BMW M135i and xDrive All-Wheel-Drive Confirmed for Next-Gen Cars

Although the BMW 1 Series was introduced in the U.S. as a 2008 model, it had been sold overseas since 2004. Next year, BMW will release its second-generation car in the U.S., albeit now with a few new features, specifically, xDrive all-wheel drive and an M135i sport package.

BMW enthusiast site BimmerPost recently obtained a German ordering catalog for the new performance parts, which will be introduced at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. While bigger, slotted brakes for better cooling are nice accessories to have, BMW made mention of its M135i sport package and all-wheel drive models for parts ordering. BMW had not confirmed either model before the catalog.

We expect the BMW M135i to slot into the automaker’s new M Performance sub-brand below its full-on M models (M3, M5, etc.). It is expected to have a 320-horsepower version of BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine.

The 135i xDrive is expected to come in as a top-range model, as the automaker has never before sold an all-wheel-drive 1 Series. It will likely share its mechanical bits with the upcoming 3 Series xDrive.

Unfortunately, all of these options were shown on what BMW refers to as the “F20″ version of the 1 Series, that is, a five-door hatchback. The U.S. isn’t expected to get that model, as BMW has confirmed the X1 compact crossover will be taking on the entry-level urban hauler role in the U.S. once the company can meet demand elsewhere in the world. However, as a new 1 Series is expected soon, we’re likely to get a coupe, convertible, and likely a sedan version this time around, sufficing for our current lack of entry-level BMW models.

Sources: BimmerPost.com, BMW

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Needlessly Camouflaged 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Shares Screen With Next-Gen Altima

The all-new Nissan Pathfinder SUV concept made its debut at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Heck, the automaker mercilessly teased the public and the press as early as December 2011 with silhouettes of the full-sized crossover and even a short video of its rear. The Nissan Pathfinder concept also made an appearance at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show for even more photo opportunities.

So why did Nissan even bother to camouflage the Pathfinder SUV concept again? In the video below, the Pathfinder gets out its camo to, again, hide its identity as it takes a 1,500-mile trek in cold weather states like Alaska and Colorado. Was the camo put back to keep the Nissan Pathfinder concept warm or something? For psychological comfort? You’re out and about, Nissan Pathfinder. Be proud of it.

Making a cameo appearance in the video is what we’re assuming is the next-generation 2013 Nissan Altima. More comprehensively camouflaged than the Pathfinder, and only appearing on screen for a couple of moments, the breadwinner sedan follows the Pathfinder through its cold weather testing like a lost puppy. We’ll see more of the Altima at the New York Auto Show in April. For now, check out what little there is to see of it yourself below.

Source: YouTube

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