What's Wrong With This Picture: The Ultimate Leaning Machine Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

I hoped that BMW’s GT concept would be a one-and-done type of experiment, like the X6 or the Two-Mode hybrid drivetrain, selling as badly as it is. No such luck. Auto Motor und Sport has caught a forthcoming 3 Series GT prototype wallowing and leaning its way around a test track in Germany. That’s right, what you’re looking at right there is a 3 series… a nameplate that’s synonymous with sharp handling and a nailed-down ride. And just look at it, leaning on its tip-toes like a dune buggy that’s been developed by a French suspension engineer. Unless of course this isn’t a 3er GT at all, but the planned X4 “SAV”… but then, how is anyone supposed to even tell the difference between the two? One’s a softer, slightly larger, slightly jacked-up fastback 3 series, while the other is… essentially the same thing? Talk about losing the plot…


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • M 1 M 1 on Jul 14, 2011

    I wonder if GM will sue them for stealing the ass-end of the Aztek.

  • Slow kills Slow kills on Jul 14, 2011

    I was hoping my BMW Outback would roll on bigger wheels than this, y'all.

    • ExPatBrit ExPatBrit on Jul 14, 2011

      Actually that's the new Munchen Gladback model.(Mönchengladbach)

  • Rwb Rwb on Jul 14, 2011

    It looks to me like the car is going over the peak of a crest, and the suspension is at nearly full droop.

  • Andy D Andy D on Jul 14, 2011

    Looks like a redux of the ol' AMC Eagle circa 1980 . You could get those with a pushrod I6. I have 2 parts cars for my pair of 528e daily drivers. . I did it so I can keep them going another 10 yrs. Compared to the fun , no sarcasm, of maintaining 25 yr old 528es, these cars sound scary expensive to maintain. I wouldn't , couldn't, touch a 2000s BMW. I couldn't afford a shop to maintain it.

    • Sam P Sam P on Jul 14, 2011

      An E46 or E90 with a manual gearbox and no turbos is pretty easy to live with from the 2000's. A 7-series with a V12...that's a whole 'nother ballgame.

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