New BMW 1-series bows with turbo four-cylinder power across the lineup

Meet the next-generation BMW 1-series. The upcoming baby Bimmer will sport all twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engines burning either gasoline or diesel, hauling around a car that's grown in every dimension except height. BMW also is expanding its use of eight-speed automatic transmissions to the 1-series lineup and making the BMW EfficientDynamics technology package standard.

New BMW M3 and M4 engine secrets laid bare

BMW's M division has lifted the veil of secrecy on the inline six-cylinder engine bound for its upcoming M3 sedan and new-to-the-range M4 coupe and convertible, revealing a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter direct injection gasoline unit that produces an official 424 hp at 7,500 rpm and what officials describe as "significantly more than 369 lb-ft" of torque. The newly developed engine, known under the internal codename S55 B30, shares its 84.0 mm bore and 89.6 mm stroke with BMW's standard turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder direct-injection gasoline mill, the M55 used across the German car maker's lineup, endowing the aluminum block unit with an overall swept volume of 2,979 cc. This represents a sizeable 990 cc reduction on the engine BMW's M division's new unit replaces, the S65.

Jeep Altitude models debut in spring

The Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler will feature Altitude trims for 2014, joining the Patriot and Compass. The special editions will arrive in showrooms this spring. The Altitude came to be through a contest Jeep held two years ago around the time of the Houston Auto Show.