Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #154

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan

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Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154

Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 5 Series is an important model for BMW, particularly in North America where it's the brand's second best seller behind the 3 Series. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new Gran Turismo body style already on sale. However, the volume leader for the 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which officially debuts today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture shared with the latest 7 Series as well as the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. The 5 Series sedan gets a four-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the Cadillac CTS is 113.4 inches.

From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it.

UPDATE: Nine videos added and more images uploaded into gallery.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan

Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reportedly stopping production of current 5 Series to pave way for new model

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, BMW, Luxury

BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

No matter what you think of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo wagon/hatchback/crossover/thing, if you want to get your hands on a brand-new Bimmer 5, that may be your only choice for the time being. Reports suggest that the Bavarian automaker has stopped taking orders for the E-60 5 Series sedan and wagon, with production tipped to end in December in preparation for the new model.

Dealers have reportedly been instructed only to take "special orders" for the outgoing 5 (whatever that means) with the new GT version scheduled to hit the streets by year's end. Of course, dealers stocked with extra sedans and wagons will be eager to offload their inventory, and we'll be keeping an eye out for hints of the new model coming around the bend.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BimmerFile]

BMW reportedly stopping production of current 5 Series to pave way for new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule caught in the desert

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

2011 BMW 5-Series - Click above for gallery

A year ago, we showed you pics of the next-generation BMW 5-Series doing some high-speed testing on the Nürburgring, but that was pretty much the last we heard about this midsize bahnstormer. Well, intrepid spy photographer Rich Truesdell spotted a similar mule out in the desert last week, and he has filled us in on some additional details. The car he spotted appears to be a 2011 BMW 540i sedan. Rich relates that the car was big enough to have him thinking 7-Series at first, but BMW helped out by having a clearly larger current 7 on hand for comparison purposes. How thoughtful of them.

While not a lot of final detail shows through, Truesdell points out that the heavy rear quarter cladding could be a tip that something is brewing in the recently revamped styling department in Munich. In particular, around the C-pillar, there was a lot of camo, indicating that perhaps there's something worth hiding. Beyond that, the sedan looks like a shortened 7-Series from most angles, and the dual exhausts suggest that this is likely the V8-powered 540i. Follow the source link to read what Rich thought of the vehicle and to see all of the photos in high-res.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule

All images (C) 2009 Rich Truesdell/Automotivetraveler.com

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule caught in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW

A couple of near production-ready 5-Series GTs have been caught on BMW's home turf, and to our eyes they don't hurt the car, but they don't make a case for it either. The last time we were in this situation -- hoping a car's production version would be a huge improvement over it's pre-production form -- was with the Porsche Panamera, and we know how that ended. While we're certain this Progressive Activity Sedan has some purpose, we wonder where are all of these potential buyers are who supposedly demand a little more cargo room than a 5 Series sedan, a little less than a wagon, and one less seat. Check out more photos by clicking the image above.

[Source: 5post]

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Touring Concept

BMW is back at it again with the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept, inventing categories that don't yet exist with a vehicle that isn't quite a sedan, wagon, crossover or SUV. Instead, the Bavarian automaker refers to its new vehicle as a Progressive Activity Sedan, which apparently means that it's a fastback wagon that sits a bit higher off the ground than normal sedans. If you love the shape of the X6 but don't need the ground clearance, you'll probably find little to complain about from the 5 Series GT.

While we're not quite sure we're on board with the new bodystyle, one feature we do admire is the two-piece, double-jointed tailgate. It's a clever take on the classic problem of how to access the rear hatch in tight quarters. Once open, that space can hold a cavernous 58 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down. Regardless of the total amount of room, we've got to wonder if that oddly shaped opening will severely limit what can fit in the boot.

For such a large vehicle, there's not that much room inside for passengers. Just four occupants will find a spot for their keisters, though it does appear that each of them will be coddled with plenty of room (all four seats slide fore and aft) and electronic gadgetry. The center console extends from the dash all the way to the rear seating area, providing a spot to put elbows and doodads in their respective places. Our guess is that production won't be too far in the future and with only mild changes to this concept's basic design. Check back next month for live shots of the Tourer from the Geneva Motor Show. Complete press release and videos after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Pontiac G8 embarrasses BMW 5-Series in internet ad

John Neff — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Pontiac

Click above to view video

This is the part where we say, "Oh, snap!" An interesting internet video hosted on the PontiacIsCAR YouTube channel, which makes it at least semi-official, pits the Pontiac G8 GT against the BMW 550i in a 1-minute, 21-second-long homage to the quick cut. Seriously, we've seen MTV promos that keep an image onscreen longer than this video. Obviously, the G8 GT is made to look good in this epileptic seizure-inducing vid, coming in at half the price than the BMW, but being faster, more powerful and offering more interior space. It's a clever vid, though not as good as the Pontiac G8 Spy Hunter commercial, which is awesome on an epic scale. Rather, this little ad goes after the Bavarian brand with a blatant disregard for the premium image that BMW has earned over the years by actually building the Ultimate Driving Machine in every segment that it competes. Sure, BMWs cost a pretty premium over comparable cars, but when was the last time - before the G8 arrived - that Pontiac could claim it actually built excitement? Take a chill pill over there, Pontiac. The G8's a good car, just let it ride. Thanks for the tip, Jake!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Pontiac G8 embarrasses BMW 5-Series in internet ad

VIDEO: Pontiac G8 embarrasses BMW 5-Series in internet ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:19:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

Chris Bangle is now chief of design for the BMW Group. Without his hand directly penning the coming crop of new BMWs, new man on campus Adrian van Hooydonk -- who answers to Bangle -- is slowly erasing some of Bangle's more controversial contributions.

