The BMW automaker is continuously improving its M Division by newly creating a series of new performance-oriented vehicles fitted with exclusive M-tuned engines, handling packs, and stylish bodykits.

Called the M Performance range, the new models aren’t set to debut officially until March’s Geneva Motor Show although we’ve already been given a preview of three of them.

BMW has now previewed yet another M Performance model, this time in concept form and based around the latest 1-Series Hatchback (the new three-door variant).

However, the M Performance concept is not based on just any old 1-Series but the highly anticipated 135i variant, which sports a 3.0-liter straight-six engine turbocharged to the tune of 300 horsepower.

Set to debut in just a few weeks, this M135i Concept has been fully developed using the expertise gained by the BMW M division from decades of motorsport experience. This is reflected not only in the powertrain but also in the modified suspension technology and aerodynamic characteristics.

Other M-specific components include an upgraded braking system, 18-inch M light alloys, and some additional weight-saving carbon fiber mods. To further distinguish it from the regular 1-Series, the M135i Concept’s exterior mirror caps are finished in a custom gray color and the side window surrounds get a gloss shadow look.

BMW’s official spiel on the latest concept is that it offers attractive prospects for the further development of the 1-Series Hatchback. However, the automaker states that it also gives a clear signal for the expansion of the new product category of M Performance models, and we’ve already spotted a prototype testing.

If that wasn’t enough dilution of the M brand, BMW also plans to launch a new range of M Performance Parts at the Geneva Motor Show, including items designed for the 1-Series Hatchback as well as the 3- and 5-Series sedans.

While our American readers may lament BMW’s decision not to bring over its new 1-Series Hatchback to U.S. soil, there’s a good chance that the next-generation 1-Series Coupe and Convertible, which may or may not be called a 2-Series, will offer the same M-tuned upgrades.

The latest car innovation of the BMW which is the X5 has been spotted touring in the midst of snow. Spy photos have been captured and here’s some of it with reviews.

We have learned recently that the new 2014 BMW X5 is said to feature more flowing character lines and sculpted surfaces that will broaden the design of the X family.

At the front end, the new X5 will feature a more imposing kidney grille, larger and wider than in the current model. The headlights will get the LED treatment and the shape will follow the design seen on some of the recently unveiled models.

The F15 platform is rumored to feature a modular design, a common trend in future BMWs, that allows the company to achieve significant savings across its lineup. Our sources say the new X5 is built on an extended platform of the new 5 Series and will have a lower weight than the current model.

The spy photos below show the test mules with different tailpipe configurations, including the round design seen on six-cylinder models and the trapezoid model seen on the high-end xDrive50i with its V8 engine.

nside, BMW will completely rework the design, offering a combination of premium, sportiness and luxury. We expect to see the Black Panel technology, Head-Up Display, Night Vision and other gadgetry now available in the higher end models, like the 6 or 7 Series.

Thanks to its technical proximity to the 5 Series, it is possible to see the Integrated Active Steering as an option for the X5 as well.

We anticipate a world premiere to take place in 2013 with sales beginning the same year as a 2014 model.

BMW is now just one year away from the start of production of its i8 plug-in hybrid supercar.

The i3, formerly known as the megacity vehicle, is the better-camouflaged of the two. The head- and taillights are strictly for illumination during testing; the production elements will be integrated into the aerodynamic body. Camo covers the i3’s take on the Hofmeister kink (the trademark element can be seen better on the i8 as a pinched rear side window), while another unseen item, the BMW kidney grille, is promised for the production model. The grille will be ringed in blue to denote the car’s inclusion in the new i sub-brand. Only one door per side is visible, although additional openings, possibly of the rear-hinged variety, may be covered by the wrapper.

The production version of the i8 will use a powertrain similar to the concept’s, with a battery pack and electric motor working with some kind of internal-combustion engine. A diesel was used in the Vision ED, although we hear BMW may switch to a gas-fired unit, fearing buyers of the ultra-expensive laboratory on wheels might look down on a compression-ignition lump. The plug-in hybrid coupe will top the BMW range, packing the most current lightweight and fuel-saving technologies, and demanding the most currency as a result.

the i8 pairs a three-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The engine is used to drive the rear wheels while the electric motor powers the front pair. The two power sources are connected via an “energy tunnel” that houses the high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

This gives the car a low center of gravity–and all the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles also helps provide an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.

With The  BMW’s new four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing steadily through the lineup, the X3′s adoption of the small but punchy powerplant is very unexpected. Nonetheless, it’s a welcome addition, as we’ve come to love it in its other implementations.

