New BMW M2 Spotted in Beverly Boulevard?

It's been a while since we last saw or heard anything about the BMW M2, but today, our friend Tom pointed us to an Instagram account with an interesting picture.

BMW M2 Seen and Heard around the 'Ring for the First Time

Were you to pick one modern BMW M-car that is closest to the company’s core philosophy of providing its driver with the most competent handling sports car possible, which would it be? Would you go for any of the larger M5 or M6 models, or would it be one of the new M3/M4 models? How about the upcoming M2, a car that looks really sweet with its psychedelic flared fenders and blue calipers.

New BMW M4 Cabriolet Drops its Top as Rumors Spread for NY Auto Show Debut

BMW hasn't mentioned anything officially, but the word on the internet is that, the new M4 Convertible is heading to the New York Auto Show on April 16 for its world premiere, something that our spies agree on, adding that we could see the car revealed online "in days" if not "in hours".

Future Cars: It’s Deja Vu Time For BMW’s Next Generation X6 SUV

Ever since the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was launched back in 2008, it has been widely regarded as a love or hate-it affair. Why? Because in BMW’s ever-growing quest for creating new niche segment vehicles, someone in Munich decided that blending a X5 SUV and a coupe-like hatch would be a good idea.

Now, while some combinations work well - like wine and cheese, some do not. BMW’s X6 approach was akin to mixing eggnog and mince in a blender. Some strangely warmed to this concoction while others didn’t.

Nevertheless, the Bavarian automaker believes there is still success to be made with this format, hence why a new generation X6 is currently full-steam in development.

Previously, we’ve shown you spy shots of the next-generation X6 trotting around the Nurburgring. However, now we’re skipping straight to main meal; with a rendition of the final product seen here in all its blue glory.

Design:

Okay, first impressions may have some checking their glasses, as it appears not a lot has actually changed; however on the contrary, it is indeed all-new.

The front-end now joins the rest of the BMW range with its headlights intersecting the famous twin-kidney grille for a more contemporary look. Below these are circular fog-lights and a front bumper arrangement that mimics that of the latest X5 off-roader.

Even the hood creases mirror that of its more conventional sibling, while the front fenders encompass narrow vertical vents - a design element seen on many other of BMW’s recent offerings. The glasshouse takes on an established approach with its ‘Hofmeister kink’ - again very similar to that of the outgoing SUV.

BMW have spiced things up with increasingly dynamic surface language - a sculptured ‘c-channel’ horizontally flows down both sides of the bodywork. This is then interrupted by a separate shoulder crease that flicks up over the rear haunches, further emphasizing the vehicles strong stance.

Interior:

While we’ve yet to set eyes on the entire cabin layout, it’s expected to adopt most of the interior fundamentals from 2014 X5. Where it differs, is within the minor details. Dashboard design is rather conventional with a high-mounted infotainment screen and dashboard-wide walnut trim - again, following the new X5 in similar fashion.

Audiophiles will be catered for by Bang & Olufsen and there is a bevy of rear-seat entertainment options; TV, DVD and radio can be enjoyed via dual color screens and wireless headphones. 

Unfortunately, as our rendering attests - rear passenger headroom appears to still be a carryover bugbear from the outgoing X6. Head-banging aside, this Bavarian trendsetter is more about making a visual statement than a chariot used for ultimate practicability.

Under The Hood:

Beginning at the lower end of the spectrum, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines available in both diesel and petrol configurations should provide enough oomph for regular day-to-day duties. While at the other end of the equation, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 will tackle the performance SUV arena once again in X6 ‘M’ format. 

Power will be transferred via an 8-speed automatic to the rear wheels in typical BMW tradition; however, the xDrive all-wheel drive system will be available for those adventurous folk that commute ski-field access roads, farm tracks, school runs and its biggest obstacle - the generic tree leaf.

For the ultra fuel-conscious amongst us, a plug-in hybrid may also be on the cards. If so, BMW’s Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid is a strong pointer as to what system could be utilized. In that application, a 90-horsepower electric motor is mated to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine yielding at least 61-mpg.

Platform & Handling:

BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline is banded around a bit, yet it’s still applicable with the departing X6 - a decent steer, even if SUV’s aren’t your thing. So expect the formula to be tweaked further to emphasize its more youthful and sporting pretensions.

Base versions will adopt a fairly conventional setup, while higher-level models will tout Active Suspension Packages with adjustable comfort and sport settings. These utilize Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle for better body control and ride comfort.

Driver assist options are likely to range from Anti-dazzle high-beam lighting, Park Assist and Night Vision - the latter uses thermal imaging using Heads-Up Display to detect straying wildlife and drunken pedestrians.

Market Positioning:

As BMW’s range-topping Sports Activity Coupe, the 2015 X6 sits in a unique segment with little in the way of direct rivals. Until Mercedes-Benz and Audi front up with opponents, the Munich-based manufacturer has the Acura ZDX to battle against. Well, that’s until the unloved ZDX disappears from sale come January 2014.

