Lexus RC F Once Again Challenges BMW M4 on the Track (video)

The duel between the Lexus RC F and the BMW M4 has become a sort of a classic one, with Auto Express being the latest media outlet to compare the two sports coupes.

Their comparative review only takes place on the track, and with the Lexus RC F weighing around 200 kg (441 lbs) more than the BMW, it’s not hard to figure out which car is better for a circuit outing.

Still, in a way the Lexus RC F is closer to the previous-generation BMW M3 Coupe than its successor, the M4. It is powered by a naturally aspirated V8, while the M4 has gone the turbocharged route and returned to a straight-six engine. While it is heavier than the M4, the Japanese coupe is more powerful as well, but will that be enough to beat the BMW on the track? Scroll down to find out from the video.

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BMW X4 Concept

The styling of the X4 is the work of BMW head designer Karim Habib and his team, who lifted the template from the X6 and applied the same recipe on the more compact platform of the X3, with the front and rear ends of the crossover drawing inspiration from the latest 3-Series F30 and the upcoming 4-series Coupe.

Like many other concept models from BMW, this one too is well over 90 percent ready for production, as only minor details will change, such as the door mirrors, the trims of the bumpers, and the use of smaller wheels (the study rides on 21-inch rims).

With a body length of 4,648mm (183-inches), a width of 1,915mm (75.4 inches) and a height of 1,622mm (63.9 inches), is very close in dimensions to the X3, with which it shares the same wheelbase length of 2,810mm (110.6-inches).

BMW doesn't show the interior nor does it mention anything about the X4's powertrain lineup, but it's almost guaranteed that both will be sourced from the X3 (the cabin likely with some subtle trim differences).

That said, if you take a look at the more powerful diesel and gasoline engine options available for the X3 in your region then you will have a very good idea of what the X4 will be offered with next year. These will include the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four for the X4 28i, and the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six for the X4 35i in North America.

BMW has confirmed that the X4 will be built alongside the X3, X5 and X6 at its Spartanburg plant in the USA.

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BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe with M Sport Package

As far as wheels are concerned, the $4,200/$4,400 M Sport Package for the 6-Series Gran Coupe, which is currently sold in the States, the 640i, 650i and the AWD 650iX, adds a set of 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, with BMW also offering the option of 20-inch rims at an extra cost of $1,300 (€980).

Naturally, there are many choices in the market for those who would like to further personalize their 6-Series Gran Coupe looks in the wheels department, with Vossen being one of them.

The Florida-based aftermarket specialist fitted a 640i saloon with its VVS-CV3 Matte Black Machined 22-inch rims, while also using a lowering spring kit from H&R.

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BMW Active Tourer Concept

The Active Tourer Concept as well as the production vehicle it will spawn next year are based on the BMW Group's UKL1 platform that will be available in two lengths.

The tall-five door hatchback has an exterior length of 4,350mm (171.2-inches), a width of 1,834mm (72.2-inches) and a total height of 1,560mm (61.4-inches), while it rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 2,670mm (105.2-inches).

For reference, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class measures 4,359mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,557mm tall.

According to BMW, the study is geared towards "customers of the premium segment who appreciate a high level of comfort, a raised seating position and a generous amount of space," adding that it will also be attractive to families "who attach importance to functionality and versatility as well as lifestyle and athletic flair."

The design of the Concept Active Tourer is in line with BMW's newest creations, namely the 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series models.

While the exterior won't change much (think of less fancy trim and 16- instead of 20-inch wheels), the design of the five-seat interior will evidently be toned down several notches when the car enters production within the next year.

Some notable features include the large panoramic glass roof, the versatile luggage compartment thanks to the variable rear backrests, which can be split 40/20/40, and a clip-on track system that allows folding tables to be easily added to the back of the front seats.

Under the hood, the concept sports a plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprising BMW's newly released 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels, and a synchronous electric motor that acts on the rear axle, and which if necessary, can power the car on its own.

BMW says the total system output is in excess of 188hp (190PS), which is good enough for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of under eight seconds and a top speed of around 200km/h (124mph).

It returns an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5lt/100km (94mpg US or 112.9mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of less than 60g/km. Keep in mind the aforementioned consumption figure is with the use of the battery that can power the car by itself for more than 30 kilometers (19 miles).

It remains to be seen if the production 1-Series GT will be offered with hybrid / plug-in hybrid drivetrains, but it is certain that BMW's new 1.5-liter turbochaharged petrol and diesel engines will be on the list.

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BMW XS Crossover

The BMW XS Concept seen in these renderings is the work of George Manolache, a self-taught 2D/3D artist and graphic designer from Romania.

Manolache's detailed design study is for a hydrogen-powered, luxury crossover with a bulky front end that looks over to BMW's past and its 1950s and 1960s creations like the 501 and 502 sedan models for inspiration.

The rest of the vehicle, however, is modern with clean lines and four sliding doors that open up to reveal an equally contemporary interior with a minimalistic design.

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2013 BMW X6M

The first official photos of the high-performance 2013 X6 M, which gains the same cosmetic touches as the rest of the series while maintaining the mechanical hardware of the 2012 model.

At the front end of the sports crossover, the new X6M gets a tinkered double kidney grille with different slats that angle in the lower section and redesigned headlamps with LED units fitted as standard. At the rear end of the car, we find adaptive new LED headlights.

A couple new colors for the body and some new leather trims inside complete the subtle revisions for the new model year.

We'll remind you that the X6M sports a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 lump that pushes out 555-horses at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm (501.5 lb-ft) of peak torque from 1,500 to 5,650 rpm to all four wheels through a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission.

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