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BMW M2 claims 7:58 'Ring time in video

BMW really, really wants us to believe the new M2 is a return to form for the high-performance sub-brand. In its initial release on the car, it drew a strong, explicit link to not only the 1 Series M Coupe – easily its most direct ancestor – but also to the original E30 M3, which is basically the M2's granddaddy. Further underscoring this link, BMW has paired the M2 with the 1M Coupe and ur-M3 for a new video where it reveals that the newest M car will lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 7:58. While that isn't as fast as the M4 – we're betting that vehicle's fan base just let out a huge sigh of relief – it's quicker than the E92 M3, which is certainly something worth boasting about. Check out the video up top to see the new M2 dice with its predecessors, and then head back and check out our original post on the newest M car.

BMW dismisses Tesla tie-up talk

Despite recent rumors to the contrary, don't expect to see much collaboration between Tesla and BMW in the near future. Based on some rather prickly statements from the German automaker, Elon Musk might have even burnt some bridges in Bavaria with his latest proclamations. The spat stems from Musk's recent interview with German magazine Der Spiegel where he discusses future collaboration with BMW on "battery technology or charging stations" and the possibility of a battery factory in Germany. But apparently, any future tie-ups are news to the Bavarian automaker. In an interview with the German business publication Wirtschafts Woche, an unnamed spokesperson for the company claims Musk said it all for PR value and swats down most of the statements. BMW has no intention of acquiring Tesla shares, and they aren't working together on any tech. There's not much chance for future cooperation on a battery factory in Germany, either. BMW believes that the cells can just as easily be purchased from suppliers, like other auto parts. The one slight concession is that the spokesperson said that the German automaker would be willing to supply Tesla with carbon fiber. That's not an exclusive offer, though, and the company is open to negotiate such a deal with any interested automaker.

BMW M5 gets a facial for next generation

There's no mistaking a car designed by BMW's M Division. Every vehicle has a distinct set of characteristics that sets it apart from plebeian Bimmers. That's why even through all of the camouflage, we know these are photos of the company's next-generation M5 testing in southern Spain. The current car has been around since 2011, so it's no surprise that BMW is working on a replacement. Although these photos are new, prototype M5s have been running around for a while now. We even have video of a car testing at the Nurburgring. The car is probably close to production ready at this point. All of the M Division trademarks are there. Four exhaust tips, flared fenders, beefy brakes with fixed calipers, lots of tire, etc. A few things differ from the previous spy shots we've seen. The front bumper looks to be slightly reworked, with larger air intakes than before. The design of the headlights appears to be slightly different and more in line with the new 7 Series. Other than that, there's not much here that we haven't already seen. We expect the new M5 to be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8. The Nurburgring tester sounds like it has a V8, and the M Division previously said it's not giving up on eight cylinders yet. There are also rumors floating around that the next generation of M cars will send power to all four wheels. Audi has put Quattro in its cars for years, while Mercedes-AMG is moving most of its models to all-wheel drive. Although BMW has said that it's sticking with rear-wheel power, don't discount optional AWD for next-gen M cars. Related Video: