3-Series Is Ready To Join The Fold

Our insiders tell us that the newcomer is going to be more versatile than anything drivers have ever seen before, and it's all thanks to the forthcoming 3's spacious design. Look carefully at the mag's pictures of the CC, and you should be able to see what we mean. The novel design means the roof can be positioned in three different ways.

Most obviously, with the roof fully closed, the car will be a refined coup΃©. Owners can then slide the front panels back to create an open-topped targa. Finally, as the bootlid opens up, the whole arrangement slips gracefully down, creating a neat convertible free from any unsightly folded canvas.

The disguise on the prototype also attempts to hide another key feature - its pillarless design. This means buyers will have the option of lowering all the side windows with the roof up to give a clean, uncluttered look.
The company has gone to extreme lengths to ensure that its first coup΃©-cabrio is a success, calling upon Ger-man engineering expert Webasto to assist with the design of the folding mechanism. The pictures clearly show that the car will remain a full four-seater yet retain a substantial boot, as this is a crucial selling point for the lucrative American market.

The engine line-up will be similar to the saloon's, starting with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder units. There will be 2.5 and 3.0-litre straight-six petrols, with the possibility of a V8-powered M3, which would compete head-to-head with the Audi S4 V8.

Despite rumours of BMW introducing new 2 and 4-Series badges for its coup΃© and cabrio models, the car seen here is likely to retain the famous 3-Series badge. With such an excellent reputation and strong image with consumers, company bosses can see no significant benefit in changing.

The new 3-Series CC will make its public debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show - in exactly 12 months' time - and go on sale early in 2006.