Autoblog

BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST

BMW invaded the South in 1993, and it's first U.S.-made product was popped out in September a year later. Fifteen years after that there have been five factory expansions, 5,000 jobs created, a methane gas pipeline installed, a center for automotive research created, a golf tournament started, and 1.5 million combined versions of the 318i, Z3, Z4, X5 and X6 run over the factory threshold. The 1.5 millionth vehicle was an Oyster Blue and Ivory X6 for a Hong Kong customer. Just goes to show those Confederates might have been right: the South is rising again... You can read all about it in the presser after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Safety, Crossover, BMW

Click above for huge gallery of high-res photos of the bulletproof BMW X5 Security Plus

If Jason Statham's character, Frank, decides to switch back to a BMW in The Transporter 4, we think we have his new ride picked out. Or maybe Clive Owen just needs to film another episode of The Driver. BMW has just released info on its first Class Six bullet resistant vehicle, the BMW X5 Security Plus, which happens to be the first vehicle ever available to the public with that classification from a high-volume manufacturer. That means that its skin can handle anything up to a AK-47 assault rifle, the weapon-of-choice for terrorists, pirates and kidnappers around the globe. Besides thicker bulletproof glass, BMW has added heavier armored body panels all around, as well as sealing up all of the joints to bolster protection in normally vulnerable body panel gaps.

The Security Plus models are partially built alongside the regular models in Spartanburg, SC, and then sent to Toluca, Mexico for final assembly. Some of the special features that are fitted include a beefed-up suspension with special run-flat tires, an intercom system to communicate with people outside the vehicle, a hold-up alarm that automatically locks windows and doors, plus sirens and flashing lights too. There's also a list of options that includes a rear view camera and a front-bumper-mounted side view camera. It's powered by BMW's 355 horsepower, 4.80-liter V8, and even with the extra equipment, this crossover can scoot from 0 to 62 miles-per-hour in 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed electronically limited to 112 mph.

There's a full press release after the jump and a huge high-res gallery too. You'll see there is very little to tip evil-doers that the person inside is worthy of attention, until the need to escape arises and the lights go on. BMW handles sales of these vehicles in a very discreet manner and even offers special driver training so anyone can become The Driver.

Gallery: BMW X5 Security Plus

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus

BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

Chris Paukert — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, BMW

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

Click on the jump for BMW's official press release and full-line model pricing for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Videos, Crossover, BMW

Click above to view the teaser video of the BMW X5 M after the jump

After countless spy shots and rumors, BMW has finally admitted that an M version of its X5 SAV is on the way. The proof of concept comes in the form of a video released on the automaker's bmw-web.tv site, and not surprisingly, the clip doesn't divulge much about the M-modified 'ute. Bernd Limmer, an exec at BMW M GmbH, discusses the essence of "M-ness" that BMW infuses into all of its Motorsports models, goes into detail about how the different systems interact with each other and then hits the Nurburgring to show off the X5 M's prowess on the Nordschleife. There's still no word on when the BMW X5 M will make it's debut, but considering that the original X5 debuted at the Detroit Auto Show almost a decade ago, the Bimmer boys could have something up their sleeve for the festivities in Motown. Hit the jump to see the video.

Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M

VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle

Michael Harley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Europe, Government/Legal, Crossover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

Take a close look at the image. A court in Italy has just ruled that the crossover pictured above, the five-seat CEO built by Shuanghuan Automobile of Shijiazhuang, China, is not a clone of the BMW X5. Um... yeah. The legal battles began when Shuanghuan introduced their "Noble" last year, a near-clone of the Smart fortwo. Mercedes-Benz wasn't impressed, and threatened a lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, BMW started losing sleep over the Chinese CEO, an obvious facsimile of their previous-generation X5 (E53). The Bavarian automaker took Shuanghuan to court in Munich this past summer and won their case, and when Martin Motors (the distributor of Shuanghuan Automobiles in Italy and central Europe) started selling the CEO in early 2007, BMW again took legal action, this time in the Italian judicial system.

