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BMW M4 sheds some camouflage for latest test run

Last time we saw the upcoming BMW M4 out testing, it was heavily clad with camouflage and decidedly homely looking (as most early development mules are). But in this latest set of photos, the M3 coupe successor has started to come into its own skin, and we're seeing a shape more closely akin to that of a rendering we brought you a few months back.
Unsurprisingly, the M4 coupe looks very similar to the 4 Series Concept that BMW debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. And while non-M version of the 4er will likely look a bit more sedate, these spy shots clearly show an aggressive front fascia, large wheels and the usual quad-exhaust rounding out the rear end.
Naturally, the M3 sedan will launch before this M4 coupe (and convertible), and powertrain details are still unclear as of this writing. We understand that the current M3's naturally aspirated V8 will be axed in favor of some sort of turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and we've heard plenty of rumors as to what, exactly, it might be, but we have yet to hear any official confirmation.

Apple Car's latest EV secret? Magna could be its new Foxconn

There have been rumors and noises and noisey rumors about a potential EV from Apple. We certainly don't know what's true and what's not, but a new whisper says that the California computer company might be secretly working on an upcoming electric car in Berlin. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which cited "sources with knowledge," there are about 15-20 "progressive thinkers" working on the car in Berlin. FAZ comes up with a few more details for this potential EV, including that the first-gen might not be autonomous. The small car might be available by like 2019 or 2020 and that it might be available through car sharing as well as purchase. The most concrete new detail that FAZ offers up is that Apple will build the car in Germany with automotive supplier Magna. That sure does mesh well with a statement from Magna CEO Don Walker from last year, when he said: We are, in my opinion, the best contract manufacturer in the world. [With] our ability to do small-volume niche vehicle production and help with the engineering and the launch and the procurement ... we'd be a logical person for anybody if they have small volume or [are] a new entrant coming out. Plus, it's not like Apple CEO Tim Cook understands auto manufacturing and already uses outside help like Foxconn to build its computer products. Lyle Dennis, who now runs Apple Car Fans, told AutoblogGreen that he thinks this rumor about the Germany connection is true. "I suspect this is real," he said. "There have been discussions between Apple and BMW. It wouldn't surprise me if they did build the Apple car there." Well, maybe those discussions happened and maybe they didn't.Related Video: News Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung via Apple Car Fans Green Rumormill BMW Electric Magna project titan

BMW M3 and M4 will rock 430 hp from twin-turbo six with standard manual [w/video]

We're not sure which spec we're most intrigued by for the new BMW M3 and M4: the twin-turbo six-cylinder with 430 horsepower and "far beyond" 369 pound-feet of torque, the 3,300-pound curb weight or the standard six-speed manual transmission with automatic throttle blipping on downshifts. That engine is fitted with both Valvetronic and Double-Vanos, twin-wire arc-spray coating in the cylinders instead of liners to save weight, a track-ready cooling system with additional radiators, a forged crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication and a magnesium oil sump. BMW says its "high revving concept" has a redline beyond 7,500 rpm.
In the M4, it will be pulling a coupe with "a weight of just under 1,500 kilograms," which is 3,300 pounds to you and me. That number is said to include no driver and 90 percent fuel, but we're still waiting on the exact number and specs. BMW says it's "around 80 kilograms lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model," putting the power-to-weight ratio at something like 7.68 pounds per horsepower at the same time as it helps reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the roof, drive shaft (with no center bearing), trunk and front strut brace, and forged aluminum for suspension components, have aided in the weight loss. This time around, the sedan - the M3 - will also get a CFRP roof.
The default option will be a six-speed manual.