2012 BMW 1 Series leaks onto Internet ahead of Frankfurt reveal

Oh dear. It appears that the overhauled 2012 BMW 1 Series has leaked onto the Internet ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and while we only have images of it from a few angles, the new car's design has us scratching our heads. It's true that the 1 Series has never been a particularly gorgeous thing, but we're going to have to see this one in person to wrap our head around its upsized visage.

As is the way with such things, the 1 Series will grow in size compared to the car we currently enjoy, and a range of new four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines should be seen underhood. BMW is expected to further its Efficient Dynamics program by fitting the new 1 with start/stop technology, as well as regenerative braking, though it isn't immediately clear what technologies will come on the 1 Series when it reaches the States.

Click above for high-res image gallery: