SCOOP: Early Prototype of 2013 BMW 7-Series Facelift

With the fifth-generation of the BMW 7-Series limousine codenamed F01 entering its third year in production, it�s time for the Bavarian company to begin readying a mid-life facelift for its flagship model.
Our spies snagged a lightly camouflaged prototype of the 7-Series bearing the ActiveHybrid 7 badges while testing in Germany. Judging by the parts of the car hidden under masking tape, there should be some minor styling changes to the front and rear bumpers as well as to the headlamps and tail light graphics.

Official Patent Designs of BMW�s New Four-Door Sports Coupe

Last April, from the sidelines of the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, BMW displayed a thinly disguised concept model of a sporty-looking sedan model named the Gran Coup�. Now, it looks like that the Bavarian automaker is preparing for the presentation of the final production model as the company has just filed a patent for the designs of its so-called four-door sports coupe.
The images outline the shape and details of the production version that will most likely go on sale in early 2012. By comparing the drawings of the production car with the photos of the concept model, we see that BMW has made some subtle styling changes to the front with the redesigned bumper featuring a center grille on the lower part as well as to the rear, which sports re-positioned and re-sized reflectors and different tail pipes.

New Scoop Photos Shed More Light on

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.

Car Spotting: New BMW 6-Series Coupe

Carscoop reader Florian G. from Germany emailed us these photos of a 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe that he spotted parked on a road in Munich. While not a scoop in the traditional sense given the introduction of the new BMW 6-Series Coupe at last month�s Shanghai Auto Show in China, it is an interesting find nonetheless.
The only thing we�re not sure of is what the �iCenter� sticker below the vents of the front fenders means (that is, if it means anything). For the record, we�ve encountered the same logo on a few recent BMW prototypes. Follow the break for more pictures.

U Spy: Is this the New Alpina B6 Based on the 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe?

Back in April, BMW lifted the covers off its spanking new 2012 6-Series Coupe at the Shanghai Auto Show in China. Having already shown the Convertible version, the only model left to complete the series is the presentation of the M6 in both coupe and open top forms. Well, at least in absolute terms, as we�ve yet to hear from BMW�s longtime tuner, Alpina, which is considered a manufacturer in its own right.
And that�s where Carscoop reader Michael from Germany steps in. Michael spotted this partially camouflaged 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe parked somewhere in Munich. And while the lack of any aero parts such as the typical M-style front bumper with larger air vents minimize the possibility of it being the new M6, there are two elements that make us believe it could be the upcoming Alpina B6.

SCOOP: New BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Shows its Chic Tail

Over the past year, we brought you plenty of spy shots and videos of the next generation of the 3-Series sedan, codenamed F30, but now our spy photographers caught the newest addition to the family of BMW�s bread and butter model, the Gran Turismo.
When it goes on sale towards the end of 2012 or early 2013, the new 3 GT will join the existing body styles of the 3-Series, which include the four-door sedan, the two-door coupe, the five-door station wagon and the hardtop convertible, offering BMW a direct rival to the Audi A5 Sportback.

New Video Footage of 2012 BMW M5 Testing in the South of France

The hype surrounding the upcoming M5 continues with a new video released by BMW showing the Bavarian firm�s high-performance sedan being tested at the company's Miramas proving grounds in the south of France. Given that the M5 is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September, these are probably the final rounds of testing before production begins.

U Spy: BMW�s New X1 �baby� Crossover Caught Strolling in Long Beach, California

While BMW is still keeping mum on when it will bring its smallest crossover model over to the States, Carscoop reader, Nick K., who is always alert for new models on the road, snapped this picture of the X1 dressed in an M Sport outfit during his daily maneuvers in Long Beach, California. �I saw this BMW X1 driving in Long Beach today followed by 3 5-Series BMW's. It had specially marked plates and it was beautiful,� Nick told Carscoop. Read more �

The Dangers of Test Driving: BMW M5 E60 Driver Overtakes M5 F10 Prototype at 300km/h [Video]

Being a test driver for any automaker isn�t an easy task. In fact, there are times it can be downright dangerous, as this video clip proves. You see, it is one thing filming a prototype vehicle from a distance and on foot and another when a fool does it holding a cell phone camera on one hand and the steering wheel with the other while passing you on the autobahn at around 300km/h (187mph)� That�s just beyond stupid.

The cars in question here are a BMW M5 E60 and what is claimed to be a lightly camouflaged prototype of the next generation M5 F10, which we saw in concept form at this week�s 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. Watch the short video after the break.

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