BMW X3 M in the Works?

Remember when the X5 M and X6 M first debuted and everyone was like, “huh?”

The notion of putting the M badge, a sacrid nomenclature reserved only for the best performance laden cars at BMW, on two SUV’s was upsetting for some, confusing for others and blasphemy for M purists. But BMW shut us all up by essentially making the M SUV’s perform as if they were performance cars. It’s quite mind boggling, but BMW was able to do it.

Now it seems BMW would like to test their luck once again by introducing an M version of the newly redesigned X3. Currently, only an M package is available which is mostly stlying and suspension tweaks but the X3 M is expected to boost power output. Displacement is expect to go from 3.0 to 3.2 with a triturbo to go along with that inline six. Yes, you read that right, three turbos. There will be two exhaust driven units and one electric turbocharger. As a result horsepower is said to be in the 450 to 500 range.

Given the brilliantness of the X3′s bigger brothers that are  injected with M blood, I think it’s safe to say that the new X3 M will not fail to deliver. No pricing has been announced yet, but expect a starting price of around $80K

[Car Magazine via Auto 123]

My Next Car Is Coming In May!

According to Autoblog, my next car, the 1-series M, will be officially available for sale in May! Although it’s likely that I won’t be able to actually buy it then, you better believe that a test drive will make me want to take out a loan to ensure I get one. Especially since only 2,700 will be produced. The good news is, the majority of those 2,700 will be sold in North America.

God, I am so in love with this car it’s sick. Must. Have.

[Autoblog]

Drool: BMW Releases Video of 1-Series M Coupe

Even though it is still fully camouflaged, BMW has released an official video of the upcoming 1-Series M. In the video, they do not give it an official name, but BMW has said that it will not be called the M1. That name is reserved for the original M1 and for a possible successor down the road.

Rumours of power have been all over the map, but the most consistant seems to be in the 320 horsepower range, about 20 more than a regular 135i. The 1-series M will also add two more air intakes, two additional ducts, wider fenders, a more pronounced ducktail shaped trunk spoiler, and of course drilled rotors are large brakes. Oh, and those sweet looking wheels will indeed make it to production as well.

No word yet on pricing, but BMW did say that the 1-Series M will only be available in limited numbers.