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[First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption is reduced about 20 percent compared to a similar vehicle without a hybrid drivetrain, and no matter what speed you're going, the incredibly complicated powertrain is performing at the most efficient level possible. All of this power means that the X6 hybrid is no sluggish Toyota Prius, offering frugal but unexciting performance. On the other hand, the size and weight of BMW's luxury hybrid crossover means that, well, the X6 hybrid is no Prius in the mileage department, either.

Let's start by congratulating BMW for bringing its first batch of hybrids to market (the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is launching alongside the X6). In everyday traffic, the hybrid system helps keep fuel consumption down - to a still-lame 18 mpg combined (estimated) - and, since the engine can shut down at stops, the ultra-quiet interior made sitting in Miami traffic during our preview drive almost a pleasure. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of vehicle here that hampers any attempt at real fuel efficiency gains. The X6 ActiveHybrid weighs 5,688 pounds for crying out loud - 400 pounds more than the non-hybrid. This vehicle simply doesn't makes a lot of sense for anyone actually interested in fuel efficiency. Who does it make sense for? Follow us past the break as we try to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw x6 active hybrid2010BmwX6ActiveHybridbmwbmw x6bmw x6 activehybridBmwX6BmwX6Activehybridfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivex6x6 activehybridX6ActivehybridWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: ,



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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Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as sport-utilities go, the BMW X6 clearly leans towards the "sport" side of the spectrum. But for those seeking a little more aggression in their "Sports Activity Coupé," German tuning house Hamann has you covered. Back in January, the German tuning house let loose the Tycoon mod kit for the X6, but in case that wasn't enough, they'll be coming to Frankfurt in a couple of weeks with the even more extreme Tycoon Evo.

Hamann's tuning program for the X6 permeates the entire range, so no matter what kind of engine you've got under the hood, there are performance enhancements on offer. The six-cylinder xDrive35i has been upgraded from 306 horsepower to 360, the diesel xDrive30d boosted from 235 hp to 265, the more powerful xDrive35d from 286 hp to 320, and the top-of-the-line xDrive50i from 407 to a massive 500.

Visually, the Tycoon Evo gets a body kit 60mm wider than stock, with a new front fascia, side skirts, diffuser with twin center-exit exhaust tips and a pair of rear spoilers. LED lights, 23-inch wheels and an aluminum and carbon fiber interior trim kit also form part of the package, which you can check out in the gallery of images below and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon Evo

40tycoonevo21tycoonevo22tycoonevo39tycoonevo33tycoonevo

[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Hamann to introduce widebody BMW X6 Tycoon Evo at Frankfurt show

Hamann to introduce widebody BMW X6 Tycoon Evo at Frankfurt show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x6BmwX6hamannhamann bmw x6hamann bmw x6 tycoon evohamann tycoonhamann tycoon evohamann x6HamannBmwX6HamannBmwX6TycoonEvoHamannTycoonHamannTycoonEvoHamannX6tycoontycoon evoTycoonEvoThu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/officially-official-bmw-2010-x6-activehybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/officially-official-bmw-2010-x6-activehybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/officially-official-bmw-2010-x6-activehybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid has arrived, and as previously covered, the new gas-electric X6 will be the most powerful hybrid in history, with 480 peak horsepower and diesel-like plateau of 575 lb-ft of torque.

That impressive powertrain consists of twin electric motors (delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively) and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. All those horses will be corralled through a seven-speed dual-mode transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The run to sixty will take just 5.4 seconds and the top speed will be limited to 130 miles per hour.

The EPA has yet to test the vehicle, but the German automaker is estimating its X6 Hybrid will return a 20-percent fuel mileage improvement average over the standard twin-turbo X6. That should mean about 18 miles per gallon combined in the States. The official public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and the sale date is slated for four-quarter 2009. Click past the break for the comically-detailed press release and check out our image gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw activehybrid x62010 bmw x62010 bmw x6 hybrid2010BmwActivehybridX62010BmwX62010BmwX6Hybridbmwbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridbmw activehybridbmw activehybrid x6bmw x6bmw x6 hybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActivehybridX6BmwX6BmwX6Hybridgreenx6x6 activehybridx6 hybridX6ActivehybridX6HybridWed, 12 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X6 Hybrid to be world's most powerful gas-electric vehicle?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-to-be-worlds-most-powerful-gas-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

"High performance hybrid" - an oxymoron? Not according to BMW, which has two new hybrids coming to the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the two, the X6 Hybrid, promises to be the most powerful hybrid vehicle ever offered with 478 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque from its twin electric motors and 4.4-liter V8 engine combined.