Last week, the Germans met their defeat when the Italian courts rejected their claims. To date, Martin Motors has sold about 200 copies of the CEO and expects to sell about 1200 this year in their European markets. "We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5. We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling," said an obviously pleased spokesperson from Martin Motors. We have to wonder how quickly the Italians would change their tune if Shuanghuan began to knock-off the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW bumps its prices for 2009

Chris Shunk — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, BMW

High commodities prices and the unflattering value gap between the Euro and U.S. Dollar are forcing a lot of European automakers to bump their prices here in the States. We told you a few weeks ago that BMW was planning on raising the sticker price on many of its products, and now we're starting to see the extent of the damage. The price changes range from an increase of $600 on a 128i to $1,400 on an M6. The 335i received several MSRP increases, with the sedan going up by $800, the coupe by $1,200, and a raise of $1,300 for the convertible. The 328i sedan, meanwhile, rose $700 to an MSRP of $33,400.

Options also went up in price, as the dual clutch on the M3 has gone up by $200 making it a $2,900 option. The sport package for the 335i sedan and coupe has risen by $450, and some standard equipment like the Logic 7 Sound System has been nixed for 2009. Beginning in October, iPhone integration can also be had for $150. Since $150 is almost the price of the phone, that one smarts just a bit. To see more 2009 BMW pricing (except for the new 7-Series), hit the read link below.

[Source: BMW Blog, photo by rahims | CC 2.0]

BMW bumps its prices for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW X5

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the twin-turbo V8 BMW X5.

BMW has continued to deny the existence of an M-version of the X5, and by all accounts, it's true. The blokes from Bavaria maintain that the 'ute's size, weight, height and packaging won't warrant the tri-tones of the vaunted M. But the doesn't mean BMW can't produce a hotter version of its biggie-sized SUV.

Using the same 407 hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the recently released X6, BMW is taking aim at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. KGP was able to snap off a handful of shots of the turbo'd X5 running the 'Ring, and despite the lack of a factory-approved M on the hatch, it's looking decidedly more aggressive than its siblings. The front fascia is taking all the normal cues from BMW's motorsports department, with massive air intakes and a gaping central air dam, while a set of quad exhausts are framed within a new rear bumper. There's no word on when the hotter X5 will debut, but with the Paris Motor Show right around the corner, BMW surely has a few things up its sleeves.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW X5

Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man moons speed camera, fine won't be so funny

Chris Shunk — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., BMW, UK

There are times in everyone's life when you have an idea that sounds brilliant when explained in the audience of friends, but in practice is "exposed" as pure idiocy. The passenger of a BMW X5 gave a Cramlington, UK speed camera an uncensored view of his backside in an obvious attempt at humor, but in the end (no pun intended) the stunt could result in some hefty fines. Since local authorities weren't amused by the Braveheart salute, the passenger could receive tickets for public indecency and for not wearing a seat belt. Well, that is if the driver is willing to rat on his or her offending comrade.

While we admit this is kind of funny at first blush, mostly because we never before noticed that a BMW grille looks a little like a human butt, mooning a speed camera is stupid for a couple reasons. First, it's not cool to expose yourself in public. That's the kind of thing that will get you on a sex offender list if you're not careful. Second, speed cameras are really good at taking pictures of cars, giving authorities the plates of the vehicle as they pass through intersections. Third, and perhaps most important, why would the owner of a Bimmer want someone to press their bare ass up against their windshield? Lets just hope someone remembered to sanitize the soiled glass. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

(Source: BBC News)

Man moons speed camera, fine won't be so funny originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, BMW

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.

