Automotive World

The B3 GT3 is based on the regular 3-Series Coupe and it uses a slightly modified version the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six found in Alpina's B3 S Bi-Turbo sedan, coupe and touring models.

A recent study conducted by Max Warburton of Bernstein Research, a market trends and analysis firm, reveals which models sold in the U.S. are the most profitable for automakers.

Despite being blamed for almost anything, from the greenhouse effect to the costly bailout a couple of years ago, the study shows that Detroit’s Big Three light-truck models lead the list of the most profitable vehicles in the U.S.

But why spend a fortune to try to develop a new technology when there is already one available? In August, Ford made a deal with Toyota to collaborate on hybrid technology.

And that's one lesson learned the hard way for Vacheh Margoussian, 21, and Artin Yazidjian, 22, both of which were employed as a valet and a tire technician respectively at the Pacific BMW dealership in Los Angeles when they allegedly took a brand-new 1 M Coupe for a joyride and uploaded a video on Youtube.

Now, both men have not only lost their jobs but are also facing misdemeanor charges filed by the LA County district attorney’s office.

Dubbed the ACS6 5.0i, the package includes a performance upgrade with unspecified modifications for the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine that help lift output from 407HP to 540-horses.

The new 328i, which swaps the current model's naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six for a turbo'd four-cylinder powerplant, will be priced from $35,795, while the 2012 335i Sedan that continues with a turbocharged-six carries an MSRP of $43,295.

AC Schnitzer starts with a power kit that is available initially on the four-cylinder diesel models of the 1-Series, which get a reprogrammed engine control unit and other unspecified mods. In the 118d, output is lifted from 143HP to 171HP, while in the 120d, from 184HP to 210HP.

The question is, what's up next after the presentation of the i3 hatchback in 2013 and the i8 sports coupe in 2014? While BMW is keeping mum about its future plans, our spy photographers captured a strange looking 7-Series prototype, seemingly based on the standard ActiveHybrid 7.

Fans of the roundel had the opportunity to see what the Bavarian company's foray into the electric car segment will look like when it hits the market in 2013 with the i3 concept model, which is currently on display at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

Not surprisingly, the prototype seen here suggests that the production version will have a slightly more conventional appearance. The shape of the roof remains as do the suicide-style rear doors but it looks like they will be much smaller in length than on the concept with the front doors featuring a handle, something that leads us to believe BMW may follow a similar solution as the one used on the MINI Clubman.

So when American actress Paula Patton juggled her way onto BMW's Los Angeles Motor Show stage for the presentation of the fully-electric i3 hatchback and hybrid-electric i8 coupe concept cars, we were kind of surprised.

If you're not familiar with Ms. Patton, we won't blame you as the 35-year old actress hasn't really won any breakthrough roles. However, she will star alongside Tom Cruise in the next Mission Impossible film titled "Ghost Protocol" to be released December 21.

And as you probably already know, BMW's gasoline-electric hybrid i8 Concept will be featured in the movie.

The Essen Motor Show, which is the European equivalent of SEMA and takes place in Germany from November 26 to December 4, is up next. Today, BMW announced that its BMW Performance and BMW M Performance divisions will officially participate in the tuning show for the very first time (for those of you counting, we used the word "Show" 8 times, and the word "BMW" three times…in the same sentence).

The Bruiser package is all show and no go as it is limited to a wide aero kit and new wheels.

This prototype model of the X6 has received some subtle upgrades from the last time we saw it, namely the reshaped side air vents that incorporate repositioned fog lamps on the front bumper.

SchwabenFolia is a car wrapping company based in Korntal-Münchingen, Germany, and is responsible for the Roadster MF5's dark looks.

The company dressed the outer body panels as well as bits from the interior plus the door sills, trunk and engine room in a matte black skin. To showcase its craftsmanship, SchwabenFolia even wrapped the 20-inch BBS alloy wheels in the same shade.

A foiled “imprint” of the Nürburgring's northern loop on the driver's side and the chrome emblems round out the makeover.

Naturally, as with any early prototype, the coupe was slathered in the usual psychedelic swirl favored by the likes of BMW and other German carmakers.

Using these first scoop pictures as well as some basic styling elements from the recently revealed F30 3-Series sedan as a guide, F30Post forum member Wildspeed crafted a rendering of the next-generation Coupe model, which he then produced in numerous colors for our viewing pleasure.

Today, in celebration of BMW M's upcoming 40th anniversary, the Bavarian company announced the launch of a limited run version of the M3 Coupe called the Competition Edition.

It seems though that the Bavarian motorcycle had a different opinion as it threw down the rider and continued by itself for several feet before it came to a falling halt. Video follows after the break.

And even though the design of the new 3-Series saloon is more or less an evolution of the previous model, Carscoop reader Steph S. thinks that BMW's bread-and-butter saloon could do with a bit of a redo up front, which truth to be said, is the only new styling element that stands out in the car.

Mercedes sales have increased despite the fact that it reduced discounts by an average of 15% per vehicle in October, while its Munich-based rival increases its own incentives by 35%.

One such example was found at German used car dealership "PKWundLKWankauf" (try saying that it twice).

The victim is an E32 BMW 730i sedan, which left the Munich brand's factory in 1989 fitted with an 188HP 3.0-liter straight six coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.