BMW is not against collaborating with other manufacturers when it comes to developing new technologies, having recently agreed to cooperating with Toyota in developing next gen lithium ion batteries and with PSA Peugeot Citroen for hybrid technology. Is Hyundai BMW’s next co-development partner?

According to Reuters and Automobil Produktion (a German industry newsletter), BMW and Hyundai officials recently met in Munich over potential collaboration on “engine development.”

Through its sources, Reuters reports that the talks are still at an early stage and that the two companies have discussed … CONTINUED

Here are photos from the latest F31 3 series touring sighting. Are we possibly looking at the first indication of a 328i xDrive with manual transmission? When we previously interviewed BMW on which F30/F31 xDrive models would receive a manual transmission, all we were told was that there would be at least one xDrive model with manual transmission. So, *if* this particular F31 is a 328i xDrive model (the front suspension appears to sit a bit higher?), then it would appear that the 328i may … CONTINUED

Now that the new M6 coupe/convertible and M5 have all debuted, our thoughts often turn to the next M3 – the F80. And although we’ve previously rendered the F80, here is our take on what the next generation M3 may resemble now that the M6 has been revealed. So far, the multitude of F80 M3 spy photos / videos we’ve posted have not been very telling in terms of the lower front bumper design, but we’ve used our imagination based on the new M6 and M5 … CONTINUED

‘Insider’ Scott26 provides some rumors and ruminations on the plans and design for the upcoming BMW 2 Series coupe, convertible, and even a potential sedan.

Details are provided as to how the design of the 2 series will be similar and different than the F20 1 series hatchback on which it will be based. But the biggest info here is that BMW is currently considering a four-door 2 Series sedan-coupe to battle the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA. The BMW 2 Series sedan … CONTINUED

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, … CONTINUED

The camouflage on BMW prototypes usually comes off slowly like a strip tease as prototypes advance from one test stage to the next. But, this time we’ve spied some parts of the next generation 2014 BMW X5 (codename: F15) in exposed form much earlier than expected.

It looks like an automotive version of the Sci-Fi horror film Predator, but this post crash test X5 prototype actually reveals much – the headlight shape, hood lines, fenders, and the side body character line. Keep in mind that some of … CONTINUED

Is an M Performance Z4 model coming? Yes, if BMW insider Scott26′s response to our M related interview at the 2012 NYIAS actually comes to fruition.

This is what he had to say on the matter: “The forthcoming Z4 Life Cycle Impulse will see the Z4 35iS absorbed into the BMW M Performance Automobiles line.”

North America will not be getting diesel M Performance models with the current generation of cars, so this rumored Z4 M35i model (or “Z4 sDriveM35i”) could possibly join the rumored X1 M35i xDrive … CONTINUED

We had the chance to speak to BMW NA M Brand Manager Matt Russell and BMW M Marketing Director Thomas Schemera at the 2012 NYIAS about many things M. We covered some hot topics/models, including the M5, M6, M3 (current and future generation) and M Performance Automobiles.

M5 / M6
Can you tell us about the changes to the 2013 M5 from the 2012 M5? Why the wait for the 2013 model year for the US market?

It’s nothing major. It’s small things; it’s electronics underneath, little computer things. … CONTINUED

BMW’s highly anticipated i8 plugin electric hybrid sports car is not due until 2014 but CAR claims to already have the skinny on the production i8′s specs and performance data, as follows.

Powertrain / Drivetrain

The gullwinged production i8 is reported to weigh 1,450kg (3,196 pounds). Its 170hp electric motor drives the front wheels while a 223hp / 295lb-ft turbo 1.5L 3-cylinder engine powers the rear wheels. Combined hp and torque figures are 393hp / 406lb-ft torque, more horsepower than the concept’s 349 hp and the same torque … CONTINUED

We had the opportunity to sit down with the gracious Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, current BMW M GmbH President, at the 2012 Geneva Motorshow last week. We were primarily interested in discussing future M models and developments and here’s what we are able to report.

Is it safe to assume that will there will be a successor to the popular 1M coupe?
We sold more than 5000 units worldwide and we are thinking for a successor, but we haven’t made a decision yet.

We’ve seen next generation M3 … CONTINUED

We bring some news directly from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. We had an opportunity to chat with BMW M President Dr. Friedrich Nitschke earlier today at the show and contrary to earlier reports from BMW insider SCOTT26, Dr. Nitschke ruled out M versions of the current X3 or Z4 for the current generation.

When asked about a possible Z4M, Dr. Nitschke said: “In the current generation we won’t bring a Z4M, but for the successor we’re thinking about it.” Dr. Nitschke went on to say in … CONTINUED

Two days ago we brought you spy photos of the 2013 BMW F80 M3 sedan being cold weather tested in Sweden. We’ve now put together some live video footage of the F80 M3 making its rounds on BMW’s winter test track.

It’s been a while since the last F80 M3 spy photos, but we’ve now spotted the next generation F80 BMW M3 Sedan undergoing winter testing in Sweden. Compared to the previous spyshots, the F80 prototype has lost a bit of camouflage – mostly at the rear which now shows the tail lights in their full glory. The car’s appearance is low, wide, and impressive with massive fender flares. The M3′s kidney grilles are also very obviously styled in a sleeker/sportier shape than the F30 3 series … CONTINUED

What we know about BMW’s aggressive push into the electric car market (via their dedicated BMW i brand) is that it is essentially a two pronged approach. Cover the exotic sports car market with the BMW i8, to effectively show that an electric car can be a desirable super-car and at the same time produce a compact and efficient city car with the BMW i3.

While both of these cars will do alot to put electric cars into the mindset of car buyers and enthusiasts, the real … CONTINUED

On the heels of the just revealed BMW M Performance Automobiles opening lineup, our spies have spotted yet another F20 prototype which we believe may be the test mule for an upcoming M135i model to join the M Performance lineup, possibly by summer.

Now that the M550d and X5/X6 M50d have officially been announced, it’s really no big stretch to believe that BMW will go with an “M135i” moniker for the F20/F21 135i equipped with M-Sport package. To revisit the info so far on a possible M135i … CONTINUED

BMW insider Scott26 is reporting that BMW is currently working on some special packages/editions for the E92 M3 coupe before it bows out in 2013. In the works is a lightweight (CRT type) package for the E92 M3 coupe which will feature some of the key details of the M3 CRT sedan such as the carbon fiber hood and special seats. It’s not known whether such a package/model will be homologated for the US market.

BMW is however considering some sort of updated Competition Package … CONTINUED

Per Scott26: Because of the controversy that will launch with this car [the F32 coupe]. The prototypes have underneath the camouflage, vacumned plastic sheets and foam moulds that hide the overall details, it makes the car look fatter and chunkier when underneath it combines the sportier profile of the E92 with the elegance of the 6er.

The good news is that underneath the disguise lies a very good looking car ,which really enhances the stylish and individual looks of the E92 with modern BMW design language and … CONTINUED

Here is a new sighting of the F32 4 series / 3-series coupe. Compared to the F30 3 series sedan, the 4 series coupe will have a more muscular and sleek appearance. The shoulder line at the rear quarter panel is more pronounced and the roofline lower.

Keep in mind that the car looks larger than it actually is due to some of the camouflage paneling, particularly on the front fascia. The heavy camouflage on the front and rear also obscure the headlight and … CONTINUED