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BMW electrifies the 2 Series Active Tourer with a plug-in prototype

BMW is developing a hybrid version of its 2 Series Active Tourer. At the company's Innovation Days 2015, we're finally getting to see the fruits of that electric labor with a prototype for a plug-in hybrid version of the front-wheel-drive hatchback. The Bavarians aren't keeping a secret that they intend to build a model like this in the future. But like the rest of the Active Tourer family, it's likely to remain unavailable to US buyers. BMW is already somewhat familiar with the realm of plug-ins with its i sub-brand and forthcoming X5 xDrive40e PHEV. This 2 Series Active Tourer is largely an adaptation of some of that tech. Up front, there's the company's transversely mounted, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine making 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and it's linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox. A generator on the front axle can also briefly boost output by 20 hp and 111 lb-ft, or help charge the rear-mounted battery. At the back is an electric motor making 87 hp and 122 lb-ft with a two-speed transmission spinning the rear axle. All of this is linked together via the Dynamic Stability Control to shuffle around power as necessary. The hybrid system generally prioritizes using electric power at speeds below 50 miles per hour and kicks on the engine from there. Depending on the settings, drivers can also force it into EV mode with a maximum range predicted at nearly 24 miles. BMW claims the 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV could get to 62 mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds, and the company estimates the setup can return the equivalent of 118 miles per gallon on the European cycle. While there's a lot of equipment to package together in this system, BMW claims that interior room is identical to the purely internal combustion version. The hybrid battery is under the rear seat, and propulsion for the back wheels is centered around the axle. As a prototype, the automaker isn't really talking pricing yet beyond stating buyers "do not have to pay a high premium for the technology." 2. BMW eDrive in the pipeline for further BMW models: The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid prototype. The advent of plug-in hybrid variants in various model series from the BMW brand is making all-electric driving with zero local emissions in a premium car a possibility for an ever-increasing number of target groups.

Are you the 2016 BMW M2?

From the looks of these spy shots, BMW is back testing the hotter version of the M235i, the M2. We first brought you pictures of the lightly disguised coupe a few weeks back. While those original shots were on the road, it would seem that BMW has transitioned its testing to the Nürburgring.
Here, we get a better look at the M2 prototype's M-spec wheels. This particular car is missing the traditional quadruple exhausts that serve as an easy identifier for BMW M products, although our spies report that the tips, along with a more assertive front fascia, will arrive when the M2 makes its production debut.
We can't yet confirm any powertrain details, but previous rumors had the M2 getting its go from a tuned version of the brand's N55 turbocharged inline-six. Take a look up top for this latest round of spy photos of the BMW M2.

Ward's announces 10 Best Engines 2015

Ward's Auto has named its 10 Best Engines for 2015, covering a range of powerplants from fuel-sippers to fire-breathers. As with past years, forced-induction reigns supreme, with seven of the ten engines featuring a turbo or supercharger. This year is slightly different, though, as two of the seven blown engines are turbocharged three-cylinder mills, from the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper. They're joined by the 2.0-liter turbo four from the Volvo S60, the 1.8-liter turbo four from the Volkswagen Jetta and the 2.0-liter boxer from the Subaru WRX. BMW and Chrysler were the only marques to be named to this year's list twice, with the electric motor from the i3 joining the Mini's three-pot, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee repping the diesel crowd, alongside a certain supercharged monster. Hyundai also took a prize with a zero-emissions powertrain, with the Tucson FCV's 100-kilowatt fuel cell making the list (apparently Ward's is quite generous with what it deems an "engine"). Rounding out the list are two Autoblog favorites, each displacing 6.2 liters, but producing their power very differently. On the one hand, Chevrolet's overhead-valve, 455-horsepower V8, found in the Corvette, makes its power the old fashioned way. And in the other corner, we have one of the most exciting engines of the year – the 707-hp, 6.2-liter, supercharged Hellcat V8, featured so prominently in the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat. "We spend a lot of time reading the powertrain tea leaves throughout the auto industry, and we're proud that this year's list is a microcosm of all the latest innovation coming from automakers," said Ward's Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter in a statement. "It's not just a list for enthusiasts or for environmentalists," he says. "There's something for every vehicle shopper and every budget. All the powertrains on this list deliver a first-rate driving experience," Winter added. Scroll down for the full list from Ward's, and let us know which engines you think belong and which should have been included in this year's rankings. Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2015 Announced by Penton's WardsAuto Honorees span most diverse and technically advanced engines in 21 years of recognized powertrain excellence SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Penton's Wards 10 Best Engines of 2015 have been announced.