2012 BMW X6M

With the 2012 BMW X6 well on its way to a refreshing change, our spy photographers have captured what seems to be an odd looking X6M version lapping the Nurburgring. The body is clearly an X6M, but if you take a look at the air scoop on the hood, you’ll notice that it has been changed up a bit to allow for more airflow. This leaves us with some rather interesting choices as to what can be hiding underneath the hood.

For starters, it could be a high powered version of the twin-turbo V8 typically found in the X6M, but it could also be the rumored tri-turbo high-power diesel engine. If it’s the latter, then that would make this a test mule for the BMW X6 xDrive 55dM (name not official). Insiders at BMW have said that the tri-turbo diesel engine would appear in the facelifted X6 first, followed by an appearance in the 5-Series line as the M550dX. Whichever model gets priority over this engine, it is said to develop around 500 plus horsepower (between 500hp and 540 hp) and a torque north of 650 lb-ft., which would explain the adjusted scoop and increased air flow.

UPDATE 12/02/2011: BMW has unveiled the first teaser video of their upcoming facelift X6 M equipped with the company’s brand new tri-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine. The video is called “A new chapter powered by M. Step 1," which can only mean that the official debut is getting closer!

UPDATE 12/15/2011: BMW has unveiled a new teaser video for the upcoming X6 M. Called "A new chapter powered by M. Step 2," the new video features Brian Watts - BMW M GmbH Head of Global Sales and Marketing - who describes the car as follow: "This is a new kind of car. On every road, you feel like you’re on a race track."

We’ll continue to stay abreast of this mystery and get back with official details as soon as they become available.