The first 2012 BMW 3 Series info has just surfaced the web as the next generation model was caught on camera while testing on the Nurburgring. Unfortunately, the car in the spy photos is heavily camouflaged, but it does seem to be the sedan version. The 2012 BMW 3 Series is expected to hit the showroom floor on the EU market sometime next year, with the USA market following soon. The 2012 BMW 3 Series Touring and coupe will also follow, probably around a year later.
The fact that the 2012 BMW 3 Series prototype has been almost completely covered, may mean that the new generation will have a re-designed front fascia, with new headlamps, grille and spoilers. The hood of the 2012 BMW 3 Series may also show
new lines and we could also see LED daytime running lights on the future version, maybe.
As far as the engine options go, exact details are not known yet. The 2012 BMW 3 Series will certainly offer petrol and diesel engines, but with less CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption the ones on the current generation model.
The new technology which is expected to go into the 2012 BMW 3 Series will include the already
available Start/Stop function, regenerative braking and probably a panoramic glass roof.
The 2012 BMW M3 sedan will also be a part of the next gen's line-up. The power of the 2012 BMW M3 sedan is expected to come from a 6-cylinder turbo engine developing a little more than the current version. The power output of the 2012 BMW M3 sedan is expected to go up to around 450 hp. The company's trick 8-speed automatic gearbox may find its way into the next-gen 2012 BMW M3 sedan, as well as a 6-speed manual for the more hardcore fans.
Two of the most interesting gizmos that early reports say will go into the 2012 BMW M3 sedan, include active aerodynamics and an engine pre-heating system. That’s actually a pretty good development, since it’s quite annoying to sit and wait for the engine to heat up when all you want to do is go.
[Source: WCF]
