“Like its sedan brother the M5, the new M6 models are high-performance sports cars whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely towards the demands of track use,” BMW said in a statement. “At the same time, the M6 sets new benchmarks in daily driving comfort, innovative features and fuel efficiency.”

The four-seat 2013 BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible are both powered by the 4.4 liter high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology making 560 hp at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (680 Nm) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter comes in at 7,200 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, 0 to 62 mph comes in at 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.3 seconds for the convertible. 0 to 124 mph takes just 12.6 seconds for the coupe and 13.1 seconds for the drop-top M6. Top speed on both models is limited to 155 mph.

While the output and performance of the 2013 BMW M6 has been pumped up over its predecessors, the new model consumers roughly 30 percent less fuel due to the introduction of new BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration and the Auto Start-Stop function.

The BMW M6 Convertible will hit dealerships in June 2012 as a 2012 model year, while the M6 Coupe will arrive in dealerships in the late summer of 2012 as a 2013 model year. Pricing, EPA fuel-economy ratings, standard and optional equipment will be announced at a later date.

- By: Omar Rana

Ever since the new Nissan GT-R made its return, it’s been considered the pinnacle of supercar performance. It nails everything from acceleration, to braking, to cornering to the overall way it makes a driver feel. Our friends at AutoCar decided to pin the new 540-hp 2013 Nissan GT-R (known as the 2012 model year in the UK) against the new 560-hp 2012 BMW M5 to find out if the new M5 can hold up to the hardcore Godzilla.

Check out their take after the jump.

Refresher:

• BMW M5: The 2012 BMW M5 is powered by a 4.4L V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology) making 560-hp between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 502 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic (with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters), the 2012 BMW M5 goes from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 13 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph or 190 mph with M Driver’s Package.
• Nissan GT-R: The 2013 Nissan GT-R being the most powerful, is powered by a 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine making 545-hp, an increase of 15-hp over the 2012 GT-R, and torque has been increased from 448 lb-ft to 463 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph for the 2013 GT-R has been reported to come in at 2.84 seconds.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW of North America has announced pricing details of the new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which will hit dealerships early summer. The 2013 640i Gran Coupe will set you back a total of $76,895.

The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Later in the summer the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Prices of those model will be announced closer to launch date.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

Refresher: The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available in the United States in three models including the 640i Gran Coupe, which will be available early summer 2012. The 650i Gran Coupe and the 650i Gran Coupe xDrive will join the range later in the summer. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The 650i Gran Coupe models will be powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 making  445-hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Not too long ago, I started a little section of egmCarTech called “Randomly Spotted,” where in my travels, if I were to stumble upon a rare and odd automobile, I would bring it to the table for discussion.

But in this version of Randomly Spotted, today’s feature may not seem too rare and odd to begin with, unlike that old Citroen I spotted. For starters, right off the bat, you may think: it’s a normal BMW E28 5-Series from 1981-1988, what’s so special?

And of course, I’d agree with you…that is, until your eyes meet the number badging on the right side of the trunk. Most of us Americans have become used to 5-Series designations like 525, 528, 533, 535, 540, and so on. But wait a second…5-2-4-t-d or 524td? What the heck is that?

Most of us are aware that BMW has as much of a history producing diesel passenger cars as every other European manufacturer, though their efforts were isolated to other markets where diesel passenger cars were more established. And it wasn’t until the introduction of the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d that made it seem like BMW was offering diesel powered cars for the first time in America. But if you’ve ever pondered the question as to whether BMW had any previous diesel models offered in America in the past, the answer is yes, they have! Truth be told, the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d were not BMW’s first attempt at importing diesel-powered models into North America.

This E28 524td happens to be the first and last diesel-powered model BMW ever sold in America prior to the 335d and the X5. Only imported from 1985 to 1986, the BMW 524td was the brand’s experimental model that would compete against the at-the-time, aging, but tried, tested and true Mercedes-Benz W123 300D.

That said, where as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen were well established for importing diesel passenger cars consistently and with great success, BMW had attempted to jump on the bandwagon for the North American Market. But why was it only offered for one model-year?

