Next Generation M3 Gran Turismo GT Rumor (instead of F30 M3 sedan)

[Evan135]

I love it. M engine and suspension for fun, 5 series type rear seat room with 3 series weight due to stretch in wheelbase, almost the versitility of a small SUV with the hatch, and again almost SUV convenience with fastback sedan looks.

I was going to get an 1M but this thing will have maybe 200 pounds more weight with 100 more hp and actually be able to go places with people and carry things. Looks and sounds great to me.

If you do not like, they will still be making an M3 coupe.

[ihyln]

I just died inside

[crackberry]

see, what doesnt make sense in my head is that bmw is spending so much money on expanding their line up on all other cars. they are on this huge stint on diversifying their lineup. so then, why wouldnt they expand the line up of the m3 also? it doesnt really make sense for bmw to start cutting down models, and ill classify this as a dirty rumor...for now and take this rumor with a huge grain of salt.

[SCOTT26]

BMW has never built an M3 touring either, for example, so the mere fact that a given M vehicle could exist and share most of its parts with similar existing vehicles is not a good indicator of whether such a vehicle will actually be offered. As SCOTT hints above, it is more about what makes the best business case. For example, there would likely be some sales canibalization between an M3 GT and M3 sedan, and perhaps it would be just enough to hurt overall profitability and ruin the business case.

In both the E46 and E90 generations we have been - oh-so-close to introducing an M3 Touring , it's no secret that competitors Audi with the (then) RS 4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz with the C63 AMG T-Modell are very popular in continental Europe. But as soon as we get close to official they pull back. In hindsight though those customers who wanted an M3 Touring ended up going for the M5 Touring instead.

Whether the F31 M3 Touring will make an appearance during this decade is not decided yet , but the X3-M will probably fill that role.

If this M3 GT is built I do not see why BMW would not offer the 4dr M3. I would think the wheelbase would be the same, the power plant would be the same, front hood, front quarter panels, front doors, all the same. The rear doors and roof line would have to be adjusted but it would go toward BMW's Modular platform of building cars and maintaining efficiency in building those cars.

The 3er Gran Turismo will follow the same philosophy of it's 5er GT brother.
To which if you compare the 5er GT to the 5er sedan there are only a few areas in which they share - being the door mirrors , indicator unit on the front wheel arch and door handles. The 5er GT is not just a fastback variant of the sedan. In design it stands alone in appearance and and purpose, although the DNA is apparent with it's 5er kinship.

And 3er GT follows exactly the same formula , customers did not want simply another variant. It had to be a completely different car to which it is even though underneath is heavily shared.

BMW invested heavily in developing new modular architecture for the 1er and 3er , because future projections show that the Citycar , Compact and Premium Entry segments are targeted for future growth.
Thus the decision was made to invest in developing the new modular architecture so that additional variants could be produced cost effectively within one set platform. The new modular structure can be shortened , lengthened , to accomodate a huge range of models which BMW are investigating for production.

During the economic crisis BMW and every other premium manufacturer learned that customers were willing to downsize to more smaller vehicles if they had the same level of luxuries in a larger car. This is primarily the decision to look at expansion within the 1er and 3er segment.
Both the next generation 1er and 3er will feature optional equipment , normally found in a luxury model of a higher segment.
Next years important (F20) 1er launches with a significant list of new innovations and tech normally reserved for a high end 7er. It is designed to increase the appeal of compact luxury cars and move the 1er into a higher profit region.

You have to look at the future aswell? Could we eventually see the demise of the high end premium market?

One particular segment which is forecast to increase by 50% in europe is the compact, large MPV market which BMW are investigating due to high demand for a BMW with more space.
Although BMW wants to take the flexibility , space and purpose but translate it more to a car like concept. You may be shocked but in latest auto industry editorial. Mercedes-Benz are developing a range of "Gran Sport Tourers" for the C and E-Klasse for exactly this reason - growth and increased profit.

Audi will be next - watch this space.

And about BMW and FWD? I say this , I think the new BMW Compact City Car will be a success. Why? because in order to sell the idea the packaging has to stand out and in design , boy, does this car stand out. Very sporty and very futuristic looking - take the front of the Vision Efficient Dynamics , shrink and translate that to a city car. The shape is more sporting looking , with a very striking character line. It is not a conventional typical hatch.
They drove an A1 into the design courtyard at the FIZ and by impressions alone the Audi looked old even though it was launched (in Germany) this month.

As for driving? Why cant typical BMW attributes not be applied to a FWD car?
The dynamics brief is to make the car drive like you expect a BMW to do.
Make it Sporting to drive and offer excellent handling qualities but not sideline the R63 MINI in which it shares , again using highly invested modular architecture in which the BMW Compact will share with the R63 MINI.

I dont think we will capture the same level of success as did the first BMW developed MINI as Lightning does not strike twice (normally) If it did I would not be surprised as they know that this car has to stand out in more ways than one.

[Lowest_Frequency]

Originally Posted by DarkRider23

What the fuck Wagon?

Seriously... Does anyone else hate these Hatchbacks as much as I do? The only one I can somewhat stand is the 1-series Hatchback and even then I would rather get a GTI if I ever wanted a damn hatchback. Stick to what works, BMW. Dealerships are going to be overrun and not have many options for people to look at soon.

I'm with you. I hate wagons of all sizes and flavors. Hate the 1 series wagon as well

[adc]

It all sounds interesting and logical. Only one problem with the 5 GT - for a true GT, a car that must pull at your heartstrings, appeal to the emotional side in you, embody classy and discreet elegance - well, it's very ugly.

