BMW details 2014 3-Series GT ahead of Geneva debut - Latest Automobile News

BMW says that the 2014 3-Series GT will go on sale in North America this summer in both 328i and 335i forms. While they are essentially mechanically identical to the 328i and 335i sedans, the 3-Series GT models differ dramatically in terms of styling.



Most notably, a big tailgate gives the car a unique profile that's more akin to a Saab 900 than anything else we can think of. The side doors on the 3-Series GT are frameless, unlike the sedan, while BMW's first-ever active rear spoiler deploys from the top of the roof to reduce highway speed lift.

Up front, the 3-Series GT is more closely related to its siblings, although its headlamps and its lower bumper area have been redesigned for a more sporting look.

The 3-Series GT stretches about 8 inches longer than the 3-Series wagon, a model that has also been earmarked for North American showrooms. Compared to other 3-Series models, the GT will feature a 4.2-inch longer wheelbase and it sits about 3.2 inches taller overall.

Most of that extra space goes toward making rear seat passengers and cargo more comfortable. Compared to the sedan, rear seat legroom has been increased by almost 3 inches. Despite its more sloping profile, the 3-Series GT will also carry about an extra cubic foot worth of cargo over the 3-Series wagon (for a total of 18.3 cubic feet). Making cargo more accessible, the rear backrest features a 40-20-40 split and the parcel shelf is a two piece unit. BMW is also including LED strips to illuminate the expanded cargo area.

A power tailgate is standard, while a "smart opener" activated by a swipe of a foot below the rear bumper will be on the options list.

Inside, the GT shares its dashboard design with other members of the 3-Series family.

Similarly, the 3-Series GT will be available in the same trim configurations as its siblings : standard, Sport Line, Luxury Line, Modern Line and M Sport.

Sport Line models add black styling bits outside, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, red interior accents and sport seats. Luxury Line brings with it chrome styling bits outside and inside, plus glossy wood trim. Modern Line, meanwhile, includes its own unique turbine-style alloy wheels and special interior colors.

M Sport models feature a unique aerodynamic body kit, a lowered and stiffened suspension, a meatier steering wheel and styling bits from the automaker's M division. Only M Sport models will be offered in BMW's distinctive Estoril Blue.

Underneath, the 3-Series GT uses the same double-joint front axle as the rest of the 3-Series line, but it uses a modified space-saving five-link rear suspension to maximize cargo hauling.

All five configurations will be offered with either a 2.0-liter, 240-horsepower, 255 lb-ft. of torque four-cylinder turbo engine (328i) or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque (335i). These two engine choices are unchanged from the standard 3-Series sedan. The new-for-2013 320i sedan's lower-output 2.0-liter won't be offered on the GT in the U.S. market.

An eight-speed automatic is standard across the line. Sport Line and M Sport models gain a sport-tuned version of the unit with paddle shifters and faster shift tuning. A manual transmission doesn't appear to be part of the specification list for the 3-Series GT in the U.S.

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Source: Leftlanenews