BMW X1 Caught Completely Undisguised during Photoshoot

BMW's upcoming 2010 X1 crossover has been caught completely undisguised during a photo shoot thanks to a member of forum-auto.com.



Looking virtually identical to the X1 Concept which debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the low resolution photo shows the biggest change to the production model is a slightly reworked grille with additional chrome detailing which likely signifies this particular X1 boasts a high-end engine.

Speaking of engines, the X1 will be powered by a variety of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines as well as several diesel units. Eventually a hybrid version is expected to be launched, but nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet. Base models will come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and sDrive (rear-wheel drive) while an eight-speed automatic and xDrive (all-wheel drive) will be optional.

The X1 will ride on the E90 3-Series platform which results in a longish 2760mm (108.6") wheelbase and an overall length of 4457mm (175.5"). While this should result in a roomy interior, it puts the X1 perilously close to being the same size as the X3 which is just 108mm (4.3") longer.

Look for the X1 to go on sale in Europe this fall with a base price somewhere in the neighborhood of £20,000.

2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible Starts First Round of Nurburgring Testing

BMW's redesigned 2011 6 Series convertible has been spotted undergoing performance testing on Germany's famous Nürburgring.

While the psychedelic camouflage hides much of the exterior, it's clear that the new convertible is heavily influenced by the 7 Series and the new Z4. Key styling features seem to include a new front bumper with a massive air intake, reshaped headlights, a more prominent double kidney grille, and a redesigned rear end which eliminates the highly controversial "Bangle Butt".

Despite BMW's best efforts to convince us that new 6 Series will feature a soft top like the out going model, it seems rather obvious that poorly fitting fabric is nothing more than a disguise meant to throw off the causal observer. Although the switch to a folding metal roof will undoubtedly result in a more secure vehicle with better rearward visibility, due to its larger rear window, it also means that the convertible's trademark twin flying buttresses roof is no more.



Under the hood, we can expect many of the 6 Series current engines to carry over but the 4.8-liter V8 engine will be replaced by the new 400 horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 from the 750i. The top of the line M6 will likely adopt the X5 M and X6 M's new 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft (678Nm) of torque.

Audi R8 : The chase

Audi Chase from Alok Paleri on Vimeo.

Porsche Panamera : official trailer

Audi A5 Sportback : Spy shot !!

Based on the two-door A5 coupe, the Sportback will use a more practical five-door configuration as you can see clearly in the photos. But a more curvy and sleek design will distinguish it from the more conservative A4 Avant. In effect, it will sit in the range as a smaller brother to the A7 four-door coupe – Audi’s rival to the Mercedes CLS.

Engine choices will include only the more powerful options, including V6 petrol and diesels, as well as a storming RS5 version producing around 450bhp from its 4.2-litre V8.

BMW 5-Series Touring Latest Spy Photos

More spy photos of the BMW 5-series Touring have emerged and...hey, we're starting to get used to that funky camouflage paint job on this sports tourer. BMW, do you think you can make this part of the options package? Call it the 70s kitchen tablecloth pattern camo-finish, and throw in a complimentary pair of bell-bottoms too.

This Touring variant is expected to come to market in 2010, sometime after the introduction of the next-generation 5-series range. It will come with a few hints of the upcoming 5-series GT to its design, including features such as the new headlights, bonnet and grille looking a lot like those seen on the 5-series GT Concept.

Engines expected will include BMW's 3.0 liter twin-turbo and the 4.4 liter, twin-turbo V8, all with plenty of power output to keep the new 5-series healthily chugging along. On the diesel side, there may likely be a 2.0 liter twin-turbo borrowed from the 3-series range that can keep fuel economy down on this mid-sized 5-series range. BMW has also hinted at featuring the hybrid system from the 7-series on the 5-series as well.

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing Spied in White for First Time - Sheds some camouflage

While it's true that much of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing supercar has been spied in various guises before, this is the first time it has come out in clear white. White is said to be almost as popular as silver/ grey in many markets around the world for Merc. These spy pictures also show a bit more flesh under the SLS' skin as it sheds a few pieces of camoflage. We can see two trapezoidal tailpipes as well.



Of course the car's interior was officially revealed through a few pictures that showed not mere cutaways but the real thing. Switchgear, the gear lever, the dashboard, the centre console and parts of the seats were clearly seen in those pictures.



Mercedes-Benz has already announced engine details for the SLS. It uses a 7-speed double clutch transmission coupled with a 6.2-litre V8 of natural aspiration to produce 571hp (420kW) and 650Nm (479lb-ft) of torque. The 0 - 100km/h run will be completed in 3.8 seconds and top speed will be 315km/h.

McLaren Automotive which was Mercedes-Benz's partner in the development of the 2003 SLR McLaren supercar, are working on their own new challenger codenamed the P11 for this segment. However, engine and performance details have not been released.