According to what appear to be leaked specs from BMW, the X6 Hybrid will scoot to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds while returning a 20% fuel mileage improvement over the standard X6 with its twin-turbo V8. To set the hybrid apart from its more conventional sibling, BMW will bestow the new fuel-saver with a power dome hood (musclecar elements on a hybrid - HA!) and a bespoke metallic blue hue.

Quicker yet will be the upcoming 7 Series Hybrid, which will reportedly be able to cover the run to 60 in under five seconds flat via the 459 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque provided by its V8-based hybrid powertrain combination. BMW predicts an X6 Hybrid-matching 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency from its 7 Series Hybrid.


Gallery: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept

bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3

Gallery: LA 2008: BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid


[Source: Autocar]

BMW X6 Hybrid to be world's most powerful gas-electric vehicle? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series activehybridbmw 7 series hybridbmw 7-seriesbmw x6bmw x6 activehybridbmw x6 hybridBmw7-seriesBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesActivehybridBmw7SeriesHybridBmwX6BmwX6ActivehybridBmwX6Hybridfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowWed, 12 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

M aficionados take note: The 2010 X6 M (and yet-to-be-tested X5 M) represents the most dramatic shift in BMW's Motorsport division since its inception - and it's not because they're the first crossovers branded with the tri-tone "M" badge. This high-riding duo are the first M machines ever to be equipped with all-wheel drive. The first fitted exclusively with an automatic transmission. And the first (and surely not the last) to pack a pair of turbochargers. M has evolved, but BMW hasn't lost the plot - it's completely rewritten the screenplay, added Michael Bay firepower and harnessed the electronic might of a supercomputer farm to tie it all together.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 BMW X6 M2010BmwX6Mbmwbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwX6BmwX6Mfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivex6x6 mX6MFri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

Enthusiasts who had hoped for an M-worthy performance upgrade may be disappointed by the largely cosmetic M Sport Package recently announced for the flagship 7 Series. But while purists have balked at the idea of a full-on X6 M (pictured above), buyers looking for a little extra oomph from their sports-activity-whatsit were undoubtedly satisfied. So it may come as a little surprise that BMW is reportedly preparing to launch an M Sport package for the X6 that also includes some power upgrades.

According to reports, the oil-burning X6 xDrive35d with the M Sport package will get a boost of 20 horsepower to 306 courtesy of the recently launched 740d's powerplant, while the twin-turbo xDrive50i will increase output by 42 horsepower over stock. Of course, there will also be a special body kit and bigger 20-inch wheels along with the requisite badging of the X6 M Sport package, all of which gives those who want a little extra sport in their ute but aren't interested in the full-on X6 M a solid choice in between. Expect the package to hit the market later this year.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw x6bmw x6 mbmw x6 m sportbmw x6 m sport packageBmwMBmwX6BmwX6MBmwX6MSportBmwX6MSportPackagemm sportm sport packageMSportMSportPackageThu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW X6 M MotoGP Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last eleven years, BMW has partnered with MotoGP to provide safety vehicles, although this year the car setting the pace is, well, not a car. Just days after BMW officially introduced the X6 M at the New York Auto Show, one had already hit the track at the MotoGP in Qatar.

Complete with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 555 horsepower, the X6 M can perform its duties essentially in stock form. The only changes apparent include a light bar on top and BMW Motorsport livery. With the racing series coming to Monterey for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, we got our first look at the X6 M safety vehicle and made sure to snap some pics alongside its M6 counterpart. Check out our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP Safety Car


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW X6BMW X6 MBMW X6 M MotoGPBmwX6BmwX6MBmwX6MMotogpMazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaMotoGPmotorcyclesX6X6 MX6MMon, 06 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bizarre Medical Wagon: BMW presents X6 ambulance at rescue vehicle show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/unlikely-medical-wagon-bmw-presents-x6-ambulance-at-rescue-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/unlikely-medical-wagon-bmw-presents-x6-ambulance-at-rescue-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/unlikely-medical-wagon-bmw-presents-x6-ambulance-at-rescue-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW X6 xDrive50i Ambulance - Click above for a high-res image gallery

You know you've always wanted to drive a four-hundred-horsepower BMW through city streets like a bat out of hell, and now the Bavarian automaker has the legal remedy. All you'll need to do is get certified as an ambulance driver and convince your local emergency response unit to invest in this X6 ambulance, which BMW is showcasing at the upcoming RETTmobil rescue vehicle show in Fulda, Germany. The ultimate driving machine question is, which will be more difficult? Considering on one hand that the certification process is takes longer than the ending of a Peter Jackson film, and on the other that ambulances tend to require a lot of space and that the X6 is among the least utile crossover vehicles on the market, we'd say it's about a draw.

