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[Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/acura-drops-more-details-and-pics-aplenty-of-the-new-zdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/acura-drops-more-details-and-pics-aplenty-of-the-new-zdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/acura-drops-more-details-and-pics-aplenty-of-the-new-zdx/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Acura ZDX - click above for high-res image gallery

A month after officially announcing the production version of the new ZDX four door coupe-crossover-thingy, Acura has just released over 100 new photos and full specifications. Like the TL sedan, the ZDX is largely a North American product, as it was designed in California and it is expected to be built at the automaker's Alliston, Ontario plant.

We already knew the ZDX was getting Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and the company's 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6. Now we also know that it gets an Integrated Dynamics System to manage the electrically assisted power steering and adaptive dampers.

The ZDX has what figures to be an ample 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. Less accommodating is the passenger space in the second row, where headroom drops to 35.3 inches and legroom goes to 31.3 inches from the TL's 36.2 inches. Apparently Acura achieved the cargo space by moving the rear seat forward to give head clearance from that sloping roofline. That's the price you pay for avoiding the humpback look of the Porsche Panamera.

The ZDX goes on sale this winter, but pricing has not yet been announced. Check out the mega high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Acura ZDX


[Source: Acura]

Continue reading Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX

Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura zdx2010AcuraZdxacuraacura zdxAcuraZdxcrossoverSAVZDXMon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEAKED: High-res shots of 2010 BMW X1 hit the information superhighway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/leaked-high-res-shots-of-bmws-2010-x1-hit-the-information-supe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/leaked-high-res-shots-of-bmws-2010-x1-hit-the-information-supe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/leaked-high-res-shots-of-bmws-2010-x1-hit-the-information-supe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 BMW X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although it is isn't slated to be officially revealed until this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show, it feels like we've been seeing the wraps come off BMW's X1 baby crossover for years now. Thanks to a steady stream of spy shots over the last 18 months or so, we feel like we ought to be able to tell you not only the shape and size of the glovebox, but the material its walls are made of. Regardless, these are the first official shots of the X1 that have leaked out on the web, apparently because of German magazine FOCUS online.

As we've already seen almost all elements of the X1 already, the final shape doesn't surprise us, which appears much like a shrunken X5 mixed with styling cues from the bull-nosed 7-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, and of course, last year's X1 Concept.

The inside is typical Bimmer fare as well, with a sober but handsome and well-screwed-together look. The usual accoutrements are present in the photo models' driver oriented instrument panels, including iDrive, USB ports, and thumb-shifters for the automatic.

We're already tired of BMW's awkward model naming conventions, but regardless, the CUV is expected to launch in Europe in xDrive18i and xDrive 18d configurations, along with an xDrive20d model whose 177 hp diesel is apparently good for 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, an xDrive23d model with a 204 hp oil-burner (0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 139 mph), as well as the xDrive28i, which is apparently good for 143 mph. No word yet on what models we'll see in the U.S. just yet, but we'd be surprised to see anything less powerful than the xDrive28i in Stateside dealers, and we'll keep our fingers crossed for a diesel variant.

According to current scuttlebutt, the X1 will launch in autumn exclusively paired with all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive versions are expected to come on line soon thereafter. Check out the gallery below and keep checking back with us for further details as they become available.


Gallery: Leaked 2010 BMW X1 Images

LEAKED: High-res shots of 2010 BMW X1 hit the information superhighway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw x12010BmwX1BimmerBMWBMW X1BmwX1breakingfrankfurtfrankfurt auto showFrankfurt motor showFrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowSAVX1Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



BMW's equivalent of Deep Throat has divulged a host of information on the marque's coming plans for its premium entry level range incorporating the 1-Series and Z2, and a new line of Y vehicles. According to the mole, Scott26, the 1 will break into three different levels: Traditional, Lifestyle, and Sporting. They will be underpinned by a modular platform that could be differentiated among models and also serve as the basis for the next MINI.

The Traditional line will include the 1-Series along with Active Hybrid and Sport Compact versions. Sporting will comprise the 1-Series and Z2 coupe and cabriolet, plus a Supersports version of the 1 and a 135i Lightweight Performance Concept. Lifestyle counts the 1-Series Gran Turismo, the X1, X2, and the Y1.

