2012 F30 3-series DROPS HEAVY CAMO! Reveals Handsome and Evolutionary Design

The BMW 3-series is inarguably one of Germany's most important exports. As the camo continues to fall of the 2013 model, we're growing more confident that it hasn't been screwed up. And the company no doubt understands that not screwing with a successful formula is vital to keep its standard-bearing sport sedan winning awards year after year.

From what we can see, the next-generation "F30" model 3-series finds a happy medium between the current car and the latest 5-series, design-wise. Its shape is instantly recognizable, but there are definitely some hidden details we're really interested to see covered in nothing but a nice coat of metallic paint. That line that sweeps along under the windows and on up to the headlights is especially intriguing and looks like it could be quite dramatic. Camo still hides the corners of the taillights, so it's hard to say if they'll stay sharp-edged and aggressive or follow closer to the 5er's softer shapes. We can see for sure that the car's "angel eye" headlights will get the new flat-bottomed design that's been seen on a number of recent concept cars.

Here in the States, the F30 will come packing the same turbocharged 3.0-liter six found in the current 335i, but it's almost a given that the 328i will ditch its naturally aspirated six for the company's new N20 engine, a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes equal power with less fuel. The 335d's future here is uncertain, but an M3 will obviously come a year or so after the mainstream models
Read Article

SharkPhi - 5/2/2011 3:22:56 PM

+1 Boost

I like the way one of the bimmerpost forum members put it. "It looks like a new 5 on a 7/8th scale".

Looks like a natural progression of the 3er in conjunction with what apppears to be BMW's design direction. Lots of similar lines to the new 5 and 6 series front ends, with a little punch thrown in for the arguably younger 3 audience (squared corona rings etc).

Im excited to see how they tweaked the rear, as it appears that the new 5 and from what I can tell on the new 3 that the e92/e93 taillights had a significant influence on the new design. To me, thats a good thing.

Nostradamus - 5/3/2011 4:00:16 AM

-4 Boost

Where are the real changes?

'Evolutionary' is one thing, but virtually indistinguishable is another.

mclaren428 - 5/3/2011 3:13:27 PM

+5 Boost

From what I see its a STUD. The squared off lights are a nice touch.

911gt2 - 5/11/2011 9:44:04 AM

+4 Boost

Low nose, and elegant lines. Keep the beautiful cars coming BMW!

MercedesSL - 5/2/2011 3:46:01 PM

+5 Boost

I like what i see, very low, wide, and some nice fender flares to go with the aggressive stance.

LexSucks - 5/2/2011 3:48:20 PM

-4 Boost

I just wish that the 3-Series wasn't such a chick car.

LexSucks - 5/3/2011 2:08:13 PM

-4 Boost

I owned an 3-series for 8 years (2001 330i w/Sports package). I liked the car alot, but after 7+ years I got tired of it.

And they are chick cars. Everytime I see one a Female is driving it.

bmwcs - 5/2/2011 3:53:31 PM

+5 Boost

Looks great!! The shape is instantly recognizable as a 3 series.

MBCLS07 - 5/3/2011 1:47:43 AM

-4 Boost

When BMW creates an evolutionary design it's "Instantly recognizable as a 3-series". When Audi does it, it's "boring", "all the same" and "bland". Gotta love the BMW fanboy spin.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/3/2011 7:31:36 AM

-4 Boost

Im Glad somebody else noticed it too.

I kept clicking through the pics wondering how this was any different to the Audi approach to their vehicle lineup.

bmwcs - 5/3/2011 8:01:29 AM

+5 Boost

Is this tread about Audi? The A8 looks just like an A4 read any review on the A8. This 3 series clearly has a different shaped kidney grill/headlights front and back. This may be evolutionary from the previous 3 series, but not to the extent of Audis range where it has become indistinguishable/boring.

MBCLS07 - 5/7/2011 3:30:44 AM

-3 Boost

@bmwcs, your attempt to refute my point only succeeded in reaffirming it. Thank you.

Joe_Limon - 5/2/2011 3:57:31 PM

-4 Boost

did an elephant sit on the front?

racerf109 - 5/2/2011 4:03:29 PM

+4 Boost

It honestly looks good all around...much more aggressive than the previous two versions

94geo - 5/3/2011 6:07:16 AM

+4 Boost

LOL, how can it "look" heavier.. not a shred of info has been released on this car. Time to trade in the VW A4's the real sports sedan is back.

