2012 / 2013 BMW 3-series

There's no sedan quite like the BMW 3-series. Yes, it needs to shed some pounds and its styling is certainly debatable. But it drives with such precision and offers such delicate feedback that we still regard it as the benchmark in its segment. For 2012, BMW faces the difficult task of replacing the current car with a completely new, sixth-generation model.

Captured by our spy photographers in Munich, Germany, this four-door is internally called the F30. There's a lot to come: The next-generation 3 will again be offered in number of body styles, including a wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, which—contrary to what we've hoped for—will keep the heavy and complex retractable hardtop. BMW will also offer a five-door hatchback dubbed the "Gran Turismo" which apes the concept of the 5-series GT but will be more carlike and less imposing on the road.

BMW's excellent diesel-engine lineup will largely carry over in Europe, but there are imminent changes for its current range of rewarding but thirsty gasoline engines. Variable valve timing, single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems are in the works for a new generation of modular, four-cylinder engines producing 140 to 230 hp. A 2.0-liter version with close to 300 hp is possible, but we are optimistic BMW will keep at least one of its 3.0-liter inline-sixes in the portfolio. That six is still the stuff of legend, and we'd be sorry to see it go in favor of a force-fed four.

The M3 will remain the ultimate 3, but it is not yet clear whether it will keep its naturally aspirated V-8. A turbocharged inline-six is a distinct possibility. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will remain an option for the M3, while the six-speed manual will be standard, as it is on most other 3-series models except the most powerful diesels. But unlike the M3, those other versions will be available with an optional ZF eight-speed automatic in place of the current six-speed unit. Interestingly, BMW is mulling the launch of a high-efficiency, three-cylinder version of the 3-series, which will share its engine architecture with the next-generation Mini and will likely be hybridized, too.

The 3-series will be equipped with a full bag of electro-nanny systems, such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and speed-limit recognition. BMW's night-vision system is technically possible but unlikely to be offered in the 3. However, you will be able to tinker with the engine and chassis setup by means of a "driving dynamics" button.

The styling of the next 3 will be a rather conservative evolution of the current model, with a protruding kidney grill similar to that of the 7-series and the 5-series GT. The interior will look decidedly richer and will lose the center hump that houses the current model's optional navigation system.

Look for the next 3-series at the 2012 Geneva auto show. It should arrive at U.S. dealers later in 2012 for the 2013 model year