BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Launched in Japan | BMW

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo | BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Launched in Japan

Geneva Motor Showunveiled at theBMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. One of the defining cars of 2012, theBMW“3 Series” has now been joined by a stylish third body type, following the sedan and Touring (wagon), and has quickly arrived in Japan.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Inline-Six Models Also Available

The keyword for the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the fusion of sporty elegance and spaciousness.

Specifically, the sporty elements are symbolized by the powerful front end, coupe-like roofline, and frameless doors, all shared with the 3 Series. The spaciousness is represented by a wheelbase 11 cm longer than the Touring (wagon), a seating position 6 cm higher, 7 cm more legroom, and a luggage compartment that is 25 liters larger. The rear seats can be folded in a 4:2:4 split and the seatback angle is adjustable. With storage space beneath the luggage compartment floor and an automatic tailgate, its practicality is also a strong point.

Unique to the 3 Series Gran Turismo in terms of design and aerodynamics are the openings behind the front wheels (Air Breathers), which optimize airflow along the body sides to improve aerodynamic performance, and BMW's first active rear spoiler.

The active rear spoiler automatically deploys at speeds above 110 km/h to reduce lift at the rear axle.

This spoiler retracts automatically when the speed drops below 70 km/h, but the driver can also operate it manually from a button on the door, regardless of speed.

According to BMW, this feature provides rear-axle stability comparable to that of the sedan.

The models introduced in Japan start with the "320i Gran Turismo" (4.94 million yen) equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 135 kW (184 hp), the more powerful "328i Gran Turismo" (5.99 million yen) with the same engine producing a maximum output of 180 kW (245 hp), and the "335i Gran Turismo" (7.30 million yen) powered by BMW's traditional inline six-cylinder engine. As with previous 3 Series models, in addition to the standard model, design lines such as the Sport Line, Luxury Line, and Modern Line are available, as well as the M Sport package, which emphasizes driving performance through not only interior and exterior styling but also sports suspension (delivery for M Sport package models is scheduled for autumn). All models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and are eligible for eco-car tax reductions.

Preview of BMW's Future Lineup

At the Japanese launch of the 3 Series Gran Turismo, Mr. Joji Nagashima, Exterior Creative Director at BMW AG's design department, visited Japan to explain the design details. According to Mr. Nagashima, the active rear spoiler is a necessary feature not only for performance but also for design, as it allows for a lower vehicle height. Furthermore, the lines on the body sides create strong shadows and emphasize a sense of length, preventing the taller and larger 3 Series Gran Turismo from appearing excessively large.

Mr. Alain Harris, President and CEO of BMW Japan, also previewed BMW's future model lineup. The coupe model "4 Series", which was presented as a concept model, and the SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) "X4", will be launched as production models and introduced in Japan. The electric vehicle "i3", which achieves low environmental impact from the manufacturing stage, is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2014, and the hybrid sports car "i8", will be launched in the latter half of 2014. The hybrid model "Concept Active Tourer", which was shown at the Paris Motor Show, is also scheduled to be released as a production model within 2014 and is also planned for introduction in Japan.