We have been reporting and referring to the upcoming F32 and F82 models as the 4 Series Coupe and M4 Coupe for months now, and Automobile now comes in with their ruminations on what the M4 and 4 series lineup will bring. Although much of this is not new information, it provides a good review of what to expect for the upcoming 4 Series and M4:

4 Series Coupe (F32), 4 Series Convertible (F33), and Gran Coupe (F36)

• Coupe variant of F30 3 Series to be called 4 Series (positioned and priced in lineup just as the 6 Series Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup)

• Four door “coupe” styled variant to be called 4 Series Gran Coupe … CONTINUED

A month ago, a new BMW prototype was spied for the first time. At the time, given its fastback shape and substantial similarities to the 3 Series GT (3GT) prototypes we’ve been spying for months, we deemed it to be a 3GT with some camouflage removed or altered. But, the prototype has been spotted again and the additional looks at the prototype have us convinced that it is indeed the F36 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) being tested.

Here’s a brief analysis of the clear differences between the two prototype models. The comparison photos below should also be helpful.

The hood and cowl height and hood slope of the 4GC prototype is different than the 3GT.
The shorter front bumper … CONTINUED

It’s not official until it’s official (BMW announces it publicly), but further confirming clues that the F32 coupe will be badged as the 4 Series Coupe comes from a list of a list of forthcoming miniature scale models that BMW AG has released internally in Germany, according to BMW insider Scott26.

In addition to the new M6 models and 6 Series Gran Coupe, they identify the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo and the F32 “4 Series” Coupe as the upcoming BMW miniatures to be released.

If true, with the F32 coupe badged as a 4 Series, expect the M version to be named the M4 coupe, as per tradition for M models. The only reason this doesn’t happen is if the BMW board decides to break with BMW’s … CONTINUED

BMW has confirmed that two diesel engines will be making their way to the US.

One is a 2.0L single-turbo twinscroll 4 cylinder direct injection diesel engine outputting 180 HP and 280 LB-FT torque, which are identical stats to the N47 engine which currently powers the F30 320d and F10 520. As for consumption and performance, the 320d, for example, achieves an impressive 52.2 combined MPG (US) (40.5 city / 61.8 hwy), with a factory claimed 7.1 secs 0-60 mph.

The other diesel will be a 3.0L twinscroll 6 cylinder turbo diesel outputting 255 HP (no official torque number yet, but expect 400+ lb-ft torque). This will be an all new engine.

These engines will be paired with 8 speed automatics and make use of SCR technology (urea based … CONTINUED

The F32 4 Series Coupe and F33 4 Series Convertible have finally shown one of its most important signature design elements (and on any BMW) – the kidney grilles!

As expected, the kidney grilles of the coupe are sportier (thinner, shapelier and wider) than that of the F30 3 Series sedan. A close look reveals a different number of slats and differing designs for the grilles on each side – 11 flatter slats on the driver side versus 9 ‘kinked’ slats on the passenger side. We are likely looking at the separate grille designs for the different ‘lines’ that the F32 and F33 will be offered in (just like the F30 sedan). The closeup image of the hood and front end also reveals extra camouflage panels on … CONTINUED

BMW has been busy trademarking. Below is a list of some recent BMW trademark filings for future potential models. Remember, just because a manufacturer registers a trademark does not mean that the model will necessarily come to fruition. But, it makes for some fun speculation and certainly paints a rough map of what potential future models we may see out of Munich.

Recent Trademark List:

X2, X4
M1, M2, M7, M10
2 Series Active Tourer
M35, M40, M55, M300, M350, M400, M500
M130, M135, M140, M230, M235, M240, M330, M335, M340, M430, M435, M440, M450, M550, M650, M750
M50d
Compactive, … CONTINUED

We recently posted the first photos of the F32 4 Series Coupe hitting the Nurburgring for high performance testing, and we’ve now also added a live video of the prototypes in action.

We’ve just spied today the 2014 F32 4 Series Coupe hitting the Nürburgring for the first time. Set to debut in Autumn 2013, the new F32 4 series coupe will combine an evolutionary progress from the current E92 3 series coupe with some new styling cues found in the F30 3 series Sedan and F31 3 series Touring. The general shape is sportier and sleeker than the F30 while the nose/front end design sits just as low (also check out these renders). Also adding to the sporty touch is a small bootlid spoiler you can see in the last photo.

In case you haven’t followed previous news and are surprised about the 4 series moniker, BMW is likely set to split up the 3 series lineup — … CONTINUED

The F32 4 Series coupe was spotted at the Nurburgring for the first time today, and not content to have the coupe model have all the fun, the F33 4 series convertible is also running at the Ring today.

As previously covered, the convertible will likely be joined by the coupe and any rumored Gran Coupe model in being re-badged as a 4 Series.

While this prototype remains heavily camouflaged, we recently spotted the F33 convertible top down for the first time, with its folding hardtop roof neatly folded away (images reposted below). If you notice, the front seats appear to be different in the track photos than the ones seen in the top-down pics. This prototype’s front seats seem to have a sportier/bulkier and more premium … CONTINUED