2012 BMW 3-Series Starting to Hatch, M3 Gets Inline Six

Although we don’t have very many clear shots of what the 2012 BMW 3-series will look like, BMW has let us in on what it has in store for body styles.

All the usual bodystyles will carry over such as the sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible, but there will be yet another addition to the 3 series family. A hactch.

BMW is banking on the 550i GT (which we enjoyed immensely) as being a big success and it is putting its marbles on a GT version of the new 3 series as having similar results for them.

Okay, now that the practicality is out of the way, let’s talk about the big boy: The new M3.

The V8 will be reportedly replaced by a twin turbo inline 6 cylinder engine. BMW makes incredible inline six’s so, we’re not too disappointed. Plus this likely will result in slightly better fuel economy. The V8 is good enough to produce 420 horses, but BMW may be able to push 450 horses out of its tuned inline six.

Also the coupe in general will likely get a lower roofline, and a more vertical windshield. The convertible M3 may even make a return but will have a  hardtop instead of canvass. Expect the sedan version of the M3 to stick around as well.

We’ll keep you up to date as more details arise, but you already knew that. Just something you have to say.

Spyker to Revive 9-3 Hatcback?

The sale of Saab to Spyker was finilazed today, so now we can all breathe a sigh of relief and start the fun process of drumming up new possible models for the former terminally ill Swedish brand.

Among the models rumoured to return is the beloved five door hatchback version of the 9-3. This makes perfect sense to us as premium hatches are on their way back to popularity with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Volvo C30, and Audi A3 proving Canadians’ interest. Lexus’ CT 200h is around the corner and BMW is going to jump into the fray as well.

The previous generation hatch only 9-3 was well known for swallowing up just about anything you put in the back, which was one of its many good selling points.

Spyker is also rumoured to continue on with the new 9-5, 9-3X wagon and the somewhat unfortunate 9-4X. All we ask is that they bring back Viggen models like the one you see pictured above. There was no hope of GM doing it, but it seems there is a bit more hope with the Dutch behind Saab’s proverbial wheel.

BMW to Launch Two Efficient Compact Models by 2014

BMW is known for being the benchmark in many areas, specifically handing and performance, but not many people would consider the brand when it comes to efficiency or the environment.

Well it seems BMW wants even more accolades as it is trying to take the ‘Green Leader’ crown in the premium segment as they have confirmed production of a hybrid supercar. On top of that BMW finally has their awesome diesels for sale in both the 3 series and X5 in our market, they’re in pilot production stages of an all-electric Mini, they recently introduced an all-electric 1-series concept and now comes word that BMW will add two small cars beneath the 1-series. This new venture into the green territory is likely the result of new stringent efficiency standards, but if anyone can somehow match performance with efficiency, BMW is likely to do it.
Find out more about the new models after the jump
Read the rest of this entry »