Expect the upcoming X6 to debut late 2014 or 2015 at the latest; any longer and BMW will have to employ some creative marketing strategies to keep the punters interested.

Overall, BMW has a rather refined answer to a question that nobody really asked. Although I have to admit, such a niche vehicle does have an audience and sells in reasonable quantities. Coupled with strong heritage-bred driving dynamics and intriguing styling - it just may have the right formula to ensure that successive generations of ‘SAV’ come to fruition.

Finally, does the next X6 play it too safe for a redesigned model or has it hit the mark? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW 2-Series Rendered as Four-Door Gran Coupe Model

While the style of the new BMW 2-Series is not to everybody’s liking, I find it pretty good, and as we can see in the renderings via 2Addicts that are posted here, a nice base for a stylish compact executive, which in the eyes of some, may be handsomer than a regular 3-Series sedan.

BMW has not announced a Gran Coupe variant for the 2-Series, but it would make sense as direct rival to the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA, and since they love covering all the niches and creating more, it’s not entirely implausible.

Seen here both in regular and full-M guise (an M2), it does resonate with me, and I would genuinely like to see it materialize – a lot more so than the much more pointless 4-Series Gran Coupe…

In lesser trims, and with smaller more efficient engines, this car could become an alternative to the mundane 3-Series, helped by better style, a slightly lower price tag and all the handling, performance and efficiency advantages it derives from the smaller size and lower weight.

However, this model may never materialize, as BMW is planning a more direct rival to the two aforementioned competing models – a front-wheel drive sedan.

By Andrei Nedelea

Renderings via 2Addicts

Spied: BMW 4-Series Wears Fours Doors and Becomes the Gran Coupe

Looks like someone was having his fair share of fun behind the wheel of BMW's soon to be released 4-Series Gran Coupe (you'll have to wait or fast-forward the video to the 40 second mark for the track action), which has been filmed again undergoing tests.

You can call it a 'teen' 6-Series Gran Coupe or the missing link between the 3-Series range of family-orientated models and the sportier and less practical 4-Series cars, and you'll be right on both occasions.

To somewhat rationalize its existence, BMW is said to have based the 4-Series Gran Coupe on the 3-Series GT's extended wheelbase, which at 2,920mm (115 inches) is a substantially longer than that of the 3-Series sedan (2,810mm or 110.6 inches), while the design of the car blends the sleek look of the coupe's roofline with the practicality of four doors.

From what we hear, BMW will likely mirror the 4-series Gran Coupe’s engine line-up with the two-door model. A presentation is expected next year.

Video courtesy of L'Automobile magazine

VIDEO

Spied: 2017 BMW 5-Series Prototypes in Both Sedan and Touring Bodies

If BMW keeps its usual seven- to eight-year long product cycle, then the prototypes of the next, seventh generation 5-Series Sedan and Touring (estate) seen in these spy pictures will mature into production models sometime from late 2016 to early 2017, given that the current F10 was revealed in November 2009 and released in May the following year.

There are very few confirmed details about the new 5-Series, but we can expect some significant weight savings, possibly up to 100kg (220 pounds) on average over the current car through the use of more aluminum and other light materials on both the chassis and body panels, as well a wave of improved turbocharged gasoline and diesel, units.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that will benefit from the cooperation between the BMW Group and Toyota, together, of course, with a range topping M5 version, will complete the range.

As for the styling, BMW is likely to follow an evolutionary approach, with these early (and heavily camouflaged) examples featuring a lower front end, and in the case of the sedan, a sleeker roofline ending as well.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

PHOTO GALLERY

Scoop: New BMW M4 Coupe Flaunts Sakhir Orange Metallic Paintwork

When you've reached that certain point when you've seen what's to be seen about an upcoming model in prototype form and the only thing of interest is the color of the body, you know that it's time to get the reveal over and done with.

With most of the camouflage on the body of the M4 Coupe peeled off, this latest spy shots show us what the performance model looks like in the Sakhir Orange Metallic paint with black wheels.

According to a leaked order guide, that's one of the eight colors that will be available to U.S. customers next year, the other ones being Alpine White, and six more metallic shades named, Mineral Grey, Black Sapphire, Silverstone, Austin Yellow, Mineral White and Yas Marina Blue (the latter seen on an M3 Sedan tester).

Both the M4 Coupe and Convertible variants of the 4-series, together with the M3 sedan, will share the same basic architecture and 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six, which according to preliminary data, twists out "approximately 424hp (430PS) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft)" towards the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or an available seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The new M4 Coupe will be released next year.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

PHOTO GALLERY

Scoop: New BMW i3 Prototype Fitted with Final Production Ends

BMW's new urban electric mini has been spied wearing its production front and rear end parts, and in particular, the bumpers and lights. Previously, i3 prototypes were fitted with fake front and rear panels.
While it’s clear that the overall shape and styling will resemble the original i3 Concept car displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Show, the production model's exterior will be toned down a notch with less fancy detailing.

