Spy Photos: 2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

BMW released an updated version of the 1-Series compact in late 2008 but since then suspicious prototypes of a new car with similar proportions and signature BMW styling have been captured running around the south of Germany. Previously, we had only seen early development test-mules but the latest shots reveal full prototypes for the next-generation 1-Series Hatchback model.

The current 1-Series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in. However, the rear seat room in this new 2012 model is expected to be much improved. This may also see BMW finally release the Hatchback version of the 1-Series in the all-important U.S. market. A slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model will be present.

Last year BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the four-cylinder engines destined for the next-gen 1-Series will be the same compact units developed jointly by BMW and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen for the Mini and a number of French models. The engines will range from 1.4 to 2.0-liters in displacement and will be available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. Expect to see BMW’s award-winning straight six engines also appear in the lineup. Engines could be downsized somewhat to meet more stringent emissions and fuel economy rules, but with the aid of the direct injection and forced induction, power figures may not decrease substantially, and could even increase in models like the 135i.

Engine stop-start and electrical-regenerative systems should carry over into the new series as well as possible new EfficientDynamics technologies such as heat-recovery systems and solar panels. BMW has also revealed that initial testing of thermoelectric generators and solar panels on its cars showed savings of up to 5% in fuel consumption.

Expect the new 1-Series Hatchback to launch in 2011 and be followed by new Coupe and Convertible variants, as well as a possible shooting brake model and high-performance M version.

Spy Photos: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe

Following in the footsteps of its Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe is due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of next year and today we have the new images of a prototype for the updated car rolling around the streets of Munich. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8in LCD display and an optional 80Gb hard drive music and navigation system.

Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Coupe include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance.

Expect to see the car make its debut in the second half of next year before going on sale in most markets by the end of the year as a 2011 model.

Photo Gallery: 2011 BMW 3-series Coupe facelift spy shots

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Photo Gallery: 2009 BMW 3-series facelift

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2011 BMW 5 Series Sheds Some Camo, Gets Some Camo

The next BMW 5 Series is taking shape. It must, because BMW has fitted its latest prototype (pictured) with a batch of psychedelic camouflage. Spied mules before with bulging, unfitting body work, but these shots from our spy photographers in Europe show a bit more detail of the upcoming model.

With little surprise, the 5 Series Gran Turismo's styling cues are starting to show. The grille, for instance, loses the rake of the current model in favor of an upright and flat stance. In fact, the entire front end appears to be flat, much like the current 7 Series. The headlights show a departure, too. Even with camouflage, shape that appears much less stylized than the current 5 Series.

As Mike Connor reported in February, the 2011 5 Series -- codenamed F10 -- will feature engines based on the new turbo range: A 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six in the 540i, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 in the 550i, and a twin-turbo clean diesel. The 5's wheelbase will grow a couple of inches, but the aim is to maintain current mass using smaller, turbocharged engines and extensive aluminum in the body's exterior panels. Control-arm front suspensions will replace the MacPherson struts. Options include the Integral Steering package just introduced on the 7, which adds electronically controlled rear steering to the familiar active front steering.

Spy Photos: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe

Following in the footsteps of its Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe is due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of next year and today we have the first images of a prototype for the updated car rolling around the streets of Munich. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8in LCD display and an optional 80Gb hard drive music and navigation system.

Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Coupe include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance.

Expect to see the car make its debut in the second half of next year before going on sale in most markets by the end of the year as a 2011 model.

Photo Gallery: 2011 BMW 3-series Coupe facelift spy shots

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Photo Gallery: 2009 BMW 3-series facelift

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Spy Photos 2010 BMW 5-series Touring

With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift now on sale and the 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class just a month away from hitting showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions just around the corner speculation about their final design has been heating up.

The new 5-series Sedan is set to arrive later this year as a 2010 model and heavily disguised prototypes have been seen testing around the streets of Munich on a number of occasions. These latest shots give us a look at the Touring model, which is expected to arrive roughly 12 months after the launch of the Sedan.

Under the car's new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its love of turbocharging. The new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from the X6 is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbo-diesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is currently developing its second generation common rail system for its diesel powerplants, which will operate at greater pressure for improved performance. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, however a new eight-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available.

Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section, and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight. Check out our previous story for more details including information on the next M5 by clicking here.

Image Gallery: 2010 BMW 5-Series Touring spy shots

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Spy shots: 2010 BMW X1 caught with least camouflage yet

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The latest round of spy photos, taken at Germany's Nurburgring race track, reveal the vehicle in the least amount of camouflage yet, essentially showing off its outlines and curves. The checkered cladding does obscure the details, but the overall feel of the vehicle is definitely there. Most notable is the completely undisguised grille, and the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Family traits can also be found in the front and rear lights, which resemble the 5-series GT concept and the 7-series sedan, respectively.

The video clip, plus previous renderings and spy shots, show that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at October's Paris Motor Show.

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.

Engine options will range from a 145hp (108kW) 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range-topping 3L diesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter. Expect to see elements from the CS concept car make it onto the new X1 including an enlarged grille, wrap around headlights and an aggressive bumper.

Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini.

Spy Photos Renault Twingo CC Coupe-Cabrio

First shown off as a concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault's Twingo CC (coupe-cabrio) was expected to make it to production in 2008. Delays have hit the little car's development, however, and the current market certainly isn't speeding things up, but it's still being worked on as these latest spy photos confirm.

The shots reveal a car that very closely resembles the concept car in both proportion and in the few details that are visible underneath the camouflage. That's not hard to imagine, considering the concept itself looked almost production-ready.

Based around the Twingo hatchback, the CC will get a retractable hard top roof, a two-seat layout and power from a 1.2L engine expected to put out 120hp (89kW). Down the road, an RS variant with a slightly tuned-up version of the same engine could also be in the plans.

The hardtop is expected to be an electrically operated, one-touch unit, possibly explaining the delays - finding a cost-effective way to stow the lid inside the rear deck area could be a tall order on such an inexpensive car.

Expect more of the car over the coming months, with a possible release at one of the big shows later in the year, including a return to the concept's debut city of Frankfurt.