Though you can't really tell from Car magazine's spy shots of the next 5-Series, they've been told that "the new 5-series won't be anywhere near as radical as today's E60." With the redesign of the current 7-Series being talked up as a return to traditional elegance, we can probably expect the same from the 5-Series. The car will get a smidge longer, and up front you'll get traces of Concept CS styling, as well as LED eyebrows over the headlights.

What you might not expect is a much greener 5. It will get the roundel's Efficient Dynamics at no extra cost, which shuts off the engine when the car is stopped and unhooks the alternator when the battery is fully charged. It might also get a high-efficiency gearbox with eight -- that's right, a Lexus-like eight -- forward gears. Beyond that, there will be likely be many high-tech aids and five engine choices ranging from a 245-HP 3-liter diesel to the 5-liter 500-HP V10 in the M5. Thanks for the tip, Dave!

[Source: Car magazine]

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Chris Shunk — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW, Hyundai, Lexus

What do you get when you cross a Lexus LS460 and and a BMW 5-Series (plus a healthy dollop of Toyota Crown -Ed.)? You get what appears to be the production Hyundai Genesis sedan. The front end looks as though it was ripped right off of the most expensive Lexus, with a strikingly similar set of headlights, a spot-on grille, and similar brightwork. Only the lower fascia wanders from the LS460. Out back, it appears that Hyundai took a pass on the classic Lexus C-pillar, but the Korean automaker's designers were obviously fond of the BMW 5-Series.

The big difference between the Genesis sedan and the vehicles it borrows from is that Hyundai likely has no intention of charging $60,000 for its RWD 4-door. While we're generally not a big fan of derivative styling, the Genesis looks pretty good for a RWD V8 sedan priced in the $30,000 range.

Thanks for the tip, Jose!

[Source: bobaedream]

Spy Shots: Production Hyundai Genesis Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW recalling 5 and 6-series, X5s due to stalling

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, BMW

The NHTSA has announced a recall of nearly 30,000 2006 and 2007 X5, 5-Series, and 6-Series models equipped with the 4.8L V8 engine due to a stalling issue. The reason for the recall is that low temperatures coupled with dry conditions can create a static discharge in the fuel line, which interrupts fuel delivery. The fix for the problem is both free and easy, as a BMW dealer will install grounding cables to your engine at no charge. BMW may create the ultimate driving machines, but if you've got a vehicle that meets the description above, we'd suggest hitting the dealer for a fix before the cold weather puts a shock in your fun.

[Source: Bloomberg]

BMW recalling 5 and 6-series, X5s due to stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac nixing the barges, introducing new BRX CUV and RWD sedans

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac

For eons, the image of a Cadillac ingrained into our minds was that of an XL cruiser wafting down the highway consuming asphalt and small rodents without complaint. That perspective is set to change, as Cadillac plans to drop the slow-selling STS and DTS models, and instead focus its efforts on creating another CUV, a new mid-sized sedan and an entry-level RWD offering.

The plans to redesign the SRX crossover have been nixed due to poor sales, and in its place a new V6-powered, five-passenger CUV, likely to be dubbed the BRX, will go on sale in 2009. More importantly, Cadillac plans to focus its sporting credentials by expanding the CTS lineup to include both a wagon and a coupe, all in an effort to sway consumers interested in the segment-leading BMW 3-series.

Going after the Bavarian boys won't be easy, so in addition to the expansion of the CTS line, Cadillac's replacement for the STS and DTS will take aim at the BMW 5-series, with a high-performance RWD sedan. That, coupled with a proposed entry-level sedan will round out the new Cadillac lineup.

Although the Automotive News article doesn't cite a timeframe for this somewhat radical proposal, we'd expect to see some of Cadillac's new wares popping up in quick order, beginning in Detroit next year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Cadillac nixing the barges, introducing new BRX CUV and RWD sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China getting Long Wheelbase BMW 5-Series

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, BMW

BMW is set to debut a new stretched wheelbase version of its 5-Series sedan at the Chinese Auto Show next month. The Peking show will see the introduction of 530Li, 525Li and 523Li versions of the midsize Bimmer. Developed specifically for the Chinese businessman, it should combine traditional BMW driving dynamics with a larger, more comfortable interior.

With an extra 140mm (5.5") between the wheels (with all of the added interior space behind the front seats), the additional length actually makes it an inch longer than the 7 Series sedan. Corinthian leather is nowhere to be found, but the standard "sumptuous Dakota leather" gives the larger interior a more luxurious ambience. Standard rear-seat entertainment systems on the 525Li and 535Li models will feature a DVD player and 8-inch monitor mounted to the front center console. The monitor is capable flipping down out of the way when not being used. A refrigerated storage box is also included in the rear of these models.

[Source: MWerks]

China getting Long Wheelbase BMW 5-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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