BMW brings the new 3 Series Gran Turismo at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
The third addition to the 3 Series family will come to market this summer and the U.S. customers will get only the two top-level turbocharged gasoline engines: the 240 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder 328i GT, and the 300 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six 335i GT. These two models will be sold alongside the current lineup of F30 3 Series sedans and the upcoming 328i and 328d Sports Wagon.
BMW displays in New York the high-end 335i GT xDrive, one of the models that should do well in the Northeast area.
The 3 Series Gran Turismo stands out with its interior designed to provide luxury and comfort, for both the driver and his passengers. Page Biermann, exterior designer of the 3 Series GT, says that his design inspiration was drawn from the Lamborghini Espada, the grand tourer built by the Italian automaker between 1968 and 1978.
The new midsize Gran Turismo model is built on the 3 Series long wheelbase platform and uses the 5 Series GT’s design as the starting point. At 4,824 millimeters long, 1,489 millimeters tall, 1,828 millimeters wide and with a 2,920-millimetre wheelbase, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is notably larger all round than the Sedan and Touring variants of the 3 Series range.
Design wise, in our opinion the 3 Series GT has more attractive proportions and lines. The four-doors with frameless window combined with the coupe-like roofline give the car a sleeker look than its older brother. At the rear, the large tailgate is complemented in some models by an extended rear spoiler, the first of its kind on a BMW.
Here is a photo gallery from New York Auto Show:
