Spyshots: BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift

Somewhat left behind by its 3 Series siblings, the saloon and estate, who received a facelift last year, the coupe version of the 3er has been caught testing its... minor (or, to use the proper word, subtle) visual nip'n'tucks.

As with all spyshots of upcoming models, where you see camo, that's where the changes will be. In our case, the revised 3 Series will boast modifications to the front bumper, headlights, rear bumper and stoplights. A new side skirt design is also hinted by the lateral camouflage.

The facelift, to be released in a few months, is not as exciting though as what BMW has prepared for the future generation 3 Series. Whereas the model showed in these spyshots is unlikely to receive new powerplants, the 2011 model year will not only get some, but will receive the ones which embody the new approach of the German carmaker.

As hinted ever since last May, BMW will switch to smaller displacement, turbocharged engines to meet the stricter demands in fuel efficiency on the one hand and the consumer's suddenly found appeal for eco-friendly cars (read cheaper to fuel and drive).

As will be the case with the 1 Series, the 2011 3er will boast units ranging from 3-cylinder 1.35 liters to 4-cylinder 1.8 liters. despite the non-impressive displacement, they will output in between 122 hp and 240 hp.

In essence, we will consider the facelifted version presented here as a well deserved intermediary step in the projected transformation of the 3 Series. As always, the coupe version of the next generation will come later than its brothers, so we hope the changes made to it will be enough to last for some two-three more years.