Autoblog

Report: Slow early sales have BMW thinking 5GT should've launched with six-cylinder

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:01:00 EST

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

It appears that BMW may have overestimated the U.S. market appeal for high-end versions of the 550i Gran Turismo, and executives now acknowledge that the six-cylinder 535i probably should have been available at launch. It's not unusual for an automaker to launch an all-new model by shipping mostly loaded, top-level versions in order to absorb the maximum number of dollars from early adopters, but sometimes that approach backfires if the market isn't ready for the new vehicle.

Case in point is the 5GT, of which BMW has apparently sold fewer than 1,200 units in the U.S. since the launch of the polarizing people mover late last year. Interestingly, BMW has found that more women than expected have bought the model, while its less-than-stellar fuel consumption has hurt sales in a still-weak U.S. economy. Gran Turismo sales are apparently ahead of projections elsewhere, but those other markets launched with both gasoline and diesel inline-six engine choices.

Given that the 5GT is best suited as a road trip machine, it might make sense for BMW to install the 3.0-liter diesel from the X5 and 335d as an alternative to the twin-turbo V8. So far BMW has not indicated any plans to offer a diesel GT in America, but the less costly 535i GT is still slated to arrive in the Fall.

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Slow early sales have BMW thinking 5GT should've launched with six-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #177 - What's up with the AB Podcast in iTunes?

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Technology, Acura, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Ferrari, Diesel

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Before we get to this week's show, we wanted to explain what's up with The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes. The short story is that TV Squad, one of our sister sites in the AOL Network, recently received an update that went awry. The result was all of our RSS feeds being replaced with the TV Squad RSS feed. The issue was quickly fixed, but for some reason iTunes isn't recognizing this fact and continues to display the TV Squad podcast as if it were The Autoblog Podcast. We're in contact with people from iTunes who assure us the problem is being worked on, so hang tight.

In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you will not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, even though it's not our fault. Send your hate mail to TV Squad.

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, and Steven Ewing take on topsy-turvy topics like hybrid Ferraris, the Land Rover LRX, Hyundai's focus-grouping a pickup truck, Toyota's possible hydrogen future, and the OnStar relaunch. There's the Autoblog Garage to start, and we finish with questions for this week's 80-minute installment. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #177: What? Hybrid Ferraris, FWD Land Rovers, and Hyundai Pickups

In the Autoblog Garage:

Audi A3 TDI
Acura ZDX
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, Steven J. Ewing

Runtime: 1:18:56

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #177 - What's up with the AB Podcast in iTunes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW recently launched a new marketing campaign titled "BMW is Joy." The new tag line is explained as, "Part of a big-media strategy the company is doing to raise its profile worldwide with a more emotional, optimistic voice." Raising a company's profile is never a bad thing, however, we question if anything is more high-minded than "The Ultimate Driving Machine," one of the very best auto-related taglines ever concocted. BMW says it isn't moving away from its TUDM slogan, but we can't help but wonder, is BMW is trying to tell us something? What if instead of appealing to those who actually might value the ultimate driving machine, they're looking instead for other customers?

Our man Paukert sampled the 535i Gran Turismo last September and came away impressed by the combination of packaging and driving dynamics offered up by BMW's curious new kinda-wagon. The party piece of the cynically-named Gran Turismo is a slick, trick two-way tailgate that opens either as a tiny trunk or as a cavernous hatch. Or maybe it's not such a stretch, name-wise. After all, translated the moniker simply means "grand touring," and after a hard day of driving, being able to easily unload your luggage and get checked into your hotel is its own kind of luxury. Is it possible that the even more potent BMW 550i Gran Turismo is an even better proposition than its slightly weaker sibling? What about compared to a 5 Series Wagon or even an X5? And what about competition from other brands? Given its unconventional form and unique packaging, is there any competition to speak of? More importantly, is it joyful, the ultimate driving anything or a bird of an entirely different feather?

Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo

Continue reading Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine

Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus, Infiniti reportedly not interested in taking on BMW's 5 Series Gran Turismo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

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

Depending on who you ask, BMW is either at the forefront of an exciting new automotive genre with the 5 Series Gran Turismo, or is inventing market segments with no real purpose other than to grab several thousand new sales from those who simply must be seen in the latest trendy niche. In other words, the 5 Series GT is nothing if not polarizing.

For now, it seems that you can put such luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti in the latter camp, though fellow upmarket Japanese automaker Acura is headed down a similar path as its German counterpart with the new ZDX - at least with regard to the X6. Speaking to Auto Observer at the New York Auto Show, Ben Poore, Nissan North America's vice president of the Infiniti business unit, said, "What [we are] seeing is a much stronger preference (among consumers) for a trunk."

