A Slew of prototype pictures and more…

A number of spy photos of models in development have surfaced on the World Wide Web and we’ve put them together here for your viewing pleasure.

First off, the latest images of the prototype X3. A close inspection reveals a few details on the model have developed since we last saw it. The prototype now sports what appears to be full production style headlights and taillights as opposed to the temporary ones we had seen previously. We can also see the front bumper shows its full shape and the grille has extra covering placed over it leading us to believe the full styling is hiding beneath.

The next generation BMW X3 will be slightly longer than the current model allowing a little extra space in the interior as well as a larger market space for the smaller X1. We should see some of the Bavarian automaker’s latest technologies available upon launch such as the new night vision system which debuted on the 7-series.

Speaking of the X1, not much is know about this new model, the car spotted is believed to be a prototype for the model on a number of occasions but it has always kept its camouflage on. What we do know is the current BMW 1-series will provide the underpinnings for the new model as well as lend a number of its award winning engines.

And to end off, we have found the clearest spy shots of the 2010 BMW 5-Series. The BMW 5-series began to reveal some of its eventual styling a couple of months a go when it shed part of its disguising revealing part of its signatur grille. We can now enjoy this model beating down the Nurburgring in a new video caught by our spy photographers. Overall the 5-Series is set to receive less adventurous styling along the lines of the conservative E90 3-Series.

Electronic features to name a few will include wide angle cameras in the side mirrors for greater overall visibility, upgraded iDrive user control system and enhanced Park Distance Control with visual display.

Set to debut on the new 7-Series, the F10 5-Series will receive a new 8-speed electronic automatic transmission for ultra smooth shifts and efficiency while the M5 will be the only 5 Series model to receive the new double clutch M-DCT sequential transmission which appears on the M3 later this year. Also, optional all-wheel-drive and a wide range of six petrol engines from the 2.5-liter 218hp to 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo with 400hp found in the X6 and four diesels ranging from 2.0 liter 175hp to the twin turbo 286hp 3.0-liter inline 6.

With the current E60 5-Series on the market since 2004, the arrival of the F10 5er is still less than two years away with an expected launch in spring 2010 as a 2011 model and the M5 to follow a year later. Surely we can expect the 5 Series prototypes to gradually shed their camouflage over the next year.