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NY Auto Show preview: BMW 3 Series GT set to make U.S. debut

2014 BMW 3 Series GT overhead motion viewBMW’s theme for the 2013 New York Auto Show seems to be “small and sensible.”

In addition to unveiling the Concept Active Tourer plug-in hybrid and 2014 328d diesel, the Bavarian brigade will show the 3 Series Gran Turismo (GT) for the first time in the United States.

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For those of you who don’t speak BMW, “Gran Turismo” is the wonderfully romantic name the German carmaker uses for high-roofed hatchbacks based on its luxury sedans. The 3 Series GT will further expand the 3 Series range, and complement the larger 5 Series GT in the company’s lineup.

What buyers will get is a stretched wheelbase and a taller roof with a crossover-style tailgate, all adding up to extra cargo space. This is definitely an exercise in function over form: even a dramatically sloping roofline can’t save the 3 Series GT (or its 5 Series sibling) from terminal ugliness.

Under the skin, the GT is all 3 Series. Like the 2014 3 Series sedan and wagon, it will be offered as either a 328i, with a 240 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, or a 335i, with a 300 hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.

An eight-speed automatic transmission will probably be the only option, and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive may also be offered.

Like the regular 3 Series, the GT will also be offered with several aesthetic trim packages, including Sport Line, Luxury Line, Modern Line, and M Sport.

We’ll have all the details on the 2014 BMW 3 Series GT when the 2013 New York Auto Show opens next week. Will it be a niche hit or an ugly flop? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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