Currently reading: BMW plans hot new 3-series
Hot 335is will bridge the gap between the 335i and M3 - but it's not planned for Europe

BMW plans to launch a hot new 3-series to bridge the gap between the 335i and M3 models.

The BMW 335iS will not initially be made available in the UK or Europe, however, with the firm instead selling it to US and Canadian customers.

BMW showed a similar concept with the Z4 at the Detroit motor show with the Z4 sDrive 35iS, billed as the most powerful in the range in the absence of a full M version.

The new 3 Series has been unveiled - get your first look here

The 335iS will use the 322bhp N44 twin-turbo six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine with 332 lb ft of peak torque (369 lb ft with the overboost function).

The car will get an M-sport styling package and will be the first time a standard BMW model will be offered with an optional seven-speed double clutch gearbox. When equipped with the auto’, the 335iS can get from 0-60mph in 5.0secs, with the same speed arriving 0.1secs slower with the standard six-speed manual.

Top speed will be limited to 149mph – standard BMW’s in the US are normally limited to 130mph.

A BMW source had indicated that the car will be considered for European sale after reaction to it has been gauged in the US and Canada.

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Challenger440 18 January 2010

Re: BMW plans hot new 3-series

I'd rather have an Alpina...

Chuffy 18 January 2010

Re: BMW plans hot new 3-series

Gilding the lily.

Always thought the 16 18 and 20 badged cars in both the 1 and 3 range were too close for comfort and surely could have one model removed.

This seems to continue that theme.

dennisthemenance 18 January 2010

Re: BMW plans hot new 3-series

There is no way BM will drop the 4.8L V8 from the 550i into the 3 series. Correct me if I am wrong, isn't the 550i a 4.4L V8 turbo engine. Anyway if they do & what they have done is effectively overshadow the M3 & as such makes the M3 redundant. Big V8 is politically incorrect & does not go down well with the green enviroment we have been harping about all this time. To introduce this slightly more powerful 3 seires perhaps is a teaser from BM & lead us to what to expect from the next generation M3 which will be powered by a highly tuned 3L twin turbo engine.