2014 BMW Z2

2014 BMW Z2

2014 BMW Z2

BMW Z2 could be launched as early as 2014.While that sounds rather promising, there's a big caveat as Car Magazine says the model would be based on the upcoming front-wheel drive UKL1 platform. However, there's speculation the Z2 could come equipped with all-wheel drive to fix the handling tradeoffs.

The other option is delaying the Z2, until 2015 or 2016, and using the rear-wheel drive platform from the 2-Series (the renamed coupe and convertible variants of the 2012 1-Series).

Regardless of what BMW decides, the Z2 is expected to be offered as a coupe and convertible with a variety of 2.0-liter engines that have outputs ranging from 170 PS (100 kW / 168 hp) to 272 PS (200 kW / 268 hp).

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

German tuner TechTec has a series of power-upgrade stages for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe that can take output up to 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp).

But TechTec starts things off slow with an initial stage that will only set you back €1,500 for an extra 40 horses - with total output getting dialed up to 380 PS (280 kW / 375 bhp) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque from the series' 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

For €2,500 TechTec will make that an even 400 PS (294 kW / 395 bhp) for you.

From there, it is only an extra €800 stretch, including a new air cooler, for a power rating of 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque on the nimble 1-Series M that will make it good for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 4.1 seconds.TechTec can also remove the top-speed limit for you and offers a KW club sport suspension as well as a titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic.

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

The 2014 BMW i8, based on the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics concept, has been spotted in winter testing near the arctic circle. While the car is still more than two years away from production, work on the car's powertrain is already underway

BMW's original Vision EfficientDynamics Concept/i8 may be joined by -- or simply replaced with -- a gasoline engine, at least in some markets. Fueling those rumors was the recent introduction of BMW's new, super-efficient 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder, initially fitted to the BMW X1 xDrive28i and intended to spearhead a four-cylinder renaissance in several U.S. models. With 245 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, 16 percent better fuel economy and significantly lower CO2 emissions than the engine it replaces, this new-gen gasoline four-banger seems ideally suited to serve as prime motivator for the Ameri-spec BMW i8.

BMW i8 pairs an internal combustion engine that drives its rear wheels with an electric motor/generator unit energized by a lithium-ion-polymer battery pack that powers the front wheels. With a combined output of 328 horsepower, that matchup allows the prototype i8 to run 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph -- as well as travel up to 31 miles in pure EV mode.

The exterior of the car still looks almost identical to the concept version, though it will certainly get updates to bring it in line with production standards and other i-branded vehicles. Current specs on the car include a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a hybrid system driving all four wheels for a total of 328 horsepower.

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.

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

2012 BMW 3-Series

BMW is planning to dramatically expand the number of offerings within its various model ranges, especially the strong-selling 3-series that is the backbone of the brand. All eyes are on the next 3, due for 2012.

Aside from the usual body styles—sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible—BMW will also build a five-door hatchback version featuring an aggressive design that will combine station-wagon practicality with coupelike style. In other words, the 3-series range will get its own version of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s attempt to cross-pollinate an SUV and a station wagon. Like the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will offer two adjustable seats with a center console in the rear and straddle the fine line between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.

Optional equipment such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from nodding off, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking will bring tech features of the 5- and 7-series into the realm of the 3.

Like the current 3-series, powertrain and suspension tuning will remain sporty. But for those who want greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button similar to that of Audi’s drive select. It will sharpen or soften damping as well as steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.