2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Facelift Brochure Pics Leaked, New 335is with 322HP

The refreshed 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible will be officially revealed on Sunday, but a German forum has scored a leaked brochure giving us an early preview of the facelift models. In typical BMW fashion, the cosmetic changes are modest and are limited on both models to subtly updated head lights and tail lamps, reworked double kidney grille and new bumpers.

The most important upgrades are hidden under the hood as according to julino billym sources, the 2011 model year 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models will be offered in Europe with revised four-cylinder and six-cylinder diesel engines.

BMW has also replaced the 335i's 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six N54 gasoline engine with the new twin-scroll single-turbo N55 unit with unchanged power and torque outputs but with better fuel economy and lower CO2 Emissions.

A previously leaked document from BMW Canada also makes word of the all-new 335is Coupe and Convertible that close the gap between the 300HP 335i (306HP in Euro spec) and the 414HP M3 (420HP for the Euro model).

According to the sales release, as was the case with the new Z4is roadster, the 335is will use a more powerful version of the N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six of the outgoing 335i and not the single-turbo N55 engine of the facelift model.

The 335is' output is rated at 322HP (+22HP over the 335i) and 332 lb-ft of peak torque (369 lb-ft with the overboost function). Buyers will have the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed double clutch transmission.

The new sporty variants of the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible range will be distinguished by the M Aerodynamics package that includes unique front and rear bumpers as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

Via: Motor-Talk and E90post - Thanks for the tip Nikos!

SPY SHOTS: 2011 BMW M5 with Twin-Turbocharged V8

Having already introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW and in particular, its M division, is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5 that was caught here testing at the Nordschleife. The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn't clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model's exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian's would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

In the X5M and X6M, the bi-turbocharged unit produces an output of 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. In comparison, the current M5's naturally aspirated V10 makes 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of peak torque.

Details on the new M5's engine specs remain scarce, though it has been suggested that the direct-injection V8 may be further honed, boosting output closer to the 600HP mark.

The new V8 will not only be more powerful than the V10, but also more compact in size, lighter in weight and more fuel efficient with lower CO2 emissions.

Along with the new powerplant, the 2011 M5 will get a re-engineered version of the BWM M3's seven-speed twin-clutch transmission (DCT), and hopefully for purists, a classic manual gearbox.

As with every other product bearing the M badge, the 5-Series-based model will benefit from suspension, brake and steering system upgrades to further improve handling and driver's feedback.

Even though the prototype model seen in these spy pictures features the standard roof, it is rumored that BMW is working on a carbon fiber top similar to that of the current M3 and M6. Other cosmetic differences will include engorged wheel arches housing larger rims and of course, a full body kit.

If BMW keeps its usual time schedule, we should see the new M5 breaking cover at a major auto show in 2011, with sales starting in Europe towards the end of the same year, and the rest of the world including the U.S., in 2012.

SPY VIDEO: 2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan Spotted During Winter Testing

We're still a couple of years away from the introduction of the new BMW 3-series family that bears the internal codename F30, but spies have once again captured the popular sedan version on film, this time at a gas station in Europe as the car is undergoing cold climate testing. The swirly disguise doesn't reveal much about the sedan's design but we assume that BMW's one-styling-fits-all blandness treatment will be applied on the four-door 3-Series.

And if the new 5-Series is anything to go by, expect the car to be slightly larger in all dimensions.

Powertrain options will include numerous four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel units (depending on the market of course), with the much appraised 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol in the 335i to be replaced by BMW's new 3.0-liter inline-six with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger that makes 306-horsepower and 400Nm (295 lb-ft).

There's also a strong possibility that BMW may introduce a mild hybrid variant, but this has not been officially confirmed. Same goes for the rumors concerning the replacement of the M3's naturally aspirated V8 unit with a straight-six turbo.

As with the current model, the new 3-Series will be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system, while the range will eventually grow to include Touring, Convertible and Coupe models with a crossoverish GT akin to the 5-Series Gran Turismo said to be under consideration.

