BMW News

    BMW will add a new Gran Turismo vehicle to its lineup for 2014. Joining the 3 Series family is the F34 3 Series GT built on the extended wheelbase of the F30 3 sedan.

    The 3 Series GT will come with a hatch, as seen on the 5 GT, and a raised ride height. It has a high belt line that completely wraps around the car, allowing the roof to be lower and sleeker. The roof slopes down at the rear, but instead of a larger glass area, as in a Touring, there is an additional quarter light and a wrap-around tailgate.

    At the rear, the F34 3 Series GT will feature a retractable rear spoiler as an active aerodynamic component; this development is also expected on other future models. It's operated by small electric motors, so it doesn't add much weight.

    In addition to the retractable rear spoiler, spy photos of the new car testing at the Nurburgring in stripey pajamas show a panoramic glass roof that stretches almost the entire length of the roof.

    The engine options are inherited from the 3 Series Sedan, with a 335i GT top model. All will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

    BMW 3 Series GT is due to go on sale in March 2013.––Paul Duchene