An interview with Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. In it, he gives review for the successful year 2011 and explains the philosophy behind the new BMW M category of cars: the BMW M Performance Automobiles Range.

We also get the best look yet at the upcoming X6 M50d in LCI/facelifted form.

The BMW Group is expanding capacity at its U.S. plant in Spartanburg. “We plan to invest over the next three years nearly USD 900 million in the Spartanburg plant by 2014. This will create 300 new jobs by the end of this year. This will allow us to produce 350,000 units in Spartanburg in the mid term,” says Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, in Spartanburg on Thursday. The BMW Group already invested USD 750 million in the expansion of the plant for production of the new BMW X3 between 2008 and 2010.

“This is in response to rising global demand for our BMW X models and the expansion of the BMW X family to include the BMW X4,” … CONTINUED

BMW has introduced two new special editions of the 1-Series Coupe and Convertible.

New edition models for the BMW 1 Series Coupé and BMW 1 Series Convertible, as well as new engines and an M Sports package for the new BMW 1 Series five-door model.

Agile handling properties, exclusive fittings and a powerful, distinctive design have made the BMW 1 Series the epitome of driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. These qualities are now spotlighted even more with new special editions of the sporty, elegant two-door BMW 1 Series Coupé and BMW 1 Series Convertible. The high-quality options have been carefully harmonised, with appealing touches added to both body design and the interior. In addition to exclusive exterior paint finishes and light alloy wheels, there … CONTINUED

For months now, there have been signs and clues pointing to the potential release of several M tuned BMW models which will create a new category of models to fill the gap between the standard series cars and their M versions. It’s now just been officially announced by BMW M! See inside for BMW M’s full official announcement.

So what rumored models can we expect to launch this new category of BMWs? The following three rumored models should all come with the criteria just announced by BMW M for its new M Performance cars category — extra power, tuned handling, and M visual enhancements.

There is the M550d, which was first discovered on the label of a new BMW brake pad package (pictured left). The M550d … CONTINUED

Now that the F30 3 series has been officially introduced to the world at the 2012 Detroit NAIAS, expect a lot more public sightings. Spotted just this morning in Toronto were three F30 3 series - a black 335i Sport Line model on the back of a trailer and a Melbourne Red and Havana Metallic F30 at the BMW Canada HQ in Richmond Hill.

Note by Admin (Jason):

Remember, because these are preproduction cars, we still see the development license plate base attached to these F30s. As we’ve confirmed via BMW, the production cars will not have any license plate base attached/molded from the factory.

The F10 M5 just recently hit the European market and won’t be released in the US until around September 2012, but as with most M cars, the aftermarket for new models from M seem to develop very quickly.

Kelleners Sport has just announced its fully adjustable coilover suspension kit for the newly released BMW M5 (F10).

The Kelleners F10 M5 coilovers feature separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping, allowing for tailored uses and preferences. The unique patented system with its two-stage valves allows a rebound damping adjustment (comfort) and a compression adjustment (driving dynamics) in the low-speed range while the high-speed range which controls the driving safety, is fixed.

Advantages of the Kelleners Sport coilover (per Kellners):

• Individually adjustable rebound- and compression technology
• Individually height adjustable
• Infinitely … CONTINUED

For BMW, the BMW 3 Series is the focus of attention at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan is world’s best-selling premium car. Have a look at the wide range and the different lines, together with BMW Group Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk.

We haven’t seen the long wheelbase F30 since our most recent spy photos from last July, but it’s now been revealed in China. Seen here is a 335Li, which will be manufactured in China for sale only in China (like all new F30s for the Chinese market) and provides for more spacious backseat area with more legroom. The BMW 3-series Li will debut at the Beijing Autoshow in April 2012.

Here’s some great news for the 3 series touring fans in the US - the US market will receive the F31 3 series touring! BMW’s decision to bring the 5 Series GT to the US and nip the F11 5 series touring in return had us all a bit worried whether the 3 series touring to be unveiled later this year would share a similar fate.

Fortunately, Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy of BMWNA, confirmed with us during 2012 Detroit NAIAS that the next generation F31 3 series touring will make it stateside again:

“It’s coming, we’re not gettting rid of it, we love it”, Ferraiolo said when we asked about the next generation 3 series touring. More from Ferraiolo: “The touring buyers - in … CONTINUED