As Scott27 breaks it down, the full lineup will advance the capabilities of Efficient Dynamics, and a hybrid version of each car will be offered. As well, the cars will "resist the usual jump in weight by using lightweight materials and sophisticated bonding techniques." What would be weighty at that point is the number of BMW's offerings, with 12 cars alone mentioned here, not counting the hatch models.

And what is the Y1? Strictly a proposal at this point, the line would be for those who want more "identity and creativity" in their Sports Activity Vehicles. A "dynamic , lighter and more personal" SAV than the X6, the Y1 is laid out as a 2-door, 2-seat "hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z." Think of a de-Bangled X Coupe. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: 1 Addicts]

Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1-series1Seriesbmwbmw 1-seriesbmw 135ibmw x1bmw ybmw z2Bmw1-seriesBmw135iBmwX1BmwYBmwZ2coupecrossovercuvgtrumormillsavsportsx1Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: 2010 BMW X3 coming in November]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/report-2010-bmw-x3-coming-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/report-2010-bmw-x3-coming-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/report-2010-bmw-x3-coming-in-november/#commentsFiled under: ,



When the X3 launched in 2004 there was no Mercedes GLK or Audi Q5. Now that the other Germans have come with the competition, reports are indicate BMW is moving the launch of the 2010 X3 up to make sure it can compete.

The next X3 will be about four inches longer, a half-inch narrower, and a fraction of an inch taller. The extra length will help improve interior room, but the Sport Activity Vehicle is said to be tuned for increased sporting performance. The features list will include hand-me-downs from the 7 Series such as Night Vision and Heads Up Display, and -- in Europe at least -- six engines will be offered: two gasoline and four diesel. We in the U.S. will probably still make do with the either the naturally aspirated or turbocharged 3.0-liter gas engines and possibly a turbo'd four.

[Source: BMW Blog]

REPORT: 2010 BMW X3 coming in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 x32010X3bmwbmw x3BmwX3cuvsavx3Wed, 20 May 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW X1 spotted on location in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/bmw-x1-spotted-on-location/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/bmw-x1-spotted-on-location/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/bmw-x1-spotted-on-location/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The BMW X1 has been spied doing doing close-ups for some sort of video shoot in Germany.

While the little guy could even be called cute in this photo, and the darker color does it tremendous favors, it's still a strangely proportioned little beast - like one of those cuddly-yet-awkward babies you see on Animal Planet. Maybe it looks best on the trot, but the mass of the rear still visually dwarfs that of the front, and the mirrors jut out like the ears on a hippo.

When the video does run, it will be joined by the tagline, "This is your world." The question is: is this your BMW? We'll see the official version later this year in Frankfurt.


Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE


[Source: BMW Blog]

Spy Shots: BMW X1 spotted on location in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw concept x1bmw x1BmwConceptX1BmwX1cuvsavx1x1 conceptX1ConceptWed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

UPDATE: A BMW spokesperson told 4Car that the automaker has no plans to produce an X4.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X4BmwX4crossoverSAVX6Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Preview: MINI SAV 5-door coming, FWD variant planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/paris-preview-mini-sav-5-door-coming-fwd-variant-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/paris-preview-mini-sav-5-door-coming-fwd-variant-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/paris-preview-mini-sav-5-door-coming-fwd-variant-planned/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After nearly three years of rumors and speculation, the new jacked-up MINI SAV will finally make its debut, according to Autocar. The Brit pub is reporting that the MINI 'ute is bound for Paris, with an on-sale date sometime in 2010 and sporting a five-door design.

Questions still remain about what platform the new all-wheel-drive model will be based on, with sources suggesting it will either be based around the Clubman's architecture, making use of a new upper-body structure, or the current Cooper's chassis, using the front end and employing a new floorpan to accommodate the AWD system and new seating positions. Regardless of what's underpinning the SAV, MINI has to justify the R&D, so if the biggie-sized MINI proves successful, there's a possibility that a front-wheel-drive variant will be offered on the same chassis, oxymoronically dubbed the MINI "Maxi."

