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.
The recently revealed 2013 F31 3 Series touring is set to make its world public debut this week at the 2012 AMI (Auto Mobil International) auto show in Leipzig, Germany 2012.
And although we’ve already posted some great looks at the F31 M Sport test mules, we’re hoping to see the M Sport model fully revealed at the AMI show. Whether it does or not however, here is a first look at a beautiful fully revealed production F31 3 Series touring with M Sport package, in Estoril Blue II.
For details on the F30/F31 M Sport package, see our M Sport Guide.
We first began spying the next generation BMW X5 (F15) in January during its cold climate testing. BMW has now ratcheted up testing of the F15 X5 and moved to the Nurburgring to begin some serious track testing.
The F15 X5 is expected to weigh less than the current E70 X5 and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 series chassis. Expect both diesel and gasoline 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engine options. It should be introduced in late 2013 - early 2014 as a 2014 model year X5.
To here’s a recap of what we know about the 2014 X5 so far (with a reposting of the associated spy photos from our earlier coverage).
SIZE, SHAPE, STYLING
Judging by what has been previously spied, the X5 retains its muscular … CONTINUED
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
We bring you the first ever look at the F33 3 Series convertible (or 4 Series as it may be called when released) in testing with its hardtop roof retracted. The F33 largely shares the same proportions with the current E93 3 series convertible, although like the rest of the new F3x 3 series generation of cars, it will have slightly shorter overhangs, a longer wheelbase, and a bit more rear legroom.
These photos also represent the first clear look at the interior of the F33 convertible, which, from what can be seen, looks largely the same as the F30 3 series sedan. But, the rear view mirror is different, as is the new iDrive knob and controller system.
We also notice something curious about the front seats, … CONTINUED
This isn’t our first sighting of the F31 3 Series Touring M Sport, but it’s the best look yet at the F31 in beautiful Estoril Blue II and M Sport package.
The camouflage tape remains a formality since the F30 3 series sedan M Sport has already been revealed. The F31 touring will share the same front and rear bumpers/diffusers and sideskirts. What’s missing from the test cars so far are the M Sport wheels (Style 400M 18″ or 403M 19″) and M Sport brakes (more info).
The next 3 series touring / wagon is expected to make its debut at the AMI auto show in Leipzig in early June. It should hit the US market sometime in the first half of 2013.
As for F31 variants? North America … CONTINUED
Last we saw the BMW i8 hybrid sports coupe prototype it was being tested during the dead of winter in Northern Sweden. It’s now Spring and the i8 mule is being tested in the much more pleasant settings of Southern Germany.
The camouflage remains the same as before, but with these clear prototype i8 photos and the recently revealed i8 Spyder Concept, we already have a pretty good idea of the size, proportions, stance, and styling details of the 2014 i8 production car. It will resemble the car seen in the renders posted below.
Powertrain and Sales Target:
The concept i8 specs should give a great idea of what to expect for the production i8 model. The concept i8 features a high performance 3-cylinder petrol engine (164 kW) in … CONTINUED
We bring you the first ever track footage of the F31 touring. These F31 3 Series Touring Sport Line models were spotted just this week getting in some test laps at the Nurburgring. It won’t be long now until the F31 reveal (though not much is left camouflaged) so these are the last stages of development being conducted. Despite the extra hatch that the F31 carries, it looks quite nimble handling the challenges of the Nurburgring.
The F31 touring is confirmed to be making a return to the North American market. It will launch in Europe before hitting North American shores. Only BMW knows how long the gap will be, but we don’t expect it to be any longer than a few months. The F31 should launch … CONTINUED