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New Models
AUTOS: BMW Previews 4-Series Coupe
The current 3-series coupe will be moved up to a redesigned 4-series model next year to differentiate it from the sedan; concept car revealed.
BMW's upcoming 4-series coupe is expected to closely resemble the concept car revealed by the automaker. (Photo: BMW)
BMW will replace the 3-series coupe with a dedicated two-door – called the 4-series – that's set to be unveiled in concept guise at the Detroit auto show.
North American sales of the next-generation model get underway in late 2013.
"The 4-series doesn't just mark the start of a new cycle; it marks the start of a model with its own individual character and a stand-alone design," according to BMW. "It stands for greater sportiness, added exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the 3-series."
While described as a design study, the 4-series coupe concept is understood to closely preview the look of the upcoming production version. Only detailed changes are expected, including less flamboyantly styled bumpers and the incorporation of more conventional exterior mirrors, door handles and tailpipes.
The future two-door is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing 3-series coupe. It also rides on a larger chassis than the model it replaces, with the wheelbase extended by about two inches, and the front and rear tracks increased as well. BMW hints this leads to improved interior packaging and greater levels of accommodation.
Despite aiming for a more individual look, BMW's designers have clearly taken inspiration from the latest 3-series in creating the look of the 4-series. The two cars share a similar front-end, side-lines and window-graphic treatment.
But with more acute screen angles, greater curvature to its roofline and a shorter trunk line, the two-door boasts a distinctly more sporting profile than its four-door sibling. The surfacing treatment also differs with greater contouring within the hood, added structure within the flanks and more defined shoulders.
BMW's design team also provided the car with a chrome decoration in the front wings. Insiders reveal the production car will feature some sort of adornment, although just how close it is to that of the concept car remains to be seen.
Developed under the internal codename F32, the 4-series is based on the same high strength steel platform structure and uses the same aluminum intensive underpinnings as the latest 3-series sedan. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive models, BMW also plans to unleash selected all-wheel drive xDrive versions of the coupe.
BMW has not revealed the engine lineup.
Likely spearheading the 4-series coupe lineup will be an eagerly anticipated range-topping model replacing the M3, planned for unveiling at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. With M4 nomenclature, BMW's new performance coupe is set to eschew the naturally aspirated 4-liter V8 engine used today in favor of a new twin-turbocharged 3-liter in-line six-cylinder. Insiders suggest the iconic M3 name will continue to be used, but only on the sedan.
The interior of the 4-series coupe is heavily based on that of the 3-series sedan. Apart from a liberal covering of leather featured on the concept car, the instrument binnacle, upper dashboard mold, center console, infotainment monitor and switchgear all appear to have been carried over virtually unchanged.
The move to adopt the 4-series name follows BMW's earlier decision to resurrect the 6-series several years ago after a lengthy hiatus. Now in its third generation, the 6-series supports three different models: coupe, convertible and GranCoupe.
In a move mirroring that of its larger sibling, 4-series is planned to grow to include the coupe, a convertible and four-door GranCoupe.
An official sales date for the 4-series coupe is yet to be announced, Nd BMW says North American deliveries won't get underway for almost a year, suggesting it will reach dealer showrooms as a 2014 model. The definitive production version of the new car is tipped to make an appearance at the Geneva auto show next March.
This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com.
North American sales of the next-generation model get underway in late 2013.
"The 4-series doesn't just mark the start of a new cycle; it marks the start of a model with its own individual character and a stand-alone design," according to BMW. "It stands for greater sportiness, added exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the 3-series."
While described as a design study, the 4-series coupe concept is understood to closely preview the look of the upcoming production version. Only detailed changes are expected, including less flamboyantly styled bumpers and the incorporation of more conventional exterior mirrors, door handles and tailpipes.
The future two-door is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing 3-series coupe. It also rides on a larger chassis than the model it replaces, with the wheelbase extended by about two inches, and the front and rear tracks increased as well. BMW hints this leads to improved interior packaging and greater levels of accommodation.
Despite aiming for a more individual look, BMW's designers have clearly taken inspiration from the latest 3-series in creating the look of the 4-series. The two cars share a similar front-end, side-lines and window-graphic treatment.
But with more acute screen angles, greater curvature to its roofline and a shorter trunk line, the two-door boasts a distinctly more sporting profile than its four-door sibling. The surfacing treatment also differs with greater contouring within the hood, added structure within the flanks and more defined shoulders.
BMW's design team also provided the car with a chrome decoration in the front wings. Insiders reveal the production car will feature some sort of adornment, although just how close it is to that of the concept car remains to be seen.
Developed under the internal codename F32, the 4-series is based on the same high strength steel platform structure and uses the same aluminum intensive underpinnings as the latest 3-series sedan. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive models, BMW also plans to unleash selected all-wheel drive xDrive versions of the coupe.
BMW has not revealed the engine lineup.
Likely spearheading the 4-series coupe lineup will be an eagerly anticipated range-topping model replacing the M3, planned for unveiling at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. With M4 nomenclature, BMW's new performance coupe is set to eschew the naturally aspirated 4-liter V8 engine used today in favor of a new twin-turbocharged 3-liter in-line six-cylinder. Insiders suggest the iconic M3 name will continue to be used, but only on the sedan.
The interior of the 4-series coupe is heavily based on that of the 3-series sedan. Apart from a liberal covering of leather featured on the concept car, the instrument binnacle, upper dashboard mold, center console, infotainment monitor and switchgear all appear to have been carried over virtually unchanged.
The move to adopt the 4-series name follows BMW's earlier decision to resurrect the 6-series several years ago after a lengthy hiatus. Now in its third generation, the 6-series supports three different models: coupe, convertible and GranCoupe.
In a move mirroring that of its larger sibling, 4-series is planned to grow to include the coupe, a convertible and four-door GranCoupe.
An official sales date for the 4-series coupe is yet to be announced, Nd BMW says North American deliveries won't get underway for almost a year, suggesting it will reach dealer showrooms as a 2014 model. The definitive production version of the new car is tipped to make an appearance at the Geneva auto show next March.
This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com.
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