The debut of the 2008 BMW 3 Series must be getting close as the notoriously secretive engineers at BMW have begun to let down their guard, driving barely camouflaged prototypes in various European locations. Our latest spy photos reveal three different variations: the 330Ci convertible, the 335Ci coupe and the high-powered M3.
The big news for the 2008 BMW 330Ci convertible is a new three-piece retractable hardtop. With new hardtop convertibles like the 2006 Volvo C70 and 2007 Volkswagen Eos entering the segment, the 330Ci's new setup should help keep it competitive. The convertible is expected to use the same pair of 3.0-liter engines currently found throughout the 3 Series, Z4 and X5 lineups. Delivering 215 hp or 255 hp depending on their level of tune, the two straight sixes should have more than enough power to satisfy most convertible buyers.
If you need more than a little wind in your hair to get excited about the 3 Series, the new 335Ci is the car to look for this summer. It will be the first application of the BMW's new twin-turbo, straight-six engine, a setup which delivers 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5 liters of displacement. Expect to see a retuned suspension, stronger brakes and bigger wheels and tires on the 335Ci as it's bound to be marketed as a high-performance alternative to the standard 3.0-liter models.
Unlike the 335Ci, the engine under the hood of the next-generation M3 is still under wraps. Most speculation points to a V8 in the 4.0-liter range with roughly 400 hp. Like the M5, this new M3 is expected to offer a seven-speed SMG transmission instead of a standard manual with a clutch. No word yet on whether this philosophy will be modified for the U.S. market after American M5 buyers demanded an optional six-speed manual.
As you can see from these photos, there's more to the M3 than just a big engine. Flared wheel arches, wider wheels and tires and trademark Motorsport quad exhaust pipes are all part of the package. Quarter panel vents, another Motorsport trademark, look as though they've been taped over on this prototype, but we expect to see them on the production model.
A debut date for these new coupes is hard to pin down. Their public debut may not come until the Paris auto show in September, but we expect BMW to release official photos and specs sometime within the next couple of months.
The big news for the 2008 BMW 330Ci convertible is a new three-piece retractable hardtop. With new hardtop convertibles like the 2006 Volvo C70 and 2007 Volkswagen Eos entering the segment, the 330Ci's new setup should help keep it competitive. The convertible is expected to use the same pair of 3.0-liter engines currently found throughout the 3 Series, Z4 and X5 lineups. Delivering 215 hp or 255 hp depending on their level of tune, the two straight sixes should have more than enough power to satisfy most convertible buyers.
If you need more than a little wind in your hair to get excited about the 3 Series, the new 335Ci is the car to look for this summer. It will be the first application of the BMW's new twin-turbo, straight-six engine, a setup which delivers 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5 liters of displacement. Expect to see a retuned suspension, stronger brakes and bigger wheels and tires on the 335Ci as it's bound to be marketed as a high-performance alternative to the standard 3.0-liter models.
Unlike the 335Ci, the engine under the hood of the next-generation M3 is still under wraps. Most speculation points to a V8 in the 4.0-liter range with roughly 400 hp. Like the M5, this new M3 is expected to offer a seven-speed SMG transmission instead of a standard manual with a clutch. No word yet on whether this philosophy will be modified for the U.S. market after American M5 buyers demanded an optional six-speed manual.
As you can see from these photos, there's more to the M3 than just a big engine. Flared wheel arches, wider wheels and tires and trademark Motorsport quad exhaust pipes are all part of the package. Quarter panel vents, another Motorsport trademark, look as though they've been taped over on this prototype, but we expect to see them on the production model.
A debut date for these new coupes is hard to pin down. Their public debut may not come until the Paris auto show in September, but we expect BMW to release official photos and specs sometime within the next couple of months.
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