The next generation 3-series lineup (expected beginning 2012) will include a Gran Turismo (GT) model. Scott26 provides a preview of the F3x 3-series GT, calling it a shrunken down CS Concept. Details and preview renderings inside.

BMW is considering adding a 4th model to be produced at the Spartanburg, S. Carolina plant, to further compete with Lexus and Mercedes in the U.S. The 3-series may wind up being that extra model, given its high volume and Mercedes announcement last year that its Alabama factory would also begin building its C-Class.

BMW has just completed a $750 million expansion of the Spartanburg plant to make room for the all new X3, which will join the X5 and X6 as the 3 models currently being produced at Spartanburg. An additional "volume" model for the U.S., could be added in South Carolina, said Frank-Peter Arndt, BMWs production chief. The introduction of a fourth model would help … CONTINUED

The F30 3-series is due in a year and a half so its details and features will gradually come to light, but for now it’s interesting to speculate on its likely features. Have some thoughts on possible F30 equipment and features? Share them and see how accurate you are come 2012.

This isn’t the first time we’ve spotted an F30 335i in testing, but it’s been quite a while. This next generation 335i prototype was recently spotted testing in public in Germany. The interior remains a dummy interior (from the 1-series) fitted for testing purposes only. We’ve yet to spot the production F30 interior.

Compared to the E90 3-series, the F30 will feature a longer wheelbase, but shorter shorter overhangs, for a sporty squat look. It will also have wider and lower kidney grilles. Engine options will include a full range of turbo and naturally aspirated 6-cylinder motors, 4-cylinder motors, and possibly even a new 3-cylinder motor. The F30 335i will again be powered by a turbo 6 cylinder motor.

The F30 3-series sedan will make its world public … CONTINUED

This F30 3-series test mule was spied at BMW’s M Test Center at the Ring this past weekend. No more revealing except a new set of wheels, but we again see its balanced proportions and shape. The F30 3-series is expected to debut publicly at the 2012 Geneva Autoshow in March 2012.

The cover of the latest auto moto, a french auto magazine, features their prediction of what the 2012 F30 3-series sedan may look like. This render seems to draw heavily on cues from the newest BMWs such as the F10 5-series, F07 5-series GT, F01 7-series, and even E89 Z4. Opinions?

We bring you the first video of the F30 / F31 3-series Touring prototype on the streets of Germany. Most of the car is still clad in heavy camouflage, but as with the F30 sedan spy photos so far, shape, size, and proportions can be gleamed from these early spy photos/videos.

According to our BMW Roadmap, the next generation 3-series sedan and touring are expected sometime in 2012. Several variants are expected of the next gen 3-series, including sedan, coupe, touring, GT version, and of course the M3.

Be sure to follow our F30/F31 homepage coverage: http://www.bimmerpost.com/?s=+f30

Rumors of a 3 Series GT variant in the same vein as the 5 Series GT (but obviously smaller) have been swirling for some time. In fact, if such a car was coming BMW would definitly keep the shape and proportions under the wraps for a very long time and would want to surprise the world. Here, a french magazine has tasked its photoshop artists to dream up what such a car could look like.

Some new photos of the 2012 F30 3-series, spied testing in the German countryside. Not a whole lot new is gleamed from these photos, but it’s always good to see the F30 continue its testing. Based on the info we’ve heard, the F30 sedan may debut at the 2012 Geneva autoshow.