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BMW to announce U.S. Spartanburg plant expansion

Michael Harley — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

This Monday, BMW will announce plans to expand its sole U.S. assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is more great news for Spartanburg, as BMW has increased production at the plant three times previously, and the facility is already running over capacity. Its stated capacity is 140,000 vehicles per year, but workers there cranked out 154,999 vehicles in 2007. BMW will reportedly expand its facilities in Spartanburg by 70,000 square feet, at a cost estimated at $27 million. This will bring the German automaker's total investment in Spartanburg to $4.83 billion since it opened in 1994. Clearly BMW has been a significant boost to the regional economy.

The German automaker is currently manufacturing the X5 SAV, Z4 Roadster and M Coupes, and the upcoming X6 SAV at the plant. In 2010, it plans to send the Z4 assembly to Germany, but bring all X3 SAV production to the States (some X3 production is currently done under contract assembly by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria).

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

BMW to announce U.S. Spartanburg plant expansion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hamann adds some flash to the BMW X5

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, BMW

If you bought a BMW X5, you probably didn't do so because you wanted everyone to look at you. However, just in case you're a gawker-seeker who was somehow forced into purchasing an X5, Hamann has the kit to make sure you get all the looks you can handle.

It's called the Hamann Flash, and in case you forget its name, or if someone else wants to know what it's called, "Flash" is written on the front doors. In addition to that exterior feature, it gets new front and rear aprons, fender flares, a roof spoiler, and four choices of wheel riding on a specially-developed suspension and halted by a bespoke brake system. All powerplant options get the power boost treatment, with the 4.4-liter V8 topping the charts at 368-HP, but we think we'd go with the 3.0sd with 320-HP and 486 lb-ft. And with the custom exhaust, all versions make a sound described as "growling thunder."

Inside, the SAV gets exclusive Hamann black mat flooring, aluminum pedals, carbon fiber all over, and... well, any desire you can pay for. And thankfully, it doesn't appear that the word "Flash" appears anywhere. You can read the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

[Source: Hamann]

Gallery: Hamann BMW X5 "Flash"

Continue reading Hamann adds some flash to the BMW X5

Hamann adds some flash to the BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8

Eric Bryant — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Technology, Crossover, BMW

BMW's twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six has been a rousing success, with nothing less than a Wards 10 Best Engines award sitting in its trophy case. The praise is understandable and well-deserved, as the engine uses a combination of forced induction and direct injection to serve up a torque curve that's far beefier and flatter than what should be expected from a engine of its size. So what next for the propeller brand? Simple -- take similar technology, add it to the company's 4.4L V8 and toss in a dash of unconventional packaging to make everything fit.

BMW put its latest jewel on display at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and we snapped some shots of it to give you an idea of why this engine is so special. We've included those photos in one of our galleries, and below the fold, we've thrown in a few observations.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW 4.4L V8 twin-turbo

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8

Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6

Eric Bryant — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Technology, Crossover, BMW

click above to view more high-res images of the BMW X6

Dropping the "concept" descriptor that it carried in Frankfurt, the BMW X6 was just revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in full production trim. Not surprisingly, it's almost identical to what we saw in Frankfurt, with a sharply-raked backlight and hatchback replacing the squared-off rump of the X5. BMW likes to describe it as a blend between a coupe and a crossover, which leads us to ask - is it possible to crossover from something that's already a crossover? Does this mean that it's been double-crossed? The mind boggles.

Follow the jump for our first impression...

Gallery: New York 2008: 2009 BMW X6 - Live

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6

Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's South Carolina plant to boost output, needs more workers

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, BMW

Despite slashing some 8,000 jobs worldwide, BMW plans to hire more workers to man its Spartanburg, S.C. production center, while simultaneously upping the night shift from eight hours to ten. The South Carolina plant currently produces the X5 and Z4, but with production of the X6 CUV beginning a few weeks back, BMW is looking to staff an additional 200 jobs to keep the assembly plant on boil. Although Z4 production is going to Regensburg, Germany in 2009, BMW plans to begin building the X3, which is overdue for a refresh, at the plant around the same time. Those of you looking for jobs in the Spartanburg area can apply through MAU Inc., BMW's U.S. staffing firm, and should expect to bring in $12.50 an hour during the day shift and additional buck if you're willing to toil away in the wee hours of the night.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW's South Carolina plant to boost output, needs more workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X5 M

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

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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Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?

