Motor Authority - blog Tag: SAV

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today the wraps have come off the production version of the car, which is set to go on sale in Europe this October and in the U.S. early next year.

Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors. Key features include the... In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today the wraps have come off the production version of the car, which is set to go on sale in Europe this October and in the U.S. early next year. Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors. Key features include the trademark kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back to give an even more aggressive look. One unique element is the corona rings, which for the first time implement LED daytime running lights. The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable. At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage. In their standard position, the rear seats offer passengers the same kind of legroom as in the 7-series combined with the same headroom as in the X5 SUV. In this configuration, luggage capacity measures in at 440L. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100mm to allow luggage space to expand to 590L. Completely folding down the back seats liberates a generous 1,700L of storage. Up front is BMW’s latest iDrive system, matched to a 10.2in display screen. Other goodies include a USB port, 80GB hard disc, DVD player, and a heads-up-display. At launch, the new 5-series GT will be offered with no less than three different powertrain options. These include the 530d GT, which comes with a 245hp (180kW) 3.0L six-cylinder turbodiesel with 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque on tap and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds while returning fuel economy of 36mpg. Next in line is the 535i version, which gets BMW’s award-winning 306hp (225kW) straight-six twin-turbocharged petrol engine with 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. This model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and is rated at 26mpg in fuel economy. Finally, there’s the 550i V8 performance model. Powered by a 407hp (300kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) twin-turbocharged 4.4L petrol V8, this particular model can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds but only scores 21mpg in fuel economy. All models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as rear axle air suspension, while active steering remains an option. Also standard is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, which modules gearshift, throttle and steering inputs depending on whether the driver selects Normal, Sport or Sport+ modes. Pricing in Germany (including taxes) start at €55,200 (approximately $77,250) for the 530d GT, €55,700 ($77,950) for the 535i model and €75,300 ($105,387) for the 550i range-topper.2009 BMW 5-series GT concept2010 BMW 5-series GT official images2010 BMW 5-series GT production version teaser Read More

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today, we have new spy shots of the production version that's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year.

Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix... In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today, we have new spy shots of the production version that's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year. Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors. The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable. At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage. BMW is yet to reveal what powertrain options will be available for the 5-series GT but expect to see most of the engines from the new 2010 5-series carry over. BMW is expected to launch the car initially with a new eight-speed automatic and six-cylinder engines and then expand the range to include an xDrive AWD option and V8 powertrains.2009 BMW 5-series GT concept2010 BMW 5-series GT spy shots2010 BMW 5-series GT production version teaser Read More

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Today we have the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle.

Set to debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the latest concept vehicle not only previews the production 5-series GT due to go on sale in November but it also gives a clue as to the final design of the next-generation 5-series saloon.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to... In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Today we have the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Set to debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the latest concept vehicle not only previews the production 5-series GT due to go on sale in November but it also gives a clue as to the final design of the next-generation 5-series saloon. The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that is relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there is a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable. At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features is the new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to only partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage. Storage space expands to a generous 1,650L when the rear seats are folded away. Otherwise owners will have to make do with just 570L. Attention to detail abounds throughout the vehicle, with special touches such as the frameless windows, aluminum accents, elevated seating position, panoramic glass roof, and two-tone interior. Horizontal lines dominate the styling, while a 10.2in display panel using 'black panel' technology first debuted in the 7-series lies in the center stack and serves as the primary instrumentation and control interface for the car. Rear legroom is claimed to be as good as in the 7-series, making the 5-series GT a possible option for people needing to regularly carry more adults than comfortably fit within the 5-series. BMW is yet to reveal what powertrain options will be available for the 5-series GT but expect to see most of the engines from the new 2010 5-series carry over. BMW is expected to launch the car initially with a new eight-speed automatic and six-cylinder engines and then expand the range to include an xDrive AWD option and V8 powertrains. 2009 BMW 5-series GT conceptWhy BMW built the 5-series Gran Turismo concept Read More

BMW's X6 has seemed to many observers - fans and foes alike - to be something of a car without a home. Not quite a sedan, and not quite an SUV, the X6 blends genres in a way that defies description. Now that MCCHIP has had its way with it, however, the X6, at least in 'White Shark' guise, is much closer to being described as a large sport sedan.

Boosting the diesel's power to 340hp (254kW) and 487lb-ft (660Nm) of torque, the White Shark is 46hp (34kW) and 59lb-ft (80Nm) stronger than the standard BMW X6 xDrive35d. The re-flashing also raises the max speed from the factory-limited 148mph (238km/h) to a slightly more brisk 156mph (251km/h).

... BMW's X6 has seemed to many observers - fans and foes alike - to be something of a car without a home. Not quite a sedan, and not quite an SUV, the X6 blends genres in a way that defies description. Now that MCCHIP has had its way with it, however, the X6, at least in 'White Shark' guise, is much closer to being described as a large sport sedan. Boosting the diesel's power to 340hp (254kW) and 487lb-ft (660Nm) of torque, the White Shark is 46hp (34kW) and 59lb-ft (80Nm) stronger than the standard BMW X6 xDrive35d. The re-flashing also raises the max speed from the factory-limited 148mph (238km/h) to a slightly more brisk 156mph (251km/h). A significantly lower ride height (40mm up front and 30mm in the back) gives the vehicle a more car-like profile, while the factory 20in wheels have been painted black to offset the bright white exterior. A new grille, The pricing for the modifications is modest despite the relatively large power gains. The ECU reflash costs just €849 ($1,160) in Germany, while the lowering kit, new black chrome grille and other small exterior tweaks are set at €1,266 ($1,730). For more of MCCHIP's handiwork, check out their tuned Volkswagen Scirocco.BMW X6 White Shark by MCCHIP Read More