According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), BMW is investigating approximately 7,600 vehicles.  All affected models are 2012 model years manufactured from October 19, 2011 through March 18, 2012.  In oder the fix the problem, certified dealers will attach a clamp to the front head rest posts so that the restraint won’t move without warning.  This remedy will take place at no extra cost to owners who will begin to receive their notifications during the month of May.

Source: NHTSA

The vehicles affected are all equipped with either the new twin turbocharged V8 or V12 engine.  When BMW of North America puts the recall into play during April of this year, 2011 model year 550i sedans and Gran Turismo vehicles will be affected.  In addition, certain 2012 model years of the 650i convertible and V12 powered 760 sedans are at risk as well as the v8 powered X6 and X5 SUVs.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 2,846 BMWs are going to be recalled.  In order to remedy the issue, certified dealerships will replace the auxiliary water pump at no extra cost to owners.

Source: NHTSA

They have the regular staples, like the new 3-Series, but they have also brought the new electric-powered 1-series, the i-series couple i8 and i3, a hybrid 5-Series, a K1600GT motorcycle, and a beautiful one-off Frozen Monte Carlo Blue M3. They also revealed the all-new (to the US) X1, the new M6 coupe and convertible, the 6-Series Grand Coupe, they have an updated X6M and they also brought along the new M5.

Talk about bringing the whole herd. To take a look at all the vehicles BMW brought to the 3rd floor of the Jacob Javits Center this year, check out the high-resolution gallery below. You will not be disappointed.

Photos Copyright Christian Moe © 2012

The recall is expected to begin during April 2012 but until then, BMW doesn’t want to take any chances.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker is asking owners to park their sedans and coupes outside until the fix has been made.  So far, a potential 367,682 vehicles are at risk including 2004 through 2010 5-Series and 6-Series models.  Also affected are 2006 through 2010 M5 super sedans as well as 2007 through 2010 M6 hot-rod coupes.  In order to remedy the problem, BMW will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection and do so at no extra cost to owners.

Source: NHTSA

According to Autoblog.com, a report from the UK indicates that BMW has filed for a patent to produce “products” with the Triumph name attached.  This could just mean that the production of simple merchandise such as watches and or jewelry but it could also mean a rebadged Z4.  In the past, there had been talks of a less expensive version of the BMW roadster with a Triumph name but nothing really came of it.  Whether or not a remake is born, the patent means something new and British is about to hit the market.

Source: Autoblog.com

This newest concept comes with BMW’s Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline six with 300+ horsepower, upgraded 18-inch M-branded wheels, M Performance suspension upgrades and a full body kit. While all these upgrades make for one aggressive machine, keen eyes will notice this new concept is a 3-door.

The 3-door shape was chosen over the mire traditional 5-door model for appearance purposes, with BMW saying that the 3-door design has “a more dynamic and elongated appearance.”

We have a certain affinity for fast hatches, and this one hits all the right buttons. If BMW can make this new concept a production reality, there is at least one buyer in the wings. Unfortunately, history has shown that even if produced North American availability is unlikely.

More details will be coming forth after its official debut at the Geneva Auto Show.

Labeled as the BMW 640d xDrive, this new Bimmer comes equipped with a 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. This engine produces a modest 313 hp, but a mountainous 465 lb/ft of torque. Those numbers are enough to push the new oil-burner from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The xDrive all-wheel-drive system adds an additional level of capability to the luxury coupe, allowing owners to take their pride and joy out in weather that is less than hospitable. With competitors like Porsche and Mercedes offering AWD on various models, BMW has taken a strong stance to declare its dominance in the all-weather luxury market.

While this move will undoubtedly bring forth the wrath of many of BMW’s faithful drivers, this can viewed  nothing short of a brilliant business decision. With AWD and the fuel performance of a diesel wrapped into an attractive and dynamic package, BMW has created a competitive alternative to the luxury SUVs that are clogging the roads of the world.

Bravo BMW.

Check out our full gallery of high-resolution photos below.

According to Car and Driver Magazine, the new parts line differ from previous upgrades in that these will get exclusive input from the M Division.  Unlike past exhaust and suspension parts, the soon-to-be available M Performance series will not simply be stuff pulled off of M Cars.  For instance, past consumers had the ability to swap a M3 body kit onto a 328Ci but this time around, it will be a lot more exclusive.  In an interview between the magazine and BMW themselves, it was revealed that, “all future performance parts will be BMW M Performance Parts.  [The previous] BMW Performance Parts were designed without input from BMW M.” 

Source: Car and Driver

To prove that history repeats itself, BMW will release the two versions of the M6 at separate times.  First up will be the drop top this summer followed a few months later by the coupe.  Both versions will share identical running gear and suspensions and both versions will be street ripping terrors.  Motivating the rear wheels is the same 4.4 liter, DOHC V8 found in the current F10 M5.  Two turbochargers, dual VANOS variable valve timing, cross-bank exhaust manifolds and direct injection help the high-revving mill pump out 560 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque.  Connected to the V8 will be BMW’s own seven speed dual clutch automated manual with launch control and various shift personalities.  BMW has yet to confirm a manual transmission option, but hope shouldn’t be lost as the M5 will soon get a third pedal option.  The M6 could follow suit but even with just two pedals, both the hard top and convertible versions will rocket to 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.2 and 4.3 seconds respectively.  When equipped with option M Driver’s Package, top speed is raised to a still limited 189 mph. 

