SPIED: BMW X1 Tries Out M Sport Package

The idea of an M-Package is hardly fresh news for BMW as the Bavarian automaker has been spiffing up its normal production models with sports accessories for years now, the most recent recipients being the latest 5-Series sedan and Touring, and the X3 SUV. Next up on the menu is BMW's smallest crossover model, the X1, which went on sale in Europe and other markets in March 2010, but won't arrive in the U.S. until later in 2011.

As with other M Sport Package models in the range, the upgrades for the X1 will include a host of unique styling cues inside and out, plus larger alloy wheel designs shod in wider tires and a sports tuned suspension.

The prototype models of the X1 with the M Sport Package that were spied by our man with the long lens in Germany had most of the aero parts covered in BMW's traditional swoopy wrap. These include the modified front and rear bumpers plus the new side skirts. Being prototype models, the X1s seen here appear to be fitted with normal alloys, however the actual M Sport Package will offer buyers a choice of special wheel designs.

Inside, while the test car seem pretty much stock, it is certain that BMW will adorn the cabin with M-Sport-sourced steering wheel, handbrake lever, gearbox knob and pedals, as well as unique trim and upholstery for the sports seats. Expect the M Sport Package to join BMW's option list early next year.

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New Spy Shots of 2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

Here are the latest spy shots of the forthcoming successor to the current 1-Series hatchback. Being that BMW has confirmed the launch of a smaller model with front-wheel drive, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian automaker will keep the 1-Series moniker or baptize its new C-segment hatch as the 2-Series.

Tipped for launch in late 2011, the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, will incorporate BMW's new and softer (as in more mainstream) design language with a more pronounced front grille. Our spy pictures also show the revamped interior with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver.

The big news, however, concerns the available powertrains. Just the other week, BMW revealed that the next 1-Series and 3-Series models as well as its upcoming FWD supermini, will all be offered with a hybrid engine.

In addition to the hybrid model(s), inside sources having been spreading the word that engine choices will include a new generation of four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units. Chances are that the six-cylinder engines will be carried over more or less unchanged from the current model.

When it enters the market next year, the 1-Series' successor will be available in three-door (see the spy shots here) and five-door hatchback body-styles, with the Coupe and Convertible versions to follow later on.

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BMW to Launch New 2012 6-Series Convertible on 26 March, 2011

While snooping around on BMW's UK website we discovered that one of the cars featured in the 'Quick model selector' was the new 6-Series Convertible. While there are no photos of the drop-top model, BMW offers select clients the opportunity to sign up for an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview event.
Here's what the invitation says:
"The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be launched on 26 March 2011. So to make sure we keep you up to date with the latest news and send you an invitation to an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview, just register below."
The new 2012 6-Series Convertible will be based on the 6-Series Coupe Concept shown in Paris last month. As you can see in our spy shots, BMW's flagship convertible series will retain the outgoing model's soft-top roof arrangement. Under the skin, the new "6" will get rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the option of six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, and turbocharged V8 petrols topping out with the M6's twin-turbo V8 with close to 600 ponies.
Link: BMW UK

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2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Snapped Without Camouflage?

Those quick fingered camera jockeys over at Motor-Talk.de have got what appears to be an undisguised 2012 BMW 6-series convertible. This could be our first look at the new convertible, which is set to go on sale next year, au natural.

Soon after, the Photoshop magicians over at Autobild cleaned up the picture, taking out the cameraman and other foreground obstructions and removing some of the grainy-ness.

It has to be said, this picture looks very close to the artist's impression by e90post forum member 'Alpince325ci', even down to the shape of the bootlid. Well done, sir.

The 6-series Convertible will the most expensive drop top in BMW's lineup, slotting in above the cheaper 3-series convertible and Z4 roadseter. Oddly, it still retains its fabric top, something the current-gen 3-series and Z4 have done away with. Carscoop will have more details and pictures as they come through.

By Tristan Hankins

Sources: Motor Talk, e90post and Autobild

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