We recently posted a video of BMW engineers testing the new X5 M prototype around the Nürburgring, but a new video has surfaced starring the upcoming X6 M. In this video, ride along with some of BMW's development team and learn about some of the aspects that this high-performance X6 will bring to the road.

+ YouTube: BMW X6 M Testing

Starting in late 2009, BMW will offer its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on the new flagship 7-Series, meaning the big Seven will now have more ammunition with which to battle the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. However, BMW has insisted upon keeping the 7's rear-drive dynamics intact, so while other BMW xDrive vehicles have a 40 percent front and 60 percent rear power distribution, the 7 will have a 30:70 rear bias.

In America, all versions of the 7-Series will be available with all-wheel drive, though no U.S.-spec pricing figures have been released at this time. Across the pond, however, AWD will command €2500 to €2800 more than the respective rear-drive models. BMW is currently testing the all-weather 7 in cold climates, but look for the xDrive 7-Series to launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October.

+ Autoblog: BMW to offer 7 Series with xDrive AWD in late 2009

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Americans thinking of buying a BMW in 2009 can expect to pay a little more. BMW of North America announced yesterday that they will raise prices an average of 0.7 percent, effective the first of the year. The price adjustment, exhibitive of the economic climate, is meant to generate revenue and ensure business quality.

The German automaker announced pricing for its new 2009 7-Series in conjunction with the price hike, with the base 750i starting at $81,125 and the stretched 750Li hitting $85,025 (both including destination). Have a closer look at the new 7 above.

Scroll down below to read the full BMW of America press release.

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BMW may have recently announced the next-generation BMW Z4, but it doesn't mean that aftermarket companies are done with the current car. In fact, Germany's DStyle has worked up a rather interesting body kit for both the Z4 coupe and roadster.

Dubbed the Z4CS and Z4RS (CS for coupe, RS for roadster), this body kit is limited to 100 pieces, consisting of a new hood, new bumpers, doors, new side mirrors, side skirts, wider fenders, a sport exhaust system, and the nineteen-inch wheels from the BMW M6. The whole thing can be yours for a mere €8900 ($12,437), though if you wish to have the whole kit constructed out of carbon fiber, it can be arranged -- for a premium.

+ Global Motors: DStyle tuning kit for the BMW Z4 E85 Coupe and Roadster

We've known for quite some time now that BMW is working on an M variant of the current X5 and X6 crossovers. However, instead of being snapped by spy photographers, BMW has gone one step further and created its own video of the X5 M testing around Germany's Nürburgring. The X5 M looks like it should be a pretty thrilling drive, able to do battle with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. We'd expect this car to be ready by late 2009.

+ YouTube: Official spy video: BMW X5 M

Alpina, BMW's tuning specialist, has released a teaser image of the next-generation B7 sedan, based on the 2009 7-Series. As is with the current B7, there will be extensive exterior modifications, such as a custom front lip, larger wheels, and a small spoiler out back.

No official details have been released regarding engine specifications, but expect an extensively reworked version of the 4.4-liter V-8 in the current 750i. There's also talk that BMW's upcoming eight-speed transmission may find its way into the next-generation Alpina B7.

+ Motor Authority: Alpina releases teaser for 2009 B7 BMW 7-Series

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It's no secret that we American automotive journalists are anxiously awaiting the arrival of BMW's new U.S.-spec diesel offerings, the 335d and X5 xDrive35d. In the meantime, however, the folks at Honeywell (who specialize in turbo technologies) provided us with a Euro-spec X5 3.0d for a week in order for us to experience BMW's current diesel offerings.

While it's not as powerful as the upcoming twin-turbo-diesel X5 35d, our test car put out a very adequate 235 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This means the X5 3.0d can scoot from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 8.3 seconds and -- under normal driving habits -- can achieve fuel economy ratings around 26 miles per gallon. Honeywell tells us that if we would have been a bit lighter on the throttle, we could have achieved up to 33 mpg on the highway.

(Click through the post to continue reading this review.)

Hide the children and get ready for the new Roadster Revolution.  All right, it isn't that dramatic unless you're professional blogger and longtime virgin Alex Nunez.  Just joking: he's not a professional.

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Each year, a jury of well-seasoned automotive personnel give out the International Car of the Year awards in a big ceremony to kick off the North American International Auto Show festivities. This year will be no different, and the final nominees have officially been announced. The Dodge Challenger, Ford Flex, and Nissan GT-R will do battle for the International Car of the Year title, while the Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Subaru Forester duke it out for the International Truck of the Year honors.

In addition, the jury will be presenting their first-ever Earth, Wind & Power awards, showcasing cars that help to reduce global warming and promote a cleaner environment. For this new award, the BMW 335d, Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and Jetta SportWagen TDI are the nominees for Car of the Year, and the BMW X5 35d, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec are in the runnings for Truck of the Year.

Which cars will reign supreme? We'll have to wait until the official awards ceremony set to take place on January 10 at Detroit's MGM Grand casino. In the meantime, click through the above gallery to see all of the nominees and stay tuned for the winners.

+ ICOTY

While it’s well known that BMW’s new Z4 roadster is well down the development path at this point, new rumors indicate that the German automaker may also be contemplating a smaller, 1-Series-derived convertible called the Z2 (speculative rendering above).

Such a Z2 would most likely eschew the 1-Series’ straight-six lineup for a four-cylinder engine, with a hybrid drivetrain reportedly also in the mix of possibilities. Any hybrid system would probably of the “mild” variety, taking tech from the 7-Series hybrid that’s due out this summer. The system uses a small electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission, directing power from a lithium-ion battery.

The Z2 would seem to offer a fine mix of top-down BMW driving dynamics, great fuel economy across the engine range, and the kind of packaging that has made the Z range a huge hit for the company.

+ AutoblogGreen: BMW may build hybrid Z2 compact roadster