Remember the good old days when at least BMW nomenclature was straightforward? The first digit designated the series and the second and third the displacement of the engine. Maybe an extra letter would be tacked on, but that was it. Then they started with M this, Z that and X for the SUVs with xDrive all-wheel drive. So now we've got things like the X6 xDrive 35i. Now they're dropping another one on us: rear-wheel-drive models, which used to be the entire BMW line-up, will now bear the "sDrive" nameplate in addition to whatever else they stick on there.

We already knew this was coming for the upcoming X1, which will be offered in both xDrive (AWD) and sDrive (RWD) variants. (The current X3, X5 and X6 crossovers are all strictly all-wheel-drive models.) BMW has even reportedly registered the trademarks for sDrive18, sDrive20, sDrive30 and sDrive35, as if someone else would try and use the confusing nomenclature. Wait a second... sDrive35? As in the twin-turbo straight six in the 335i? That's bigger than the engine offered in the larger X3, so what is BMW up to?

Reports indicate that the sDrive nameplate could begin appearing on other BMW models driven through the rear axle, including the replacement for the Z4 roadster that was just caught nekkid today. If you look closely on the front fender, you can see a badge that looks an awful lot like "sDrive". We wouldn't expect to see the moniker on the standard series models (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series), since those get the suffix "iX", but we're not sure we can even count on that anymore.

[Source: PaulTan.org]

What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Remember the Suzuki Samurai, the lightweight 4x4 much maligned for being just as likely to topple over as any other Jeep of its day? Well, it's alive and well and being sold throughout the world as the Jimny. The X-Head just might be its future and we can only hope that Suzuki's notoriously tight bean counters do not savage the functional yet oh so cool interior too badly. Who knows, they may even bring it Stateside. Yeah, right.

Check out our original post on the Suzuki X-Head here and view live pics from last week's Tokyo Motor Show in the gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki X-HEAD Concept

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki X-Head originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Tamiya Hotshot 1/10 RC (2007)

Bring the Toys! Tamiya reissues the Hotshot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the MINI Clubman rapidly approaching production, and the new cabrio coming along, the BMW-owned automaker is reportedly working on another variation of the theme: the MINI crossover.

Although rumors have been bouncing around for a while of a MINI-derived mini-ute, the automotive sleuths over at MotoringFile say they have it on good authority that the vehicle has been given the green light for production, and has now entered the development phase.

Alternately code-named R59 or R60 and referred to internally as the "Colorado", the crossover is reported to be based on the Clubman, but with more rugged styling, a larger body, possibly more doors (suicide rear doors would be a smart choice) and a new advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The news also comes hot on the heels of the reported Fiat 500 crossover derivative. Let the retro wars begin.

[Source: MotoringFile]

REPORT: MINI-ute in development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Not a moment's rest for the people over at Fiat, who've been pursuing an aggressive rejuvenation program. The ink on the press releases for the new 500 isn't even dry, and already they're working on new versions of the retro super-mini. Launched as a standard three-door hatch, new versions could include high-performance models, a cabrio, a Mini Clubman-style wagon (or "shooting brake"), and even a 4WD mini-ute derivative.

The sportier Abarth model - drawing on the company's relaunch of their once-famous performance division - and the cabrio are said to already have been approved for production. Joining the 135-hp Abarth could also be an even more potent 155-hp 500 Super Sport version, while the 4WD model, if approved for production, would likely pick up the system from the Panda 4x4, which already shares its platform with the 500.

Fiat is evidently preparing to capitalize big-time on the 500 throwback, and while its Mini rival took some time to spawn derivatives, Fiat is ready to run full-speed right out the gate.

Gallery: Fiat 500

[Source: Motor Authority]

Fiat 500: the derivatives are coming, including possible mini-ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four

Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ferrari develops 4WD system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Ford Transit has for decades been the standard working horse of Europe and much of the rest of the world - the F-150 for our friends across the pond. The versatile work-a-day hauler was recently named Van of the Year by a pan-European panel of automotive journalists. (Why didn't they ask us? Just 'cause we can't find "Yurp" on a map doesn't mean we don't have an opinion!)

Ford's upping the ante and making a versatile vehicle even more versatile by offering the van now with four-wheel-drive. Mated to a 140-hp 2.4-liter turbodiesel through a six-speed floor-shifter, Ford expects the surefooted Transit to find its way into the garages of police departments, park rangers and rescue workers (among others) who'll undoubtedly find its enhanced capability to make for a handy tool.

(Press release, hires pics after the jump after the jump)

[Source: Ford UK]

Continue reading Ford Transit gets 4WD

Ford Transit gets 4WD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its upcoming line-up of 4MATIC S-Class sedans. 4MATIC is, of course, the name for Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, and the range-topping über-sedan will offer it mated to a number of engines to give the well-heeled a host of choices for uncompromised traction in whatever conditions they may come across.

4MATIC will be offered globally on the S320 CDI, S450 and S500 sedans, although they've yet to announce which of these models will be sold in the North American market. Based on the current American line-up, it'd be safe to assume we'll only get the S550 4MATIC.

Mercedes claims the AWD V8 sedan, despite the extra weight, will accelerate in the same 5.4 seconds it takes its rear-wheel drive counterpart to hit sixty from a standstill, and will only suffer a minor increase in fuel consumption.

The V8-powered 4MATIC models are on sale in Europe now in both short and long wheelbase versions, while customers will have to wait until December for the S320 CDI 4MATIC. Another gas-powered V6 model, the S350 4MATIC, will arrive by mid-2007.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, eMercedesBenz]

Continue reading Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled

Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.