The next generation 1 Series has been rumored to feature a hybrid version as well, part of the EfficientDynamics program and BMW’s plans to improve the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions in their fleet.

For the first time, spy photographers managed to photo capture a current 1 Series hatchback test mule featuring a hybrid sytem. The vehicle caught was wearing a “Hybrid Test Vehicle” badge as we’ve seen before on the X6 and even X5 test mules.

While not officially confirmed, we can assume that the 1 Series will feature the mild hybrid system seen in the X6, a modular setup with a motor/generator placed between the engine and transmission. Of course, a lithium ion battery will be strategically placed in the trunk.

Full photo gallery at Autoblog.com

While the BMW hybrid technology appears to be complete and fully developed, we’re still unclear if the hybrid system will be available in the current generation 1 Series or the new bodystyle that comes out in 2011. We’re inclined to believe that BMW will indeed offer the hybrid model in the new 1er line-up.

The BMW 1 Series Hybrid will take on the Lexus LF-Ch model unveiled recently at the Frankfurt Auto Show. If the current estimation are nearly accurate, we will see 1 Series hybrid a year after the new design launches.

No confirmation at the moment on whether these hybrids will make it on the U.S. soil, but due to the new rules for fuel efficiency and emissions that will require require all automakers selling automobiles in the U.S. to increase fleet fuel efficiency by 5% PER YEAR starting in 2012, we might actually be able to purchase them at U.S. dealerships.

The video shows different 5 Series variants and exterior colors: 550i, 535i and Sophisto Gray, Amethyst or Alpine White. What strikes us the most about this video compilation is the professional method in which it was shoot, a sign that the launch is imminent and the car is out in the open.

As we mentioned, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series will launch next Monday and our German publication, BimmerToday.de, will be there to report live. As always, stay tuned for a complete coverage of this new model.

First spy photos of the Z4 M Sport Package surfaced back in September when several test mules were seen near Nurburgring. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior and interior upgrades. On the outside, the already aggressive look will be enhanced with the addition of M front and rear-end bumpers. We also expect to see an exclusive choice of wheels and new exterior colors.

It is unclear if BMW will offer any performance upgrades, but we already know that the 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine is capable of producing more power

The folks over at Worldcarfans managed to capture the Z4 M Sport package in motion.

The video below shows us all three 5-series variants: F10 sedan, F11 Touring and M5. While the M5 still hides many of its design lines, the sedan is being barely covered in camouflage.

What’s left to see are those tiny details that can make or break a model, but judging from this video and the other spy photos, the new 5 Series will be a tough competitor for any other car in its segment.

Watch out our website next week and as we approach the unveiling date, more details will be revealed.

The prototypes seen on the road now carry a large amount of plastic camouflage on them that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal currently are similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.

As seen in the video above, the rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L shape lighting units the larger part of the L shaped lights that sits on the corner and wraps around the rear of the car dips at the lower edge this allows for the rear bumper scoop that signifies the tailgate is flush design wise with the dip form of the rear lighting units.

The front of the car receives a widened but not too large kidney grille , smaller than the F10 5er with shapely lighting units surround the grille. design sculpture under the lighting units is less prominent than featured on the Z4 under each headlight unit there is a semi circle shape which in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed.

The 3-series is part of a new BMW strategy in which ‘premium’ is defined in terms of environmental compatibility. The 2012 BMW 3 Series is expected to offer impressive aerodynamics.

Like the next 1 Series , the new 3er will take advantage of the new modular platform, again this allows BMW to spin off extra models, make savings in costs and enable production to very efficient.

Some of the design elements seen on the test mule, front and rear bumpers, will most likely be replaced later on in the testing process. What strikes us the most at this time is the longer testing period that BMW is doing at the moment, prior models used to be seen on the public roads one to two years before the official unveiling.

The “marketing game” has begun. As we always see with new models, some allegedly leaked photos make their way onto the internet days before the official launch.

The new 2011 BMW 5 Series makes no exception and according to Worldcarfans, the photo below shows the partial front-end of the new 5er, spotted somewhere at a German dealership.

While we have our own doubts about a new 5er already being on dealers’ lots, there are several similarities that indicate this could be the new 5.

Is it real or not, we’ll let you decide, but the photo will serve its purpose: to create buzz before a product launch, a strategy that benefits both the BMW fans and the company.

