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BMW X3 spied with nip and tuck nearly complete

With the style-driven BMW X4 coming along in development, it looks like some of the forthcoming crossover's design could trickle over to its utilitarian sibling, the X3. Captured in these spy shots, it appears that the 2015 BMW X3 is preparing for a minor facelift, and from what we can tell, the biggest change will center on the CUV's headlights.
There is plenty of camouflage on the front and rear fascias to suggest updates will occur there, too, but we can definitely tell that the X3 will be getting LED-equipped headlights - at least as an option, anyway. The halos are slightly different from the current offering and there is also an LED strip above the headlights used as turn signal indicators. Another interesting thing we notice in these pictures is the nub at the bottom of the grille (also visible in recent X4 spy shots). While this could be some sort of test sensor for this prototype, it could also be a front-mounted camera for a possible parking assist system.
We don't expect any changes to the powertrain and we're not sure what updates could be in store for the interior, but we're guessing that that the 2015 X3 will debut shortly after the X4 goes on sale next year.

Recharge Wrap-up: Portland's Electric Avenue, hacking a Tesla

Portland, Oregon has opened a city block set aside for electric vehicles. Dubbed "Electric Avenue," the EV-only zone replaces one that was taken over by new construction. The new Electric Avenue is an improvement, though, with four universal, 50-kW fast chargers and two Level 2 chargers. Currently, charging is free when customers pay for the metered parking. Portland's original Electric Avenue became a gathering place for EV drivers and an opportunity for companies to test charging technology. Read more at Ecomento. Hackers Kevin Mahaffey and Marc Rogers discussed hacking a Tesla Model S at the Def Con hacking conference. They outlined the car's vulnerabilities, particularly regarding the central information display, instrument cluster and the gateway. The hackers were able to exert control over certain subsystems, but they also pointed out some of the ways in which the car is protected from outside manipulation. Among other things, they were able to turn the car on and off, lock and unlock the doors, control the brakes under five mph, and shift the car into neutral above five mph. Tesla, who was also on hand for the presentation, has patched many of the vulnerabilities. Read more at Tom's Hardware. The BMW i3 is now available through DriveNow in Copenhagen, Denmark. After the carsharing program's success with the electric car in Germany, the UK and US, BMW (which owns DriveNow along with car rental company Sixt) has created a fleet of 400 i3 EVs in the Danish capital. With the help of bus operator Arriva, the BMW fleet is interconnected with public transportation. "Here in Copenhagen we are now already witnessing mobility of the future," says BMW's Dr. Bernhard Blattel. "It is on-demand technology, interconnected, quiet and electric." Read more in the press release below. Four hundred BMW i3 for interconnected mobility in Copenhagen. BMW i supports the improvement of life-quality in cities; Electric car sharing as the key component; DriveNow with the BMW i3 shortly also in Copenhagen, directly interconnected with public transport. Copenhagen. Following the successful introduction of the BMW i3 to the DriveNow fleets in Germany, the UK and the USA, the next major step is being taken with the commissioning of 400 BMW i3 in Copenhagen on September 3rd 2015. What is new here is an all-electric fleet which is also interconnected with public transport.

BMW reveals X4 M40i performance crossover

The first details and images of the new BMW X4 M40i leaked out Tuesday, and now the Bavarian automaker has released all of the information on its new performance crossover. The latest model in BMW's M Performance line offers an array of upgrades over the existing X4, and they start under the hood. That's where Munich fitted a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six based on the one found in the X4 xDrive35i (whose place this model takes at the top of the X4 lineup). The engine is tuned to deliver 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the twin-scroll turbocharger, the engine also boasts variable cams and valves, as well as a high-precision injection system. This translates to a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds – a figure which BMW cites as "best-in-class." Power is channeled to all four corners through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a re-calibrated xDrive system that's biased to the rear wheels. Naturally the suspension has been upgraded as well, with increased camber, stiffer springs, reinforced stabilizers front and rear, and active dampers. The steering rack has also been retuned. You'll be able to tell the M40i model from lesser X4s by its enhanced appearance. Though the aero kit looks largely the same as the stock version, BMW has fitted the M Performance model with metallic accents, 19- (or available 20-) inch alloys wearing Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, and a variable sport exhaust. Inside, it's also upgraded with a unique steering wheel, shifter, sports seats, and specific badging. This adds up to a crossover that may not be a full-on M model, but promises up the performance quotient significantly over the rest of the X4 line. THE NEW BMW X4 M40i - World premiere of the new inline 6 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine. - Intelligent BMW xDrive: four-wheel drive with rear-wheel-drive characteristics. - A sporty chassis specifically tuned to M Performance specifications. Woodcliff Lake, N.J.- September 30, 2015... Today, with the introduction of the new BMW X4 M40i, the successful BMW X4 has gained a new top model. In the Sports Activity Coupe segment (SAC), the BMW X4 M40i is setting new standards with enhanced driving dynamics and best-in-segment acceleration. The new BMW X4 M40i will be available at dealers starting February 2016. Design. The exterior of the new BMW X4 M40i makes it stand out as a clear member of the BMW M Performance family.