This is the F30 BMW 3-series saloon, caught cruising outside BMW’s R&D centre. Modelling a form-fitting strapless BMW engineering original in 3M camouflage sheeting but showing plenty of glasshouse and leaving little to the imagination, our spy shots offer the clearest look at middle Britain’s next default saloon.
The 2011 F30 3-series saloon: evolution not revolution
When you’re the anchor of a car company’s range and responsible for a third of BMW’s 2010 sales (399,009 cars to be precise), there’s little temptation to risk a radical change. So the F30 is instantly recognisable as a descendant of the existing E90 range.
Key styling changes visible on this F30 prototype begin with a strong character line running across the front fender and just under the window line before fading out into the rear door. The new nose appears to keep to the family template established with the current F01 7-series and F10 5-series.
So far so familiar, what about the F30 3-series tech specs?
Four- and six-cylinder engines as usual, but with an emphasis on the downsized, turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The saloon will feature the same range of engines as the recently-scooped 3 GT hatchback, starting with a 1.6-litre four. ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission will be the standard choice, coupled to stop-start Efficient Dynamics tech.
When do we see the new 3-series?
The F30 will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, with sales of the saloon and as-yet-unseen estate to begin in autumn 2011.
The 3GT hatchback follows in 2012, and then the 3-series coupe and convertible. M3 comes later.
>>What do you think about the latest generation of the ubiquitous 3-series? Share your thoughts below