Oops, did I say that out loud?


I just don't trust BMW designers these days to pull off these "interesting" shapes well.

[e92_m3]

I wouldn't mind driving an M3 GT. Does not look bad actually.

Fit it with a lip, lowering springs, and nice wheels, and you will have one FAST and HANDSOME grocery getter. Hehehe.

[Jake C]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The 3er Gran Turismo will follow the same philosophy of it's 5er GT brother.
To which if you compare the 5er GT to the 5er sedan there are only a few areas in which they share - being the door mirrors , indicator unit on the front wheel arch and door handles. The 5er GT is not just a fastback variant of the sedan. In design it stands alone in appearance and and purpose, although the DNA is apparent with it's 5er kinship.

And 3er GT follows exactly the same formula , customers did not want simply another variant. It had to be a completely different car to which it is even though underneath is heavily shared.

BMW invested heavily in developing new modular architecture for the 1er and 3er , because future projections show that the Citycar , Compact and Premium Entry segments are targeted for future growth.
Thus the decision was made to invest in developing the new modular architecture so that additional variants could be produced cost effectively within one set platform. The new modular structure can be shortened , lengthened , to accommodate a huge range of models which BMW are investigating for production.

Thanks for the reply Scott. This is the strength I want BMW GMBH To play on. They have made such a large commitment and investment to build modular platforms then why eliminate a model from the line up? Of course I am sure there has to be a study based on the past sales of the E90 M3 but then take into account the new modular platforms and the reduced overall total cost to build the 4dr M3 and see if the projected sales will cover the cost. If so then I am unsure why they would eliminate it.

Thanks,

- J

[ihyln]

The only reason I can see them dropping the 4dr M3 is to force people into the M5. No thanks. Giving us the M3 GT as the replacement is some kind of sick joke.

The M5 is the only car they don't screw with yet with the M3 it's the wishy washy "we'll do a 4dr and then we wont". The competitors don't mess about with their formula (RS4/5/6, C63/SL) but BMW does. Why? I'll keep buying 4dr M3s as long as you make them, maybe even with FI if you get your HPFP and DI issues sorted out, but otherwise it's just distressing hearing the 4dr dropped.

/rant

[quality_sound]

I'd rather have an M3 wagon. Hell, if there was an E91 M3 I'd have bough that over my E90. The old M5 touring was awesome.

[Scoobe]

Having a kid, my only complaint about my current M3 sedan is getting in and out of the rear, and the limited leg room. The M3 GT may take that complaint away, though I'd like to see what it has to give up.

I could be interested in it. The announcement that a 4 door M3 was going away by the time I'm shopping again pretty much had me looking elsewhere, mainly trying like hell to love the CTS-V sedan's looks. I'm already disapointed in the next gen M3 motor but I'm willing to try it out, as I would be willing to try out the M3 GT as well. At least if they do this, BMW will get me looking their way again.

[M3 Piotr]

I hope this never comes to life and just stays a rumor.....can you say ugly. More info in the link.

http://networkedblogs.com/9xM0o

[mdosu]

butt too fat, will scrap on inclined driveway

[OC ///M]

Love the plate!

[Technic]

If anything, I see BMW doing a 3-Series Gran Coupe-based M3 before doing a M3 GT...

That would be a killer and would keep the M3 Coupe-based at least by name regardless of number of doors.

[Lowest_Frequency]

Having flashbacks of 6 series butt. Not good...

[SCOTT26]

This rendering by (Jon Sibal?) gives a very good indication of how the car is progressing. This shape is is very much similar to the outline of the car and how it fits within the 3er portfolio. If you focus on the outline and not the detail you can see how the car can carry the M3 badge. Think of the CS Concept shrunk down for the premium entry segment and you get the BMW 3er Gran Turismo.

It is known as Progressive Sports Coupe.

[NYCMCBM3]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

+1

This getting ridiculous. Hello... BMW WTF

I hope this just a rumor.

all i hope is that the NEXT M3 comes stock with full 380mm Brembros all round

cuz its such bs paying 70K for a car with just regular brakes and seeing a 40k charger or challenger come with them stock


now i gotta spend 7k out of pocket , just to match them

and also it would be great to keep the V8 and maybe add a triple turbo

instead of a i6

BMW Needs to ask current M3 owners what they would like the next M3 to have, instead of making a car and trying to sell it , when they can make a car that people want to buy

[lux]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

This rendering by (Jon Sibal?) gives a very good indication of how the car is progressing. This shape is is very much similar to the outline of the car and how it fits within the 3er portfolio. If you focus on the outline and not the detail you can see how the car can carry the M3 badge. Think of the CS Concept shrunk down for the premium entry segment and you get the BMW 3er Gran Turismo.

It is known as Progressive Sports Coupe.

Scott thanks for the informative posts and pictures.

If BMW can keep that roof line low and swoopy, then I may be interested. It sort of has that Audi A7 look. My fear is going from concept to production, may result in a fugly high roof line 5GTish body shape.

[NYCMCBM3]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

This rendering by (Jon Sibal?) gives a very good indication of how the car is progressing. This shape is is very much similar to the outline of the car and how it fits within the 3er portfolio. If you focus on the outline and not the detail you can see how the car can carry the M3 badge. Think of the CS Concept shrunk down for the premium entry segment and you get the BMW 3er Gran Turismo.

It is known as Progressive Sports Coupe.

looks too much like a honda

[ss134]

I like it - and with M styling added it could look very nice indeed.

[crackberry]

jeez, that thang is butt ugly, in every sense of the word. iono how many americans would dig that.