The first images of the new BMW 335is, the US-only hot 3-series planned for later this year, have begun circulating the web. The pictures show a more aggressive-looking coupe and cabriolet, marking the model's place as the next most powerful 3-series below the M3.
A slightly beefed-up bodykit brings new bumpers front and rear, with black trim detailing on the windows, grille and bumper inlays. A set of model-specific alloys polishes off a meaty but quite restrained styling package.
At the moment the car is only set to be available in the US and Canada, sitting between the 335i M Sport and the M3 in the revised 3-series range. A leaked Canadian dealer briefing document suggests it will carry a tweaked version of the current 335i's twin-turbo straight six, rather than the single-turbo unit planned for the facelifted version.
According to the document the 335is should put out 318bhp, compared with 302bhp from the current 335i and 414bhp for the M3. An overboost function is also indicated, adding 22bhp and upping torque from 332lb-ft to 369lb-ft in short bursts.
Production of the cabriolet version will start in March, with the coupe following in May. Though neither are due for the UK, it is interesting to note the use of 'is' in BMW nomenclature, with the recent Z4 sDrive35is fulfilling a similar role of 'fastest non-M Car' in its respective range.