SPY PICS: Next 3 Series sedan snapped

BMW's perennial volume seller gains mini-5 Series looks for 2012
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The application of BMW's paisley camo to its pre-production 3 Series sedan in these pics is highly significant.

It runs over the top of body parts that are all new -- and where we can expect the previous car's styling to be toned-down or zinged-up. The pictures were snapped by spy photographers Car games parazzi as the vehicle in question underwent testing on public roads.

As the photographers explained, the new 3 Series has retained the typical proportions and stance of its forebears for the past 20 years, but there's very distinct 5 Series styling cues underneath all that camo, we reckon.

The bonnet line seems much lower and the headlights are migrating to a style more in keeping with the larger sedan and the 6 Series model. This generation of 3 Series will be new from the ground up, despite the roofline and roof pillars looking like they're carried over.

It's understood that BMW has allocated the development code ('entwicklungsnummer') F30 for the new, small sedan. The Touring (wagon) version will be coded F31, while the coupe and cabrio variants are being developed using the respective codes F32 and F33. According to Carparazzi, the two-door variants will feature exclusive styling, front and rear. BMW is expected to retain the folding hardtop for the Cabrio model, since the E93 generation has been reportedly the most successful open-top 3 Series ever.

The new generation of 3 Series is rumoured to be ready for active hybrid technology, incorporating a three-cylinder turbodiesel and EfficientDynamics tweaking of wheels, tyres, aerodynamic panels, plus the introduction of brake energy recovery, auto-stop/start and a solar power panel for the roof.

-- with Carparazzi

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