Autoblog

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.

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the BMW X5 Vision EfficientDynamics

A man might not be a camel, but BMW's X5 Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid is. The vehicle, with its twin-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a li-ion battery pack that doesn't need to be refueled until after the Apocalypse. by then, fuel will probably be the last of your worries. Special aero rims, a solar roof panel to heat up engine fluids before you start the vehicle, an 8-speed transmission, and X5 room and ride only make it all the sweeter. Check out the hi-res gallery of shots below to get as close as we did to it.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5.

Every auto show nowadays has to have its fair share of "green" concepts, and Geneva won't be any different. Over at the BMW stand, the automaker will be showing off its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that's packing a twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that's mated to a hybrid motor. The diesel mill alone is making 204 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, but the addition of a compact generator increases power by another 20 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed gearbox developed by ZF that features longer ratios to make the most of the miserly mill. BMW cites mpg figures in the 43.5-range, with 172 g/km of CO2 being shot on the tailpipe. Additionally, BMW has fitted a regenerative braking system to the X5, along with roof-mounted solar panels and aerodynamically enhanced 19-inch wheels.

All the details are available after the jump in BMW's press release.

This isn't the first time we've reported on the long-rumored high-performance BMW X5 M. In fact, we showed you spy shots on July 25, 2007, August 31, 2007, and again on October 16, 2007. So, here we go again...

Rumors about powerplants thrive, but our best guess indicates BMW will not be dropping the M5/M6's 5.0-liter V-10 into the upcoming range-topping X5. The V-10 is a silky screamer, but torque is what's needed to motivate the X5's mass (the V-10 is rated at 500 hp, but just 383 lb-ft of torque). Instead, it is much more likely (and cost-effective) that BMW will fit a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found under the hood of the new BMW X6. In stock form, that engine pumps out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Tweak the engine mapping while increasing the boost, and 500 hp and 500+ lb-ft of torque isn't unimaginable. That is plenty of juice to fend off the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (500 hp/516 lb-ft) and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (503 hp/465 lb-ft).

The spy shots show an X5 with a custom front bumper fabricated to maximize cooling airflow. The fog lamps are gone, instead replaced with intakes that appear to be hiding oil coolers in the front fenders (similar to the unit found in the right front fender of the twin-turbo BMW 335i). The quad tailpipes are identical to the ones found on the prototype in October. However, unlike the images last Fall, this black prototype is wearing winter rubber--it should, as it is sitting on snow.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

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]

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.]

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]

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]

Just as MINI is ramping up to launch the Clubman wagon in addition to its current lineup for 2008, rumors are flying about a possible MINI compact sport utility vehicle, reportedly inspired by the Austin Ant and MINI Moke, dunebuggy-ish off-roaders originally designed for the British military. BMW's California DesignWorks studio is apparently already working on a design, and production would likely take place in the U.S. at BMW's Spartanburg plant. It would include BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive and rumor has it that the CUV would actually be based on the same platform as the BMW 1-Series.

Thanks to the Spartanburg plant's flexible manufacturing system, the CUV would be right at home next to the BMW X5 and Z4 roadster models, odd as that may sound.

Click through to the link to see a concept drawing of the MINI SUV and some spy photos of the Clubman.

[Source: World Car Fans]

We just posted some spy shots and new speculation about the upcoming X6 last month, but German magazine Auto Zeitung has even more information on this somewhat mysterious new BMW. The X6 Coupe is expected to be a sporty four-door coupe version of the X5 sport-ute. Kind of like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but with all wheel drive and a higher driving position thanks to that X5 platform.

Think of the X5/X6 relationship as being the same as that between the 5 and 6-series. The 6 is positioned as the sportier, slightly more upscale model. Auto Zeitung is predicting the X6 will share the best engines from BMW's range including the 286hp twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel, the 335i's 300hp twin-turbo 6, and the 4.8 liter V8 putting out 367hp. Word has it a turbo V8 with 420hp is also in the works and should be good for a sub-six second 0-100 km/h sprint.

Like the X5 4.8is, BMW will most likely stay away from the "M" label for that model. Whichever engine you pick you'll get the power routed through a 6-speed automatic with that new joystick shifter from the 2007 X5 that's promised for the 5-series as well. Looks like crossovers like this are the future for many automakers, as Audi will have the Q5 and Mercedes the GLK in the next couple of years, too.

[Source: Auto Zeitung via MotorAuthority]