Most Revealing Spy Shots of 2014 BMW X5 SUV Yet

BMW is one of many carmakers that gradually ease up on the camouflage on their prototype models as they edge closer to revealing the production version.
Such is the case with the next X5 that's due to launch next year, possibly at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, though we wouldn’t rule out an earlier reveal.
In these fresh scoop photos, the third generation of the X5 has done away with many layers of foil wraps allowing us to see the sharper and more protruding nose with the production headlamps, the elongated shape of which bring to mind those found on the F30 3-Series, and the more upright double kidney grille.

Spy Shots: Meet the All-New BMW 2-Series Coupe, the 4-Series' Smaller Sibling

At the end of November, our trusty spies caught up with a prototype model of the upcoming 2-Series Convertible with a traditional canvas top. Now, they’ve managed to meet up with the coupe version of the series,  about a year ahead of its market launch.
The 2-Series, which is to the 1-Series what the new 4-Series is to the 3-Series, will be the second model in BMW's range to adopt the firm's new nomenclature that calls for the use of an even number for sportier looking body styles, and an odd number for traditional saloons, hatchbacks, estates, crossovers and SUVs.
While covered in camouflage, we can still see that the 2-Series Coupe test car is bigger than the current 1-Series Coupe and sports a less pronounced booty.
Good news for those of you who don't like the second generation 1-Series hatchback's ginormous headlamps, as the prototype coupe appears to feature a sleeker set of lights. Like the 4-Series Concept, the 2-Series also gets a prominent hockey-stick-like vents right behind the front wheels.

U Spy: Reader Nabs 2014 BMW X5 in Munich

BMW is hard at work developing the next generation of its X5 SUV that was captured here in prototype form by CarScoop reader Peter S. from Hungary while he was visiting the Bavarian capital city of Munich in Germany.

Convoy of 2014 BMW X5 and Possibly X5M Prototypes Filmed in Georgia

A YouTuber who goes by the name Frank Steele stumbled upon a convoy of five 2014 BMW X5 prototypes in the city of Chamblee in Georgia, this past Sunday.
We can't be 100 percent certain because of the quality of the video and the fact that the cars were on the move, but there's a good chance that the first model seen in clip may be an M Performance model or an X5 fitted with the M Sport Package, while the fourth test car looks like it could be the new X5M.

U Spy: BMW i3 Coupe Concept Parked on the Streets of LA

As we were reminded earlier this week, BMW has been working on electric cars for four decades now beginning with the 1602 Electric in 1972, and next year, it will introduce its first series production EV in the form of the all-new i3 five-door supermini.
At the recent LA Auto Show, BMW displayed a three-door concept version of the sub-compact model named the i3 Coupe, and it is this car that CarScoop reader Alfred H. spotted on the road this week.

Spy Shots: BMW's i8 Hybrid Coupe Shows its Revised Hofmeister kink.

We were hoping that by the end of this year, BMW engineers would have peeled off most of the camouflage covering their i8 coupe prototypes, but as you can see, that's not going to happen – unless, of course, Munich surprises us over the next couple of weeks.
What we do get from these fresh spy shots of the i8 that was captured once again during cold weather testing in Europe is a less obstructed view of the car's upper profile as the company's people removed some of the swirly wraps covering the side windows.

Scoop: BMW's Concept Active Hybrid Takes Production Shape as the New 1-Series GT

The first modern day BMW to be offered with front-wheel drive is almost upon us as the Bavarian car manufacturer is moving ahead with the development of the 1-Series Gran Turismo (GT) that was previewed through the Concept Active Hybrid at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this past September.
The 1-Series GT is a roomier and more practical addition to the 1-Series range that currently comprises the new generation three- and five-door hatchbacks available in both RWD and AWD configurations, and the exclusively RWD older Coupe and Convertible body styles.

Rumors: BMW to Reveal 1-Series Grand Turismo at the Paris Motor Show [with Spy Video]

There's a lot going on at BMW these days but no project is bound to be more divisive than the firm's first front-wheel drive model, the upcoming 1-Series Grand Turismo, which was previously known by the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for Family Activity Sports Tourer.
Citing inside sources, the crew over at the BMW Blog reported that the 1-Series GT would make its world premiere at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall.

Spy Shots: New BMW M135i with 320HP 3.0-liter Turbocharged Six

Earlier this week, BMW blew the covers off the first models of its new M Performance sub-brand, namely the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d.
But that's only the beginning as the German firm plans to expand the range to include if not all, most of its models including the 1-Series five-door hatchback, a prototype of which our scoop photographers caught while testing in Europe (albeit with a fake 118i moniker on the tailgate).
So far, the most powerful model of the new 1-Series hatch is the recently announced 125i sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 218bhp and 310Nm (228 lb-ft) propelling the five-door model to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.4 seconds and on to a maximum velocity of 245 km/h (152mph).