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BMW revises X1 to tide it over until replacement

It's been over five years since BMW first introduced the X1 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a bit over a year since it brought the compact crossover to these shores. Soon the Bavarian automaker will replace the X1 with a new model based on the company's new front-drive architecture, but not before it gives it a few updates to keep it fresh.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month alongside the Z4 Pure Fusion Design and the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the enhanced X1 benefits from some new exterior accents, a spruced-up interior and new technology packed inside.
New air intakes in the bumper and integrated daytime driving lights distinguish the front end, with new wheel and color options available. Inside, certain versions get a new dashboard treatment, among other minor trim updates, and BMW has installed its latest ConnectedDrive suite to keep it up with the times. Scroll down for the full details.

BMW replaces tri-turbo diesel with a quad turbo

Quad turbos have until now been the stuff of Bugattis. BMW is introducing a quad turbo diesel for the 7 Series, with nearly one hundred horsepower per turbo. It's all about making the six-cylinder 3.0-liter turbodiesel all as enticing a proposition as possible, and it faces strong competition from Audi's new twin-turbo V8 diesel available in the SQ7 TDI. The earlier, N57S engine (pictured above) utilized a triple-turbo setup good for 381 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The new B57 version, confirmed by BMW at the 37th International Vienna Motor Symposium, adds yet another turbo for 394 hp and 561 lb-ft, and that massive torque is available from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. It means the 7 Series gets from 0-60 mph in a snappy 4.5 seconds. The engine could produce even more torque, but 561 lb-ft is all the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can handle. The N57S engine's dual-stage turbocharging setup consisted of one low-pressure turbocharger to take care of low-end torque, and two high-pressure turbos for the higher rev range. In the new B57 engine, the big turbo is now replaced with two smaller units on a common exhaust, to benefit from lower costs and smaller unit weight. In addition to the gains in power and torque, fuel economy has reportedly been improved by 5 percent. There are no reports yet whether the B57 TOP quad-turbo will make it to the US market, but customers in the European high end diesel saloon market will probably be very excited. Initially it will be available in the 750d xDrive version, and other top-end models like the 5 Series and the X5 will follow later on. Related Video: News Source: Krone.atImage Credit: BMW BMW Diesel Vehicles Luxury Performance Sedan confirmed vienna motor symposium

30th Anniversary BMW M5 information leaks out

BMW hasn't kept its 30th Anniversary M5 a very big secret. It even hinted that "a surprise" was coming while celebrating its Autobahn-storming sedan's 30th birthday. However, what exactly was on the way has been a mystery... until now. The folks over at Bimmerpost have found some leaked details about the new model, and it's definitely more than just some badges special paint.
The biggest upgrade for the M5 is that power allegedly increases to 592 horsepower (600PS) and 516 pound-feet of torque (700 Newton-meters). That is a 32-hp and 14-lb-ft increase over the standard M5 and 17 ponies more than models with the Competition Package. The forum claims that all of the cars come with a dual-clutch gearbox, even in the US.
Styling also sees an upgrade with BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver Metallic exterior paint, special 20-inch wheels, dark chrome trim and 30th Anniversary badges. The interior mixes Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery with dark aluminum trim and more celebratory badges.