Production is expected to begin late next year at Magna's factory in Graz, which currently produces the X3. And with BMW shifting production of its entry-level SUV to the U.S. sometime next year, MINI will have the manufacturing capacity to bring its sales over the 340,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Paris Preview: MINI SAV 5-door coming, FWD variant planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magnaminimini maximini savmini suvMiniMaxiMiniSavMiniSuvparisparis auto showparis motor showParisAutoShowParisMotorShowsavWed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[What's an "SAV" cost? BMW X6 starts at $53,275]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/whats-an-sav-cost-bmw-x6-starts-at-53-275/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/whats-an-sav-cost-bmw-x6-starts-at-53-275/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/whats-an-sav-cost-bmw-x6-starts-at-53-275/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Putting one of BMW's newest X6 "Sport Activity Vehicles" (aka "SAV") in your driveway will cost you at least $53,275. That's the announced base price for the 300-hp X6 xDrive35i with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (yep, that's the same powerplant shared with the 535i, 335i, and the 135i). If you want to pony-up to the 400-hp xDrive50i, powered by a new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, that will set you back another ten large as its base price is $63,775. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW X6

Gallery: New York 2008: 2009 BMW X6 - Live

Gallery: BMW X6 - Live from Frankfurt

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading What's an "SAV" cost? BMW X6 starts at $53,275

What's an "SAV" cost? BMW X6 starts at $53,275 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbmw x6BmwX6SAVSUVX6xDrive35ixDrive50iThu, 10 Apr 2008 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI crossover dubbed 'Crossman' by CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/mini-crossover-dubbed-crossman-by-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/mini-crossover-dubbed-crossman-by-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/mini-crossover-dubbed-crossman-by-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The MINI has been on a growth spurt since the introduction of the second-generation model. With the 3&frac12;-door Clubman wagon on its way to dealerships, the new convertible set to follow, and even a sports-coupe derivative rumored to be in the works, the BMW division is focusing on the development of a crossover based on the MINI.

No big news there, we've been watching the spy shots roll in for months now. The surprise, however, is that it won't be called the Colorado as previously thought. No, that was just a working title, an internal codename. It won't be called the Monte, either, as previous reports suggested. According to a recent interview in German publication Auto Motor und Sport, MINI's CEO Kay Segler said the retro soft-roader will likely be called "Crossman".

Magna-Steyr is expected to build 80,000 Crossmans (Crossmen?) at its factory in Austria each year, starting in 2010. The name, of course, combines Crossover with Clubman, the wagon variant on which it's based. Think it'll entice more buyers than "Colorado" or "Monte"? Leave your opinion in the comments section below.

[Sources: Auto Motor und Sport via Autoblog.nl and eGMCarTech]

MINI crossover dubbed 'Crossman' by CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmancrossmancrossovercuvminimontesavsuvMon, 17 Dec 2007 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[More MINI SAV details emerge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/more-mini-sav-details-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/more-mini-sav-details-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/more-mini-sav-details-emerge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When the X3 dries up, there'll still be a BMW trucklet for the Austrian assembly and engineering firm to bolt together. BMW's MINI brand has been reportedly getting an SAV (BMW parlance for CUV) for a while now, and that prospect looks like it's inching toward reality. Affixing the MINI badge to the pumped-up Clubman (see gallery below) might create a rolling misnomer, but that's supposedly the plan. Code named "Colorado", the ruggedized and raised MINI will be equipped with AWD calibrated for traction rather than performance. We'll wait to pass judgement on the styling while hoping that it doesn't look like the fanciful rendering at right (click here to see full view). Ugly or cute, if Magna Steyr hits its target, it'll be pumping out a targeted 80,000 of these things per year, starting in 2010.

[Source: Motoring File]

Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

More MINI SAV details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwclubmancuvminimini clubmanMiniClubmansavsuvWed, 10 Oct 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[X5 pricing announced by BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/x5-pricing-announced-by-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/x5-pricing-announced-by-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/x5-pricing-announced-by-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've already provided you with every diminutive detail about BMW's new full-sized SUV, except one, price.

Well, today BMW released the final piece of the X5's puzzle. Pricing for the 3-liter, inline-six model will start at $45,595, an increase of $2,400 over the current model, with the 4.8-liter V8 setting you back $55,195, or about a $2,000 bump over the current 4.4-liter model. Both prices include the prerequisite shipping, handling and various markups.

Sales are slated to begin this November for what BMW has trademarked as the Ultimate Sports Activity Vehicle.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

X5 pricing announced by BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwsavsuvx5Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:06:00 EST