The 2013 X3 xDrive28i uses the same basic TwinPower 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder as the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i and 2012 328i we’ve already reviewed, though it rates 245 horsepower in X3 use. It also gets the ECO PRO mode found on the 3-Series turbo four, the better to maximize gas mileage, in addition to Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The previous 28i’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder will no longer be available in the X3.

So far, the announcement of the four-cylinder X3 has only been made for Europe, to arrive this spring, but it seems given that it will also make its way to the States shortly after.

Also announced today is the X5 M Sport Edition. Note, that’s not an X5 M with a Sport Edition package, but an X5 with an M Sport Edition package. The difference is substantial; instead of a 555-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 under the hood, the M Sport Edition uses the regular X5′s engines and chassis, but tacks on M exterior features, including new aerodynamics, 20-inch M alloy wheels, High Gloss Shadow Line trim from the BMW Individual range, xenon lights, and adaptive cornering headlights. In xDrive50i models, it also gets pneumatic self-leveling suspension.

Inside, the M Sport Edition X5 gets an electric-adjust M sport seats, an M steering wheel in leather, shift paddles, BMW Individual antracite head liner, piano black trim, M logo door sills, and a performance pedal set. M Alcantara/Black Nappa leather upholstery complete the look.

Again, this is an announcement of the European model, timed to coincide with the release of the new M Performance diesel models (which we won’t get), but given that it’s effectively an appearance package with a few minor suspension and wheel upgrades, it could easily make its way to the U.S.

BMW automaker has recently revealed their new M6 Coupe and Convertible. The BMW M6 convertible will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June and the coupe will be launched later this summer.

The coupe passes 62mph in just 4.2 seconds and 124mph (200kph) in 12.6 seconds. Top speed is governed to 155mph, although the M Driver’s Package will up that to 189mph.

It’s more than just a stonking big engine though. The new M6 has a carbonfibre reinforced plastic roof to lower the centre of gravity. BMW first introduced this tech on the M3 CSL, and it’s keen to fly the flag for cabonfibre ahead of the forthcoming composite i cars.

BMW claims the new M6 is a third less thirsty than before, quoting a 28.5mpg combined economy figure. The leggy seven-speed twin-clutch transmission helps there, of course.

Niceties such as switchable dampers are standard and you get the M5′s Active M Differential as standard too. To simplify the multiple choice of which electronic modes to select, you can pre-programme your favourite settings in two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Mini automaker has recently reveal their latest Cooper Convertible Highgate special edition that dressed in Iced Chocolate metallic.

The MINI Cooper Convertible Highgate is distinguished by a brown soft-top, hood stripes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Cooper Convertible Highgate is Mini’s latest Special Edition model that was recently debuted, scheduled for launch this spring.
Four different options are available for power, all of which can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. The petrol versions of the motor produce 120hp or 181 hp, the diesels are slightly slower, at 110hp or 141hp.

Exterior paint comes in three color options which include Iced Chocolate metallic, Midnight Black metallic and White Silver metallic. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the car, and it is accented with a brown soft top and hood stripes.
On the inside, Dark Truffle leather seats come with contrast stitching, along with a set of stainless steel pedals, special floor mats, and brushed aluminum trim.

Senner Tuning car tuner has recently reveal their tuning package for BMW Z8. The tuning package includes sports air filer set and an exhaust system that increases the output of the stock engine by 50 hp (37 kW / 50 PS).

One of the best looking BMWs of all time gets some special attention from the German tuner Senner Tuning. The special and limited Z8 receives a slight visual upgrade, along with a power boost. Here are the full details:

The Z8 model manufactured by BMW between March 2000 and July 2003 is included in the number above. It also includes 555 Alpina version cars (450 of them were equipped with an automatic gearbox and were shipped to the USA). They feature a wider radiator grill and side air intakes which were created by Henrik Fisker – based on the 1955 BMW 507 – and have almost become a rarity, certainly better known to experts as the E52 internal type. Even the standard roadster featuring a 5.0 liter V8 engine from M5 (E39S) provides impressive 294 kW (= 400 hp) and max. torque of 500 Nm.

To overhaul this sports car (this time the car is available for order only in full optional) as delicately as possible and make its overall appearance elegantly understated, Benno Senner of SENNER Tuning AG, Ingelheim, with his crew implemented the best existing concepts. At the very start the engine was supplied with a sports air filter set. Then parameter adjustment followed, including the exhaust system balancing featuring a welded exhaust manifold with a stainless steel silencer and flame tubes designed with metal catalysts. This adds the total of 37 kW (50 hp) and 535 Nm torque. This dramatic increase enables to raise the maximal possible speed to over 300 km/h.

When picking the perfect wheel-tire combination, SENNER Tuning AG chose Work Schwert SC1 wheels in Diamond Black varnish with an anodized 9×19 and 10×19 inch chrome outer rims, and Continental Sport Contact 5P 255/40R19 and 285/35R19 tires. To compensate for the fact that RunFlat tires were mounted on non-emergency run-flat wheels, the tool kit was complemented with a tire-repair set and a compressor. A glance through the wheel provides a view of Racing Gold varnished brake calipers. And a few words on the chassis technology: In addition to the coilover suspension Variant 2 Inox-Line with an adjustable rebound, a strut bar was installed on the reinforced shock mount in the front in order to stabilize the front end.

This Ingelheim-performed conversion of the Z8 into an elegant black-colored piece of art costs € 18,900, but taking into account the total number of vehicles manufactured it should be seen rather as an additional increase in value.

Car racers will definitely love this new baby from BMW. It seems that the modified BMW Z4 GT3 has completed its test program and is now ready for release. The GT customer sports car has proven itself in a series of intensive tests in recent weeks. With its latest modifications installed, the car has improved its aerodynamic efficiency in order to enhance its competitiveness.

More pictures and performance details of BMW Z4 GT3 after the jump.

The BMW Z4 GT3, which was launched in March 2010, achieved its greatest success to date in January 2011. Claudia Hürtgen (DE), BMW works driver Augusto Farfus (BR), Tommy Milner (US) and Edward Sandström (SE) won the Dubai 24 Hours for Team Schubert. This was the first outright victory for the BMW Z4 GT3 at a marathon race of this scale, having already proven its potential with wins in its debut season in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

With its elongated bonnet, the driver’s compartment towards the rear of the car, long wheel base and narrow wheel arches, the series version of the BMW Z4 boasts an unmistakable appearance. The two-seater provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good basis for developing a competitive GT3 racing car.

A difference between the production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine.

BMW Motorsport engineers have also fine-tuned the aerodynamics of the BMW Z4 GT3 for the new season, improving the car’s performance in this area. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions: The modern ECU408 takes over the engine management, while the Power400 electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all the actuators. The power is transmitted through a six-speed, sequential gearbox. Gearshifts are now initiated using two paddles.

The steel body of the car comes from BMW Plant Regensburg. A safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing is then welded into the body. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. BMW Plant Dingolfing contributes the rear axle differential, among other things. Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fenders and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP).

The car is available now at a price of 315,000 Euros (plus VAT) from BMW Motorsport Distribution, email address Z4GT3@bmw-motorsport.com.

Mansory Switzerland AG flaunted their tuned BMW X5 SUV. This is the first time Mansory presented an individualized program for current BMW models. And the X5 was chosen to be treated for a nice refinement process.

Mansory Managing Director Michael Stein said:

In response to the many requests of our importers and customers, we will very shortly be developing an exclusive programme for the bodywork, performance and interior of other selected BMW models. Other fascinating refinements for the BMW X6 as well as for the BMW 7 series are soon to follow.

Some features of the Mansory-SUV BMW X5:

• Upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate
• Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin)
• The 4×4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h
• Provides an alloy rim especially made to meet the requirements of the BMW-SUV
• Silver monoblock cast wheels with the description M10 are fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23

As one of the most famous and most competitive car brands, BMW has never stopped innovating when it comes to its new line of cars. Just recently, BMW rolled-out their latest BMW X5 Sport Package set to launch in spring 2010.

The BMW X5 M Sport Package is boasts with more powerful new engines and an extended selection of driver assistance systems. The latest BMW X5 dynamic capability can be characterized particularly by the addition of the new M Sports package. Designed specifically for the Sports Activity Vehicle, the M Sports package for the new BMW X5 features a high-speed setting, sporty chassis set-up, and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design.

In addition, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with bi-color and high-sheen double-spoke design are available as an option. In both cases, the wheels come with mixed tyres at the front and rear, chosen specially for the X5. The M Sports package also includes special tailpipes for the exhaust system that share the trapezoidal shape standard on the BMW X5 xDrive50i of the six-cylinder variants. More BMW X5 Sport Package photos after the jump.