Auto Motor und Sport “tries” to illustrate the next generation 3 Series and the Progressive Active Coupe

Auto Motor und Sport decided to get a head start and adventured into creating computer generated images of the next generation BMW 3 Series and also, the upcoming Progressive Activity Coupe Concept. While the details about the 2012 3 Series are still sketchy since the final design was recently approved, the Progressive Activity Coupe, or 3 Series GT subject has been discussed by us many times before.

By looking at the next 3 Series renderings, we decided to skip that subject for now, the CGIs are toned down version of the new 7 Series or the upcoming 5, but with the same design lines and curves in a “tighter” body.

So, let’s focus on the Progressive Active Coupe variant. The 3 Series GT or PAC, will appeal as a medium volume car for a lot of BMW’s customer looking for a smaller version of the BMW 5 Series GT.

The 3 GT is based on a long wheelbase 3 Series and it has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase. We learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

The 3 Series GT is all about space and convenience, but without sacrificing performance. The rear seats offer generous room, higher sitting position that in the regular 3 Series models and of course, comfort.

Quoting a BMW person, “The 3er GT is about 180 degrees from the 5er GT , although they will share the same bloodline. The 3er GT is a hybrid of a Touring and a Sporting shooting brake design. To understand the design of the 3er GT you have to go back to the original RFK Concept.

With this design many within BMW loved the original intention, but unfortunately BMW had to re-interpret it’s conception to a vehicle that would become today’s 5er Gran Turismo.

The RFK concept has been brought back in terms of proportion and outline, to fit within the 3er’s sporting segment , looking more compact with a shorter roof line.
Inside similar to the 5er GT , the 3 GT will feature a similar lounge experience with the option of four or five seats and a “shelf” like cockpit design.”

Looking at the photo, we do see a bit of the 3 Series GT design ideas in it and it definitely follows the same path as the larger 5 Series GT.

The BMW V3 will be competing with the upcoming 2010 Audi A5 Sportback and it will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the fall.