Our friend from Car and Driver, Jens Meiners, reports that the concept version of the upcoming 4 Series coupe - the two door sports coupe model based off the current F30 3 Series sedan, will be unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show in January.
If the concept 4 Series coupe indeed makes its debut at the Detroit show, along with the concept X4 SAV which is also rumored to make the show, then the 2013 Detroit show would no doubt be one of the most memorable BMW showings in recent memory, as the just revealed M6 Gran Coupe is also making its debut at the show, with the 3 Series GT premiere also being a possibility.
We bring you the first ever look at the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe prototype in live action - from a recent test session on the Nurburgring track.
This is the first we’ve seen of the prototype on the Ring, as well as being fitted with M Sport Brakes.
As always, don’t worry about the headlights and tail lights of the prototypes at this stage of testing. They are merely fakes for testing purposes. Expect the 4GC to share the lights with the rest of the upcoming 4 Series lineup.
Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be positioned and priced in the 3/4 Series lineup just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup (in between the coupe and convertible … CONTINUED
The 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) has now taken its development to the Nurburgring for some high speed performance testing. It’s the first we’ve seen of the prototype on the Ring, as well as being fitted with M Sport Brakes.
As always, don’t worry about the headlights and tail lights of the prototypes at this stage of testing. They are merely fakes for testing purposes. Expect the 4GC to share the lights with the rest of the upcoming 4 Series lineup.
Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be positioned and priced in the 3/4 Series lineup just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup (in between the coupe and convertible models). [See our recent article previewing the future … CONTINUED
We have been reporting and referring to the upcoming F32 and F82 models as the 4 Series Coupe and M4 Coupe for months now, and Automobile now comes in with their ruminations on what the M4 and 4 series lineup will bring. Although much of this is not new information, it provides a good review of what to expect for the upcoming 4 Series and M4:
4 Series Coupe (F32), 4 Series Convertible (F33), and Gran Coupe (F36)
• Coupe variant of F30 3 Series to be called 4 Series (positioned and priced in lineup just as the 6 Series Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup)
• Four door “coupe” styled variant to be called 4 Series Gran Coupe … CONTINUED
We have recently spied the F36 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) out testing again and although it wears the same camouflage as before, we get a first look at the F36 against the F30 3 series sedan and the F34 3 Series GT (gran touring).
What’s clearly confirmed by the photos is the expected difference in roofline heights and shapes between the different models, which mirror the differences between the 6 series gran coupe, 5 series sedan and 5 series GT. The 4GC features the lowest and sleekest roofline, followed by the slightly taller F30 sedan, and then the GT. The 4GC will also add some centimeters in its overall length compared to the F30 sedan.
Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will top the … CONTINUED
A month ago, a new BMW prototype was spied for the first time. At the time, given its fastback shape and substantial similarities to the 3 Series GT (3GT) prototypes we’ve been spying for months, we deemed it to be a 3GT with some camouflage removed or altered. But, the prototype has been spotted again and the additional looks at the prototype have us convinced that it is indeed the F36 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) being tested.
Here’s a brief analysis of the clear differences between the two prototype models. The comparison photos below should also be helpful.
The hood and cowl height and hood slope of the 4GC prototype is different than the 3GT.
The shorter front bumper … CONTINUED
It’s not official until it’s official (BMW announces it publicly), but further confirming clues that the F32 coupe will be badged as the 4 Series Coupe comes from a list of a list of forthcoming miniature scale models that BMW AG has released internally in Germany, according to BMW insider Scott26.
In addition to the new M6 models and 6 Series Gran Coupe, they identify the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo and the F32 “4 Series” Coupe as the upcoming BMW miniatures to be released.
If true, with the F32 coupe badged as a 4 Series, expect the M version to be named the M4 coupe, as per tradition for M models. The only reason this doesn’t happen is if the BMW board decides to break with BMW’s … CONTINUED
BMW has confirmed that two diesel engines will be making their way to the US.
One is a 2.0L single-turbo twinscroll 4 cylinder direct injection diesel engine outputting 180 HP and 280 LB-FT torque, which are identical stats to the N47 engine which currently powers the F30 320d and F10 520. As for consumption and performance, the 320d, for example, achieves an impressive 52.2 combined MPG (US) (40.5 city / 61.8 hwy), with a factory claimed 7.1 secs 0-60 mph.
The other diesel will be a 3.0L twinscroll 6 cylinder turbo diesel outputting 255 HP (no official torque number yet, but expect 400+ lb-ft torque). This will be an all new engine.
These engines will be paired with 8 speed automatics and make use of SCR technology (urea based … CONTINUED
The F32 4 Series Coupe and F33 4 Series Convertible have finally shown one of its most important signature design elements (and on any BMW) - the kidney grilles!
As expected, the kidney grilles of the coupe are sportier (thinner, shapelier and wider) than that of the F30 3 Series sedan. A close look reveals a different number of slats and differing designs for the grilles on each side - 11 flatter slats on the driver side versus 9 ‘kinked’ slats on the passenger side. We are likely looking at the separate grille designs for the different ‘lines’ that the F32 and F33 will be offered in (just like the F30 sedan). The closeup image of the hood and front end also reveals extra camouflage panels on … CONTINUED
