2011 Bmw M3 Convertible Sport Navigation Xenon Cold Weather $75k+msrp One-owner on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

BMW M2 reportedly green-lit

A BMW M2 is on the way, according to a sub-forum in the Bimmerpost empire. Of course, we're actively enjoying a few grains of salt, just to be safe, as the post doesn't mention explicit sources, saying only that "multiple inside sources (who have been accurate in the past)," have confirmed the car.
Provided the forum is correct, though, there's some juicy information here. Production is allegedly slated for late fall 2015, with deliveries likely starting in early 2016. The new sports coupe should arrive with 365 to 375 horsepower, courtesy of an upgraded version of BMW's N55 turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six.
The report claims BMW also considered a modified version of the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Mini Cooper S. That engine, known internally as the B48, would have been called the S48 for M2 duty, a significance that we're sure BMW purists would appreciate (the only BMW engine to wear an S designation was the four-cylinder from the legendary E30 M3).

Mercedes and VW battling Uber and Apple to spend billions on Nokia mapping division

Whether for autonomous driving or simply better navigation, digital mapping is closely linked with the future of motoring. The sale of a major player in that industry is spurring a showdown between automotive behemoths and tech giants, and it's a fascinating battle to watch unfold. Nokia is selling its Here mapping division, and while the company might not have the name recognition of Google, it controls about 70 percent of the auto market. The business is valued at $785 million, according to Reuters, but is likely to sell for significantly more. Case in point: Uber reportedly submitted a $3 billion bid. Apple has also been rumored to be among those interested in purchasing Here. A trio of German automotive heavyweights is mounting a challenge to Silicon Valley, though. According to Reuters speaking to two unnamed insiders, Daimler, BMW, and Audi are teaming up to submit a joint bid for an undisclosed sum. They're worried that if Here falls under the control of tech companies, then automakers might have limited availability to these vital maps in the future. Nokia bought Here for $8.1 billion in 2007, according to Reuters. The company operates a fleet of vehicles with cameras and LIDAR that drive around the world to create high-definition maps. It also generates even more information by using the GPS data from shipping and trucking companies.