What It Is: The 3-series Gran Turismo, a hatchback version of the BMW 3-series that isn’t a regular wagon. (It’s confusing, we know.) This car features a long, sweeping roofline and elongated side glass that terminates with an upwards kink that reminds us more of the Honda Accord Crosstour than the detail made famous by a certain Wilhelm Hofmeister. Judging from these pictures, the Gran Turismo will be taller than the 3-series sedan. In an earlier piece on this car, we generously called the roofline "low and sleek”; we now largely recant that statement.

The 3er GT also features a more upright grille than does the regular sedan, and the headlight detailing has been modified; the strip connecting them with the kidneys has become thicker. The lower front fascia is new, featuring a blocky, fan-blade-like plastic strip above the lower air intakes unless you opt for the M Sport package also pictured here. The taillights are unique, and there is a weird boomerang-y, vent-type substance behind the front wheels that is probably fake, just like the one on the upcoming 4-series coupe and convertible. Could this car eventually be called the 4-series GT? It's possible.

Why It Matters: BMW is hoping to duplicate the success Audi enjoys with the low-slung, Euro-market A5 Sportback, although this pseudo wagon segment also includes less successful stuff like the Crosstour and the recently discontinued Acura ZDX. Stylistically, the GT looks uncomfortably close to the Crosstour, instead of emulating Audi's sleek Sportback models. Complementing the 3-series sedan and station wagon as well as the 4-series coupe and convertible, this new model proves that no niche is too small for BMW to chase other automakers into. Perhaps it will convert a few customers who still think station wagons are uncool.

BRIAN WILLIAMS FOR KGP PHOTOGRAPHY

Platform: The new GT shares its platform with the F30 3-series and its derivatives. Rear- and all-wheel drive will be offered. We predict this car won't have the complex, heavy, and relatively useless split-hatchback arrangement of its bigger sibling, the 5-series GT.

Powertrains: The F30 platform offers a number of powertrain options, ranging from 1.6- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesels and 2.0-liter gasoline engines to 3.0-liter inline-six diesel and gasoline engines. Theoretically, it also could house the next M3’s powertrain or that of the ActiveHybrid 3. We expect a four-cylinder 328i and a six-cylinder 335i, in addition to the Europe-only 320d and 330d.

Competition: Acura TSX Sport Wagon, Audi Allroad, BMW 3-series Sports Wagon, Honda Accord Crosstour.

Estimated Arrival and Price: Sometime in late 2013 or early 2014, at a premium of perhaps $2000 more than a 3-series sedan.

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