Sneak Peek: 2012 BMW 1-Series

The countdown has begun! This teaser image, released by BMW's marketing department, shows the brand-new 1-Series hidden beneath a cover, and tells us the car's official unveiling is imminent.

Exactly what lies beneath the cloth isn't entirely clear, but photos from our team of spy photographers (see right), as well as a video of the car on track shown here, have already given us a clear indication of how the five-door version will look.

And it's the five-door model which we'll see first at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, a three-door hatch is also on the way, but will join the range in 2012. All-new versions of the 1-Series coupe and cabriolet are also currently under development.

According to a spokesman for the brand, the purpose of having two cars not one in the image is to support BMW's international advertising campaign for the new 1-Series. It uses the slogan 'One origin. Two originals', and uses carfully selected pairs of siblings to front print, online and TV ads.

We'll bring you full official details and an extensive picture gallery of the newcomer the moment we receive them - likely to be in the next two weeks. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express