Straight line speed isn’t the only thing in the world, so BMW engineers utilized a plethora of M chassis technology to make sure the M6 will stick to the road and or track.  M-Specific Dynamic Dampers, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential further help separate the car from the base 6-Series.  New dampers and steering are not the only things added to make the M6 as the body and chassis have been extensively stiffened.  The entire rear subframe has been redone and the roof of the hard top is made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.  Making sure the insane velocity can come to a halt when needed will be a BMW first: M carbon-ceramic brakes.  With 16.1 inch front rotors, the system will not only save 40 lbs off the standard brakes, but should fade only never. 

Dynamically, the M6 models will be more than competent but that won’t be their ultimate appeal.  What will surely attract buyers is the car’s fluid but muscular body lines.  Gone from the 2012 and 2013 Convertible and Coupe are the previous M6′s curvaceous bumpers and fenders, replaced with quintessential cuts and angles.  The front bumper features lower and wider intake ducts and a massively aggressive lip.  The hood slopes ever so slightly to the angular kidney grille and meshes just right with the wide fender flares.  Featuring the same indented door sills as the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the M6′s profile looks downright tough.  That strength continues on to the rear as a big and functioning diffuser drips over the big, dual exhaust tips.  No longer overly flashy, the M6 is finally elegant where the previous car was a bit too extraverted. 

Inside will be a myriad of M exclusive trim pieces to keep the theme alive.  A new, M double spoke steering wheel, M seats, M guage cluster, M gear selector and M vehicle control knob will make sure the M6 is in fact a M car.  The words “carbon” and “fiber” will be placed together for various trim pieces while illuminated door sills will add to the novelty.  A heads up display made specific for the car’s output will ensure no shifts are missed and technology such as Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Control and around view cameras will make sure the M6 stays pretty and safe.  Navigation and a Bang & Olufsen High- End premium sound system will be optional on both the convertible and coupe.  BMW has yet to announce pricing, but it is safe to say that both hot-rod 6ers will not be cheap.  Even still, they surely will be exciting, fast and beautiful for years to come.

Source: BMW

Like its soon-to-be rivals, the Gran Coupe blends the size of the middle-child sedans with the elegant power of the grand touring coupes.  Just as the Audi A7 is an offspring of the A5 and A6, the four door 6er is a blend of the 5-Series and 6-Series coupe.  “The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé marks the beginning of a new chapter. It is BMW’s first four-door coupé and combines uncompromising driving dynamics with exclusive elegance and breath-taking design,” said Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, head of BMW brand communications.  With a length of more than 5,000 millimeters and a nearly 3,000 millimeter wheelbase, the Gran Coupe looks to be somewhat spacious as its larger in both aspects than the CLS and A7.  The rear seats fold down to offer up to 1,265 liters of cargo capacity but there is no hatchback access like the Audi.  With its bold, shark-nose front, swooping hood and widened fenders, the four door 6er certainly looks executive.  The overly rounded face of the last 6-Series is thankfully gone and the muscle continues on to the profile.  This is easily the Gran Coupe’s most striking angle as the roof and C-pillar appear to go on for ever.  Indented door sills help the length deception and by no means is this BMW ugly.  It would seem that the German company is finally getting back to its roots that were once lost when a man by the name Chris Bangle was working. 

When it makes its showroom debut, the Gran Sport will come in three variants: fast, faster and efficient.  The base car will be given the 640i badge and will be powered by BMW’s award winning twin-scroll, direct injected TwinPower straight six.  This dual VANOS petrol powered block will pump out a stout “320″ horsepower and spin the rear wheels via the new, ZF eight speed automatic.  For more oomph, the 650i can be ordered with the twin turbocharged 450 horsepower V8.  Oddly enough, a diesel engine will be able to fitted under the Gran Coupe’s chiseled hood.  The 640d will pump out a solid 313 horsepower using common rail injection and variable sequential turbos.  It’s torque figure of 465 lb-ft and near 50 mpg highway fuel economy will surely impress even more.  All wheel drive can be made available on the V8 and BMW’s electric steering and selective dampers will come standard on all variants. 

The executive four door coupe segment is honestly not crowded, which makes building a success story seem difficult.  Even still, both Mercedes-Benz and Audi have hit home runs with their versions so why not BMW?  The 6-Series Gran Coupe certainly looks the part, has the size and will be smooth as butter no mater how it gets its power to the ground.  Separating it from the pack will innovative features such as BMW Parking Assistant, Collision Warning with Active Braking, Heads Up Display and Speed Limit Info.  What will also serve as a stand out will be BMW’s uncanny ability to astound drivers to the point where words simply can not describe how these cars operate.