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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer getting third row

In what enthusiasts will likely see as a continued attempt to dilute the BMW brand, the German manufacturer is testing a three-row variant of its already controversial 2 Series Active Tourer. Our trusty spy photographers captured images of the new, front-drive MPV testing on the roads of Europe.
The easiest way to ID this more passenger friendly 2er is its slightly longer length, which will allow it to accommodate seven people in total. As our spies point out, this should make the 2AT an attractive proposition for European taxi companies. Yep, BMW built a car that will be praised by taxi drivers. On top of the extra seats, the rear overhang appears larger as well, which should mean extra cargo space.
This, of course, is not the first time we've captured images of a new 2AT variant undergoing testing. Back in May, we spotted a hybrid-powered variant out for a drive.

BMW M3 and M4 will rock 430 hp from twin-turbo six with standard manual [w/video]

We're not sure which spec we're most intrigued by for the new BMW M3 and M4: the twin-turbo six-cylinder with 430 horsepower and "far beyond" 369 pound-feet of torque, the 3,300-pound curb weight or the standard six-speed manual transmission with automatic throttle blipping on downshifts. That engine is fitted with both Valvetronic and Double-Vanos, twin-wire arc-spray coating in the cylinders instead of liners to save weight, a track-ready cooling system with additional radiators, a forged crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication and a magnesium oil sump. BMW says its "high revving concept" has a redline beyond 7,500 rpm.
In the M4, it will be pulling a coupe with "a weight of just under 1,500 kilograms," which is 3,300 pounds to you and me. That number is said to include no driver and 90 percent fuel, but we're still waiting on the exact number and specs. BMW says it's "around 80 kilograms lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model," putting the power-to-weight ratio at something like 7.68 pounds per horsepower at the same time as it helps reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the roof, drive shaft (with no center bearing), trunk and front strut brace, and forged aluminum for suspension components, have aided in the weight loss. This time around, the sedan - the M3 - will also get a CFRP roof.
The default option will be a six-speed manual.

BMW M3 and M4 CSL not in the cards

We aren't sure whether to file this one under "good news" or "bad news." BMW confirmed to Top Gear that there "are no plans" for lightweight versions of the new M3 and M4, in the same vein as the E46 M3 CSL (despite rumors to the contrary). The reason?
"There wasn't a CSL on the previous generation, and the way we look at it is like this: the CSL was great because it had this real focus on lightweight engineering. But we've already done that with these new cars. We've made them as light as possible - they come in under 1500 kilograms (3,306 pounds), which for a car like this is incredible," said Matt Collins, BMW's product manager for small to medium cars.
Now, as much as we love the idea of a hardcore version of any car, we appreciate BMW's point of view that the newest Ms are already as light and tough as they need to be. Collins elaborated, saying, "Rather than doing a halfway house to begin with and then rolling out a CSL, we thought we'd make the 'real' car as light as we possibly could. So we've no plans whatsoever to make a lighter, harder version just yet."