Autoblog

The Nissan Skyline R32 is a legend on the track and in the eyes of tuners around the world. There are legions of fans who have tweaked their R32s to go faster and move with more agility, but we don't think many have turned their precious Skylines into a Ute to obtain optimal drifts. Following the jump is video of a race-ready R32 that looks more Ford Falcon from Down Under than it does a super-tuned Nissan from the land of the rising sun. It may look beaten with an ugly stick, but it could be the only R32 that can hot lap a track and help a friend move in the same day. And it's a hella-good drifter, too. The video after the jump is English free, so if you have any Japanese language skills, let us know what they're saying in the comments section.

[Source: Carscoop]

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]

Hyundai Motor Co. has released pricing information for the 2007 Santa Fe. The SUV, which dealerships should be receiving this month, is brand new having undergone extensive changes from last year's model.

The starting base price at $20,945 is below last year's price of $21,695. The Santa Fe is offered in three trims: GLS, SE, and Limited. Two V-6 engines are offered, and while an automatic transmission is offered for both engines, a manual is only offered in GLS trim. All-wheel drive is also available. Other features include a rear seat DVD system and third-row seating. Hyundai plans to offer XM satellite radio and Bluetooth later this year. GPS navigation system will be offered some time in 2007.

Here's the basic breakdown of pricing:

•  Santa Fe GLS 2.7L V6 5-Speed M/T  FWD $20,945
•  Santa Fe GLS 2.7L V6 5-Speed M/T  AWD $22,945
•  Santa Fe GLS 2.7L V6 4-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® FWD $22,145
•  Santa Fe GLS 2.7L V6 4-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® AWD $24,145
•  Santa Fe SE 3.3L V6 5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® FWD $23,645
•  Santa Fe SE 3.3L V6 5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® AWD $25,645
•  Santa Fe Limited 3.3L V6 5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® FWD $25,945
•  Santa Fe Limited 3.3L V6 5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC® AWD $27,945

Specification details can be found here and here. Press release is after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]