We last spied the F30 hybrid back in February for the first time out in heavy camouflage. It has now shed its heavy camouflage and taken to the Nurburgring for track testing. One can tell this is a hybrid version by the typical “Rescue” stickers on its doors and rear bumper (which is always present BMW’s hybrid test vehicles).

The F30 3-series will be the first 3-series hybrid from BMW and will adopt much of the technology from the upcoming hybrid F10 5-series which is scheduled to debut this winter. The F30 hybrid will be released some time after the diesel and petrol F30 models are released next year.

Rumors of BMW considering V6 engines have been floating around for quite some while now. One possible future application often mentioned when talking about such an engine is the upcoming F80 M3 (F82 M4). As we reported earlier, BMW was studying no less than four potential engine choices for the next M3.

To add to the speculation, we’ve just discovered that BMW has filed a patent for a unique twin-turbo V6 engine last year. Have a look at this schematic BMW submitted to the German patent office to describe the patent filing:

As BMW describes in their patent application, this image shows “the principle of this turbocharger layout invention (#1) in a 6-cylinder internal combustion engine in V configuration (#2) with a first cylinder bank … CONTINUED

Despite the myriad of F30 3 series sedan test mule spy photos we’ve posted thus far, there has yet to be a direct F30 versus E90 3 series spotting, until now. Although it’s only one view for now, it gives us the best idea yet of how the new 2012 3 series F30 sedan will compare to the outgoing E90 3 series with respect to size, proportions, rear styling, and stance. Thanks to F30post member CSL-Fanatik.

Based on shape, the F30 appears more evolutionary than revolutionary a design, unlike the current F10 5 series which threw the E60 design language out the window in favor of a wholly new design.

The F30 and E90 seem similar, which should assuage the fears of 3 series fans who cringe at … CONTINUED

We’re happy to bring exciting news on the next generation M3. The next generation M3 sedan / M4 coupe will be designated the “F80 M3″. Along with this news comes word that the F80 M3 will indeed return in sedan form (already spied in testing)! The BMW F80 M3 Sedan will likely have its market launch in summer 2013, uncharacteristically before the F82 M4 coupe.

As things look to us, the M3 sedan will be the only model called M3. M3 coupe and convertible versions (F82 M3 and F83 M3) will likely be branded as M4. This might have played a role in BMW’s decision for another iteration of the M3 sedan. Previous rumors of BMW not bringing another M3 sedan turned out to be … CONTINUED

We bring you a preview of the BMW F30 3 series’ production front end styling via our set of renders. These were constructed by analyzing the 100% uncovered F30 spy pics recently posted, together with input from Scott26, who has seen the production F30 design. It was confirmed that these images are representative of the real life F30 front end design.

The F30’s front styling will represent very unique elements never before seen on a production BMW. The headlight-grille area features deep set headlights which dip inward to expose the sides of the kidney grilles. We’ve been getting hints of this new styling element with recent BMW concepts (see below). This innovative design not only differentiates the F30’s front end look from the rest of the BMW … CONTINUED

We bring you more spy photos of the 2012 3 series sedan (F30), in black and space gray, as BMW finishes the final evaluation phase testing on the next generation 3 series sedan.

Although the camouflage tape remains on these FEP level prototypes, we’ve already recently had a great uncovered look at the production F30 front and rear [see these photos if you've been under a rock] in a recent spotting at an F30 official photo shoot. But, these photos continue to give us views at the F30’s overall size (expected to be just slightly larger than the E90) and its attractive proportions and stance. The black F30 test car also shows a new wheel style yet to be seen on an F30 prototype.

Signs are pointing to … CONTINUED

Taking a page out of their multi-lines strategy for the F20 1-series hatchback (which has the Sport and Urban Lines), the F30 and F32 3 series will also be available in multiple “lines” options.

The 3 lines expected for the next gen 3 series sedan (and perhaps “4 series coupe” if the name change comes to fruition) will be a Sport Line, Modern Line, and Luxury Line (actual final names may differ, we’ve also heard Sport Line, Urban Line and Deluxe Line as the possible names).

These optional lines will feature differentiated preset looks via unique trimmings and equipment. Besides the usual options and packages BMWs can be configured with, this allows BMW to offer even more individuality and uniqueness between the same models. These lines should not … CONTINUED

The next generation F30/F32 M3 continues its testing and we’ve now spotted it for the second time, in much higher detail (click on photos below for hi-res versions).

As before, the signature M3 cues are all clearly seen - quad exhaust, flared fenders, wider track, drilled rotors, and beefier front end. The brakes feature 4 piston calipers.

We believe we may be looking at a different front end on this M3 than on the regular F30 3-series sedan. The clearest clue is the shape of the kidney grilles, which seem to be shapelier and thinner than those seen on the F30 3-series prototypes (see below for comparison). The entire front end also seems to be a different shape compared to the F30 3-series prototypes. Is it possible that … CONTINUED

The F30 fun continues. Yesterday we brought you the first shots of the new 3-series sedan as it was caught in Spain during a photoshoot.

Today, we’re excited to share even better shots of this Sparkling Bronze F30 3-series. These hi-res versions show the front fascia in even more details, in particular the F30’s unique headlight shape. The inside corner of the headlights appear to take on a very distinctive shape by angling in very sharply - a completely new design feature for BMW. What results is that the side of the kidney grilles appear to be exposed. We can’t wait to see how this looks from ground level!

At the same time, there’s also another two F30 models joining the scene. … CONTINUED