At the time of the BMW E28’s launch in 1981, the brand’s reputation for sporty performance automobiles was deep in the process of being established and embedded in the opinions and minds of critics and consumers in America. As a result, BMW of North America didn’t feel that the 524td’s 114hp turbodiesel straight-six was fitting for the brand’s up and coming image, especially since BMW’s M-Division was beginning to take form from models like the E12 and E28 M535is, the fathers of the world-renown BMW M5. And despite this call, the E28 BMW 524td was the world’s fastest and most powerful diesel production car at the time and was capable of 30 mpg’s in the city and 33 on the highway.

Additionally, diesel was receiving terrible reception after General Motors had attempted to produce diesel passenger cars of their own. Arguably criticized for being powered by normal gasoline engines converted to diesels—which explaining why that doesn’t work is a more technical discussion—General Motors ruined the reputation of diesels because their versions were deemed terribly unreliable and underpowered.

Combine that with the fact that gasoline prices took a dive after the 1973 Oil Crisis, relieving consumers of the concern for fuel economy, the circumstances weren’t favoring BMW’s campaign to market the 524td. The final result: the 524td was pulled from the US market in 1986.

Because the 524td was so short-lived in North America, it is extraordinarily rare to come across one, both either running or rotting away in a barn or backyard. And why is it important? BMW only reintroduced diesels for the American market in 2009, so many prospective buyers in North America were still found to be a little apprehensive with swallowing the diesel passenger car pill. But thanks to a more open-minded consumer sphere in North America and greater awareness, diesel passenger cars have slowly been trickling their way into bigger prominence here in the states. That said, prospective American buyers shouldn’t be afraid of BMW diesels despite the impression that the brand only begun their diesel prospects for North America in 2009. The fact of the matter is that BMW has been producing diesel passenger cars for quite some time, just for Europe and other markets. So they ain’t no stranger to the game.

But should you express interest in picking up an E28 524td as a project or an antique, all I could say is good luck finding one, because this was the first North American E28 524td I’ve ever randomly spotted in the flesh and it seems like only the diehard Roundel enthusiasts are aware of the 524td here in America. And unfortunately, they only came with an automatic here in Americaland.

- By: Chris Chin

BMW has announced pricing details on the new 2013 BMW X6 M, which will hit dealerships in spring 2012.

The updated 2013 BMW X6 M will get minor styling changes and a price jump of $1,600 – bringing the total price tag to $91,900.

Options:

• Active Ventilated Seat Package (ZAV) - Active Ventilated Seat package no longer includes SA456 and has been re-priced to $900.
• Full LED Headlights (552) now available as a stand-alone option for $1,900.

The 2013 BMW X5 M will also see a price jump of $1,600 to a total of $88,850.

Both are powered by a 4.4-liter, 32-valve twin-turbocharged V8 engine with direct injection making 555-hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed M Sport Automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control – 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: BMWBlog

While BMW had a very strong 2011, the Munich automaker failed to keep its lead over Mercedes-Benz in January U.S. sales. BMW sales rose 3.1 percent in January 2012 with a total of 16,405 units delivered in the United States. Mercedes-Benz was up a total of 24 percent with a total of 20,306.

Lexus sales fell 4.6 percent to 12,274 vehicles in January 2012.

BMW sales in 2011 rose 13 percent to 247,907 units, helping it claim the title as the top-selling luxury brand in the United States. The number helped dethrone Lexus, which held the spot for 11 years.

Lexus sales fell 13 percent in 2011 to 198,552 units bringing it to No. 3, while Mercedes-Benz came in second selling 2,715 units less than BMW.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

BMW of North America today unveiled six digital shorts, which are a part of a new national advertising campaign to support the launch of the new 2012 BMW 3-Series, which will go on sale Feb. 11.

Two of the shorts will air in ads during Super Bowl XLVI in regions across the U.S.: the first entitled ‘The Big Grab,’ in the New York Tri-State area; and the second, ‘The Close Call,’ in the Southern California-Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston areas.

“The BMW 3 Series is the global benchmark for a sports sedan,” said Dan Creed, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “With these shorts, we turn a spotlight on the innovations that make the 3 Series the standard to which others aspire.”

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Follow the break for the commercials.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

The kit includes a power upgrade that boosts the engine output by 50 hp. Senner says the engine tune makes top speeds of 186mph.

