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2017 BMW 3 Series GT update includes two new engines

BMW has treated the hatchback 3 Series Gran Turismo (not to be confused with the hatchback 4 Series Gran Coupe) to some updates for the 2017 model year. The biggest change is the introduction of the company's latest four- and six-cylinder engines, but along with them come some updates to appearance and equipment. Of the 18 powertrains BMW will offer globally in the 2017 3 Series GT, the United States will once again receive only two. Both of the new 3 GT engines come from BMW's latest modular engine architecture, which spits out three-, four-, and six-cylinders. Replacing the previous 328i Gran Turismo is a new 330i, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four good for 252 horsepower (instead of 240) and 258 pound-feet of torque (up modestly from 255). The outgoing 335i is replaced by the new 340i, with a 3.0-liter turbo six rated at 326 hp and 332 lb-ft, up from an even 300 hp and 300 lb-ft for the outgoing 3.0-liter six. Both models come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic as before. The 340i and its new engine have already made it to the refreshed 3 sedan launched last year, while the 330i and its four-cylinder are not yet part of the sedan or wagon lineup (or the 4 Series, for that matter). We expect the engine and name change to migrate to them in the next year or so. In addition to the engine updates, the 2017 3 GT also receives visual tweaks like those on the 2016 sedan, including new LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Matte chrome exterior trim now comes standard, and there's a new rear bumper design. The interior gets chrome accents and a few other changes that we found helped make the sedan feel a bit more rich, fixing the downmarket feel of the early 3s of this generation. The latest iDrive infotainment, version 5.0, is also included with the navigation option. Buyers will again be able to select from a variety of option bundles including Luxury, M Sport, Lighting, and Cold Weather packages. The car's structure remains unchanged, which means the same hatchback body and longer wheelbase that bridge the gap between the sedan and wagon. It's a style-practicality compromise that continues to be polarizing, but at least the 3 gives you options. Related Video: The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. BMW is preparing to launch the latest BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo in time for the start of summer.

Mini nixes plans for 7-seater, Countryman to stay largest model

Contrary to popular belief, it seems that Mini's growth plans do have a limit both in size and number of models. During the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, it unveiled the six-door Clubman concept (pictured above) that was 4.4-inches longer and about two-inches wider than even the current Countryman crossover. Mini design chief Anders Warming says that this is the new size limit for its models, and the BMW subsidiary isn't building a larger, seven-passenger vehicle above the current Countryman.
"We won't build anything bigger than the Countryman, not at this moment. You should be able to park a Mini in a city, so a Countryman or this new Clubman is as big as it should be," said Warming to Auto Express in Geneva. Rumors going back to last November, pegged the Mini as developing an even larger vehicle to take on mainstream CUVs.
While Warming is ruling out a bigger Minis for now, a smaller one like the Rocketman concept still might be in the cards. He said that the project has been warmly received but still had to be investigated because "it's a numbers game." So if bigger Minis aren't coming, there still might be a slim chance for a smaller one.

BMW just the latest automaker to realize China will want a lot of EVs

News about China and cars isn't in short supply these days. With several of the world's largest cities, millions of cars on the road and huge problems with air pollution, it's no wonder that the nation is trying to make some changes. Along with decommissioning many of its aging vehicles, China is also expected to see huge growth in its electric vehicle market. BMW, as other automakers already have done, sees this as an opportunity to sell more cars. "We expect that the Chinese car market for electromobility will become the largest markets for those cars in a few years," says Karsten Engel, BMW's China head. BMW is collaborating with Shanghai's State Grid municipal power company to put public EV charging points at the former World Expo site, and the city plans to create 45 more by the end of the year. These will charge many different vehicles made by BMW and other brands. Tesla, which began delivering its Model S to China last month, plans to build its own supercharger network for the country. BMW plans to begin selling the battery-powered i3 and i8 plug-in hybrid in China this fall. BMW hopes to sell more than 400,000 vehicles in China this year. Fewer than 1,000 of those will be the i3, though, says Engel, due to a lack of supply. So far, China is falling drastically behind its own targets to get EVs on the road. With a goal of 500,000 by 2015, fewer than 70,000 EVs are currently operating in China. This numbers gap doesn't necessarily mean that the demand is or isn't there yet, but more and more automakers are betting it will be, and soon. Volkswagen is planning a fleet of electrified models for China by 2018 (at least 15 models according to Bloomberg). Daimler is teaming up with China's BYD to build EVs (and, of course, Your Dreams). Other Chinese companies are getting into the game as well. Featured Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos Related Gallery 2015 BMW i8: First Drive View 62 Photos News Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News EuropeImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green BMW Tesla Electric Shanghai charging station pollution exports