Audi Announce New Mystery Model Unveiling Scheduled for July 16th

Audi kicks off its 100th birthday celebrations with a ceremony to be attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The ceremony takes place in Ingolstadt on July 16. This may not excite the average reader to any extent but what might do the trick is the fact that a brand new model will be unveiled during the four-day celebrations.



The only hint as to what the model will be was given by Audi management board Chairman Rupert Stadler. He said: "We are proud of the tradition of the Audi brand and our company's history of success. You have to be aware of your roots if you want to shape the future with new ideas and innovations."

Not much of a hint, but looking at the history of the four rings, a trend of innovation (quattro), racing (R10 TDI, quattro) and design (original TT) emerges. It might be speculated then that the debutant will be a very sporty model with high-performance abilities.

The two candidates bearing those characteristics that stand out are the RS 5 and the R8 Targa. The former has been spied testing with virtually no disguise lately which means an official reveal is imminent. The R8 Targa is, according to the leaked rollout schedule, also due for launch in the next couple of months.

Would Audi celebrate a 100 years of existence as a brand by announcing a two-door performance coupe or a two-door, two-seater thoroughbred sports car? Let the guessing games begin.

BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift Spied with White Dressing

In 2008 BMW launched the facelifted 3 Series sedan and Touring models. Soon the coupe and coupe convertible will go under the scalpel for a facelift. These spy pictures show a white prototype of the coupe undergoing testing in Munich. Judging from the tailpipes it appears to be a twin turbo model. The E92 3 Series Coupe has been on the market since fall 2006.

Mainly the front and the rear end have been disguised to varying levels, leading to the conclusion that these two areas will receive special attention in the redesign. New air intakes, foglights, a new rear bumper and rear LED lights are all expected to be included. Whether the M3 coupe will also get a facelift remains to be seen, although no M3 sedan facelift has been announced yet.

With the facelift expected to arrive later this year as a 2010 MY, the next generation 3 Series range isn't due until 2012.

Audi R15 TDI: Promotional trailer

2010 BMW 5 Series entering Final Evaluation Phase

And the moment has arrived, the first spy photos of the 2010 BMW 5 Series in the final evaluation phase(FEP) are finally here.

After months of waiting and tens of spy photos showing heavy camouflaged test mules, the fellows at Automobile-Magazine.fr have finally spotted the new 5 Series sporting the now famous pattern camouflage.

The model seen in these photos is the Wagon variant which will be launched next Spring. For the first time, we can see the front-grille, along with small sections of the headlights.

The front-bumper is also identical to the one leaked onto the web a few months back, so no surprise there. The “kidneys” are larger than the ones in the current generation 5 Series.

VW Scirocco R20T: New spy shots!

Here are some fresh spy shots of the upcoming VW Scirocco R20T.
Nice!

BMW M3 GT4 to Make Race Debut at Nürburgring 24-hour race

The BMW M3 GT4 will be making its endurance competition debut at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on the 23rd and 24th of May.

But it's not BMW Motorsport which will be fielding the M3 GT4 racer. Its Customer Racing program has handed that honor to Schubert Motorsport, which will run the endurance race with 3 drivers; Augusto Farfus from Brazil, Jörg Müller from Germany, and British driver Andy Priaulx.

Priaulx and Müller normally race for BMW, in competing cars, on the FIA WTCC circuit (World Touring Car Championship) but will lend their skills to help the M3 GT4 prove its mettle on the track for the Schubert team.

The Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race began in 1970 and BMW has been a staple of the event from the beginning. Last year, some 50 of the 150 cars competing were BMW models and BMWs have racked up some 114 class victories in the endurance event, the most of any automaker.

Müller and Priaulx were each part of the winning BMW team which took the race in 2004 and 2005, respectively. They both hope to repeat those victories once more, this time together.

BMW 760Li & 760i Revealed with Newly Developed 6-Liter V12 Twin Turbo Engine

BMW has officially unveiled their new 760i and 760Li which are powered by a brand new twin-turbo V12 that produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Directly aimed at the 5.5-liter biturbo V12 Mercedes S600 with 380 kW (517 hp) and 829 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, the new BMW 760's have more horsepower but less torque.

The new all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 was designed from the ground up and features the latest technology such as high precision fuel injection, infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and a volume flow-controlled oil pump. BMW went to great length to specifically design the two exhaust gas turbochargers so they would provide unparalleled power and performance worthy of the wealthy owners who typically flock to this high-end model. Despite the fact that the car boasts more power than its predecessor, the new 760i actually features a 4.5 percent increase in fuel economy for an estimated rating of 12.9L/100km (21.9mpg UK / 18.2mpg US). In the terms of performance, 0-100 km/h comes in just 4.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Power flows to the rear wheels through a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission that was designed to provide maximum gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency. By partnering with transmission specialist ZF, BMW was able to find a way to allow the car to use its highest gear at reduced engine speeds for improved fuel economy and smoothness.

