Steve Sutcliffe of Autocar takes the Alpina B6 and the Nissan GT-R for a track (Brands Hatch) and open roads comparison.

Here’s a rare look at the BMW M3 Carbon Edition. It’s a rare sighting because 1) it was only sold in China and 2) only 111 units were sold in total.

The M3 Carbon Edition limited run model cost 1.23 million yuan (approximately $189,000 USD), went on sale in July of 2011. It joined the M3 Matte Edition and M3 Tiger Edition as Chinese-market only M3 editions. Its exterior featured carbon fiber roof, BMW Performance front lip splitters, trunk spoiler, hood inlet surrounds, mineral white paint, black racing stripes and Carbon Edition logo on the doors and door sills, as well as gloss black 19″ Style 220 M3 wheels.

The interior featured genuine carbon fiber dashboard trim, each embossed with a “Carbon Edition One of 111″ logo, … CONTINUED

Black and Yellow - A nighttime photo shoot in Esquire’s Dakar Yellow E92 M3 coupe.

Nearly a month ago, we spotted the first non-black F82 M4 coupe prototype (in Silverstone) on the road (reposted below). We’ve just spied a Silverstone F82 M4 testing on the Nurburgring, wearing M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. This prototype doesn’t reveal any new physical details, but we do have a new technical detail to share.

We were recently told by a high-ranking BMW M official intimately familiar with M3/M4 development that the engine powering the M3/M4 will feature a nearly 8000 RPM redline. As we’ve reported all along, the M3/M4’s S55 engine will be an inline 6 cylinder with mutiple turbos, outputting around 100 lb-ft more torque and approximately same horsepowers as the current M3 (S65) engine. For comparison, the current M3 engine redlines at 8400 RPM. … CONTINUED

Some rare photos of F31 3 Series touring decked out in full M Performance Parts.

BMW along with Audi and Mercedes have experienced large sales increases in South Korea in the first quarter, each by at least 25% - faster growth than even in China.

Foreign brands have managed to secure 41% of Korea’s market for premium vehicles (up from 28% two years ago). A big part of the reason is the lower duties on European imports - down to just 3.2% (from 8%) after a trade agreement was signed in 2011. Next year will see these taxes eliminated for most cars. These gains for the German luxury makes come at the expense of Hyundai and Kia, which count on sales of luxury vehicles in their home market for much of their earnings.

Lee Tack Young says Hyundai’s vehicles are oversized, overpriced … CONTINUED

New videos featuring the new 2014 BMW 5 Series LCI facelift model - sedan, touring and GT models (exterior, interior and driving footage).