While many of the details are still sketchy, we’re pleased to see the first spy photos of the F30 bodystyle. The test mule features the now famous BMW camouflage, along with plenty of plastic panels that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal is similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.

The front of the car receives a widened but not too large kidney grille , smaller than the F10 5er with shapely lighting units surround the grille. design sculpture under the lighting units is less prominent than featured on the Z4 under each headlight unit there is a semi circle shape which in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed.

The rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L shape lighting units the larger part of the L shaped lights that sits on the corner and wraps around the rear of the car dips at the lower edge this allows for the rear bumper scoop that signifies the tailgate is flush design wise with the dip form of the rear lighting units.

The 3-series is part of a new BMW strategy in which ‘premium’ is defined in terms of environmental compatibility. The 2012 BMW 3 Series is expected to offer impressive aerodynamics.

Like the next 1 Series , the new 3er will take advantage of the new modular platform, again this allows BMW to spin off extra models, make savings in costs and enable production to very efficient.

BMW will also enable the next 3er to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies – like the 1er there will be an active hybrid model using a range extended 3 cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as lightweight resistance tires , aerodynamically designed alloy wheels , BMW active aerodynamics , solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls , Brake energy regeneration , stop start technology , pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential.”

Many of the technology powering the new 3 Series, such as the climate control system or telematics, will be completely re-engineered.

The car will make its debut in 2011 with sales commencing in 2012.

[Source: SpeedLux ]

Judging by the spy shot posted by us earlier today, we believe the rendering is very close to the actual design, maybe with a slight adjustment at the bottom of the headlights area.

Looking at the car from this angle, the sleek, svelte look is in line with what we have seen so far. The rendering also features a low roofline and short overhangs, design cues that we’ve been mentioning several times in the past few months.

All we have to say is that if the new 5 will look remotely close to this, we will be extremely satisfied.

Looking at the car from this angle, the sleek, svelte look we’ve been hearing about is more obvious than ever. The slightly larger dimensions are well “hidden” by this new design, and the modern and proportionate look, typical to a mid segment sedan, is back again. The low roofline and short overhangs are typical of this approach and the car is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheelarches.

BMW will revive the successful slogan used in the past, “Die neue Klasse”, to welcome its new F10 5er bodystyle. The new 5er will replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series. With the new 5 GT model being part of the same family, the exterior design will show slightly similar design cues: mirrors , side indicator lights and door handles.

By growing in size, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series offers more cabin space for its passengers. Despite the slightly larger dimensions, sources close to BMW talk about the new 5 Series as having similar weight as the E60 models due to a press hardening process who creates lighter and stronger body shells and platforms.

More details and official photos are rumored to be released within the next three weeks and the world premiere is scheduled for Geneva Motor Show next March.

First spy photos of the Z4 M Sport Package surfaced back in September when several test mules were seen near Nurburgring. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior and interior upgrades. On the outside, the already aggressive look will be enhanced with the addition of M front and rear-end bumpers. As seen in these photos, we expect to see an exclusive choice of wheels and new exterior colors.

The interior will also feature M branded design elements, as seen in the other M Sport Package: door sills, M steering wheel, foot rest and gear lever.

It is unclear if BMW will offer any performance upgrades, but we already know that the 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine is capable of producing more power.

Expect to see BMW Z4 M Sport Package in the second half of 2010.

[Second spy photo by Zpost ]

As with the standard 3er models, the BMW M3 Convertible will receive a mild aesthetic update. The spy photos captured these past days show that changes will only take place at the rear end where a new set of LED taillights will complete the already great design of the M3 Coupe and Convertible.

Confirmed by our sources as well, the BMW M3 Convertible will follow the same path as the previous generation E46 M3 E46 with the taillights being the only major addition to the facelift.

All 3 Series LCI models will launch next Spring.

[Source: Speedlux ]

One of them is to show you the two types of the kidney grills and second, the Night Vision Camera. As we’ve seen on the new 7 Series, the models carrying the Night Vision System feature less vertical grills and with wider space between them. In this case, the non-camera model has 12 vertical grills (narrower spacing), while the one equipped with the Vision camera features 10 vertical grills.

In the end, it is all a matter of personal choice, when the new 7 launched, some people preferred the kidney grille with narrow space due to its less oversize look, but truth is that many of us will not even notice these differences immediately.

With these abundance of spy photos, the end season of spy photos silly game is near and we’re hoping to see the new 5, in all its splendor, in the next few weeks.

