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BMW X4 Concept images leak ahead of Shanghai debut

Last month, BMW confirmed that its long-awaited X4 crossover would debut next year, but other than imagining a smaller X6-shaped crossover, we really had no idea what the new niche model would look like. That is until a Russian website, Autowp, leaked a handful of embargoed images this morning showing the X4 Concept that will be unveiled in a couple of weeks at the Shanghai Motor Show.
From what we can see of this concept's styling, there are more elements shared with current BMW models than not. The face of the concept is an attractive blend of the current 3 Series sedan and the X3, while the roofline has definitely plucked right from the X6. This thinly veiled concept should carry over almost untouched when it enters production with the exception of the door handles and the overly stylized fascias and side mirrors. According to CarScoops, it will measure the same length as the current X3 and use the same engine lineup as well. Stay tuned, as we'll have more information on this concept shortly.

BMW i3 REx rated at 117 MPGe, 39 mpg with 72-mile EV range

The numbers haven't made their digital way to the EPA's website yet, but we can now confirm that the BMW i3 with range extender will be officially rated at a combined 117 MPGe with 39 mpg once the battery runs out. That puts the amazing little city car just ahead of the pure-electric Fiat 500e (116 MPGE, combined) and behind the Honda Fit EV (118) and the Chevy Spark EV (119). In the plug-in hybrid category, it's at the top of the class, beating out the Honda Accord PHEV, which is rated at 115 MPGe but is also a much bigger vehicle. The i3 REx also has an official all-electric range of 72 miles and can go another 78 on gas (for a total of 150). When it's not carrying around the extra fuel tank and engine, the all-electric i3 gets 124 MPGe (combined), which is the currently the highest in the US. The i3 EV also has an all-electric range of 81 miles. BMW expects to deliver the first i3 REx in the US this week and delivered the first all-electric version earlier this month. There was a bit of a hold-up on the range-extender version thanks to a delay with getting these EPA numbers. Now that all the bureaucratic boxes have been checked, it's off to customer driveways they go.

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.