The X5M and X6M have been announced, and both of them have a juicy twin-turbo V8. The hopped up version of the X6 XDrive48i’s engine throws down 555 horsepower and 501 lb-feet of torque. Both of those numbers are FAR ahead of the 500 horsepower and (seemingly paltry in comparison) 383 lb-feet of torque from the current M5′s naturally-aspirated V10.

2012 BMW M3

Which is why I have reason to believe that this exact same engine, is destined for the next BMW M5 and M6. It’s far less expensive to pump up and turbocharge their oft-used 4.4-liter V8 than to put together a special V10 specifically for the M5 and M6. Turbochargers allow for both high power, MUCH higher torque, and better MPG than the alternative. Not to mention, take a look at the 0-60 times – the BMW M5 throws it down in a claimed 4.7 seconds. The X5M and X6M, porkers both, throw it down in 4.5 seconds, despite being almost 1,000 pounds heavier each than the M5 and M6.

The first Upcoming Cars 2012 BMW 3 Series info has just surfaced the web as the next generation model was caught on camera while testing on the Nurburgring. Unfortunately, the car in the spy photos is heavily camouflaged, but it does seem to be the sedan version.

2012 BMW M3

The Upcoming Cars 2012 BMW 3 Series is expected to hit the showroom floor on the EU market sometime next year, with the USA market following soon. The 2012 BMW 3 Series Touring and coupe will also follow

Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette’s trademark sports car technology.

The 2012 Centennial Edition package will be available on all Corvette models – including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 – starting this summer.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The special package was inspired by Chevrolet’s racing-bred foundation, which continues with Corvette’s international racing excellence and production sports car prominence.

“Racing and performance are the roots of Chevrolet, a tradition carried forward today by Corvette,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Centennial Edition not only celebrates our 100 years, it once again pushes Corvette forward for a new generation of sports car fans.”

Chevrolet will auction a Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A. on April 9, 2011, with the proceeds to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. It will be the 100th 2012 Corvette off the assembly line, with a vehicle identification number ending in “00100.”The Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition models.

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.

Aficionados will note one other small detail: The historic crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with “100″ in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The exterior color scheme is reinforced inside the car, with the Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching also on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter. The seats feature microfiber suede accents on seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests, which were first used on the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC. Pricing will be released this summer prior to the start of availability.

“Louis Chevrolet was a fearless racing pioneer who also designed our first car,” Scheidt said. “Corvette is a natural fit to honor that legacy, while creating a compelling new package for sports car drivers.”