The first official pictures of the sixth-generation BMW 3-Series are out. BMW boasts new model, internally known as the F30, is larger, roomier, yet more fuel-efficient than the current car.
The new car will be offered with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, orignially found in the only-for-Canada X1 crossover, and the more traditional 3.0-litre six-cylinder carried over from the existing line. Plans call for a hybrid version mated to the six.
While a standard 6-speed manual transmission will be offered, an optional 8-speed automatic - one of the smoothest in the market - will also be available.
The new 3 is expected to be North America's introduction to auto stop/start technology on a gasoline engine - a feature that is already common in Europe. In North America it is a feature currently only found on hybrid vehicles.
The new 3 is expected to go on sale in February after its official introduction at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.
