Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi Q7 V12 TDIAudiQ7V12TdiBMWBMW X5 MBmwX5MClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonJezzaLand RoverLandRoverQ7Range RoverRange Rover SuperchargedRangeRoverRangeRoverSuperchargedTop GearTopGearX5X5 MX5MWed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Line ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release after the jump.


Gallery: G-Power X6 M and X5 M


[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW X5 MBMW X6 MBmwX5MBmwX6MG-PowerG-power TyphoonG-Power Typhoon X5 MG-Power Typhoon X6 MG-powerTyphoonG-powerTyphoonX5MG-powerTyphoonX6MX5X5 MX5MX6X6 MX6MSat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW looking at triple-turbo diesel for new performance X5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-triple-turbo-diesel-for-new-performanc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-triple-turbo-diesel-for-new-performanc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-triple-turbo-diesel-for-new-performanc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW X5 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a post on the forums at GermanCarZone, BMW is currently working on a new version of its 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine, which puts out 286 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque in its current, twin-turbocharged guise. To bump that power peak a bit higher, those crazy German engineers are rumored to be adding a third turbocharger that would boost horsepower to around 350.

This new tri-turbo diesel V6 would see its first application in a BMW X5 Performance Diesel. In a bid to maintain the oil-burners fuel efficiency, BMW would add hybrid componentry that includes stop/start and regenerative braking. These bits would earn the big SUV entrance into the automaker's Efficient Dynamics club.

In addition to the high-performance engine, the X5 Performance Diesel would reportedly get a unique body kit that includes subtle lips around the wheel arches along with revised air intakes and a front spoiler. It's too early to verify any of these rumors, but we'll be sure to keep our ears to the ground for more.


Gallery: BMW X6 M


[Source: GermanCarZone via BMWBlog]

Rumormill: BMW looking at triple-turbo diesel for new performance X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Chris, Dan, and Sam got together for Episode #122 of the Autoblog Podcast, and no politics were harmed in the making of this installment. Of course, it was mostly a lead-up to the New York Auto show, so we discussed what's ready to debut in Manhattan. GMC's Terrain gets some attention, as do the M versions of BMW's X5 and X6. We also take the time to answer a few questions and address a concern or two before wrapping it up. See you next week after New York, where we're sure to pick up plenty of talking points. Thanks for listening, and as always, drop us a line at podcast at autoblog dot com, and hit our Twitter feed, too.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #122

Autoblog Podcast #122 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto show previewautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowPreviewbmw x5bmw x5 mbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwX5BmwX5MBmwX6BmwX6Mfeaturedgmc terraingmc terrain embargoGmcTerrainGmcTerrainEmbargonew york auto shownew york auto show s...new york autoshowNewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShowS...podcast 122Podcast122Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:48:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #122Autoblog59:50autoblog podcast, new york auto show, new york, bmw x6m, bmw x5m, x6m, x5m, bmw, podcast<![CDATA[New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW X6 M and X5 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has done the inexplicable inevitable, expanding its M treatment from cars to SUVs (or Sports Activity Vehicles in BMW parlance). The New York Auto Show marks the world debut of the X5 M and X6 M, and in typical M fashion, the high riders get substantially more power than their more pedestrian variants. Both vehicles get uprated versions of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that debuted in the X6 last year. Power goes from a mere 400 hp up to 555 hp in M form with torque swelling from 450 to 500 lb-ft. While the increase in twist doesn't seem like all that much, BMW is claiming it's produced from 1,500 all the way to 5,650 rpm.

The 4.4-liter V8 is direct injected and like other such engines with turbos, torque aplenty is the result. Like the standard version of the V8, the M variant has the intakes on the outside of the cylinder heads with the exhaust and twin turbos planted in the valley between the banks. This new version sports a revised exhaust manifold that combines the flow from both banks into the duo of twin scroll turbochargers. Learn more about the new Ms after the jump.


Gallery: BMW X6 M


Gallery: BMW X5 M

Continue reading New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment

New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw x5bmw x5 mbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwMBmwX5BmwX5MBmwX6BmwX6Mnew yorknew york auto showNewYorkNewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowSat, 04 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X6M leaks out ahead of New York unveiling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/bmw-x6m-leaks-out-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/bmw-x6m-leaks-out-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/bmw-x6m-leaks-out-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW X6M - Click above for an image gallery

The official details on the BMW X6M and X5M aren't due to be released until tomorrow, but Carscoop decided to drop the first batch of photos of the new uber-utes from BMW a day early. Early reports indicate both M-modified sleds will be powered by a tweaked variant of the twin-turbocharged V8 currently fitted to the X6, with output increasing from 400 hp to 550 hp. The suspension, brakes and transmission will all be modified for duty in the Ms, but that's all we have for now. Check back tomorrow for the official details.


Gallery: BMW X6M Leakage


[Source: Carscoop]

BMW X6M leaks out ahead of New York unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X5 M spy shots - Click above for gallery

Two alert readers caught these latest snapshots of BMW's forthcoming X5 M near the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina facility. With that stance, six front intakes, and that enormous rubber, it looks like the perfect vehicle for a group of Bavarian hitmen, albeit in silver. Some cyber sleuthing revealed terms like "550 bhp" and "Twin Scroll Twin Turbo" on the X5 M and X6 M microsite, but the countdown is only at 4 days and a bit, so we probably won't see particulars until then.

Interestingly, BMW has confirmed that its slant-backed stablemate, the X6 M, will definitely debut at next week's New York Auto Show, so we're looking forward to checking it out. Officially, however, there's no confirmation that the X5 M will make it to the show - but we suspect it will make an appearance just the same. You can read all about BMW's Big Apple showings in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of X5 M spy shots below. Thanks to the ClayVon and Eddie, who took these great photos for us!


