SPIED: BMW X1 Tries Out M Sport Package

The idea of an M-Package is hardly fresh news for BMW as the Bavarian automaker has been spiffing up its normal production models with sports accessories for years now, the most recent recipients being the latest 5-Series sedan and Touring, and the X3 SUV. Next up on the menu is BMW's smallest crossover model, the X1, which went on sale in Europe and other markets in March 2010, but won't arrive in the U.S. until later in 2011.

As with other M Sport Package models in the range, the upgrades for the X1 will include a host of unique styling cues inside and out, plus larger alloy wheel designs shod in wider tires and a sports tuned suspension.

The prototype models of the X1 with the M Sport Package that were spied by our man with the long lens in Germany had most of the aero parts covered in BMW's traditional swoopy wrap. These include the modified front and rear bumpers plus the new side skirts. Being prototype models, the X1s seen here appear to be fitted with normal alloys, however the actual M Sport Package will offer buyers a choice of special wheel designs.

Inside, while the test car seem pretty much stock, it is certain that BMW will adorn the cabin with M-Sport-sourced steering wheel, handbrake lever, gearbox knob and pedals, as well as unique trim and upholstery for the sports seats. Expect the M Sport Package to join BMW's option list early next year.

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New Spy Shots of 2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

Here are the latest spy shots of the forthcoming successor to the current 1-Series hatchback. Being that BMW has confirmed the launch of a smaller model with front-wheel drive, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian automaker will keep the 1-Series moniker or baptize its new C-segment hatch as the 2-Series.

Tipped for launch in late 2011, the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, will incorporate BMW's new and softer (as in more mainstream) design language with a more pronounced front grille. Our spy pictures also show the revamped interior with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver.

The big news, however, concerns the available powertrains. Just the other week, BMW revealed that the next 1-Series and 3-Series models as well as its upcoming FWD supermini, will all be offered with a hybrid engine.

In addition to the hybrid model(s), inside sources having been spreading the word that engine choices will include a new generation of four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units. Chances are that the six-cylinder engines will be carried over more or less unchanged from the current model.

When it enters the market next year, the 1-Series' successor will be available in three-door (see the spy shots here) and five-door hatchback body-styles, with the Coupe and Convertible versions to follow later on.

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BMW Sends Draped 1 Series M Coupe for a Photo Shoot in Paris

Welcome to another round of insignificant teaser pictures of BMW's upcoming 1 Series M Coupe. This time, the Bavarians took a pre-production version of the high-performance compact coupe over to the Arc de Triomphe, just off the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, for a quick photo shoot. Once again, the car was fully wrapped so nothing really new to see here. And before you ask, we don't know anything about the man or the young woman posing with the car.

BMW hasn't really given out any specific details about the car, but we do know it will be powered by a turbocharged straight six producing somewhere around 350-ponies with the Germans also hinting that it's meant to be a spiritual successor to the original E30 M3 of the late 1980s / early 1990s.

The newest member of BMW's 'M' model family is scheduled to be launched into the market sometime next year.

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