REPORT: BMW 335i Gran Turismo dialed in for 2011
According to a report by InsideLine, BMW is set to expand its wagonesque line-up by one in 2011 with the introduction of the 335i Gran Turismo. The 3 series-based crossover takes its inspiration from the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, with a sloping X6-like hatch that will feature the same two-stage tailgate on the 5 series GT, allowing owners to open either the small trunk or complete hatch.
IL's sources say that two-, four- and five-seat configurations will be available, along with a range of diesel and gasoline engines, including at least one petrol-powered turbo version. If the 3 series GT comes to fruition, that would bring BMW's entry-level line-up to five models – coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and five-door – and provide another competitor to the Audi A4 Avant and Q3, but could cannibalize X1 and X3 sales in the process.
[Source: InsideLine]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aloysius Vampa 3:30PM (7/02/2009)
Sure.
Why not.
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zamafir 4:15PM (7/02/2009)
Yup, if audi can and will put the 3.0T in the A5 Sportback, BMW might as well fire back with something uglier, less cogently designed inside, less all around great, but quicker in a straight line and with more driver feedback.
Hmmm, not particularly good looking, not great inside, not great all around, just handles good and is a tad quicker in a straight line? Maybe BMW should acquire Infiniti, it would seem their new core brand identities are compatible.
andre lavoie 3:33PM (7/02/2009)
ugly as hell. why does this thing even have "5-series" in its name? it bears no visual resemblence to the 5-series. aren't the X3, X5, and X6 enough?
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Seminole 4:02PM (7/02/2009)
Dont' forget the X1!
J.Crew 9:03PM (7/02/2009)
I am sorry to tell you that it is worse than you think.... this is the 3 Series GT to go along with the 5 Series you thought was pictured. This is the beginning of the end of BMW as we know it. 6 Series, 5 Series GT, and now the 3 Series GT... all horrible looking and "functional"... but not attractive. This reminds me of Hyundai Elantra GT of a few years ago...
MikeofLA 3:35PM (7/02/2009)
Ok, I am HUGE bmw fan, but even I can't understand this. Why not just put the TT i6 in the 3 wagon. That would get my heart pumping... while you're at it, throw an MT6 in the 335d.
Just making cars to answer a question nobody asked.
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MikeofLA 3:35PM (7/02/2009)
I will guarantee you that the next gen 5 series ('10,'11??) will look a lot like this car.
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Jimbo 3:37PM (7/02/2009)
What is the point of having a 2-seat version of this car?
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Aloysius Vampa 3:41PM (7/02/2009)
Cargo space? I have no idea.
HotRodzNKustoms 3:46PM (7/02/2009)
To haul the owner's enormous undeserved ego around in of course.
Auari 3:51PM (7/02/2009)
Read the article again.
matthew.colvin 3:43PM (7/02/2009)
Reminds me of the Chevy Malibu MAX.
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Papi L-Gee 3:44PM (7/02/2009)
*cries*
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timurjonchik 3:45PM (7/02/2009)
This is a photoshop picture
reall one you gonna see in 2 years
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P.V. 3:55PM (7/02/2009)
It's obviously a chop because if you look at the 5 Sedan versus the 5 GT, the differences are apparent in the front, whereas the fronts of the 3 Sedan and GT are identical. Otherwise, it's a pretty good rendering.
That said, I think it does make sense, if you think about it as a 3 Hatchback. It's sort of like the relationship between the Mazda 6 sedan and hatchback; the hatchback doesn't immediately look like one, but the entire rear hatch lifts up and there is considerably more cargo room in the hatchback.
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SeanGulden 3:55PM (7/02/2009)
Pontiac Vibe anyone? WTF is going on with BMW's designers lately?
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Sean Flanagan 4:01PM (7/02/2009)
Next up from BMW: the N54 engine in a 7-door, 3-passenger "coupe" that has the ride height and stance of a roadster with the side profile of a minivan.
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BigWill 4:02PM (7/02/2009)
I wonder how much GM got for selling all of that Aztek tooling to BMW.
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Greg 4:17PM (7/02/2009)
It's a natural...Americans just can't get enough luxury hatchbacks!...oh...never mind.
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Richard 4:18PM (7/02/2009)
One word....UGLY!
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