Some interesting info comes out of a recent interview by Jens Meiners of Car and Driver with the BMW M President, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke.

M135i
In the interview, when asked about the M135i concept, Dr. Nitschke confirms that the production version will be virtually identical to the concept and powered by the N55 engine. It will also come with both manual and automatic transmission options, as well as an optional xDrive AWD. The manual and AWD options would have been popular with the North American market, but unfortunately Dr. Nitschke once again confirms that the F20 hatchback will not be making it to the U.S. (But, Dr. Nitschke has confirmed that a M135i coupe [or M235i coupe as it may be called] will be available in … CONTINUED

This 2012 M5 was traveling at top speed and lost control of the car as he braked for a car joining the highway. The 60 year old driver, 20 year old passenger, and a dog were all seriously injured, but are alive. Judging by the severity of the damage to the car, it’s a testament to the M5’s safety technology that no one was instantly killed.

It’s easy to forget sometimes just how much power our BMWs have and while they are some of the safest cars in the world, we are all still human, capable of suffering injuries and making driving mistakes (or simply suffering bad luck). So please be safe out there! F10 M5 accident crash

The M5 F10 is finally being delivered to North American owners! Congrats to M5POST member BMW0412 for being the first site owner to receive his 2012 M5. It’s a beautiful Monte Carlo Blue F10 M5 with Silvestone merino leather interior. Have a look at some of the car’s first photos and congratulate this lucky owner.

An exclusive new BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition model has been announced as part of BMW M GmbH’s 40th anniversary year. Just 100 of the high performance coupés will be sold in the UK and the model features unique content to make it a truly collectable item.

The new BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition features BMW’s class-leading 420hp V8 engine with power transferred to the road via the standard seven-speed M DCT transmission and variable M differential. The car comes with a 10mm lowered suspension featuring a three-stage Electronic Damper Control, 19-inch light alloy wheels and a revised DSC+ system.

But it is the bespoke combination of Frozen Silver metallic paint, not seen before on any BMW, matte black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills … CONTINUED

Soon the hearts of all BMW M fans will be beating faster: this year, The M Festival will be launched for the second time. With a thrilling race and an unforgettable programme, the event, just as last year’s, is a must-see for all BMW M enthusiasts.

Real competitive atmosphere, supreme sporting performances and the stirring enthusiasm of the unique community of the most powerful letter in the world.

Enjoy unforgettable days with unsurpassable views on the racing scene with our M Festival Package.

T14 (Natural grandstand).
Welcome to the natural grandstand T14. Enjoy a perfect view on the racing scene from our specially set up BMW M Club Gallery located in close proximity to the exit of the Grand Prix course and the entry to the Nordschleife.

In this eventful VIP … CONTINUED

The 2012 M6 Convertible online configurator/builder has gone live and is online at the BMWUSA.com website, with all options/packages and their prices.

The 2012 M6 Convertible starts at a base price of $113,995 in the U.S.

Here is some footage of Alpina’s B3 GT3 limited edition (of 99), which is based on the Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo, but with 8 more HP. Re-designing sections of the exhaust system and installing a new enhanced Akrapovic rear silencer increased output in the B3 GT3 by this 8 HP. The direct petrol injected N54 engine delivers a total power output of 408hp at 6000rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

The Alpina B3 GT3 sprints from 0-62mph (0-100kmh) 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 192mph (309kmh), which the driver, Sport Auto’s test drive editor Christian Gebhardt, hits in this video.

See also inside for our coverage of the B3 GT3 from the 2012 Geneva auto show.

M5POST member cidair shows us how his recently delivered Silverstone F10 M5 looks against the E60 M5 in Silverstone. Both are beautiful cars. Check out the photos inside and let us know how you think the consecutive M5 generations compare.

Also inside are stats and photo comparisons we put together in the past comparing the M5 F10 to the M5 E60.

There are many signature BMW design elements by which you can easily identify a BMW by - kidney grilles, short overhangs, and the classic Hofmeister kink (the counter sweeping ‘kink’ at the corner of the rear windows).

Named after former BMW Design Director Wilhelm Hofmeister, the Hofmeister kink is described by BMW as giving the window outline a forward thrust while accentuating a further BMW hallmark: rear-wheel drive. It was introduced in 1961 on the BMW 1500. Some would not think that such a simple styling decision would have such wide influence on the history of automotive design, but it has.

As with all great designs, it’s been emulated much over the years by other manufacturers. As the NY Times points out, this was never more evident than … CONTINUED