With the new 1-Series out in the open, it is time for us now to take a look at the next car in line for replacement in BMW’s range, the 3-Series sedan with these freshly shot spy photos. As we’re nearing closer to the launch, BMW continues to peel away the disguise with the latest F30 prototype having shed not only plenty of swirly decals but also the fake front and rear end additions giving us a better look of the car’s styling.

BMW hasn’t really messed around with the design of the 3-Series since the introduction of the E36 in 1990, and the new F30 isn’t an exception to the rule. The styling of the F30 is a clear evolution of the current E90 3-Series borrowing certain elements from the 5-Series such as the stronger belt-line combined with a lower and more aggressive front end with larger double kidneys. Previous spy shots reveal that BMW will follow a similar formula with the 3-Series’ interior.

On the engine front, the new 3-Series says hello to the wonderful world of turbocharged gasoline engines. The just released 2012 1-Series hatchback gave us our first taste of the newcomers in the lineup, namely the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline with direct-injection delivering 136HP and 170HP, which will be offered in select markets on the 316i and 318i.

The 3-Series will also get BMW’s newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which was previewed on the X1 with an output of 240-horsepower, as well as the latest iteration of the firm’s force-fed straight-six.

An extensive range of turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder diesel powerplants will complete the initial lineup, with a hybrid model to be added further down the road.

While we hear that BMW plans to unwrap the new 3-Series at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, this has not yet been confirmed.

After the introduction of the more popular sedan model, BMW will gradually enhance the 3-Series range with the Coupe, Convertible, Touring (station-wagon) and for the first time, a Gran Turismo model to compete against Audi’s A5 Sportback.

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