German Car Zone

This car is really growing in me. The two-part lift gate is innovative, but I think it reminds me of the spirit of those old 5-door Saabs, even some old Renaults and Citroens, which I like.

The 5-series is a little too big for me. The real winner could be a variant of the 3-series just like this. What will it be called? 3-series GT?

Bingo!

But I thought 3er GT would become sporty, and nothing like the spacious design of the 5er GT...

3er GT will be more of a hatch - while 5er GT is a fastback (it has some tail nonetheless).

It will also have a slightly raised sitting position & versatility features like 5er GT.

Yet of course - not as much personal space - since the platform is smaller.

If 5er GT is a "re-innovation" of a sedan, 3er GT will be a "re-innovation" of a wagon.

Think of Audi RoadJet Concept ...


Compared to 5erGT - which looks elegant & sovereign - the 3er GT will look more aggressive & a bit more lifestyle. Kind a 5dr 3er hatch - with semi-command (X1-like) sitting position. And it will be more sporty than comfy (as it is the case of 5er GT).

We call it Progressive Activity Coupe - because of the way the roof slopes down at the rear but instead of a larger glass area as in a Touring, we have an additional quarter light and a wrap around tailgate the rear end is a combination of Touring and a shooting brake . The 3 GT will not feature the flexible trunk arrangement instead settling for a traditional trunk to which aid the flexibility of the GT you will be able to lift the glass area for easy storage and then have full use of a tailgate as you would have in an SAV or Touring.

Because 3 GT will be in a smaller segment compared to the 5er it will share some personalisation features such as optional bench or individual seating , and a very personal approach to luxury.
Because of the segment of the 3 GT the car will be very dynamic to drive it is best seen as an alternative to a Touring - Like the 5er GT it is all about making a statement and making cars very personal to the customer.

The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo as found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW's upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel.

3er GT will also receive an optional full length Panoramic roof that will stretch from the front windscreen to the rear screen increasing the space on offer .
Based upon the new cost-efficient architecture that will be seen underneath the 1er and 3er that can be stretched and shrunk by being modular and flexible to whatever car requires it. The GT will be based on a slightly longer next generation 3er platform .

Prototypes using 3er Touring bodies and X1 facias have already begun testing the major componentry . With first prototypes carrying heavily disguised bodies to begin testing this September similar to the 5er GT in September 2007. When the time approaches BMW will no doubt showcase the 3er GT as a Concept Car.

So I take it it's at least two years away then?

Yes. There will be a waiting period just like the 5er GT. The 3er GT is based on this idea , The overall concept remains but the styling details such as the front and rear will change with an emphasis to the new 3er and of course the 5er GT - so expect similar shaped front lights that will differ from the regular 3er.

The overall shape is exact a mix of Coupe , Touring and Shooting Brake , The picture below gives an accurate introduction of the outline of the concept.
and before the comments the 3er GT will feature the hollowed out rear roof for additional headroom.

A bit OT question, but is there any picture of this RFK concept? Or when are we gonna see it? Like the GINA concept...

Many thanks, Scott. I've started my drooling.

This is exactly what I've been dreaming of: A compact luxury 5-door coupe. Hehehe. Sounds crazy but I don't know how to describe it otherwise. Like you said, a mix of coupe, touring and shooting brake.

I love the cool coupe shape with the practicality of a lift gate. Gotta fit my bicycle in there.

RFK was the original plan for the 5er-based crossover before it was cancelled and replaced by PAS which became 5er GT.