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Posts Tagged ‘2013 4-series’


11/28/2011    12:50 PM
COMMENTS: 36

Reactions to the F32 coupe spy photos and videos we’ve posted so far have included some complaints that the F32 looks too long or has lost its sporty proportions. We beg to differ.

We revisited the earliest E92 coupe test prototype photos from back at the end of 2005 and we’ve posted below a comparison of the F32 coupe at this early stage camouflage compared to the E92 coupe during its early stages of testing.

Scrutinizing the photos, it’s easy to see how a camouflaged coupe appears overly lengthy and bulky, especially with respect to the front and rear fascias, which still have heavy and cumbersome camouflage.

Keeping in mind how attractive the E92 coupe turned out in production form, we wouldn’t bet against BMW with respect to the … CONTINUED

11/14/2011    1:18 PM
COMMENTS: 47

After the first F32 coupe photos, we now bring to you the first spy video of the upcoming BMW 4 Series (or 3 Series, as name change is not yet confirmed) coupe out testing in Munich.

The live look provided by a video always provides the best perspectives because we are able to see and perceive the physical aspects (size, proportions, transitions, and scale) of the car in one continuous moving view. Seeing a car in motion among other cars and natural elements also provides the most realistic look.

The F32 coupe certainly looks to have good size and proportions in the video, not appearing as long or stretched as some spy photos may have made it appear. Have a look for yourself below.

11/09/2011    11:03 AM
COMMENTS: 178

The first F32 4 Series / 3 Series coupe prototypes were spotted for the first time ever just last month. And although it appeared in heavy camouflage, we’ve attempted to envision what the production form may look like underneath.

In producing the following images, we started from a real life F32 spy photo (attached below) and combined it with some elements from the F30’s styling, along with some educated guesses and imagination sprinkled throughout. We’ll be able to better assess the accuracy of the image’s detailed styling elements as the F32 prototypes lose some camouflage, but for now, the general shape, proportions, and stance seen in these renders are accurate.

The result is a production F32 with very sleek and wide width-to-height proportions, seemingly more so than the … CONTINUED

10/24/2011    2:52 PM
COMMENTS: 92

We’re happy to share the best spyhots of the F32 4 series coupe to date. Days after the first ever spotting of the F32 4 series coupe, our spies have caught another F32 prototype, this time in white.

Compared to the recently unveiled F30 3 series sedan, the 4 series coupe will have a more muscular and sleek appearance. The shoulder line at the rear quarter panel is more pronounced and the roofline lower. These shots also allow us a better look at the shape of the rear windows and the famous Hofmeister kink.

Keep in mind that the car looks larger than it actually is due to some of the camouflage paneling, particularly on the front fascia. The heavy camouflage on the front and rear also obscure … CONTINUED

10/14/2011    4:00 PM
COMMENTS: 181

We’re coming to you live from the 2012 3-series F30 reveal event in Munich and to say that it’s been an exciting reveal would be an understatement!

BMW rolled out all three F30 lines at the event. We’ve posted a huge gallery below of each of the F30 Sport, F30 Modern, and F30 Luxury line models. Enjoy!

Be sure to catch all the F30 details at our 2012 3 Series Official Info Thread

10/14/2011    11:45 AM
COMMENTS: 474

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the world’s best-selling premium car, sets new benchmarks in terms of sporting prowess, elegance and comfort. The pioneering history of the 3 Series serves as inspiration for the new sports sedan, whose powerful styling represents a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of traditional BMW design cues. The new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series. The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm) particularly prominent, and the car’s increased length (+ 93 mm) and augmented wheelbase (+ 50 mm) also … CONTINUED

09/30/2011    11:30 AM
COMMENTS: 107

As we’ve been alluding to, the 2012 F30 3 series will be revealed mid-next month (Friday, October 14 to be exact) via online reveal, and live at a BMW press event. Autobild has posted the engine range that will be available for the F30 at launch, as follows:

Gasoline:
316i - 134hp
320i - 181hp
328i - 242hp (2.0L inline 4 cylinder twinpower turbo N20 motor) (US bound)
335i - 302hp (3.0L inline 6 cylinder twin turbo) (US bound)

Diesel (all turbocharged):
316d - 113hp
323d
*335d likely to come later

Hybrid:
3.0L gasoline engine + electric motor - 335hp (first spy photos)

F30 PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

The F30 3-series sedan will begin production in November 2011 (see chart below), shortly after the E90 3-series stops production in October. The F30 2012 … CONTINUED

09/20/2011    9:00 PM
COMMENTS: 29

We last spied the F30 hybrid back in February for the first time out in heavy camouflage. It has now shed its heavy camouflage and taken to the Nurburgring for track testing. One can tell this is a hybrid version by the typical “Rescue” stickers on its doors and rear bumper (which is always present BMW’s hybrid test vehicles).

The F30 3-series will be the first 3-series hybrid from BMW and will adopt much of the technology from the upcoming hybrid F10 5-series which is scheduled to debut this winter. The F30 hybrid will be released some time after the diesel and petrol F30 models are released next year.

09/07/2011    1:55 PM
COMMENTS: 35

Despite the myriad of F30 3 series sedan test mule spy photos we’ve posted thus far, there has yet to be a direct F30 versus E90 3 series spotting, until now. Although it’s only one view for now, it gives us the best idea yet of how the new 2012 3 series F30 sedan will compare to the outgoing E90 3 series with respect to size, proportions, rear styling, and stance. Thanks to F30post member CSL-Fanatik.

Based on shape, the F30 appears more evolutionary than revolutionary a design, unlike the current F10 5 series which threw the E60 design language out the window in favor of a wholly new design.

The F30 and E90 seem similar, which should assuage the fears of 3 series fans who cringe at … CONTINUED