Granted, some may see little difference between such vehicles as the 5 Series GT and Infiniti's own EX and FX crossovers, but Poore suggests the machines aren't direct competitors. "I'd rather be on (either) the crossover styling or the trunk styling," he said. Dave Nordstrom, Lexus' vice president of marketing, concurs, saying, "We don't have any plans for it right now. We have not seen the demand from our customers - but we continue to look at it."

As for us? Well, you can read all about our initial impressions of the 5 Series GT by looking back at our First Drive. Suffice it to say, our own office is split on the effectiveness of this new giant hatchback trend just like everyone else.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Auto Observer]

Lexus, Infiniti reportedly not interested in taking on BMW's 5 Series Gran Turismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

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

Just as the new sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, a new station wagon variant has been unveiled. Like past editions of the 5 Series Touring, this one is essentially the same as the sedan, only with the roof extending straight back to enclose a substantially larger cargo area.

All of the fancy new technology that we've already seen in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and sedan is carried over into the Touring. That includes the driver assistance systems like the surround-view cameras and parking assist. Underhood, BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 won't be available at launch, but a selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines will be offered. The range-topping 535i is powered by the new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter N55 twin-scroll turbo direct-injected inline-six.

Single-turbo versions of the 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter inline-six diesels are also available with 184 hp and 245 hp respectively. The four-cylinder 520d Touring gets an EU combined fuel economy rating of 45.2 miles per gallon (U.S.) with the 530d also scoring an impressive 36.8 mpg.

Unfortunately, it seems extremely unlikely that we will ever get to see any of these handsome new wagons given Americans' ongoing aversion to this body style. We'll just be forced to make do with the homelier-looking 5 Series Gran Turismo. Click past the jump to check out new video footage of the 5 series Touring.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/video]

Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Schnitzer boys have waved wands over the BMW 530d GT, giving it a little more power and a lot more cosmetics. Under the hood is a modest power bump from 245 horsepower to 286, but torque numbers have been omitted so we're supposing there's no change there. If that is indeed the case, color us a wee bit surprised that no more twist was extracted from the torque-tastic oil-burner from Bavaria.

Outside and inside, though, changes abound: an AC Schnitzer engine cover and hood vents, skirts and spoilers everywhere, new rear silencer and chrome trim, aluminum pedals and footrest, plus AC-branded velours for the floor mats and trunk. And to keep you from ridin' dirty there's an AC Schnitzer spring kit and the firm's trademark wheels. Follow the jump for the complete specs, and take in the full view in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 530d GT

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT

AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

Current-generation BMW 5 Series Touring

BMW has announced the debut of the company's latest generation 5 Series Touring, so rumors of the Touring's demise may have been exaggerated. To be fair, the BMW 5 Series Touring was never going to go away altogether - not when it sells in big numbers in European markets. That said, BMW foresees its new double-hinged hatchback 5 Series Gran Turismo as cannibalizing the wagon's already tiny sales in the U.S., so we don't expect to see the new Touring model in American showrooms. The rest of the world can look forward to a new wagon that is lower, lighter and more of a looker than the hunchback on the other side of the showroom.

The world premiere of the new 5 Touring will take place at the 2010 Auto Mobil International (AMI) in Leipzig. Although no photos or details have been released, this fourth generation 5 Series station wagon will share a lot in common with the recently introduced F10 2011 5 Series sedan that we sampled in Spain last month. That means new engines, gearboxes, suspension architecture, rear-wheel steering, user-selectable adaptive drive settings, brake energy regeneration and another generation of iDrive, for better or for worse. We'll get you more details and photos as they become available, in the meantime, make the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig

BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo caught swirling around?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury

If you love the idea of the 5 Series Gran Turismo but don't want a vehicle quite that large, BMW's got something baking in the oven that you may very well be interested in: a 3 Series Gran Turismo. Just like its larger sibling, this wagon that's masquerading as anything other than a wagon will sport a fastback-like rear roof design that covers up a larger cargo hold than the standard 3's trunk.

It appears that the upcoming 3 Series Gran Turismo will be both longer and wider than the current 3, and that size advantage may carry over to the rest of the 3 Series line as well. Expect a predominantly aluminum chassis underneath the slinky new bodywork to help keep weight from escalating out of control.

