(Image credit: KGP Photography / Edmunds)

It looks like Edmunds picked up some spy photos of a BMW 335d during hot-weather testing here in the U.S. (specifically, California). For the uninitiated, the 335d is a diesel variant of BMW's popular 3 Series, packing a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. The six generates 265 hp—already a pretty healthy figure—but it's the 425 lb. ft of torque, peaking at just 1,750 RPM, that will make most enthusiasts stand up and take notice.

Early speculation had it that the 3 Series would see some minor exterior updates for 2009. That appears to be true in the photos, with revised headlight and taillights on the 335d; the updates will also extend to the gasoline models, along with modestly revised interiors as well. Good news for anyone looking for a performance car that could potentially top 40 mpg. No word yet on its 50-state compatibility, although they are testing it in California...