Somehow, somewhere, someone leaked official photos and details of the all-new 2012 BMW 1-Series just the other day. BMW, who didn't plan to make details public until sometime closer to the car's Frankfurt Motor Show debut in September, had to respond with an official press release and even more photos. So here we have it, the German automaker's new entry-level model. It features BMW's new generation of 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engines.

It's actually built on the same platform as the upcoming 3-Series. The pictures here are of the five-door hatchback, but the model range will soon grow to include a three-door hatch, a Gran Turismo, and a coupe and cabriolet. Compared to the outgoing model, this second generation is longer, wider, and has an widened wheelbase. Overall height remains unchanged. There's also more rear passenger leg room and cargo space. Styling wise, it's clearly an evolution of the current car, but with sharper and more prominent elements of chief designer Adrian Van Hooydonk's layered look.

The front-end especially speaks out with larger headlamps that curve back to the front wheel arches. The interior is also quite familiar in style but is now made of higher-grade materials. The latest version of iDrive is optional. Under the hood is the biggest news, with the 1.6-liter engine with TwinPower Turbo and direct injection technology available with either 136hp and 162 lb-ft of torque or 170hp with 184 lb-ft. A redesigned 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with either 116hp, 143hp, or 184hp is also offered.

BMW said they'll also launch a 116d EfficientDynamics Edition with a 116hp 1.6-liter diesel with additional fuel-saving technologies. A six-speed manual is standard across the board and BMW's new 8-speed auto is optional. Pricing has yet to be announced.