On the outside, a set of 19 inch wheels and Racing Gold varnished brake calipers have been fitted to the car. Side air intakes and a wider radiator grill were added to the body, as well.

The Z8 also gets a coilover suspension system, sports air filter, strut bar, and an upgraded exhaust.

If you happen to be one of the few owners of this BMW, fitting your Z8 with this Senner kit comes with a price tag of around $24,700.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The EPA has released the fuel-economy ratings for the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan and the numbers seem to be quite impressive. The 2012 BMW 328i gets an estimated EPA fuel-economy rating of 24/36 mpg (city/highway) when mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW 335i gets a rating of 23/33 mpg.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

So far, Russell disproved that the rumors regarding whether BMW will produce a supercar to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the Audi R8 and the Lexus LFA, because BMW doesn’t feel the need to produce a car on that level. That’s because it wouldn’t exactly make a feasible business case to make papa corporate BMW happy—for whatever reason.

As a refresher, some of you may remember that BMW had once produced a very super exclusive GT car, the E31 8-Series, which debuted in 1989. At that time, the 8-Series was way ahead of its time and it was something that would be called a technological showcase. It was a car that fully embodied the corporate philosophy of the Roundel while also showcasing the direction that BMW was taking with their automobiles. Jam-packed with all sorts of new technology, the BMW 8-Series was a very important car for the brand and represented their move forward into the 1990s. It was their massive leap forward. That said, I pointed this out to Matt Russell and asked him, what if BMW took the same approach with a new supercar like they did with the 8-Series?

In his response, Russell said: “That’s a really fair question and I love it. The BMW 8-Series is something that I’m very passionate about and it definitely was a technology and style showcase. If I remember correctly, the ad slogan for the 8-Series was: ‘If a car company can have a soul, this is ours,’ and that’s something I’ll never forget. But in our product lineup, the 8-Series was technically succeeded and replaced by the 6-Series, several years after the 8 ended production in 1999. That said, we feel the 6-Series does a great job at fulfilling the same mission of the 8-Series, as being a head-turner and a luxurious two-plus-two very well,” Russell explained. “Obviously with technology and the advancement of time, for instance, the 650i drives much better than the top-of-the-line 850CSi from 1995—it’s just the sad fact and reality of time as we move on.”

Ever since the 8-Series was finally placed in the pages of history in 1999, rumors still floated about regarding an 8-Series successor, which coincided with the rumors of a BMW supercar that would be similar to the concept of the M8 Prototype, BMW M’s attempt at the ultimate 8-Series at the time. But after what Russell said, he explained that we’ve essentially had a successor to the M8 Prototype.

“The M8 is a car I’ve loved ever since I knew BMWs. But today, there’s the M6, a car that we truly think, fills the mission of the M8 Prototype. There’s absolutely no question about it. However, we won’t be talking about the new M6 probably until the first quarter of 2012. But, there is a new M6, you all have seen it in testing and development. If anything, this new M6 really is a modern day interpretation and as good of an M8-type car as the original concept. It should answer all of the questions anyone has about a BMW supercar.”

Obviously though, unlike the original M8 Prototype, which had a completely reworked version of the brand’s at the time S70 V12—the same engine design that served as a starting point for the McLaren F1’s V12 (though Russell clearly pointed out, they are not exactly the same)—the M6 for the second generation had the E60 M5’s S85 Formula 1-derived V10. Despite the engine differences, Russell still spoke passionately about V12s while discussing the M6 carrying the same mission as the M8 Prototype.

“I love V12s. I think we have one of the best V12s in the industry right now, and I’d love a chance to put that engine in other cars, especially M-bred cars. However, our mission now, both BMW and M, is to increase performance while we increase efficiency. It’s an overriding mission for the company—to not be wasteful, and that’s why the new M5 is 30% more efficient while being 10% more powerful than the outgoing one. That said, it wouldn’t make a case to put a V12 in another car at this time.”

Though Matt was not able to talk much about the new M6 as he said that BMW was first focusing on the release of the standard 6-Series. But it is safe to assume from the previous M6, which had its 5.0L V10 and 7-speed SMG cog swapper carried over from the E60 M5, will do the same for this new generation and utilize the new F10 M5′s 4.4L TwinPower twin-turbocharged V8.

