Rumblings of a 3-Series GT might have been little more than a shudder from the rumor mill, but according to a story published on BMWBLOG a smaller version of the unpopular 5-Series GT is on the way.

It might seem strange that the company would launch such a niche car after the previous iteration failed so heavily. Maybe BMW is jealous of Mercedes-Benz. Whatever the reason is, expect to see them launching in March 2013.

They will feature the same rear glass to stubby bum you would expect on a 4-door hatchback from BMW, in fact they really look like a saloon version of the old 318ti with updated styling.

Engine offerings should be the same as the new 3-Series lineup, so expect to see a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four making 240 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder making 300 hp in higher end models.

BMW did actually tweak the formula a little with this car, offering more rear legroom than the 5-Series version. Don’t expect to see these hit American shores, though. The company is releasing a touring edition of the 3-Series for American consumers which makes sense because it seems few people actually buy hatchbacks in the U.S.

[Source: BMWBLOG]

BMW will build a Gran Turismo version of the 3 Series, to follow the introduction of the 5 Series GT model. Offered as a high-performance 335i model at first with BMW’s 300hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six, the 3 Series GT will fill an odd space between the 3 Series sedan, Wagon, X3 SUV and X1.

Much like the 5 Series GT, it will feature a dual-stage hatchback, allowing owners access to either a small trunk area or to a much larger space as the rear glass hatch opens up. Cargo room should be close to that offered in the 3 Series wagon.

Both a four-seat and five-seat model are expected, as is a diesel variant. So far no M version is planned.

[Source: Edmunds]

[Photo Credit: Fox Syndication]