Apple recently released its iPhone 5 and with it came a change to its connector from the previous 30-pin to the new 8-pin ‘Lightning’ connector.

This change unfortunately means that the new iPhone will no longer work with BMW’s current iPhone snap-in-adapters. So when can we expect the the new adapters for the iPhone 5 from BMW?

We’ve learned that BMW has already started work on the snap-in-adapters for the newest iPhone. The changes however, are said to be quite complex (due to the new connector) and development will therefore require some months to complete. The changes are not as easy as one may think. For example, the iPhone/iPod Out function requires the video D/A converter circuitry to be integrated into the actual snap-in adapter, which will naturally … CONTINUED

It’s the start of a big testing week for BMW at the Nurburgring, where we’ve just spied the next generation BMW X5 M (F15) in testing. Check out the photos inside. Expect the X5M as a 2015 model year.

Here is a preview illustration of the upcoming 2 Series Coupe, courtesy of our resident BMW ‘insider.’ The 2 Series Coupe will replace the current 1 Series Coupe in the BMW lineup as the entry level sports coupe. It’s expected to debut in 2013. Per Scott26:

With the forthcoming separation of the BMW Compact segment family to accommodate each equal family such as the UKL/Next generation 1 Series , the current 1 Series and the all new 2 Series family are distant in looks and purpose.

The 2 Series maintains the ability of a RWD drivetrain and the benefits of an entry sports coupe. The renaming of the current 1 Series Coupe and Cabrio allows BMW to expand on the model line by resorting back … CONTINUED

We spoke very recently at length to a trusty source within BMW who is familiar with the development of the upcoming F80 M3 sedan / F82 M4 coupe and we were able to learn the following bits of news:

HORSEPOWER / TORQUE

Regarding power output, the previously estimated 450HP figure is an overestimate. Instead, expect the horsepower output to be in ballpark of the current E90/E92 M3.

What will be increased greatly however, is the torque figure. The F80/F82′s multi turbo inline 6 cylinder engine [recently exposed] will add approximately 100 lb-ft more torque over the current M3 (which outputs 295 lb-ft torque). This would put the new M3/M4 in the range of 395 lb-ft torque. There’s nothing like forced induction for thrust!

WEIGHT

We were also glad to learn that … CONTINUED

Remember the announcement made in July by BMW and Toyota regarding their plans to work together on the joint development of architecture and components for a future sports car? Few details were given about the end products for each respective company other than that the jointly developed sports car will not be identical nor share exterior designs and that they will be sustainable sports cars with environmentally friendly technology.

We expected the cars to feature technologies in which BMW and Toyota are market leaders — carbon fiber and hybrid tech, respectively.

Toyota’s UK chief Jon Williams has now indicated to Autoblog at the 2012 Paris auto show that the sports car is likely to be a hybrid. “In terms of the next developments we have announced a partnership … CONTINUED

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Gran Sport Tourer.

In a strategy to bring a more radical approach to the compact segment in terms of innovation and desirability. BMW are currently working on an entirely introductory downsized luxury model for the compact segment. Spurred on by an increasing demand for downsized luxury cars and potential competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW are set to introduce their 2er line in a more expansive programme emulating the larger 6er and forthcoming 4er family line to offer the customer a more sporting and exclusive option.

The key symmetrical approach for BMW would be to develop a 1er Sedan off of their new modular FWD architecture alongside a currently in development MINI sedan – aimed at increasing the potential of the … CONTINUED

We have been reporting and referring to the upcoming F32 and F82 models as the 4 Series Coupe and M4 Coupe for months now, and Automobile now comes in with their ruminations on what the M4 and 4 series lineup will bring. Although much of this is not new information, it provides a good review of what to expect for the upcoming 4 Series and M4:

4 Series Coupe (F32), 4 Series Convertible (F33), and Gran Coupe (F36)

• Coupe variant of F30 3 Series to be called 4 Series (positioned and priced in lineup just as the 6 Series Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup)

• Four door “coupe” styled variant to be called 4 Series Gran Coupe … CONTINUED

Latest render by resident artist Harold Wood of the 2013/2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe (F06), which will debut early next year.

Latest information from homepage:

BMW has now finally officially acknowledged the model to be coming next year (US and worldwide). It will likely arrive as a 2014 model year and see its auto show debut at the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit or the 2013 Geneva show. Expect the first details of the car to be announced online by the end of this year.

The M6 Gran Coupe will be powered by the same S63Tu engine as the M5 and M6, but possibly be introduced with a bit more power than the 560hp of the M5/M6. Prototypes have been spotted testing with and benchmarked against M5s (video below). A … CONTINUED

Back in May we first confirmed that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 would be powered by an inline 6 cylinder turbo engine and indeed we’ve just received these first photos of the next gen M3/M4 engine, with visual proof of the inline cylinder setup.

The F80 M3 / F82 M4 will have some good cooling of the the heated air pumping from its turbos, via components such as the air-to-water/liquid intercooler unit (to the right of the engine cover) feeding the cylinders with cooled air. If this setup is anything like in the M5/M6 S63Tu engine, the air is cooled by this unit right before it reaches the cylinders. There appears to be twin intake boxes and the oil cooler bracket looks to be the same … CONTINUED