94geo - 5/3/2011 1:28:04 PM

+4 Boost

But they will start getting lighter...

M5twinturbo - 5/2/2011 7:26:34 PM

+5 Boost

Wow. My next car!

Rectifier - 5/2/2011 7:38:17 PM

-5 Boost

Looks like 1st gen Lexus IS to me :D

http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/01/05/15/18/2000_lexus_is_200-pic-11629.jpeg

iamdabest1 - 5/2/2011 8:08:06 PM

+6 Boost

im actually excited about the 2.0 turbo...

TauronB2G - 5/2/2011 9:10:25 PM

+4 Boost

I kinda like it. I'm hoping they make the interior a little richer though. I can't wait to see it with no camo in white.
The wife might like it.
T

85bmw745i - 5/3/2011 1:56:45 AM

+2 Boost

Cars keep getting bigger, fatter and heavier. 20 years from now the 3 will be bigger than the current 5, the 5 will be bigger than the current 7 and the 7 will be no more. Look at the Altima and what happened in 2001. It ended up turning into what the next Maxima should have been. This caused the next maxima to become big fat and heavy and no longer able to be titled the 4 door sports car. I think it looks good though.

DeutschlandV8 - 5/3/2011 6:10:03 AM

+4 Boost

Looks good, cant wait to see more.

aboodesta - 5/3/2011 9:12:06 AM

+5 Boost

I like how the front end design seems to be influenced by the vision concept. Should look good.

1dott8 - 5/3/2011 2:23:21 PM

-5 Boost

whatever! looks just like a 5 series. deboost if you want but no one can deny this fact.

car750i - 5/3/2011 3:01:38 PM

+5 Boost

LOL Audi fanboys...so eager to comment on the new 3 series. Worried much?? Its covered in camo, how can you claim it looks like a baby anything. I guess you guys are just bitter Audi is coming out with some of the most boring exteriors in the industry.

PlanB - 5/3/2011 2:25:08 PM

-3 Boost

First poster got it right, looks like a mini 5, or a baby 7. Take your pick.

SoMuchChedda - 5/3/2011 3:07:37 PM

+4 Boost

I like what I see.

This with the 2.0,Im sold!

LexSucks - 5/3/2011 5:02:40 PM

-4 Boost

2.0-liter Turbo Four? Welcome to 1990 BMW!

LexSucks - 5/4/2011 1:53:07 PM

0 Boost

I said 1990 becuase that's how long other makes have been using that configutation. Nothing to do with image. Not sure how you drew that conclusion?

Mistu lancer EVO X's 2.0 Liter engine makes 291hp. A 240hp 2.0 liter turbo 4 isn't anything special. We'll see if the BMW engines can handle 600+ hp like the mitsubishi 4G63 engines.

As for the BMW using a stock block from the 2002 to make F1 engines? I think you're making that one up.

85bmw745i - 5/5/2011 11:48:45 PM

+1 Boost

Except they never had a turbo 4. The last turbo 4 was in the 76 2002 tii. Then came the e23 745i with a turbo 3.2l inline 6 underrated at 252hp with 8psi and later upped to a 3.4 in 84 wil 6psi putting the same 252 hp but with more torque. You can get @400hp to the rear wheels with a chip, modified wastegate, cartech adjustable rising rate fuel pressure regulator with a healthy fuel system. More if you get bigger injectors or an intake with additional injectors. I saw one with @700hp with an aftermarket intake with 6 additional piggy back injectors that kicked in under boost. This is with stock internals mind you.

85bmw745i - 5/5/2011 11:54:55 PM

+1 Boost

Actually that F1 engine was a 1.8l with over 1200hp They couldn't tell the true output because the dyno did not go past 1200hp. They used this engine for qualifying. The reason the 2.0 isn't more powerful is for practicality. They could make it much more powerful and probably will. I can see the nest 1M with a turbo 4 with over 300hp. The weight savings alone would make it as quick as the current 1M. Its not that they can't make it more powerful, but they did what is the best and most practical balance of power economy and refinement.

irishmike - 5/3/2011 7:33:57 PM

+4 Boost

Looks good so far. I hope they kept the size and weight in check. The '3' is iconic. I don't care if chicks love 'em. They like to drive, too.

The e46 was perfection, though.

bmwx5m - 5/11/2011 9:36:52 AM

+4 Boost

Looks really good!! No doubt this will be best in the segment..as always!