Ahead of its debut (in concept form) sometime later this year, the production F80 M3 prototype forges ahead with testing this week at the Nurburgring. We’ve got it on video giving us probably the best listen so far at the F80 M3’s multi-turbo inline 6.

If you recall, we recently reported on information gleaned from the M4 prototype’s registered VIN information (see here).

According to the VIN info, the M3 will be powered by a 310kW (415 hp) 3.0L inline 6 engine (s55) [photos]. Consistent with the information we’ve been posting, this would have the next M3 and M4 featuring similar horsepower figures to the current M3 (414 hp) from the 3.0L inline 6 multi-turbo s55 engine. But, we’ve also been previously told by a trusty source … CONTINUED

BMW of North America and Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced that BMW and MINI customers will receive a one-year subscription to SiriusXM’s All Access Package when purchasing any Model Year 2013 or newer BMW vehicle, MINI vehicle or BMW Motorcycle equipped with a satellite radio starting this month. The All Access Package offers SiriusXM’s most complete programming line-up, including premium channels and access to SiriusXM Internet Radio.

“Our customers expect exceptional performance, and giving them access to every premium channel available on their Satellite Radio in the vehicle as well as SiriusXM Internet Radio anywhere makes SiriusXM an even better value,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “All Access will allow our customers to listen to the programming they … CONTINUED

We have posted countless spy photos and videos of the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but we’ve yet to spy it on an actual track… until now. BMW trotted this i8 mule out to the Nurburgring this week and we managed to capture it on the Nurburgring for the first time.

The i8 is expected to boast 354hp / 500Nm torque, 0-62 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph, 78 MPG (european test cycle), up to 47 MPG average fuel consumption, with just 66kg/km emissions, all from its 1.5L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (in rear) with a 128hp electric motor (in front).

The i8 will hit the market next year and is expected to come in well above $100,000.

Catch our previous coverage of … CONTINUED

Journal for the M5POST M5 Euro Delivery owners reunion at the 2 Day M Performance School.

It’s been a busy test week for BMW at the Nurburgring, which includes some more testing on the F32 435i M Sport. Not much is revealed in these photos, but they provide more looks at how the 4 Series (F32) looks in motion.

This is a 435i M Sport in Estoril Blue II. The M Sport bumpers remain under camouflage. The headlights feature the optional full LED headlights with squared-off corona rings.

The M Sport brakes are fitted, but the M Sport wheels are not. See the wheels 4 Series lineup (from the 4 Series order guide) posted below for what the M Sport wheels will look like (as well as on the blue 4 Series spotted at the airport reposted below).

For our 4 Series coverage, see … CONTINUED

And now the 700 WHP barrier has (amazingly) been cracked on the N54 engine!

A Vishnu with FFTEC 6466 single turbo 335i has hit 708 WHP.

Specs:

- Single Turbo - Precision Turbo 6466
- assuming full catless, FBO, 335 6MT
- 100 octane+Meth (700 WHP / 599 WTQ)
- 26 PSI

The BMW N54 engine is turning out to be the 2jz engine (Toyota Supra) of this decade. It’s the darling of the BMW aftermarket tuning world and it’s now hit new horsepower heights.

Vargas Turbocharger Technologies has now hit 693 WHP on the N54 platform with its VTT-R63 Stage 3 upgraded turbo package (featuring Garrett turbos) for the E90/E92 3 Series. This was with a PTF Pro-Tuned COBB Flash on 98 Octane and NO Methanol.

Specs:
- Upgraded Twin Turbos - Garrett GTX-R63
- catless, FBO, 335 6MT
- 98 Octane (673 WHP / 564 WTQ)
- 98 Octane+Meth (693 WHP / 572 WTQ)
- 30 PSI

Check out the full details and dyno plot inside.

We have added new BMW X4 Concept wallpaper images, featuring the first on-location images.

Videos featuring the M Flight Club leaving the Hamann facility parking lot after their tour and visit. ///M Flight visited Hamann in Laupheim, Germany last weekend (6 April 2013)… They rolled there with 30 ///M’s (M3’s, M5’s, M6, X6M)… They even had an E92 ///M3 w/ G Power supercharger!

Listen to the fury as 30 of these cars pull out from the lot in a spirited fashion.