We have just learned from one of our sources that the new BMW 3 Series will make its public debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Scheduled in January, the Detroit event remains one of the biggest car shows in the world and many automakers choose to debut their products in the snowy Michigan area.

The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series had its world debut earlier this month in Munich.

The F30 3 Series Sedan was penned by Christian Weil, the very same designer responsible for the 5 Series GT. The interior design was created by Christian Bauer who also designed the current generation 6 Series coupe and convertible.

Similar to the new F20 1 Series, the new 3 Series will be offered with a standard package and M Sport package, as well as three new lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. These will provide an extensive customization program for customers by offering more up-front options.

The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is considered to be an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other.

At the front, the headlights have been completely redesigned. For the first time, the lights end directly in the kidney grill, providing a 3D look. The kidney grill also inherits the 3D aspect as seen on the new 6 Series.

The rear lights continue the BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edges of the rear – accentuating the broad face of the wheels and wide track of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.

Inside, the new BMW 3 Series combines luxury with sportiness and different combinations of interior trim can be seen across the three lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. The driver-focused orientation of the cockpit is emphasized in the F30 3 Series, with the right side of the dash angled towards the driver by seven degrees.

The beautiful black panel display is now available for the fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer and oil temperature gauge.

The 2012 Detroit Auto Show opens its doors on January 12th. Stay tuned for live BMWBLOG coverage from the show floor!