“Our thing that we do better than anyone else is front-engined, rear-wheel drive. They are the best [front-engined, rear-wheel drive] cars in the world as far as I’m concerned, dynamically speaking and ergonomically. If we did a supercar, would it need to be mid-engined? I don’t think so at all. I think that our front-engined and rear-drive dynamics are so good that we could stick with that formula. I love the fact that our cars are the best drift cars from the factory in the world and I’m convinced that they are. And the press have backed me up on that. We have that ability and I don’t ever want to lose that. I love the fact that you can work on car control skills in our cars, better than any other. So I’m really sold on the formula and concept of the front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout.”

I was able to speak very passionately with Matt about his love for the M-Division and its history with the utmost praise through this topic. A key to further easing my fear that nearly all car companies will turn into soulless corporate bean counters, especially the one of the few brands that continues to be supportive of the enthusiast. But my fear was only relieved to tension. Russell also emphasized that if he had the choice, he would let his engineers and boffins at the M-Division go buck wild to produce all of the mad machines demanded by the whims of both the engineers and the enthusiasts. But, he understandably and simply pointed out, there’s a cap for everything. BMW has to have a real reason to produce a certain car, it would have to prove to be a worthy business case. And he said this while discussing the possibility of a 1-Series M-Coupe successor for the next generation of 1-Series.

As per my interpretation, I am very much a BMW enthusiast myself so I’m familiar with the demands of the enthusiasts and their scrutiny of the brand. But I felt that Russell is not the one to blame if one were to criticize the brand. He is very much in touch with the BMW M as us enthusiasts are. And really, he was giving me an encouraging message to extend to all of you who want BMW M to make a car like the ones we’ve discussed, be it a 1-Series M-Coupe or a halo R8/LFA/SLS competitor a la the 8. And make sure you read this clearly: SCREAM LOUDER.

- By: Chris Chin

Power will continue to come from a 4.4-liter, 32-valve twin-turbocharged V8 engine with direct injection making 555-hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed M Sport Automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control – 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Price for the 2013 BMW X6 are expected to remain right above $90,000 but we’ll bring you official numbers as soon as they are released.

For now, enjoy that high-rest photos in gallery.

- By: Omar Rana

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Last week, BMW finally gave us a preview of the upcoming M Performance Automobiles – a range of diesel powered M vehicles that will include the BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d.

The company has now dropped a new video showing all the models in action.

Check it out after the jump.

Refresher: The BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d will be powered by a new 3.0 liter 6-clyinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology which consists of three turbochargers. Output comes in at 381-hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 546 lb-ft between 2,000 – 3,000 rpm. All models are mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

Mini’s success is something that goes beyond questioning and because BMW has been at the helm of the British manufacturer ever since their reintroduction in 2002, in addition to the fact that Mini’s are very sporty oriented hatchbacks, reports are saying that Mini now wants to adopt the brand’s familiar tuning firm, John Cooper Works, as the brand’s own in-house performance sub-brand. In other words, in similar moves to BMW adopting the M-Performance Division and Mercedes-Benz the AMG Performance Division back in the 1980s and 1990s, Mini wants to do the same with JCW.

These reports come after an interview with Mini’s head, Kay Segler, who was formerly in charge of BMW’s M-Division at one point. Along with these details, Segler also said that upon the arrival of the John Cooper Works Mini Countryman, he wants to have the brand offer John Cooper Works packages for the entire lineup.

Segler also apparently hinted at harder performance oriented versions of their lineup, which could be slated as limited edition models. An example of this would be the up and coming Mini GP.

Because Minis are performance oriented, they come with plenty of power to boot. But being lightweight and front-wheel drive, there’s only so much power the front wheels can take before becoming dynamically incompetent. And Segler said the Mini brand recognizes this and “engineers and execs are aware there’s a limit to how much power the front wheels of a car can handle, and that the current JCW cars are up to the edge.”