[Photo by Secretnewcars ]

With the new M-Sport package, the E93 receives revised headlights, with a different “eyebrow”, similar to what we have seen in the E90 LCI. Also a new front bumper could be seen in the photo below, but the fine details are not available as of now. Even though unclear, the kidney grille seem to feature restyled air inlets, giving the new M-tech a more aggressive look.

Side skirts look unchanged, but other changes can be seen at the rear-end where a new set of LED taillights are being implemented.

The interior design also receives a mild facelift with updated trim and a new center armrest. The BMW 3 Series Convertible will also receive the ConnectedDrive system which allows for in-car internet access.

Both the Coupe and Convertible models are due to launch in Spring 2010 and there are no information on whether a price increase will be associated with the LCI.

[Source: Carscoop ]

The photos show an almost completely unveiled interior design and as expected, the new F10 5 Series inherits many interior design cues from the 7 Series and the recently launched 5 Series GT.

High quality materials and trim, black gauges and plenty of new gadgets, are taking the next 5 Series interior design a few notches up the design scale.

Looking at these photos, we’re convinced that we are looking at a pre-production model and some finishes remain to be made. Regardless, we like what we’re seeing and we’re embracing the new interior design direction.

The latest prototype gives us a glance at the new 5 sporting black painted coat. The front fascia is almost fully unveiled, with the kidney grille and headlights showing us the final details.

The larger than usual kidney grille seen in the new 7 and 5GT has been toned down, but at the same time, it is wider than the current E60 model.

The idea behind the new 5 Series was to design a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan. Despite the larger size, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series features a more dynamic and sleek styling.  Also, the wider track has helped integrating a wider twin kidney grille.

The new 5 features low roofline and short overhangs and it is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheel-arches. This has been a visual problem with the E60 model when running on 16″ or 17″ wheels because it made the car look heavy.

While maintaining the class and sporty allure of a 5 Series, the new model will play an important part in the EfficientDynamics strategy. Several features of this technology will be available in the new 5, from brake energy regeneration to specially designed aerodynamics wheels.

The first official photos of the 2011 BMW 5 Series are rumored to be unveiled next month.

[Source: Autowereld ]

High quality materials and trim, black gauges and plenty of new gadgets, are taking the next 5 Series interior design a few notches up the scale.

Even though the interior is partially covered, some things stand out. A new gear shifter for the automatic transmission can be seen. Since we’re looking at the high-end 5er here, 550i, we expect to feature the eight-speed automatic DCT transmission.

The steering wheel is similar to the BMW 7 Series featuring plenty of multi-function buttons.

On the outside, this particular test mule reveals less than the one seen yesterday where the front fascia has been almost completely unveiled.

With a few weeks away from the official photos, the 2011 BMW 5 Series test mules will continue to be seen across the world as the testing phase enters its last and final stages.

Update: 5Post also has some new photos of 5 Series, both interior and exterior

[Source: BimmerToday.de ]

Seven years after its debut, the newly redesigned X3 hopes to conquer again the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle market. The new model will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV, and the U.S. market remains the main target.

For the first time, spy photos of the interior design have been posted today by MotorAuthority. While the images could be clearer, we’ll take what we can get for now. As expected, the new interior design is a step up from the current model and it will be similar to the one in the new X1. Judging by the image below, the AC control buttons resembles the one seen in the E9x 3 Series models.

To successfully compete in its market, the new 2011 BMW X3 is rumored to feature some of the gadgets seen in higher-end models: Night Vision System, Head-Up Display and seats with ventilation.

On the outside, nothing new is being shown in these new spies, the funky camouflage still covers the design lines, but we expect to see more within the next few weeks.The overall dimmensions have been increased and the new X3 will move up in the BMW lineup making room for the recently launched BMW X1.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant, a move that will reduce some of the manufacturing costs.

Engine offerings are similar to the ones found in the X1 and 3 Series models. Several four cylinder diesel choices, mostly for the European market, and of course, six cylinder turbo engines for the U.S. A new hybrid model is also rumored to be launched sometimes in the near future.

First 2011 BMW X3 models will start to appear in your local dealerships in the second half of next year.

[Photos by MotorAuthority ]

For the first time, the front fascia is almost fully unveiled, with the kidney grille and headlights showing us the final details. As we expected, the corona rings headlights are very close to the ones seen in the 5 Series GT model. The larger than usual kidney grille seen in the new 7 and 5GT has been toned down, but at the same time, it is wider than the current E60 model.

