An image has surfaced online which appears to show
the all-new BMW 3-Series ahead of its global premiere at the Paris Auto Show in
early October. The German car manufacturer has been quite open about the new
3-Series in recent months, even releasing its own official ‘spy shots’ of
prototypes testing around the world, including at the Nurburgring. The above
image from BMW Blog appears to show the M340i M Performance model.
Like the rest of the new 3-Series range, the M340i M
Performance will be roughly 55 kg lighter than equivalent models of
the previous-generation 3-Series. Additionally, engineers have optimized the
vehicle’s underpinnings to improve rigidity while maintaining a perfect 50:50
weight distribution.
Powering the M340i M Performance is expected to be
the company’s B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine, providing
roughly 360 hp and 501 Nm of grunt. Rear wheel drive is expected to
come standard alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. xDrive all-wheel
drive may be available as an option. It remains unclear if a manual gearbox
will be offered, however.
In developing the new 3-Series, BMW has paid
particular attention to the vehicle’s suspension system. As such, a new damping
system has been developed for the lift-related dampers which strike a good
balance between a sporty and comfortable ride. Vehicles like the M340i M
Performance will be fitted with the M Sport Suspension which drops the ride
height by 10 mm.
From a styling perspective, this image reveals the
car’s overhauled headlights and LED daytime running lights. Additionally, a
large front kidney grille with enhanced outer edges is visible through the
sheet, which is why we think this might be the M340i version.
