The Bavarian automaker BMW has released images and information about its updated 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, which come with minor cosmetic touches and updated engines.

The most significant exterior changes of the model include the widened kidney grille, reshaped LED headlamps, front and rear bumpers with restyled lower fascias, new exterior mirrors and finally, reworked tail light cluster with a new color scheme. Due to these changes the front and rear overhangs are extended by 1.14 and 0.12 inches respectively.

The interior changes of the 2011 BMW 3-Series include mainly the convertible models. The vehicle is now equipped with of sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter.

The 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models will be available for car buyers in North America in two flavors, the 328i and 335i.

The 2011 BMW 335i comes with the company’s new twin scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six, designated N55, that replaces the previous model’s N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six. According to the manufacturer the output of the vehicle is the same (horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque), but the new engine is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its predecessor.

BMW claims that the rear-wheel drive 335i Coupe and Convertible accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96km/h) in just 5.3 (5.5 coupe automatic) seconds and 5.5 (5.7 cabrio automatic) seconds, respectively, when equipped with a six speed manual gearbox.

The BMW 328i comes with the same features as the2010 model: 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine.

The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models are scheduled to go on sale in the U.S.A. and Canada in Spring 2010.