Following the X6 M safety car which BMW rolled out for MotoGP, in actuality this specially-equipped X6 xDrive50i, (complete with 407hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and more lighting than Kevin Costner's corn field) is being presented as a first-responder vehicle, carrying a doctor or paramedic to the scene of an emergency before an ambulance can get there. Few details are available, but then again, there are few cities with the kind of budget to acquire one of these bad boys. Check it out in the gallery below.


Gallery: BMW X6 xDrive50i Ambulance


[Source: BMW]

Bizarre Medical Wagon: BMW presents X6 ambulance at rescue vehicle show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulancebmwbmw x6bmw x6 ambulancebmw x6 emergencybmw x6 xdrive50iBmwX6BmwX6AmbulanceBmwX6EmergencyBmwX6Xdrive50iemergency vehicleEmergencyVehiclefirst responderfirst responseFirstResponderFirstResponsex6x6 ambulancex6 emergencyX6AmbulanceX6EmergencyWed, 13 May 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car - Click to view in high resolution
Coupes, sedans, convertibles, even sport-wagons... BMW's venerated Motorsport division - known to all the world by the letter M - has tuned all sorts of vehicles from the Bavarian automaker's lineup, but with the launch of the new X5 M and X6 M, this is the first time the tuning division has been tasked with tweaking a crossover or SUV... or anything with four-wheel-drive, for that matter. Purists might view it as a bridge too far for the garage that has turned out such precision driving tools as the original 3.0 CSL, the exotic M1 and the spectacular M3, but Munich's marketing department has evidently wasted no time in assuaging those doubts by putting the new X6 M on the track as quickly as possible, and in one of the most speed-crazed, testosterone-infused forms of motorsport on the planet: MotoGP.

Fresh off the floor of Manhattan's Javitz Center, where it debuted at the ongoing New York Auto Show, the X6 M debuts this weekend Qatar as the official safety car of the MotoGP race at Losail. The new M-tuned "sports activity coupe" joins a paddock full of vehicles provided by BMW to serve as safety cars and trackside VIP transports, including the M6, M5 Touring and M3. This marks the eleventh season in which BMW has partnered with MotoGP. Follow the jump to read more in the full press release, and check out the pair of images of the X6 M safety car by clicking the thumbnails below.


Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car



[Source: BMW via MotoGP]

Continue reading Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 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.

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Acrua ZDX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...

The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch. Acura's press release is posted below the fold.


Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Continue reading Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 new york auto show2009NewYorkAutoShow20102010 acurz zdx2010AcurzZdxacurabmw x6BmwX6conceptcrossovernew york 2009new york auto showNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowzdxMon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Acura Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

The crew at Acura have released a single teaser of a new concept due to arrive at next month's New York Auto Show. The darkened overhead image doesn't show much, but the angular front and rear fenders, single set of door handles and sloping roofline gives us a glimpse of the BMW X6-fighting crossover spied in the past. Acura has confirmed plans to add an all new niche model into its line-up for 2010 as it continues to strive for Tier 1 status. If it's a four-door coupe-like CUV, some might question the logic, but with two crossover architectures already available, it might be a low-cost way of matching BMW model-for-model.

UPDATE: Four more images added to the gallery thanks to AcuraZine.


Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 acura crossover2010AcuraCrossoveracuraacura crossoverAcuraCrossoverbmwbmw x6BmwX6breakingcrossoverx6Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Acura's new BMW X6 fighter spotted again!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The last time that we saw this vehicle, it was caught circulating the Nürburgring wearing a lot more camo than this example, and it's widely believed to be a new crossover from Acura. So far, Acura hasn't actually given any public indication that this machine even exists or is planned. Nonetheless, it's wearing all the contemporary Acura styling cues and the Nürburgring pics clearly showed the shield grille through the camo.

This particular example was snapped by an alert AB reader while it was evidently conducting cold weather testing in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. Judging by the reduced amount of camouflage on this unit, it's probably getting close to a public launch, and we're guessing that with its pronounced slope-back, it will have BMW's controversial X6 and Infiniti's FX softroader squarely in its sights. Thanks to Jeff for the awesome tip!

