Volksblogen

Alexander Stoklosa for AutoBlog:

BMW is short on specifics for now, but a company spokesman confirmed that the models will go beyond both the current M Sport packages and the “is” treatment that’s applied to the 335is and Z4 sDrive35is. The M Performance cars will get unique engine variants, which likely means they’ll use existing engines with a unique state of tune for extra power. Handling will be improved, and the styling will be “laced with emotional appeal.” BMW alludes to the M535i it produced in the 1980s as a hint of what to expect from M Performance. That sedan coexisted with the M5, but packed more power than other 5ers, lots of M styling bits, and a specially tuned suspension setup.

BMW also says its xDrive all-wheel-drive system will play “a significant role” in the M Performance lineup. We’re told that xDrive may be used to serve up a driving experience that’s unique from the rear-drive M cars, in addition to adding a factor of all-weather usability.

Love the idea of more performance with the availability of an all wheel drive option.

One of my top five favorite cars has been updated for 2012. BMW unveiled the new 3 series sedans this past week. It’s larger in every way from it’s predecessor, but I think the side creases and short front overhang hide it well.  I also love the new front fascia and headlight treatment.

The biggest news for 2012, in my opinion, is the replacement of the base ho-hum 230 horsepower 3.0 6-cylinder with a more powerful 240 horsepower turbo 4-cylinder with a ton more torque (at 260 lb/ft compared to the V6′s 200 lb/ft).

This also opens the door to easier tuning. We in the VW/Audi 2.0 4-cylinder turbo world are used to simply flashing our cars computers to gain upwards of 50 reliable horsepower. Would be brilliant to do the same thing with the new 3-series and bring the base 328i sedan up to the same numbers as the 335i.

Look for them in showrooms this February.