How good is our crystal ball? - BMW 3 Series Coupe

We first showed images of how the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible could look in December 2005.

What we didn't know then was that there's a greater difference between this coupe and the saloon than with any previous 3 Series - not a single external panel is interchangeable.

Mechanically, the coupe has its moments of exclusivity, too. It has a 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and a revised six-speed automatic gearbox option.

Computer-generated image The front-end seemed a pretty safe bet, and is almost identical to that of the 3 Series saloon. We can't see a decent view of the back from these images, but the rear lights do appear to be wider than the saloon's. The wheels are clearly inspired by the old M3 (1993-2001).

Production car Well, it's a pretty good likeness, but the final model has notably different headlights and a more traditional BMW grille. The rear quarter is almost identical, but the front profile is sleeker than our artist predicted, largely because BMW gave the car a less angular front.