Spy Shots: Acura's new BMW X6 fighter spotted again! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Qazana Concept

To borrow a phrase: Great Googly Moogly. Looking something like a Apple-branded lunar rover, Nissan has released its first images of its Qazana concept, an "intelligent, all-wheel drive crossover which is masculine, agile, lean, and designed for the tough city streets."

The compact crossover appears to be the latest take on the emerging sportscar softroader aesthetic populated by genre-benders like the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX, and to a lesser extent, lower-to-the-ground mainstream offerings like the Toyota Venza. For whatever it's worth, the Nissan Design Europe team says that they were influenced by the "motif of a modern day beach buggy and a four-seat motor-bike." Why this idea didn't result in a more skeletal open-top off-roadster on balloon tires (the Qazana rides on modest-for-a-concept 20-inch wheels), we're not sure, but we think this design has merit on its own regardless. While we wouldn't expect a greenhouse quite this radical or the some of the motorcycle-inspired interior details to see production, a UK-built smaller counterpart to the smash hit Qashqai has been promised, and the Qazana could well influence the design.

Sadly, at this juncture Nissan is mum on what sort of powertrain (if any) motivates the Qazana concept, so we'll just go with the obvious: moon rocks and space ice cream. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Nissan previews wacky Qazana crossover concept

Geneva 2009: Nissan previews wacky Qazana crossover concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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M version of BMW X6

You can see all sorts of things in Manhattan's boroughs, but camouflaged automaker mules aren't common. At least BMW's crazy whirl-filled disguise stands a chance of escaping notice in the hustle and bustle. GMInsideNews forum member GeneralMischief didn't walk by this extra-sinister X6 without realizing that something wicked is going on. Cameraphone shots of the exterior are all we have to go on at this point, but the conspicuous location of camo - on the front and rear fascias and on the front quarter panels - hints that an X6-M is in store.

The X6 XDrive 50i already has an M-division feel about it, with a 400 horsepower turbo V8 wallop and accompanying raucous exhaust note. Our imaginations reel with the thought of the M5's spectacular V10 finding its way into the X6's engine bay, but that's probably not going to happen. Most likely is a boost tweak for more power, revised suspension tuning, and more aggressive - yet still understated - bodywork. When it's a BMW wearing M badges, it's safe to assume power delivery akin to a solid rocket booster, backed up by handling that will make the X6's avoirdupois dance more gracefully than it already does. Maybe they will find a way to fix the V8's flinty ride while they're at it.

Gallery: X6 M-version


[Source: GMInsideNews Photos: GeneralMischief]

Hotted-up BMW X6 prototype spotted in Brooklyn - Next M? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hamann Tycoon

German tuner Hamann seems to have a knack for creatively naming its vehicles. There's the Volcano based on the McLaren SLR, the 911 Turbo dubbed Stallion, the Cayenne-based Cyclone, and even an F430 called the Black Miracle. The latest to be added to the Hamann lineup is the Tycoon, a widebody version of the BMW X6 that also gets a boost in power as well as some interior appointments. The body kit itself consists of a new front fascia and front and rear "wings" that provide the extra width, plus side skirts, a three-part diffuser and roof spoiler. Anodized 23-inch alloy wheels with a polished lip complete the look of the exterior.

Under the hood, Hamann boosts the twin-turbo inline-6 in the xDrive35i model to 360 horsepower, and a performance package for the Euro-only diesel engine is available as well. Inside, carbon fiber trim and aluminum accessories compliment a new three-spoke steering wheel. More details in the press release after the jump, and plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon


[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Hamman-Uhh, Hamman-Uhh: Tuner takes BMW X6 to the extreme with Tycoon

Hamman-Uhh, Hamman-Uhh: Tuner takes BMW X6 to the extreme with Tycoon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 XDrive 35i - Click above for high-res image gallery

You know things have gone awry when BMW now offers three different flavors of non-cars, all of them antithetical to the Bavarian brand's classical claim to fame. The X6 is the latest addition to the range, joining the X3 and X5, and BMW is calling it a Sports Activity Coupe, creating an acronym that's oddly prescient for a vehicle that's essentially a post-bris X5. Beyond the looks that are an acquired taste, we wanted to know if there's BMW goodness baked into the X6, so we swiped the keys to an X6 XDrive 35i for a week with the SAC to find out.


Gallery: Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i

Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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