2011 BMW X3 Taillight Comes Out

After so many spyshot packs surfaced on the web in the last few months, here is the first official photo actually showing an uncovered part of the future X3. The adjacent photo presents what seems to be a taillight of the new BMW X3, a model that's likely to be introduced at this year's Paris Auto Show.

As always, there's a lot of speculation around the new generation, so official details are likely to emerge in the upcoming weeks and/or months.

It is believed however that the new X3 will bring revised parts at both the exterior and the interior, with the final weight is to be reduced by approximately 25 kg (55 lbs). The front end will be different than the current one thanks to a more prominent grille and wraparound headlights. The interior will feature new materials, in an effort to turn the X3 into a more powerful rival for existing competitors such as Audi's Q5.

If we're going to trust the rumors surrounding the future engine lineup, the X3 is likely to be powered by 3.0-liter twin-turbo powerplant, similar to the one available on the 335i. Additionally, the car will probably receive a separate 2.0-liter turbodiesel, with power output to exceed the 204 horsepower barrier.

And talking about rumors, voices familiar with the matter are also suggesting that a hybrid version is on the table, but it won't be released sooner than 2012 or 2013. The new X3 will be produced alongside the new X5 and X6 in the Spartanburg plant.