.::sports and home: 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo First Look::.

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo First Look Each BMW 3 Series generation has had its fair share of variants, but it's the F30 generation that will receive a blown-up, liftgate-equipped Gran Turismo version. Like the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo boasts enlarged dimensions, a configurable cargo area, and a questionably styled rear end. 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Front Three Quarters The 3 Series GT will be offered in 328i and 335i specification, receiving the turbocharged 240-hp, 255-lb-ft 2.0-liter I-4 or 300-hp, 300-lb-ft turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 of the standard 3 Series. BMW's eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice, though a sport-tuned version is offered on models with the M Sport package. The main difference here, of course, is in the car's dimensions. At 189.9 inches long, 72.0 inches wide, and 58.6 inches tall, the GT model is 7.9 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 3 Series line's other cargo hauler, the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo First Look

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo First Look

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo First Look

The GT also has a wheelbase that's 4.3 inches longer at 115.0 inches. As with the 5 Series GT, the 3 Series hatch comes dangerously close in dimensions to the model just above it - the 5 Series, in this case, which is just 3.2 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and 1 inch taller. The 3 Series GT also offers more legroom than the 3 Series, increased by 2.8 inches over the standard 3 Series, BMW says. 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Rear Three Quarters Unlike the 5 Series GT, however, this Gran Turismo model probably won't be mistaken for a crossover, with a sloping rear roofline that helps maintain its car-like shape. In addition to the increased dimensions, the 3 Series GT also receives larger headlights, which resemble the standard model's wide lamps but blown up slightly. Those headlights still connect with the dual kidney grilles, and feature BMW's characteristic corona rings with HIDs (when ordered) and LED accent lights. The kidney grilles themselves slant forward slightly, though not as radically as the 6 Series' "shark nose" front grille. A pair of large side intakes and wide central-opening highlights the front end, which also features a more contoured bumper and functional side air curtains to reduce drag. Also helping bring down the car's drag coefficients are boomerang-shaped vents called "air breathers," which route airflow through the front wheel wells. Making its debut on the 3 Series GT is BMW's first active rear spoiler, which rises automatically above 68 mph to reduce lift at speed. In back, the taillights are larger than the standard 3 Series' units, but the vehicle's most defining exterior feature is its truncated hatchback rear end.
That rear end is meant to facilitate easy loading into the car's cargo space, which BMW says is larger than that of the 3 Series wagon. A high-opening power liftgate makes loading bulky items easy, and the 40:20:40 folding rear seats with tilt-adjustable backrests are intended to make the space more useful. Also useful is a segmented, removable parcel shelf similar to that of the 5 Series GT. Half of the shelf opens with the tailgate, while the other half remains in place behind the rear headrests, allowing small items to be stored on top. When not in use, the shelves can be stored beneath the cargo compartment's floor. BMW's available Comfort Access hands-free feature allows you to pop the trunk with a swipe of your foot. 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Side In Motion True to its Gran Turismo name, the 3 Series GT is tuned for long-distance comfort. BMW says the standard 3 Series' traditionally sporty suspension tuning has been shifted slightly for better directional stability and comfort. The cabin's multiple storage compartments and large door pockets offer room to stow water bottles and other small essentials needed for long trips. Ingress and egress are improved with a seating position that's 2.3 inches higher compared to the sedan, and interior volume overall is increased thanks to the GT's larger dimensions. Despite its raked roofline, the Gran Turismo offers more headroom than the standard 3 Series. Inside, the GT's cabin design resembles that of its sedan stablemate. A central iDrive screen extends upward from the dash, and is interfaced via the iDrive controller knob behind the gear selector. BMW's three trim packages, including Sport Line, Modern Line, and Luxury Line, return on the 3 Series GT, each offering unique interior and exterior touches. 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Front Three Quarters In Motion 4 The 3 Series GT also offers the M Sport line, which adds an exterior aerodynamic package, high-gloss Shadow Line trim, the M Sport-exclusive Estoril Blue metallic exterior color, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and an M steering wheel, driver's footrest, and door sill plates. The M Sport package also receives a firmer suspension with stiffer stabilizer bars, and has the option of a lowered adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Variable Sports Steering system, which can change the ratio of the steering depending on the steering wheel's angle. The arrival of the 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo raises a number of questions. Will the model fight over sales with smaller liftgate-equipped BMWs like the 3 Series wagon or X1 and X3 crossovers? Will its increased size and cargo capacity attract would-be 5 Series customers? We can't answer these questions until pricing is announced, which should happen sometime before the 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo lands in dealerships this summer.