New BMW 3 Series Sheds 120 lbs

BMW AG’s redesigned 3 Series small car will be lighter, larger and more powerful than the current model.

The carmaker released images of a heavily camouflaged version of the vehicle, which is codenamed G20, this week ahead of a planned public introduction at the Paris auto show in October. Deliveries are expected to begin early next year in Europe.

The seventh-generation car will be built on a modular platform that also carries the larger 5 Series sedan and other upcoming Bimmer models. BMW says the new 3 Series will be longer and wider than its predecessor.

A mix of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel will save about 121 lbs with a perfect 50:50 distribution to enhance driving characteristics. The lightweight design also boosts torsional stiffness by more than 15%.

The car’s braking, steering, and suspension systems also have been upgraded, according to the carmaker. The suspension features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear.

BMW promises the G20 will be fitted with the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever used in a 3 Series. The engine will be mated with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.