BMW will begin to roll out its next generation 3-series, codenamed F30, in 2012. The car will be built on BMW's new MSB architecture, which means it will share its strut front end layout with the next-gen 1-series (codenamed F20) rather than use the double wishbones of the 5, 6, and 7-series cars.
For the first time, there will be five different 3-series bodystyles. The four-door sedan, which will appear March 2012, touring wagon (Sep 2012), coupe (Sep 2013), and convertible (Mar 2014) will all follow the familiar 3-series formula. The newcomer to the family is the hatchback Grand Turismo version, set to appear in March 2013. The GT3 is much more lifestyle-oriented and sportier than the GT5. It has a deep and wide tailgate, but it is a single-piece unit rather than the heavy and complex two-piece hatch of the GT5, and there is more of a notchback silhouette to the rear end. In terms of height, the GT3 sits midway between the 3-series sedan and the GT5.
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