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BMW M4 spied in coupe and convertible form

From the sound of it, we'll have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show to see the production version of the BMW M4, but spy shots show the new hi-po BMW testing recently in both coupe and convertible form. Showing a lot more skin than recent spy shots, these M4 prototypes look very similar to the M4 Concept we saw at Pebble Beach.
Carryovers from the concept car include the funky mirrors, bulging hood and the slotted front fascia vents, but the rear fascia seems to be missing the added flair of the concept and, as expected, the carbon fiber front splitter and exhaust tips are also missing from these M4s. Like the current M3 Convertible, the drop-top version of the M4 will utilize a retractable hard top.

Volkswagen Group, BMW Z4 top Total Value Awards by Strategic Vision

It was just nine months ago that Strategic Vision announced its 2011 Total Value Awards, but you don't have to wait until next year for the 2012 awards. The Volkswagen Group keeps its lead as the number one brand, with seven products taking top category spots: Golf, Jetta Wagon, CC, Eos and Audi A3 Wagon, Q5 and Q7. Strategic Vision says "true innovation" - "rich and impactful, intuitive, motivational, in-depth and is able to trigger description by the user in great specificity" - is the open secret of the brands with the strongest showings. Results are culled from 77,153 owners covering more than 350 new cars bought between September of 2011 and 2012 ranked in the Total Value Index (TVI).
Other notable winners are Hyundai-Kia following VW in the brand category and having the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Sorento among category winners, the BMW Z4 taking the premium roadster category and the highest overall score of any vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt continuing to gather silverware in the Special Category, nabbing the second-highest score of all and representative of "nearly perfect innovation," and Chrysler and Dodge being most improved.
Check out the press release below for your day's dose of jargon and all the winners.

2018 BMW 3 Series spied looking cold as ice

The 3 Series is without question the single most important model line for BMW. So, despite the fact that it was just refreshed for 2016 with updates that sharpened its steering and suspension, you can bet that work is well underway on the next edition. These fresh spy shots show just how far into the development process BMW has gotten as engineers test the model in the harsh conditions of the arctic. Camouflage hides on lot on this 3 Series, but we can still see that the nose appears to take cues from the latest 7 Series. Even through the swirling wrap, you can spot shapely headlights that flow into the long, narrow kidney grille. In profile, the sedan retains the proportions of the current model, with a longish hood and short rear deck. Around back, big, round taillights protrude outward, but these somewhat garish pieces might be development parts that don't reflect the final design. BMW reportedly uses the codename G20 for the next-gen 3 Series and plans to make the new model wider and with a longer wheelbase to create a larger passenger compartment. Even with the dimension stretch, weight could drop thanks to lighter materials. We expect that BMW will continue to offer a vast range of powertrains, and rumors hint the future M3 might use a plug-in hybrid system to boost power and lower emissions. Expect to see the updated 3 Series debut around 2018, according to our spies. Related Video: