[14] Bmw 328 Gt In Monthly Gossip

BMWs Gran Turismo models haven’t exactly been embraced by the faithful, and we know that the brand’s U.S. brass has not been especially keen on adding the hunchbacked hatches to its portfolio. But the Americans had little choice. Now BMW is updating the GT version of the 3-series, and the changes are fairly significant. They do not, however, alter the proportions of the tallish, long-wheelbase hatchback with its higher center of gravity and styling that unfortunately evokes the Honda Accord Crosstour. Or, as BMW puts it, its "sportiness combined with the elegance of a coupe."

More important, the Gran Turismo sees two new engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (code name B46) and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (B58), both part of BMW's new modular engine architecture. To denote this change, the model designations will deviate even further from actual engine size than before. The four-cylinder 328i Gran Turismo becomes the 330i, while the six-cylinder 335i Gran Turismo will henceforth be known as the 340i. Both engines get a little more power, which should help move the portly hatchback: the four-cylinder makes 248 horsepower (up from 240), while the new six is good for 320 horsepower (versus 300). An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

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The 2017 Gran Turismo will look a bit different, too, although you may have to be a BMW fiend to notice the changes. Both models now come with standard matte-chrome exterior trim and LED headlights; a new 19-inch wheel design is available. There are slight changes to the option packages, as well, with a focus on improved connectivity features.

As before, the 3-series Gran Turismo shares a lot of sheetmetal with the 3-series sedan and Sports Wagon, but it rides on the wheelbase of the China-only stretched sedan. Inside, the rear seat area is positively huge, there’s a big and flexible cargo hold, and passengers sit more than two inches higher than in the sedan or wagon.

Pricing has not been announced yet; it should remain close to the 2016 model, which comes in at $43,995 with the entry-level four-cylinder engine and $50,195 for the six. An M Sport package will be offered, as before.

The 3-series Gran Turismo remains virtually without a competitor. That will change when Audi brings to market the next-gen A5 Sportback, that car’s first appearance stateside. That may help validate the concept, but we still don’t see the market embracing the Gran Turismo—even with its new engines.

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