The next generation BMW 3 Series is schedule to arrive in 2012. While many details of the next 3 Series and its available powertrains have yet to be announced, it reportedly will receive a Gran Turismo model, similar to the all-new new 5 Series GT.

Built on the automaker’s MSB architecture, which will also be shared by the next-generation 1 Series, the new 3 Series lineup will be available in five different body styles, which is a first for this model.

In addition,  the Gran Turismo hatchback, which isn’t due until March of 2013, will not be identical to the 5 Series’ hatch. Instead of utilizing the multi-latch design of the 5 Series GT, the 3 Series will instead feature a simpler one piece unit. As the 3 Series is already a popular model at San Francisco CA BMW, this new variant is expected to offer even more to potential buyers.

Aside from the 3 Series, details regarding the next M3 are also emerging. In particular, BMW will reportedly not offer the sedan in the next generation. Also, the new model is expected to receive a 450-horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo straight 6-cylinder engine in lieu of the current V8 unit.

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I guess 13 is unlucky for BMW, too. That’s the number of different 3 Series models the Bavarians currently offer, and this is without counting the three different members of BMW’s M3 family, which the automaker considers distinct from the 3 Series proper. You’ve got your coupes, you’ve got your sedans, you’ve got your “xDrive” coupes and sedans, and the list continues.

And now it continues to grow, with the debut of the BMW 3 Series M Sport and 335is. These models will put an exclamation point on the subtly enhanced design language of the refreshed 2011 3 Series, albeit in two different ways.

The M Sport is primarily about aesthetics, adding some of the cues found on the M3 coupe but skipping any real performance enhancers. It gets a slightly lowered suspension, but the rest of the modifications involve things like bumpers, side skirts and steering wheels. On the other hand, the 335is takes the opposite tack, putting M-like power into the same package that surrounds today’s 335i.

Specifically, the 335is will holster a twin-turbo V-6 that’s good for 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque—22 more horses and 32 lb-ft more torque than in the 335i—and it will also feature an “overboost” function that can deliver 369 lb-ft of twist for short periods. But certainly long enough to run from 0-60 in about 5 seconds. Drivers will get a choice of either a six-speed manual or BMW’s advanced dual-clutch seven-speed shift-it-yourself automatic. Even the body pieces the 335is does borrow from the M3—likes its rear diffuser—are aimed at increasing performance.

In fact, the biggest concern for BMW could be that the 335is will steal sales from the M3. The M3 coupe starts at $58,400. The 335i is currently the most expensive of the 3 Series fixed-roof coupes, starting at $42,650. Now, the 335is aims to slot between the two, and let’s say it comes in at $50,000. That leaves an awfully big gap between sticker prices and just a half-second gap in 0-60 times between the 335is and the M3.

But knowing BMW, that actually might be enough room in which to wedge yet another 3 Series variant. And I’ll consider that good news for all those who believe the best things in life are 3.

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The 2010 Audi S4 has proved to be quite the competitor to the BMW 335i. The S4 is powered by a 3.0-liter TSFI supercharged V6 engine that produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque, compared to the current 335i’s 3.0-liter engine that produces only 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft of torque. When driving these two side by side, the power advantage over the BMW is easily felt.

BMW has never been known for backing down against Audi, and it appears that in this battle BMW certainly won’t be making it a first. With a revamped 3-Series lineup coming soon, BMW has released detailed of the upcoming 2011 BMW 335is. This new model, available in either a coupe or a cabriolet, will enter production in March.

Powering the new BMW 335is will be an updated 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that produces 322 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft of torque. This power will be harnessed with the help of a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed double clutch automatic transmission.

Demand for the 3 Series among Los Angeles BMW dealers is simply unwavering, and the all-new 335is is expected to give performance BMW enthusiasts even more of what they demand.

Aside from a boost in power, the 2011 335is will feature an updated exhaust system, M sport package, rear diffuser, 18-inch wheels, updated tailpipes, and will benefit from improved engine cooling. Needless to say, BMW is not comfortable being left in anyone’s dust, and that fact remains evident in this latest update.

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