If the Dark Knight ever wanted to ditch the Tumbler for something a bit more snazzy, Khalfi Oussama's BMW-badged X9 Concept would be a prime candidate for the job - preferably in a matter black finish. The 18-year old designer from Tunisia did not attach any information about the X9 Concept, but feel free to check out the rest of the pictures and have you say in the comments section after the jump.
However, buyers should expect an evolution of the current design sprinkled with styling cues from all the latest BMWs, including a protruding kidney grill similar to that of the new 5-Series and 7-Series saloons.
Our man with the long lens managed to snag a few shots of the prototype's interior giving us a glimpse of the new dashboard design with the 1-Series-esque air-vents.
Munich's best-selling model will continue to be offered with a large variety of gasoline and diesel engines. However, the big news here is that BMW is working on a new generation of 4-cylinder gasoline engines with single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems.
It is believed that the four-pot turbos will be offered with a displacement of 1.6- and 2.0-liters producing up to 230HP in standard guise. More powerful versions could follow.
Of course, the Bavarian automaker will continue to offer its trademark inline-six powerplants, including new variants of the 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo unit that makes 306-horsepower and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) in the current 335i.
The diesel lineup will comprise of four- and six-cylinder turbocharged units, all equipped with start-stop technology.
There's also a strong possibility that BMW may introduce a mild-hybrid variant, but this has yet to be confirmed.
BMW's M division is preparing a successor to the M3, however, it is not clear whether it will keep the current model's naturally aspirated V8 unit or, as rumors suggest, be offered with a newly developed straight six twin-turbocharged unit with direct injection.
Once again, the new 3-Series will be offered in a number of body styles, including Touring, Convertible and Coupe models with a crossover-ish GT variant akin to the 5-Series Gran Turismo said to be under consideration.
Expect to see the new 3-Series in sedan form at BMW dealerships sometime in 2012 with the rest of the range to follow after.
A gallery of scanned photos from a leaked brochure gives us our first glimpse of the M Sport Package for the 2011 BMW 5-Series, which is expected to be available for order this fall. Even though the pictures show an M Sports-dressed Touring model [F11], understandably, the same parts will be offered on the sedan version [F10] of the new 5-Series.
The color-coded aero kit includes a newly designed, chunkier front bumper with larger air ducts, side skirts and a revamped rear bumper with an integrated diffuser finished in a dark shade and chrome tail pipes.
The photos also show two sets of alloy wheel options, the 18-inch multi spoke 350M with 245/45 R18 tires and the 19-inch double spoke 351M wheels shod in 245/40 R19 tires.
As for the interior, BMW's M Sport division has readied a three-spoke steering wheel with a thicker rim, roof lining in anthracite, sport seats in a unique trim, automatic and manual gearbox knobs and different sets of decorative trim for the dashboard and door panels.
No word on any performance parts, but expect to see at least a sports suspension kit being offered in the mix.
The first real-life photos of the 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan [F10] spiced up with the new M Sports Package were leaked on the web today. Previously seen on the 5-Series Touring through some brochure shots, the package adds numerous bits such as a typical M style front bumper, more aggressive side skirts a subtle boot lid spoiler, rear diffuser finished in a dark shade, chrome tail pipes and satin-finished chrome door sills.
Buyers also appear to have the option of two different alloy wheels, the 18-inch multi spoke 350Ms with 245/45 R18 tires and the 19-inch double spoke 351Ms shod in 245/40 R19 tires.
The M Sports treatment also adds sporty touches to the interior, including a three-spoke steering wheel with a thicker rim, roof lining in anthracite, sport seats in cloth and alcantara, M-branded automatic and manual gearbox knobs, and special decorative trim for the dashboard and door panels.
We're still short on the full details package, but some chassis upgrades such as a sportier suspension for better handling and stability should part of the package.
[Updated] We've known for a long time that BMW is developing an advanced, electrically driven model currently known as the Megacity, but today the German automaker released the first official teaser photo of the city car. Granted, the rendering doesn't reveal the Megacity in full detail, but it gives us an idea of what to expect when the car enters production in 2013.
We're still short on details but we do know that the base model shown in this rendering will be a four-seater powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that draws its juice from a set of batteries. BMW has also revealed that the production version of the Megacity will make extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
If you follow the jump, you can see pictures of an experimental vehicle platform made from CFRP undergoing various tests at BMW's development center. We'll keep you updated on any additional information we receive.
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BMW Experimental Vehicle Platform
Modi Paresh
