Spy Shots: Mystery BMW concept headed for Frankfurt

It looks like someone at BMW is going to be in big trouble shortly. It appears that what we are looking at here is the concept car that the German automaker expected to unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month as it is loaded up for transport. The new design study is reportedly some sort of sustainable sports car concept and is likely to include a variety of the brand's Efficient Dynamics technologies. Judging from the size of the vehicle shown in the snapshots from our friends at Bimmerpost, this showcar may well give us a strong indication of the design direction for the next-generation 3 Series which is just two years away. Judging by the visible cut-line of the door in the lower middle of the car, this may a four door, likely of the "four door coupe" persuasion, or perhaps a touring-style hatchback.

We may well be seeing some of the rumored powertrain for the new 3 including a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and some sort of hybrid drive system. Style wise, the concept appears to retain the elongated headlights that have appeared on the new Z4, 7 and 5 Series models, but with an even shorter front overhang. With the expected emphasis on aerodynamics for the new 3, it looks like the base of the windshield has moved forward giving the glass more rake than the current car. Oh, and that high-riding stance? We're assuming that's a byproduct of shipping block wedges, not actual design intent. We hope. A fine tip of the hat to Mo!

[Source: Bimmerpost]