BMW today announced the debut of a new iPod interface that will enable tighter integration of the iPod for the newest generation of BMW models, according Leftlane News. The new system provides direct access to playlists, artists, albums, podcasts, and genre via the car's interface. The new BMW Interface for iPod will be available for owners of the new BMW 3-, 5-, 6-, and 7-Series. It will also be available for the new M5 Sedan and M6 Coupe. The new Interface is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector, including the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod. The BMW iPod Interfaces integrate the iPod through a direct connection in the glovebox.

The company said that the original BMW iPod Adapter will continue to be available for 2002 and later BMW models: X3, X5, Z4, and previous generation 3 Series.

The new Interface will allow users to incorporate their iPods directly into their car's sound system, but will allow users to sort their music according to their own playlists, as well as by artist, album, genre, podcast, and finally, a random selection of 500 songs from the user library. Artist, album, and song title will appear in the Display Monitor.

Users will be able to control their music through their existing audio system and the multifunction steering wheel. The new BMW Interface for iPod will offer access to the entire music library as well as the ability to shuffle songs, skip between tracks and adjust volume -- without any loss of sound quality or driving control, according to BMW.

The new Interface is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector, including the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod. The BMW iPod Interfaces integrate the iPod through a direct connection in the BMW glovebox, providing hihg fidelity sound quality and constant power to the iPod, while allowing users to store their iPod in tne protected glove compartment.

The new BMW iPod Interface will be available for customers to purchase at BMW centers beginning in July 2006. Pricing has not been determined.

Also, Leftlane News has extensive coverage from this week's New York Auto Show. Highlights include:

• 2007 Audi TT unveiled
• 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan revealed
• Lexus' 430 horsepower hybrid LS 600h
• Scion Fuse Concept breaks cover
• Acura MD-X Concept shown in NY
• 2007 Nissan Altima revealed
• 2007 Acura RDX production model unveiled
• 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line revealed
• 2007 Jeep Patriot unveiled
• 2007 Saturn Outlook
• 2007 Dodge Durango announced
• GM unveils stylish Saturn PreVue Concept
• 2007 Nissan Maxima debuts
• 2007 Saturn Aura unveiled
• Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe concept on display
• Volvo XC90 gets a refresh
• 2007 Nissan Maxima debuts
• 2007 Mustang GT “California Special”
• 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H unveiled (Hertz Mustang)
• Bentley unveils 2007 Continental GTC at New York Auto Show