Gallery: BMW X5 M Reader Spy Shots

Continue reading Spy Shots: BMW X5 M caught in South Carolina... but will it debut in NY?

Spy Shots: BMW X5 M caught in South Carolina... but will it debut in NY? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x5 mbmw x6 mBmwX5MBmwX6Mnew york auto showNewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowspy shotsSpyShotssuvx5 mX5Mx6 mX6MTue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/bmw-x5-m-and-x6-m-get-official-teaser-site-source-code-reveals/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/bmw-x5-m-and-x6-m-get-official-teaser-site-source-code-reveals/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/bmw-x5-m-and-x6-m-get-official-teaser-site-source-code-reveals/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The teaser site's tag line reads, "M. Welcome to the next chapter." The now official X5 M and X6 M will certainly be something we've never read in the book of BMW high performance vehicles. Recent chapters have featured high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive cars like the M3, M5 and M6 as their main protagonist, but these new Ms will be big, weigh over 5,000 lbs apiece and use all-wheel drive. In addition to the new teaser site that rounds up all available info on the two newest Ms, BMW has released a first official teaser video in which the M division's Bernd Limmer reveals that the X5 M and X6 M will be powered by versions of the existing twin-turbo 4.4L V8, likely tuned to around 500 horsepower. Being an M car has always required more than just high horses, however, and we can expect the X vehicles to feature heavily tuned suspensions and all-wheel-drive systems with a rear bias for better handling. Throw in better brakes, bigger wheels and tires and subtly revised styling, and consider the next chapter of M read until the official reveal takes place in early April. Follow the jump to watch BMW's official teaser for the X5 M and X6 M.

UPDATE: Jalopnik noticed that the source code of the minisite revealed a tag cloud with such interesting tags as "550 bhp", "Twin Scroll Twin Turbo", "V8" and, our favorite, "gills".


Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp

BMW X5 M and X6 M get official teaser site, source code reveals 550 bhp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw teaser sitebmw x5bmw x5 mbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwTeaserSiteBmwX5BmwX5MBmwX6BmwX6Mx5 mX5Mx6 mX6MThu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/the-future-of-m-bmw-x5-x6-and-less/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/the-future-of-m-bmw-x5-x6-and-less/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/the-future-of-m-bmw-x5-x6-and-less/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The CEO of BMW M GmbH, Ludwig Willisch, spilled his guts to Auto-Motor-und-Sport in a recent interview about the future of BMW's high-performance M division. The news was good, bad, and downright dumbfounding. For the good, Willish mentioned that future M-models will include high-revving turbocharged engines, and offer ceramic brakes. The bad news is that there will be no E91 M3 Touring, E92 M3 CSL, or M1 Concept. Apparently, BMW doesn't feel there is enough of a market to support those vehicles. The perplexing news is that BMW is currently working on M-versions of the X5 and X6 (apparently to answer a question that enthusiasts have yet to ask). While we cannot control the electrochemical signals being sent between neurons within BMW's think tank, we can continue to hope that BMW doesn't dilute the M-brand the way Mercedes-Benz has with AMG.

[Source: Auto-motor-und-sport via BMWblog]

The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbmw m3bmw m3 cabrioletbmw m3 convertiblebmw m3 coupebmw m3 cslbmw m3 sedanbmw m5bmw m5 touringbmw x5 mbmw x6 mBmwM3BmwM3CabrioletBmwM3ConvertibleBmwM3CoupeBmwM3CslBmwM3SedanBmwM5BmwM5TouringBmwX5MBmwX6MTue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/now-here-this-there-will-be-no-m-version-of-the-bmw-x5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/now-here-this-there-will-be-no-m-version-of-the-bmw-x5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/now-here-this-there-will-be-no-m-version-of-the-bmw-x5/#commentsFiled under: ,



Since July of last year, we've seen several spy photos of a BMW X5 mule making an appearance all over Europe. The quad-tipped, camouflaged prototype has always been assumed to be an upcoming M version of BMW's SUV, but according to the crew at BimmerFile, it isn't going to happen. The mule that's undergoing testing will be a "sport edition" of the X5, similar to the 4.8is, but it won't be equipped with the M5/M6's V10. Instead, it'll be packing the twin-turbocharged V8 currently found in the new X6, producing 407 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect some tweaked bodywork and a revised suspension to convey the new 'ute's sporting intentions when it debuts later this year.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x5 mBmwX5Mmx5Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW X5 M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/spy-shots-bmw-x5-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/spy-shots-bmw-x5-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/spy-shots-bmw-x5-m/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The proud parents at BMW just can't stop adding new runts to the litter. The latest, which looks to be a rather large runt, is what could be a BMW X5 M. Spotted on a car hauler somewhere in the Fatherland, the modified X sports quad pipes that don't emerge from their usual slots, but are spaced further apart than the usual M arrangement. It's also got a note inside informing drivers not to let the engine run for more than thirty minutes, which could have something to do with the blacked-out camo job covering the front spoiler.

Some folks bet it will be powered by the 5.0-liter V10 from the M's 5 and 6. BMW has said, though, that that engine is reserved exclusively for those two cars. If not that, then it could be a twin-turbo V8 with 430 HP. That would be a 70 HP jump over the normally aspirated 4.8-liter V8, slotting the X5 M between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, and putting it 80 HP down on the Mercedes ML 63. Frankly, we don't think that sounds very M, nor anything like The Ultimate SUV. Stay tuned.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: BMW X5 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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