SCOOP: New BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Shows its Chic Tail

Over the past year, we brought you plenty of spy shots and videos of the next generation of the 3-Series sedan, codenamed F30, but now our spy photographers caught the newest addition to the family of BMW’s bread and butter model, the Gran Turismo.
When it goes on sale towards the end of 2012 or early 2013, the new 3 GT will join the existing body styles of the 3-Series, which include the four-door sedan, the two-door coupe, the five-door station wagon and the hardtop convertible, offering BMW a direct rival to the Audi A5 Sportback.
Ingolstadt’s pitch in the premium segment appears to have played a significant role in BMW’s styling decisions as unlike the Bavarian firm’s first GT model based on the 5-Series, the 3 GT appears to have sportier lines with a lower roof than the more practical-orientated 5-Series Gran Turismo. Nevertheless, the addition of the rear hatch at the back should improve practicality over the standard 3-Series sedan model.
Although the swirly camouflage leaves a lot to the imagination, aside from the bespoke rear end styling, it looks like the 3 GT will also get a modified nose and judging by the photos, frameless doors. Also, expect to see some changes and unique to this body style features in the interior.
The Gran Turismo’s engine lineup will mirror that of the rest of the F30 3-Series range including BMW’s spanking new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit, which has already been announced for the X1, 5-Series and Z4 roadster. In these models it produces 245-horsepower, but chances are we could see BMW following the VW Group’s example of offering the same engine in a variety of tunes and outputs. BMW’s range of four-and six-cylinder diesels as well as its turbocharged straight-six petrol will also be available.
Though it’s far too early to know, we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW offers an M version of the 3 GT down the line. 

2013 Opel Astra Convertible Spy Photos and Video Outline New Softop Model

 
Our spies have photographed and filmed the new Opel (Vauxhall in Britain) Astra Convertible on test in Germany. The vehicles caught testing here are early prototype models as the front doors appear to be carried over complete with their frames from the hatchback model.
Nevertheless, we are offered out first look at the open-top version of the new Astra series, which is planned to go on sale by early 2013. The most important change over the previous Astra TwinTop is the replacement of the more complicated, heavier and costly retractable metal roof with a traditional fabric hood.
This solution should also have a positive effect on the Astra’s weight and consequently, help improve handling and fuel efficiency.
The test models are heavily based on the freshly revealed Astra GTC sport hatchback featuring a longer rear end to improve the car’s looks and increase the available space for the rear passengers and the luggage compartment. Inside, the Astra Convertible will have room for four passengers with individual seats.
Don’t expect any surprises under the hood as chances are Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall will borrow the Astra GTC’s range of gasoline and perhaps diesel engines.
If the past is anything to go by, Opel will most likely tease the Astra Convertible with a near production concept model either in Frankfurt this fall or in Geneva next spring.
Recent reports from the U.S. suggest that GM is considering both the Astra GTC and the Convertible shown here for its Buick brand, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Volvo to Axe S40/V50 duo from US Line-up Due to Poor Sales

Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales. According to Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston, US deliveries of the two models were disappointingly low with the S40 down 29% in 2010, while the V50 fared even worse, with its sales dropping by more than 50%.
"It seemed American buyers weren't looking for that kind of product and for us as a car company, it's not profitable to sell something that has a declining market share”, Johnston told Autonews.
Since the V70 was also discontinued last year, that leaves Volvo with a US line-up consisting of the C30 hatchback, C70 coupe-cabriolet, S60 sedan, the S80 sedan, the XC60 SUV, the XC70 (the only station wagon) and the XC90 SUV.