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BMW 3 Series eDrive plug-in hybrid spotted in development

BMW has shown its commitment to the development of hybrid and electric powertrains in recent years, with vehicles in its ActiveHybrid range, electrics like its BMW ActiveE and range-extended EVs like the i3 and i8. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are clearly top-of-mind for the German automaker. We saw spy shots of the PHEV BMW X5 eDrive prototypes about a year ago, and now our shooters have come through with a 3 Series-bodied version of the technology, as well.
In addition to the obvious "Hybrid Test Vehicle" designation you see on the bodysides of this 3er, we also note that a second 'fuel cap' - presumably hiding the electric charge point - is in evidence. It's a fairly safe assumption that this 3 Series is making use of the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor configuration that the X5 eDrive used. In the case of the X5, that meant a top electric-only speed of 75 miles per hour, with a range of just under 20 miles, and 0-62 mph in under 7 seconds. With considerably lighter, compact sedan bodywork clothing the PHEV drivetrain, we'd guess that the 3 Series eDrive could improve on each of those numbers.

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is ready for racing at Pebble Beach

Alongside the awesome Concept M4 GTS, BMW brought out a proper flight of fancy with an R version of the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept shown earlier this year at Villa d'Este. This stunner pays tribute to the German brand's legendary 3.0 CSL racer from the 1970s and BMW's 40th anniversary here in the United States (and looks a lot better than the previous concept, to boot). Wearing the M brand's iconic livery, the original 3.0 CSL Hommage's styling has been given a hefty makeover with race-derived components. The fascia gets a much more aggressive front splitter, while prominent side pipes highlight the lower section of the car's profile. The side vents look great with the M color scheme and feed air towards that gigantic wing. Like the non-R Hommage, BMW has lined the spoiler in LEDs to tie the taillights together. The concept's race-derived cabin is futuristic, like the standard Hommage. This car, though, neatly integrates the traditional M color scheme into its sculpted, white leather seats. Above the DTM-like steering wheel, the R's dash features more information than the regular 3.0 CSL Hommage. The coolest interior feature, though, is actually part of the driver's kit. The race helmet's visor doubles as an augmented reality display, meaning the Hommage R's pilot is essentially wearing the head-up display. It displays basic vehicle information, and like something out of Forza Motorsport, will even show the ideal line through a turn. We've got a lot of images of the new Hommage R. Below, you can see stock images of the new concept, while our live images are available up top. You can also scroll down for the official press release from BMW. BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. The perfect fusion of driver and machine. Munich/Pebble Beach. In August every year car enthusiasts from all over the world gather for the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach to immerse themselves in the fascination of both automotive treasures from years gone by and pioneering studies for times to come. The BMW Group has come up with something very special this year with the world premiere of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R – a car that celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the heady racing success of the BMW 3.0 CSL in 1975. 1975 was the year the Bavarian manufacturer founded BMW of North America, its first official sales company outside Europe.

Behind the scenes of BMW's 'Driftmob' [w/videos]

All this, for one minute and 47 seconds of action-packed footage with no official plot.
We arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, on the third and final practice day for the drivers of a BMWStories internet video called The Epic Driftmob feat. BMW M235i. We are immediately whisked to a large, empty parking lot on the outskirts of Cape Town, where tires are squealing and chunks of rubber are flying as five red BMW M235i coupes churn up more smoke than a California wildfire. And the smell - it smells like heated metal, the kind of thing rev limiters are made for. Times five.