned for more details as development
continuessource: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028837_2018-bmw-3-series-spy-shots
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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