November 15, 2004
Sneak Peak - 2006 BMW
Sneak Peak - 2006 BMW 3-Series
German automaker BMW has released official photos of its redesigned 3 Series sedan, which goes on sale in Europe late next summer. But the company is still testing additional variants in its compact range, including a new wagon, coupe and convertible.
The all-new 3 Series cabriolet, disguised as a hard-top here, is based on the coupe and shares virtually all of its new sheet metal from the windshield forward with the 3 Series sedan.
Most underbody pieces, including suspensions and powertrains, will be common on both models as well.
The soft-top will be among the last of the 3 Series variants to reach dealers, probably in fall 2006 as a 2007 model. A high-performance M3 edition could arrive a year later.
While BMW has just released the new 3-Series sedan, the matching 3-Series coupe and convertible are still undergoing tests before their launch in about a year's time from now at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn.
The photos are showing two prototypes undergoing testing, plus one computer-generated image showing the convertible with the top down. BMW has consulted various German specialist companies like Webasto and Edscha to help develop the folding roof's mechanism, ensuring that the car remains a full-trunked four-seater.
Posted by Quality Weenie at November 15, 2004 11:12 AM