At the rear end, the bumper has been revealed, but the headlights still keep some mystery around them. The test mule seems to feature production ready wheels giving the car the aggressive look we’ve all been waiting for.

As we announced several times before, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series will make its debut next spring at the Geneva Motor Show, but the first official photos will be revealed within the next two months.

Thanks to this photos, we can finally see why BMW has been ecstatic about the new design. The idea behind the new 5 Series was to design a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan. Despite the larger size, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series features a more dynamic and sleek styling. Also, the wider track has helped integrating a wider twin kidney grille, far sexier than the one seen in the new 7, at least based on our personal preference.

Along with the new design, the 2011 5 Series F10 will bring a lot of innovative technologies built inside the Munich walls and we’re expecting the new 5 to confirm its status in the mid sedan segment.

[Source: MotorAuthority ]

Unfortunately, nothing new has been revealed in these spy shots, we’re still looking at the now famous BMW camouflage hiding the last details of the new design. Compared to previous photos, we’re looking at one of the entry level 5er, either the 535i or 535d.

With the risk of repeating ourselves, let’s quickly recap what we learned so far about this new BMW 5 Series.

The new 5er will of course replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series of the BMW 5er and will be an all new car from the ground up although with the advent of the BMW 5er Gran Turismo although a member of the same family on the exterior surface there are few areas shared with the 5er . Door Mirrors , side indicator lights and door handles are the relatively evident components identified between the 5er and the 5er Gran Turismo.

The idea behind the new 5 Series was to produce a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan. The more dynamic styling expresses an intent to disguise the heavy look seen in a mid segment sedan, the wider track also helped integrating a wider twin kidney grille.

While maintaining the class and sporty allure of a 5 Series, the new model will play an important part in the EfficientDynamics strategy. Several features of this technology will be available in the new 5, from brake energy regeneration to specially designed aerodynamics wheels.  Two mild hybrid models are also being considered by BMW with both gasoline and diesel engines.

That’s it for now, but expect more photos in the next days, they are out in the open and everyone seems to spot these mules.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

The photos shown below were spotted in Germany and Austria, including some shots from the car doing the ‘Ring track. If most of the spy photos we’ve seen where giving us the 5er in a dark silver color, these latest ones show us the new 5 in the Milano Beige color.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series subject has been reported by us many times, but for those of you that are new to the blog, let’s do another quick recap.

BMW will revise the term much used in past success “Die neue Klasse” to welcome its new F10 5er the 6th generation model of the highly successful and important mid class sedan.

The new 5er will of course replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series of the BMW 5er and will be an all new car from the ground up although with the advent of the BMW 5er Gran Turismo although a member of the same family on the exterior surface there are few areas shared with the 5er . Door Mirrors , side indicator lights and door handles are the relatively evident components identified between the 5er and the 5er Gran Turismo.

Every body panel is unique to the 5er as BMW claim the 5er Gran Turismo is a stand alone premium concept. The new  design idea was to built a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan.

The low roofline and short overhangs are typical of this approach and in general the car is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheelarches which was a visual problem with the E60 when run on 16″ or 17″ wheels because it made the car look heavy which meant to have the car looking perfect the optional 18″ wheels had to be applied to show the proportions of the modern appearance of the E60.

The more dynamic styling expresses an intent to disguise the heavy look seen in a mid segment sedan, the wider track also helped integrating a wider twin kidney grille.

The new BMW 5 Series grows a few inches both in length and width, but one of BMW’s goals was to keep the car at the current weight levels. To achieve this, extensive aluminum in the exterior panels have been used.

Body shells and platforms can be made lighter and stronger using this new process. Additional areas of the car, such as water pumps, transmission cases and suspension mounts have also been made out of lighter materials, and  the new car retains the typical BMW 50/50 weight distribution.

Efficient Dynamics will be highly featured in the next generation 5 Series with the usual features, now taken for granted. New  efficiency features will also include specially designed aerodynamic wheels.

In light of future legislation, BMW have been working Active Hybrid model as well using the same “mild” hybrid technology as the 7er. The Active Hybrid 5 and the  the Active Hybrid 5d, will use the same system as the Active Hybrid X6, but will replace the V8 for a 3.0 liter diesel engine.

Both cars are rumored to make their debut at Geneva Motor Show in 2010.

[Photos: CarEnthusiast | SecretNewCars ]

Thanks for the photos Josef!