BMW-reveals 2012 3-Series, the new hybrid model

Leading automobile companies in the world, BMW, has taken the wraps off its sixth-generation 3-Series. Set to hit United States showrooms early next year, the 2012 3-Series promises a number of key improvements over the current car.

Wallpaper Gallery:

Visually, the new 3-Series adopts the same design language first seen on vehicles like the 5-Series and 7-Series. However, the new 3 is longer and wider than the outgoing model, giving the car an overall athletic look. The new 3-Series is nearly 2-inches wider than the current car and over 3.5 inches longer. Despite a bigger footprint, the 2012 3-Series retains a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and is actually 88 pounds lighter than the current car.

As a result of those expanded dimensions, the new 3-Series boasts more cabin space, particularly for rear-seat passengers. BMW also says that the 3-Series trunk can comfortably hold three-golf bags.

But perhaps the biggest news for 2012 is the 3-Series return to a four-cylinder powerplant. The 2012 328i model will be powered by BMW’s TwinPower turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, developing 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft or torque. As a result, the 328i will be able to scoot from 0-60 in a brisk 5.7 seconds.

BMW’s 335i will remain on offer for 2012, delivering 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder. That added grunt is good for a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

BMW has yet to announce EPA mileage for either model, but expect some pretty impressive numbers. BMW has gone to great lengths to ensure the 2012 3 is more fuel efficient than the current model and has included such technologies as auto stop-start, Brake Energy Regeneration and even an air conditioning system that can disconnect completely from the engine.

2012 3-Series buyers will be able to choose between two transmissions — a standard six-speed manual and an all-new eight speed automatic. BMW is the first automaker to offer an eight-speed gearbox in this class.

BMW has yet announce the M3 version of the new car, but buyers can opt for an M Sport package in the meantime. The M SPort package adds performance goodies like 19-inch wheels and lowered suspension.

---

Progressive Car Insurance to Hire 150 People in Cleveland by End of Year
Employees enjoy flexible work schedules, fitness centers and a casual dress code
Source info: by Marketwatch

---

ActiveHybrid 3

Marking a first for the segment, BMW will launch a hybrid version of its new 3-Series during the fall of 2012. The ActiveHybrid 3 will be powered by BMW’s 300 horsepower 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder paired to an electric motor that can boost power by as much as 55 horsepower. BMW says to expect performance on par with the 335i.

The ActiveHybrid 3 can travel up to 2.5 miles on all-electric power, with an all-electric top speed of 37mph while under load. The hybrid 3 can coast at speeds up to 100mph while in electric mode.

The EPA has yet to test the ActiveHybrid 3 but the car averaged 36.7mpg on the European cycle, representing a 12.5 percent improvement over “equally powerful conventionally driven BMW sports sedans.”

BMW has yet to release pricing information for the new 3, but we expect to have that information closer to the car’s February on-sale date.