Video via: Bimmerpost

2011 BMW 6-Series Convertible Spied on Video: Is it a Hardtop or a Softop?

A pair of prototype models of the next BMW 6-Series Convertible have been spied on film. The folks over at Bimmerpost that posted the video support that, like the new Z4, the 2011 6-Series Convertible will most likely be equipped with an electric folding hardtop and that for now, the Bavarians are concealing the roof with a faux canvas top.

Unless someone goes and fiddles around with the top, there's no way of being 100 per cent certain, but looking at the creases on the roof, we'd say that these test cars appear to feature a classic fabric top.

In any case, the new 6-Series Convertible will continue to be a four-seater while we suspect that the styling will follow the cautious evolution of the firm's latest models like the Z4, 5-Series and 7-Series, with BMW's designers toning down the flame surfacing and eliminating the so-called Bungle butt.

Under the hood, the new 6er's engines will be sourced from the 2011 5-Series that was revealed last week. The range will comprise of straight-six petrol and diesel engines, and V8 petrols, including the 245HP 3.0-liter turbo diesel in the 630d, the new 306HP 3.0-liter inline-six with a twin-scroll turbocharger in the 635i and the 407HP twin-turbo V8 in the 650i. The M6 models will follow at a later date.

If BMW follows its typical product life cycle of seven years for the 6-Series, then we'll see the coupe version of the new Bavarian sports car / grand tourer breaking cover sometime next year with the convertible model following shortly after.

Via: Bimmerpost

2011 BMW 5-Series Sedan Partially Revealed in Leaked Pictures

The official, live unveiling of the 2011 BMW 5-Series, which carries the internal codename F10, isn't due until Monday, November 23, but the first batch of photos of the executive sedan with the 'skirt' lifted just high enough so we can get a good peak of the front-end design, have already made their way to the internet.

To no one's surprise, the wide, prominent kidney grille and the shape of the headlights of the new mid-size sedan are almost identical to the 5-Series GT "cross-thingy" which in turn was inspired by the latest 7-Series limousine.

When it goes on sale in 2010, the new BMW 5-Series will be offered with a mix of four-cylinder and straight-six turbo diesels as well as naturally aspirated and turbocharged six-cylinder, and V8 turbo gasoline engines.

Unless someone drops the lid on sixth-generation 5-Series earlier, we'll have the 'Full Monty' on the Bavarian automaker's Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival on Monday.

Via: Bimmerpost -Thanks for the tip Tim!

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan Spied on Video

Work is well underway in Munich for the development of the next 3-Series that was caught here on video wearing BMW's signature twirly black and white disguise. It's still a bit early for any definite information on the car, but rumor has it that BMW is readying a new generation of inline six-cylinder turbo engines, one of which may replace the current M3's 420HP naturally-aspirated V8.

If BMW keeps its 7-year product cycle, then we'll be seeing the new generation 3-Series sedan making its world premiere sometime during 2012 followed within the next two years by the Touring, Convertible and M3 variants.

Via: Bimmerpost

SPIED: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Facelift

Hot on the heels of the recently revised 3-Series saloon and station-wagon models, the hardtop convertible and coupe versions of the Bavarian automaker's most successful model series are also going to receive a mid-life facelift and we've caught them both lying around in Germany in light camouflage. The spy shots suggest that the cosmetic changes on the two-door models will be more subtle than on their sedan and estate siblings.

Both the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible appear to feature reprofiled tail-lamps and a smoother bumper at the back along with tweaked headlamps, a new bumper with restyled air inlets and quite possibly, a reworked grille at the front.

Inside, expect to see similar changes to the Sedan and Touring models including updated trim, ergonomic tweaks and an improved version of BMW's iDrive system.

The facelifted 3-Series Coupe and it's hardtop Convertible twin that will most likely retain the same engine lineup as the current models are set to appear onto the market in Spring or Summer 2010.