BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. 

The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Fundamentally unchanged are each car's essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension...all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the ''N55,'' this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same ''short block'' and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional year's worth of development and refinement. 

The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine's output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. 

The 6-speed manual gearbox - beloved by North American enthusiast drivers - remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring ''pull-style'' shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

Interested? Stay tuned for more in coming issues!