Owner and Head of Sales & Marketing of Alpina, Andreas Bovensiepen, introduces and explains the new Alpina B3 and XD3 models in these first videos of Alpina’s two newest models.

The Alpina B3 is based on the F30 335i sedan and the XD3 on the X3 xDrive35i SAV, each recently making a showing at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Alpina B3 bi-turbo features 410hp, which propels the B3 sedan from 0-62mph in 4.2 sec (4.0 sec for xDrive model) and the B3 touring in 4.3 sec (4.1 sec for xDrive model). It consumes only 7.9 l/100km (29.8 MPG U.S.).

The Alpina XD3 boasts 350hp and covers 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds.

The online builder for the U.S. BMW 3 Series Touring (F31) is now online at BMWUSA.COM.

The 2 Series coupe and convertible are on their way, having already been spied in testing for months now. So what’s next to come in the 2 Series lineup? Possibly the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which Autobild has taken a crack at rendering. Although no prototypes have yet been spotted, it’s been previously rumored by BMW insider Scott26 to be on the way.

Here are the models that may round out the 2 Series lineup (some more likely than others), per Scott26:

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - 4 door addition of 2 Series Coupe with slightly lengthened wheelbase and roof line, aimed at BMW’s RWD dominance against Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. [More Details]

BMW 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer - Hyundai Veloster type A-symmetrical Tourer … CONTINUED

BMW insider Scott26 shares some details on the current product plans and studies being undertaken at BMW for potential new X models - namely potential X2, X4 M, X7, X8 and a new Sport Activity Sedan niche.

X marks the Sport.

The following relates to ideas under discussion and evaluation. Whereas some concepts show promise to production reality. Some show discussions and conception in regards to market and growth projections.

It is not a question of just product planning but a reaction to growth in the segment. The SUV segment whether in city , compact , entry , mid , large or luxury continue to grow and grow.

BMWs current line of X1 , X3 , X5 and X6 are no doubt huge sellers and contributors to BMWs successful … CONTINUED

Here is a breakdown of BMW sales figures, broken down by models and units, for the past 6 years (2007-2012). As expected, 3 Series and 5 Series models dominate.

BMW has been experiencing record sales and profits and this has helped propel BMW heir, Susanne Klatten, to the top of the list of the wealthiest people in the auto industry.

Forbes values the 50 year old German at $14.3 billion, up $1.3 billion from 2012. This makes Klatten the:

Richest person to have made his/her money in the auto industry.
4th richest person in Germany
58th richest person in the world

How did Klatten accumulate her wealth? Ever hear of the Quandt family? Klatten inherited a stake in BMW from her late father, Herbert Quandt, who rescued the company from bankruptcy decades ago. The remaining Quandt heirs (Susanne, her brother, and her mother) are each … CONTINUED

Good news for iPhone 5 owners. The BMW iPhone snap-in adapter for the iPhone 5 is now available, ahead of the original estimated delivery frame of June 2013.

When Apple released the iPhone 5 in September of last year, with it came a change to its connector from the previous 30-pin to the new 8-pin ‘Lightning’ connector. This change meant that the newest iPhone would not work with BMW’s past iPhone snap-in-adapters.

The new adapter fits the following BMW models with Combox: E8x 1 Series, E9x 3 Series, E6x 5 Series, F1x models, X1, F25 X3, E70 X5.

The part number for the new iPhone 5 snap-in adapter is: 84.21-2 338 568-01 and it currently retails for €399 euros in Europe.

Please note that the iPhone 5 media span-in … CONTINUED

In case you missed it in the recent statements by the BMW CEO, the BMW X4 SAV is confirmed to be hitting the market in 2014.

Also being confirmed by BMW is an already well-accepted fact - that the upcoming X4 will be built solely at the U.S. Spartanburg plant, which already produces the X3, X5 and X6. The X1 is built in Europe (or in China for the Chinese market).

“I need more capacity in Spartanburg, not only for the upcoming X4, but also for the current X range,” Ian Robertson, BMW’s board member for marketing and sales, recently told Automotive News. The plant is currently undergoing expansion as part of a plan by BMW to invest nearly 900 million USD in the plant by 2014. … CONTINUED

On May 11, 2013, BMW Performance Driving Instructor Johan Schwartz will have a go at beating the Guinness Book of World Record for the world’s longest drift, while driving one of the BMW Performance Center’s M school cars - a F10 M5.

The attempt will be made on the BMW Performance Center skid pad - the same one used to teach skid techniques at the BMW driving schools. And the factory M5 is one of the most fitting BMW models for this attempt, as its 560hp and 502 lb-ft torque easily breaks the rear end traction of the RWD sedan loose.

The current world’s longest drift record which Schwartz have to beat is 19,035 feet (nearly 3.6 miles), set Sept. 30, 2011 in China.

Check out the … CONTINUED

OK, it’s not truly being hooned, but a M235i coupe prototype is seen doing doughnut patterns in an empty lot as part of its testing. As a result, we get a great live look at all the various angles of the car - a bit like the car being on a rotating auto show display. We also get a good listen at its exhaust and engine sounds.

There is also a brief look at the F22 2 Series Coupe against the F30 3 Series Sedan, for a glance at how they compare in size/shape from the rear.

Production of the M235i coupe begins this November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in … CONTINUED