BMW planning M5 with diesel, all-wheel drive?

It wasn't that long ago that a BMW with all-wheel drive – or really, anything other than rear-wheel drive – would have seemed downright apocryphal. But these days the Bavarian automaker offers traction at all four corners on a growing variety of vehicles... including the X5 M and X6 M crossovers. But an M5? If you shudder at the thought, you may want to stop reading here, because word on the street is that BMW is not only planning to place an extra driveshaft in the M5, but also give it – gasp! – a diesel.The rumors are sparked by an apparently official document that includes a model designated M550dX. The first letter and number we all know and love. The 50 reportedly refers to a new triple-turbo diesel inline-six set to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The D, of course, refers to the diesel fuel it will burn, and the X for all-wheel drive.Although most M cars these days carry simpler names like M3 and M5, enthusiasts will note that one of the division's first products was the M535i of 1979, which came along long before the first M5 in 1984. Could BMW be planning on returning to this nomenclature for its first diesel, all-wheel-drive performance sedan? We'll have to wait and see.

Spy Shots: 2014 BMW M3 caught packing new turbocharged inline six

As we reported earlier this year, the current E90/E92 BMW M3 will be the last of the naturally aspirated M cars, and if recent rumors are to be believed, BMW will adapt the single-turbo N55 inline-six for duty in our favorite 3 Series. But how many turbos?Some reports indicate two, while others say three (two traditional snails and an electric turbo). But no matter the configuration, expect output to be up over 450 horsepower and torque to swell to nearly 400 pound-feet.Regardless of what's under the hood, development of the next M3 is well underway in Germany as BMW gears up for the release of the standard 3 Series successor.This first batch of M3 spy shots don't show much aside from blacked-out 19-inch wheels, a widened body sans hood bulge and quartet of exhaust pipes. Stylistically, the next 3er is set to take cues from the recently revealed i brand, including new "angle eye" LED daytime running lamps that are flat on the top and bottom, and fitted to a more upright, angular fascia.The fully redesigned 3 is set to debut later this year, with sales beginning in early 2012. As for the M3, don't expect it to hit until 2013 and 2014 model.

Subaru teases XV crossover ahead of Frankfurt

If you were smitten by the Subaru XV concept, Fuji Heavy Industries is ready to make your dreams a reality at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. Influenced by the concept that debuted in Shanghai this April, the production version of Subaru's next generation crossover is set to land in European showrooms later this year. For those of us in the States, you'll know the XV as the Impreza Outback, although it's unclear if the Euro-XV will form the basis of the next Outback wagon or another variant of the Impreza. We'll know soon enough once we hit the floor in Germany.

BMW 3 Series Touring drops some camo

BMW builds a great wagon. You would be forgiven for forgetting that, what with the recent product lineup featuring the ugly duckling, hunchback-shaped 5 Series GT and physics-defying X6. Over yonder Atlantic pond, the European market gets to play with the 5 Series Touring while we're left to wait for an updated 3 Series Touring. Looks like our wait is nearly over.Our spy photographers snapped a camo-clad 3 Series wagon undergoing testing. We assume that involves cramming it with groceries, puppies, hockey equipment and golf clubs. The 3 Series is due for its update, and we're excited to see what it looks like under all of that Starry Night-inspired camouflage. Now, if we could convince BMW to give us back the 5 Series Touring, we'd cut off our ear to show our gratitude. - Autoblog