We can finally confirm that the next generation M3 (F80 / F82) will be powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine. We spoke to the President of BMW North America, Mr. Ludwig Willisch, at the ongoing M6 convertible / 6 Gran Coupe US press launch and he has officially confirmed that the next generation M3’s engine will indeed feature an inline 6 layout and not a V6.

Until now, there has been no official confirmation (nor denial) from BMW on whether the F80 sedan and F82 coupe’s motor would feature an I6 or rumored V6 configuration (although it’s been all but a foregone conclusion that it will utilize forced induction by way of turbos).

Mr. Willisch added that a V6 configuration was previously considered (including whether a motor … CONTINUED

New render of the upcoming BMW 4 Series Coupe (F32), which is said to be highly reflective (percentage) wise of the actual appearance of the final F32 coupe design.

The F32 is due to be revealed in the first half of 2013 and should come as a 2014 model year.

The current Z4 (E89) looks the part, but a prevailing sentiment among auto enthusiasts seems to be that its performance and driving dynamics do not quite live up to its sporty looks.

This may be changing in the next generation Z4 as Insideline is reporting that the third generation Z4 will feature a sportier and more engaging driving experience.

Besides the obvious mechanical changes which will occur, some of the styling is also said to be changing to help achieve this - by shortening the front hood just a bit, while still keeping the proportionately longer front end look. Don’t expect too radical of a change or styling however, as it will still conform with the BMW design group’s late policy of creating more timeless designs which look … CONTINUED

BMW ‘Insider’ Scott26 ruminates on potential future BMW SUVs and large coupe sedans, namely the BMW X7, X8, 7 series XLi, and revival of the CS Concept in the form of a CS II.

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 a relationship for jointly developing and sharing costs for a new engine family, which can take as much as 1 to 2 billion Euros to develop. Automobil Produktion provided more salient info, claiming that the Hyundai Chairman’s son, Chung Eui-sun, … 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 be one of the xDrive models to receive a manual transmission option.

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 to take a stab at what the F80 M3’s front fascia may resemble The prototypes have also yet to show what the fender gills will look like, so we’ve adapted a version somewhat similar to that seen on the new … 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 may take the form of a compact “Gran Coupe” which we’ve already seen the 6 series variant of and which is also expected as a 3/4-series. Read the full details/rumors inside.

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