BMW has made no mention of when the 3 Series GT might hit the market, but if it makes an appearance before the expected sedan, coupe and wagon versions of the next 3 - as was the case with the latest BMW 5 Series - we might see the fastback wagon sometime in 2012.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo caught swirling around? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is rounding out its Detroit Auto Show premier lineup with the North American debut of the 535i Gran Turismo. The 550i GT that's powered by the 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 is already on sale in the U.S., but we won't get our shot at the six cylinder model until the spring of 2010. Like the recently-announced 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo is getting a new version of the 3.0-liter inline six cylinder turbo.

The current 535i and 335i both use a version of the six with two turbochargers. The version in the GT produces the same 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. The engine also incorporates BMW's Valvetronic valve control system to reduce fuel consumption by eliminating the throttle and reducing pumping losses. The six will be mated up with the same new ZF eight-speed automatic used in the 550i and the ActiveHybrid 7. Want more details? Click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack

Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring - click above image for hi-res gallery

Looky, looky - it's another piece of future German metal disguised to look like MC Escher on peyote. But what is it? Well, unlike the never ending back-and-forth between the A6 and/or the A8, we're certain this is the new 2011 5 Series Touring, a.k.a. a Bimmer station wagon or "Kombi" as they call 'em over in Europe. Not bad, right? Kinda lithe yet athletic at the same time. Good looking, too. And let's not forget the M versions of these puppies. Only thing is, what we think probably doesn't matter - odds are we'll never see the 5 Series Touring here in the States.

Why is that? We've mentioned it before, but BMW just launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Selling both of the fairly similar five-door cars along side each other might cut into sales. Additionally, wagons have never sold well for BMW here in North America - and for some reason, Americans just aren't into traditional car-like station wagons. And since in BMW's mind the 5 Series GT is going to be a hit, why mess with a good thing?

A few reasons. Never mind the nearly 1,000 pound weight advantage of the wagon (around 4,000 pounds) over the GT (about 4,800 pounds) - which should bring with it better mileage, performance and handling - to its detractors, the Gran Turismo just has an air of Chrysler Pacifica about it. Of course, since the day it came out, many of us auto-journo types have been asking why one would buy the SUV-ish X5 when the hauls-just-as-much-stuff 5 Series wagon is not only available but costs less, goes quicker, handles better, etc. Looks like BMW just might just disarm that line of questioning altogether. Maybe.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 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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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo took a whirl on the plinth and we have to admit it doesn't look the least bit absurd standing in person. We completely forgot to be offended at the fact we're being handed this instead of the perfectly fantastic 5 Series Sport Wagon. At least, until we played around with the dual-action lift gate -- then the word "gimmick" did flit through our cranial region for a moment.

Still, it's not bad, and on the road it looks like it has the potential to get a whole lot better. As the Hesse-novel-length press release after the jump explains, the car will combine the legroom of the 7 Series, head room of the X5, 59.5 cubic feet of storage space, and a base diesel with 245 hp and 43 mpg. Go for gold, and there's a V8 twin turbo with 407 hp and a 5.5-second run to 60. Check it out for yourselves in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

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

As expected, BMW is obviously pretty far along with the production version of the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept that debuted earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show. While show-car details like the thin metal blades connecting the side mirrors from the concept have been replaced with more conventional bits, the general shape of the new GT has been left almost exactly intact. The same can't be said about the interior, which seems to have lost its artful air in exchange for BMW's typically Germanic sobriety.

We'll reserve final judgment for when the production version makes its official debut, likely at an undetermined auto show later this year. Click past the break to see the production BMW 5 Series GT on a video capture of BMW TV, along with the car's German-speaking project leader, Hans-Jurgen Branz. Thanks for the tip, Bryan!

Gallery: Production BMW 5 Series GT video stills

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: Bimmer Blog via Youtube via CarSpyShots]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV

Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo design sketches still confuse us

John Neff — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo design sketches

No, we can't answer for you what BMW is thinking when it introduces vehicles like this that defy classification. The X6 did it and now the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo will do it again at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Dubbed the Progressive Activity Sedan during its development, the Concept 5 Series GT is part sedan and wagon, part luxury car and crossover, part BMW and an answer to a question no one asked. Answering unasked questions is BMW's thing these days, so perhaps these design sketches will shed light on what the Concept 5 Series GT is actually supposed to be. We've analyzed each one carefully, and we're still not sure what purpose such a big vehicle that only seats four people could serve. Needless to say, those four people will probably enjoy their time in BMW's latest segment-bending model. Click on over to carbodydesign to read their much more expert opinion of the vehicle's design. Judging by their lengthy analysis, there actually was some thought put into it.

Gallery: BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo design sketches

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: carbodydesign]

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo design sketches still confuse us originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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