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 are photos from the latest F31 3 series touring sighting. Are we possibly looking at the first indication of a 328i xDrive with manual transmission? When we previously interviewed BMW on which F30/F31 xDrive models would receive a manual transmission, all we were told was that there would be at least one xDrive model with manual transmission. So, *if* this particular F31 is a 328i xDrive model (the front suspension appears to sit a bit higher?), then it would appear that the 328i may be one of the xDrive models to receive a manual transmission option.

The BMW 335i (F30) sedan is put to the test against the more powerful (and more expensive) Audi S4. Can the 335i keep up? While the 335i was down on acceleration compared to the S4, the author still picked the 335i over the S4. Why? Here’s some of the notable things said about each car and how they compared:

“The 300hp inline-6 in the 3-series impresses with its sharp throttle response and smooth-as-silk operation. Not only does it accelerate the 335i strongly, but it also shows a nice and warm engine sound causing goose bumps. And that’s something the Audi can’t keep up with. Its [Audi's] V6 does make a good noise but it’s always a bit artificial - as if the engine sound was composed on … CONTINUED