Exterior styling differences between the 760i and 750i are minor but include the addition of V12 badges, a slightly revised grille, unique 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and special dual exhaust tips. Interior changes include new stainless-steel door guards with illumination, a leather wrapped instrument panel, an alcantara lined roof, and exclusive burr walnut wood trim.

As BMW's flagship model, the new 760's boast a high level of performance driving equipment such as dynamic damping control, dynamic driving control, speed sensitive steering, an air suspension, and the dynamic drive anti-roll stability system. Luxury features include GPS navigation, four-zone climate control, automatic soft close doors, cruise control with automatic braking, and park distance control. On the options list there is active cruise control, a night vision system with pedestrian detection, a heads-up display, a rearview camera, and high-beam assistant.

BMW X6 M & X5 M Officially Revealed

BMW's "terrible twins" have been officially unleashed upon us. Details of the X5 M and the X6 M have been confirmed, from the engine size and power output to styling details. It has been more than a year since speculation began over BMW M Division's first foray into the world of über SUVs. Since then spy pictures of both vehicles, together and separately, have done the proverbial rounds.

Both the X5 M and X6 M are fitted with a newly-developed 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making a confirmed 555hp (408kW) at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (678Nm) between a very broad band of 1,500 and 5,650rpm. The turbos produce maximum boost pressure of 1.5 bar.

Mated to an M engine for the first time is a 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission with full automatic mode as well as M driving mode. The latter can be actuated with the gear lever or with paddles behind the steering wheel. The driver can rev it up all the way to the redline before changing gears without any automatic interference from the car. This is also useful for the launch control function. Combined with xDrive AWD these and other systems are said to give both cars a 0 - 60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds. Top speeds were not given but it is safe to assume an electronically limited figure of 155mph (250km/h).

The X6's Dynamic Performance Control system is now available for the X5 M too. Working in conjunction with xDrive it assists in keeping the vehicles grounded and grip to a maximum. With a weight distribution ratio of close on 50:50 these twins are already well-balanced for performance.

The wheels are 20-inch alloys and tyres are runflat types with sizes 275/40 R 20 at the front and 315/35 R 20 at the rear. Features include ABS brakes, trailer stability control, Servotronic steering, an electronic parking brake with autohold and hill descent control. Other nice stuff includes rain sensors, cruise control, iDrive, adaptive xenon headlights and rear view cameras.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Now Testing Virtually Undisguised

ince official photos and information were released earlier this week on the E63 AMG, it seems Mercedes has foregone the camouflage for its ongoing testing of the vehicle.

This E63 will be an arch-competitor to the always fearsome BMW M5, which Mercedes always tries to outdo with its more subtle, distinguishing charms rather than outright raging hormones. After all, a Mercedes is the car you buy yourself as a reward after your kids have grown up and moved on. A BMW is the one you buy right now even if you can't afford it.

The engine work on this athletic sedan has already been covered, it's a 6.2 liter, naturally breathing V8 (gasoline/petrol) with 518 hp and 630 Nm of torque. Certainly the power is there to make this a real road-munching monster in disguise, considering the base-version E-Class seems just fine being powered by a mere 1.8 liter engine (turbocharged to 204 hp). But as AMG has promised, the days of piling on more and more sheer horsepower are over, and the E63 features only 11 hp more than its predecessor. AMG has said it will focus on weight reduction and improved engine management to squeeze more efficiency and power out of what is already there. This E63 seems a good example of that. It's the subtlety that will win the day for this car.

Nice set of wheels, yes...But, hey, what's the price tag on this thing? We'll have to wait until the E63 AMG makes it's public debut in New York next week.

BMW X1 Spy Photos on the Nurburgring

It's not often that one sees an SUV "training" on a race track. After all, these vehicles are meant to go off-road more often than not. Unless that vehicle is a BMW X1. The car has been spotted by spies while doing laps at the Nurburgring. The X1 seems out to prove that it really is a Jack-of-all-trades. Not long ago it was spied powering through snow and ice. Later though other spy shots caught the car being pulled out of deep snow by none other than a Volkswagen Tiguan. Now it's chasing lap times on a very long and tricky track.

The BMW X1 is one of the products being used by its parent company to cover as many premium segments as possible. It is a small SUV that falls beneath the X3 but is not going to be the BMW Group's smallest. That privilege will go to the MINI Crossman - unless at some point they decide to resurrect the Isetta and make an SUV of that too!

Engines are likely to be shared with other compact BMWs so expect to see powerplants like the new 180kW (245hp) 3.0-litre turbo diesel as well as the 2.0-litre. BMW is currently developing a small four-cylinder petrol turbo that is larger than the 1.6-litre used by the MINIs. The X1 should benefit from it as well. All four wheels will be driven by the xDrive AWD system and the vehicle will feature technologies like iDrive and Start/ Stop fuel-saving system.

First revealed at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show as a concept car, the X1 goes on sale in 2010.