Autoblog

BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Safety, Crossover, BMW

Click above for huge gallery of high-res photos of the bulletproof BMW X5 Security Plus

If Jason Statham's character, Frank, decides to switch back to a BMW in The Transporter 4, we think we have his new ride picked out. Or maybe Clive Owen just needs to film another episode of The Driver. BMW has just released info on its first Class Six bullet resistant vehicle, the BMW X5 Security Plus, which happens to be the first vehicle ever available to the public with that classification from a high-volume manufacturer. That means that its skin can handle anything up to a AK-47 assault rifle, the weapon-of-choice for terrorists, pirates and kidnappers around the globe. Besides thicker bulletproof glass, BMW has added heavier armored body panels all around, as well as sealing up all of the joints to bolster protection in normally vulnerable body panel gaps.

The Security Plus models are partially built alongside the regular models in Spartanburg, SC, and then sent to Toluca, Mexico for final assembly. Some of the special features that are fitted include a beefed-up suspension with special run-flat tires, an intercom system to communicate with people outside the vehicle, a hold-up alarm that automatically locks windows and doors, plus sirens and flashing lights too. There's also a list of options that includes a rear view camera and a front-bumper-mounted side view camera. It's powered by BMW's 355 horsepower, 4.80-liter V8, and even with the extra equipment, this crossover can scoot from 0 to 62 miles-per-hour in 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed electronically limited to 112 mph.

There's a full press release after the jump and a huge high-res gallery too. You'll see there is very little to tip evil-doers that the person inside is worthy of attention, until the need to escape arises and the lights go on. BMW handles sales of these vehicles in a very discreet manner and even offers special driver training so anyone can become The Driver.

Gallery: BMW X5 Security Plus

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus

BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer #2 shows more Audi A8 co-star

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Celebrities

Lionsgate has released the second trailer showcasing that buff delivery guy with the English accent, and if you thought Transporter 2 was an all-out sprint on the ludicrous side, wait until you get a load of the stunts in Transporter 3. It not only shows off more of Statham's body and his 1-liner prowess, it also shows off more bad dialogue, more absurd stunts, and more reasons why it's Crank but with a bracelet and an Audi. It will clearly be a movie where you put your brain down in the seat next to you and then load up on greasy popcorn and root beer with wide-eyed glee. But that doesn't mean we won't see it. Check out the trailer after the jump, and mark your calendars for November 26.

[Source: Transporter 3 Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer #2 shows more Audi A8 co-star

VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer #2 shows more Audi A8 co-star originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer debuts, could be worse than Transporter 2

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lifestyle

The first Transporter was a nifty little romp. The second one was an absurd little romp. This third installment, befitting a director whose last name is Megaton, has absolutely overdosed on the outlandish. But apparently you've all spoken by making the first two profitable, and this is what you want. The plot in the third film is like John Woo redid Crank, but with a detonating bracelet and an Audi. And as much as we dig Jason Statham, if he doesn't hit the brakes soon he's on his way to becoming the pauper's Nicholas Cage. Or the rich man's Steven Segal, which might not be so bad... Follow the jump to check out the trailer. Thanks for the tip, JP!

[Source: Trailer Addict]

Continue reading VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer debuts, could be worse than Transporter 2

VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer debuts, could be worse than Transporter 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Rod runs down Top 40 car films

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Hot Rod magazine has just released its list of the Top 40 Car Movies of all time, and it has opened the list up for you to vote on. Although many of the films on the list are obvious choices (American Graffiti, Bullitt, Le Mans), some of their selections are a bit more obscure. The editors go out of their way to explain that their criteria was biased towards hot rods, but other than that, the only caveat was that the films had to be currently available on DVD and that they were originally released in theaters.

The films are grouped by date of release and cover entries from 1950 through 2001. While we can't speak for films released before 1950, there are surely some deserving flicks from post 2001. The Transporter immediately comes to mind. Not intended to be a comprehensive list so much as the 40 they would say you HAVE to add to your Netflix queue, we were glad to see some of our personal favorites among the Top 40. The group ranges from blockbusters to barely noticed. Most aren't very good movies, but a few are Oscar contenders. Or should have been. Hot Rod has even included helpful icons to identify movies with a preponderance of hot rods, dumb cops, hot babes, etc.

We've already gone through the whole list and found a dozen or so we haven't seen, and we've also thought of a few more that belong in that group. But we want to know what you think. Go to Hot Rod, check out the full list and report back on your favorites and the ones you think should be included but weren't. Different Bond favorites? Wondering why cartoons like CARS were left out? Tell us about it, but remember to check the list first, and keep the rules in mind. And don't forget to check their own list of ones they would have included had they been able to find them on DVD. There are some gems there. Hint to DVD distributors.

[Source: Hot Rod via Jalopnik]

Hot Rod runs down Top 40 car films originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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