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

The BMW 3 Series plays an important role in the BMW history. This documentary gives you an overview over six generations of the BMW 3 Series. Starting from 1975, every new model has its own characteristics, but always the same roots. The BMW 3 Series sedan is the latest representative of a long history.

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

New render of the upcoming BMW 4 Series Coupe (F32), which is said to be highly reflective (percentage) wise of the actual appearance of the final F32 coupe design.

The F32 is due to be revealed in the first half of 2013 and should come as a 2014 model year.

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

Here is a new sighting of the F32 4 series / 3-series coupe. Compared to the F30 3 series sedan, the 4 series coupe will have a more muscular and sleek appearance. The shoulder line at the rear quarter panel is more pronounced and the roofline lower.

Keep in mind that the car looks larger than it actually is due to some of the camouflage paneling, particularly on the front fascia. The heavy camouflage on the front and rear also obscure the headlight and tail light shapes, so no, the lights will not be those round shapes

Expect 4- and 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines powering the 428i (or 328i) and the 435i (or 335i) and similar design lines as for the F30 3 series.

The … CONTINUED

The first F32 4 Series / 3 Series coupe prototypes were spotted for the first time ever in October. And although it appeared in heavy camouflage, we’ve attempted to envision what the production form may look like underneath.

In producing the following images, we started from real life F32 spy photos (attached below) and combined it with some elements from the F30’s styling, along with some educated guesses and imagination sprinkled throughout. We’ll be able to better assess the accuracy of the image’s detailed styling elements as the F32 prototypes lose some camouflage, but for now these will have to do. *Now updated with rear renders.

The result is a production F32 with very sleek and wide width-to-height proportions, seemingly more so than the current E92 3 series … CONTINUED