What may have been one of this year's worst-kept auto industry secrets, BMW's new 335is Coupe and Convertible is almost ready for sale and in the lead up to the cars’ unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto the automaker has revealed pricing for the sporty duo.

Both cars were designed and engineered exclusively for the U.S. market and are set to go sale later in the spring. Prices for the 2011 BMW 335is Coupe will start at $50,525 including destination and $59,075 for the Convertible including destination.

The “s” was first seen by North Americans on the original BMW 3 Series, which was imported from 1977-1983 and included desirable equipment such as Recaro seats, a sports steering wheel, anti-sway bars and a number of exterior aerodynamic enhancements.

On the latest model, customers will be able to enjoy a more powerful version of the familiar N54 twin-turbo inline-six, an aggressive look and even better handling. Output is rated curiously at 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, despite using the same engine as found in the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, where it gets a 335 horsepower rating. A special overboost function cranks things up even further, pushing peak torque to 370 pound-feet for short stints.

Additionally, for the first time on a 3-Series in the U.S., BMW’s 7-speed dual clutch transmission with launch control will be available as an option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the dual clutch shifter, the 335is Coupe is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds flat while the manual 'box adds a tenth at 5.1 seconds. The Convertible takes a bit longer due to slightly increased weight to brace the chassis, running to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with either gearbox.

Special items include xenon adaptive headlights, kidney grille surrounds in high gloss black, standard 18 inch alloy wheels (19 inch M wheels are an option) and exclusive 335is badges. Inside, there’s an M Sport steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver’s footrest, M gearshift knob, and high-quality stainless steel sport pedals.

For a more detailed report, check out our preview story by clicking here.

[BMW]