BMW reveals 3-Series Gran Turismo

This is the new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo, a longer, taller, hatchbacked version of BMW's compact hero that's perfect for... erm, actually we're not quite sure what the 3 GT is perfect for. Truth is, we're struggling to figure out quite what it brings to a world already containing the most excellent 3-Series saloon and Touring.

So help us, please. We shall furnish you with the 3 GT's vital stats, and then you shall explain its grand purpose in life. No pressure.

You'll remember BMW has previous in this department: in 2009 it released the rather unloved BMW 5-Series GT. That car was important for us because it previewed the excellent chassis of the (then) new 5-Series. So what's this one all about?

BMW recalls 750,000 cars due to electrical problem (March 2007 and July 2011)

BMW is recalling about 750,000 of its vehicles in the United States, Japan, Canada and South Africa due the chance of an electrical failure that may cause the cars to stall unexpectedly, U.S. regulators and the company said.

Vehicles sold in Germany, BMW's home market, and the rest of Europe are not involved in the recall.

The recall affects Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's popular 3-Series sedans, convertibles, coupes and sports wagons, as well as its 1-Series coupes and convertibles and Z4 two-seat roadsters. In some markets, the X1 crossover vehicle is also part of the recall.

The affected vehicles were built between March 2007 and July 2011.

BMW M4 rendered again

This rendering of the BMW M4 Coupe comes to us courtesy of BimmerPost.com.

Based on the 4-Series Coupe Concept, this is yet another tastefully done render of the M4 which has been fitted with a 1M/M6-like front bumper and the usual M side skirts. It also shows a significant hood bulge, bigger M alloy wheels, a carbon fiber roof and wider fenders.

Radion Design envisions the BMW M9

Radion Design has created some new renderings of their BMW M9.

Toyota to share its fuel-cell tech with BMW

Nikkei is reporting BMW will soon be using Toyota's fuel-cell vehicle technology.

A final agreement between the two parties is very close and would allow BMW to use Toyota's drivetrain and hydrogen storage tech. The German company will develop a prototype within the next three years and is expected to launch a production model by 2020.

Recently, BMW and Toyota have been expanding their R&D connections as back in December 2011 they agreed to work together on green car tech, including co-developing lithium-ion batteries. As part of this collaboration, BMW would provide Toyota with diesel engines for the cars sold in Europe. In June 2012, Toyota and BMW agreed to cooperate in the development of fuel cells for a future sports car.