Alex Nunez — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, China, Europe

According to UK-based media service Headline Auto, one of the hot rumors flying around the Auto Messe in Frankfurt earlier this morning was that China Automobile, the German importer for Chinese automaker Shuanghuan, was going to get booted out of the exhibit hall. The controversy stems from some bad blood brewing between Shuanghuan and the mainstream manufacturers whose designs it blatantly, unashamedly copies. On display in Frankfurt are the Shuanghuan UFO and CEO SUVs. UFO is a Toyota RAV4 clone, and CEO is a 95% copy of the BMW X5. (We say 95% because Shuanghuan apparently elected to copycat Mercedes-Benz for the CEO's front end design.)

In the end, China Automobile Deutschland got to stay at the show, but Shuanghuan still faces potential trouble ahead, as BMW is considering legal action against the company.

[Source: Headline Auto]

Continue reading Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?

Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M X5 spotted

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, BMW

BMW has consistently argued that a vehicle like the X5 is not fitting with the whole 'M' philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but despite this spy-photographers have recently come across a new X5 prototype rolling around the streets of Munich with some very distinct M styling cues. The test-mule was seen sporting a new front bumper with much larger intakes than usual, while the back of the car was adorned with a quad-tailpipe arrangement sitting lower than the usual V8 models.

A further clue to this mule being a high-performance version was the sound of the engine. The photographer claimed it sounded very different to any of the X5's current powerplants, suggesting that it could be a new V10 version or possibly a twin-turbo V8 set-up. The final giveaway is the prototype's performance tires, signalling that we may have a new M car on the way.

We can picture the purists around the world shedding a tear at the thought of BMW adding an M badge to an SUV but if Porsche can get away with selling a sports off-roader, and AMG can pump up the Mercedes M-Class than we suppose BMW could too.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW M X5 spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW joins smart in threatening copy-cat Chinese

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, China, Europe, BMW

You might recall a post last week regarding a little tiff between Smart and Shuanghuan, the purveyors of the Noble, a dead ringer for the German firm's fortwo. That vehicle, along with an SUV dubbed the CEO, will be gracing the stand of the Chinese automaker next month in Frankfurt, and it looks as though BMW may be considering legal action as well.

The CEO has a distinctly last-gen. X5 feel to it, particularly when viewed in profile and from the rear. According to Automotive News' sister publication, Automobilwoche, BMW is considering legal action if and when the CEO is unveiled, and may attempt to halt distribution of the SUV in Europe.

The IAA, the governing body for next month's show, has regulations in place that would require copyright violators to remove its products, and its entire exhibition space, from the show floor if a court-imposed injunction is filed.

We're hoping to be on hand next month if an international incident does, in fact, takes place.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW joins smart in threatening copy-cat Chinese originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: high-performance BMW X5

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

Fresh from the paparazzi comes a batch of spy shots showing what appears to be a tuned-up BMW X5 test mule wearing bigger exhaust pipes and a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes that extends farther down to the tarmac.

Could this be an M version of the X5? Anything's possible, but don't count on it. According to M Division chief Gerhard Richter, the X5 is too big and heavy to be turned into a genuine M product. The first-generation X5 had a high-performance version called the 4.7iS, which was, for all intents and purposes, the M-tuned X5, but it wasn't labeled as such. The current top-end engine in the X5 is already larger than that at 4.8 liters, but a BMW sport-ute with the M5's V10 would prove devastatingly fast and pose quite a challenge to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

Whatever BMW decides to call it, you can bet it'll be fast.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: high-performance BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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