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2012 BMW DTM driver Augusto Farfus Jr. takes a group of ragdolls (aka passengers) around in the F10 M5 as he demonstrates both the new M5’s power and handling, as well as his professional racing skills. Check out the video inside.

On the heels of the just revealed BMW M Performance Automobiles opening lineup, our spies have spotted yet another F20 prototype which we believe may be the test mule for an upcoming M135i model to join the M Performance lineup, possibly by summer.

Now that the M550d and X5/X6 M50d have officially been announced, it’s really no big stretch to believe that BMW will go with an “M135i” moniker for the F20/F21 135i equipped with M-Sport package. To revisit the info so far on a possible M135i model — a report came from a BMW presentation to Dutch dealers in November that a “M135i” 1 series hatchback was coming this summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told … CONTINUED

Munich. With its BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW M GmbH is adding four newly developed models to its product range. These cars come with a significant boost in performance and hallmark M precision in the interplay of the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics – coupled with unrestricted everyday utility and high levels of efficiency. The BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d models will have their world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (8 – 18 March 2012). The market launch of the BMW M Performance Automobiles starts just a few weeks later. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring models will be available in German showrooms … CONTINUED

BMW today revealed the first images and information about the newly updated 2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe which arrives in US BMW Centers this spring. The world’s first ever Sports Activity Coupe stills offers a unique combination of sporty dynamics, versatility and unmatched character. Select design updates and innovative features further hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, which combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the unique character of a BMW X model, and the outstanding driving experience provided by two powerful engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology … CONTINUED

Since its recent European market introduction, many a M5 fan has been waiting to see the tuning potential of the new F10 M5 and its beefy 560hp bi-turbo S63Tu engine. The first F10 M5 ECU tune has now been released, by the German tuning company, PP-Performance.

They were recently able to crack the factory ECU and their Stage 1 tune added:

Gains: +60hp and +70Nm (51lb-ft) torque
New total output: 620 HP / 750Nm (553lb-ft) torque

The price for the stage 1 tune has been set at 3,499 € (euros). Their Stage 2 tune is already in the works, so expect even higher modified numbers from the F10 M5 soon.

With tuners already achieving 750hp with the S63 motor from the … CONTINUED

BMW already has plans to install touchscreen fabric in future models, according to New Scientist.

Researchers at the Polytechnic School in Montreal have developed a flexible polymer-based fiber with electrical properties that can be woven into existing fabrics. Imagine all the creative ways this would allow BMW to elegantly replace physical buttons or controls for a more minimalist look to the interior.

“In essence we are trying to reproduce the smartphone experience in textile form,” says researcher Maksim Skorobogatiy of the Polytechnic School in Montreal, Canada.

“We are looking for applications where we can weave in sleek, non-invasive control, avoiding blocks of push buttons.

The electrical properties change depending on where the fabric is touched, and finger touches or slides … CONTINUED