As of now, the Countryman is the only model that will feature all-wheel drive in the brand’s lineup. Mini has considered all-wheel drive in its other models, such as the regular Cooper. Parts supplier Getrag unveiled a special all-wheel drive design concept that was capable of being fitted to a base Cooper not too long ago. And this is because of the Mini’s size limitations. But due to its high commanding price, Segler said that the system is still too expensive to adopt.

However, some may worry that if Mini were to adopt JCW as their own performance subdivision, prices could skyrocket through the roof. And this comes after the fact that Minis, despite their relatively cheap initial purchase price, can become really expensive when you start adding things. Segler also commented on this saying that they’re ready to plan to make some pricing adjustments and that their inspiration for doing some comes from “performance bargain” examples like the BMW 1-Series M and the M3 GTS.

On another note, despite America’s overall known hatred for diesels, Segler also shared that North American customers are more demanding of diesel engines, rather than JCW models.

“We’re delighted to hear it,” Segler said. “We are looking into this not for the short term, but for the medium term.”

Currently, Mini produces only a few diesel models as a Cooper, called the Mini Cooper SD in Europe, which produces 143hp and 225 lb-ft of torque and has been well-received. If Mini chooses to introduce diesel models for the US, Segler concluded that it would be seen in the third-generation models within the next few years.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

There’s a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stating that there are six specific examples of the 2012 BMW X5 being recalled for a supposed faulty parking gear. As a result, these six X5s could roll away if the parking brake is not applied.

BMW recognized this fault and is working with the NHTSA to remedy these six particular examples. They said that a free fix to replace the automatic transmission is available for affected owners and those who own an X5 and are concerned can call BMW directly at 1-800-525-7417.

The X5s in question were built between December 19, 2011 and December 21, 2011. No deaths or injuries have been reported and linked to the recall.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: MotorTrend

In a recent Consumer Reports comparison involving compact luxury SUVs, the BMW X3 scored the highest out of all of the contenders, which really should be no surprise. After racking up a total of 80 points in CR’s road test, the BMW X3 beat the second place contender—the new Range Rover Evoque—by 20 points.

Check out more news on the BMW X3.

“The X3 does an impressive job of combining sporty handling, a lavish interior, and surprising fuel economy,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “Although the stylish Evoque has won lots of accolades in the press, including North American Truck of the Year, our more thorough testing reveals quite a few flaws.”

The reasons why the Range Rover Evoque placed second, despite it being noted for its sexy looks, included a cramped interior, a stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering, and troubling emergency handling. And this comes as a bit of a surprise because the Evoque has been pretty well-received across several prominent news desks. For instance, the Evoque was one of AutoWeek’s Best of the Best, Top Gear UK Magazine’s and Jeremy Clarkson’s choice for Car of the Year, and Motor Trend magazine’s SUV of the Year as well as North American Truck of the Year.

- By: Chris Chin

This bit of news is sure to be a bit upsetting to the purist. Reports are saying that BMW is planning on introducing their first ever MPV/people carrier/minivan crossover…or whatever you may to call it. BMW? Minivan? You can’t be serious…!

BMW insiders have apparently told some reporters that they’ll be expanding the “i” lineup, even before the original i3 and i8 have reached production. Supposedly called the i5 MPV, the new addition is said to be powered by a small three-cylinder gas engine that acts as a “range extender” and a rear-mounted electric motor.

Click here for more news on the BMW i3.

But before this new i5 comes about, the i3 is said to be on track with its launch next year, followed by the gas-electric hybrid i8 sport sedan.

Other details were withheld, but the last hint for the i5 was that its starting price could hover around $65,000.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: InsideLine

BMW is searching for a group of 700 people throughout seven U.S. markets to be “Electronauts” for the automaker’s trial launch of the 2012 ActiveE All-electric vehicle, based on the 1 Series Coupe.

The all-electric bimmers will be leased to the enthusiasts for 24 months at a cost of $499/mo after a $2,250 down payment. Markets included in the testing are the metropolitan areas of New York, Boston, Hartford, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Europe and China will also have test markets for 2012, and over 1,100 models will be available overall.

Participants will have their vehicle’s data recorded, and will add their own information, as well. An instructional course will be provided on how to operate and charge the ActiveE with the AeroViornment station.

Reservations can be made at www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE, and data from the trial will be available on www.BMWActivateTheFurture.com.

By: Alexandra Koken