Ever wonder now many styling differences there are between BMW's 3 Series E90 sedan & it's E92 coupe counterpart ? If you just shook your head in an affirmative way, take a look at this cool video showing an E90 Sedan morph into an E92 Coupe and vice-versa. via: Le blog auto

Technorati Tags: BMW+3+Series, design, sedan, coupe, E90, E92, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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And you thought that the quickest way to go around when your in "Deutschland territory" was the famous auto-bahn. Well you might have second thoughts after you watch the following video... via: Jalopnik

Technorati Tags: Volkswagen, Metro, subway, Germany, funny, humor, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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The "Camaro frenzy" that has broken over GM's headquarters continues. A couple of days after the announcement that the Camaro will go in production, it's GMs Fastlane Blog (fastlane.gmblogs.com/) team turn to release a video. The later features Tom Peters, GM Director of Design of the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept Car, driving & commenting on the car for the first time at GM's proving grounds in Milford, Michigan.

Contributing to the "Camaro frenzy" I added an original promotional video for the 1969 Camaro SS which includes a clip from a parade of classic Camaro's leaded by the 2006 concept version.

Tom Peters Drives & Comments on the 2006 Camaro Concept

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS & 2006 Camaro Concept Parade

Technorati Tags: Chevrolet+Camaro, concept, 2009, muscle+cars, 1969, Camaro+SS, GM, Tom+Peters, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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You won't run into anymore of those pesky mountains in Western Europe with the new 3D map that Intermap Technologies Corp. plans to unveil by the end of 2007.

In addition to enabling traditional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications for the newly created elevation models, Intermap will create 3D road vector data products to improve Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications to drive active safety devices, fuel performance improvements and in-car navigation

The announcement comes a few months after Intermap had announced that it would have completed both Western Europe and the U.S high resolution 3D maps by the end of 2008. According to the announcement, Intermap's revised schedule for accelerating the completion of Western Europe will not affect the scheduled completion of NEXTMap USA.

W. European 3D Map will include these countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain & United Kingdom

Technorati Tags: Intermap, 3D+Map, gadgets, Europe, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Just a few weeks left before the long awaited 2007 Need For Speed "Carbon" game hits the streets. One of the most interesting cars in EA's new game will be the 2008 Dodge Challenger which you can get a taste of by watching the first video. On the second clip get a glimpse of a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and an Aston Martin chasing each other around.

Need for Speed Carbon will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation3 as well as the PlayStation2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube,Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PSP, PC and mobile.

NFS Carbon Movie Trailer

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo vs Aston Martin

Technorati Tags: Need+For+Speed+Carbon, EA, games, Playstation, Xbox, Nintedo, PSP, Game+Boy+Advance, PC, Dodge+Challenger, muscle+cars, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Following Thursday's announcement, GM released live footage from the occasion. The video includes commentaries from Rick Wagoner -GM CEO, Bob Lutz -GM vice president for global product development, and Ed Peper -Chevrolet general manager.

Camaro Announcment & Comments

Technorati Tags: Chevrolet+Camaro, concept, 2009, muscle+cars,concept, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Suzuki announced that it will present two new vehicles at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in September: the European version of the Swift Sport and more importantly, the Splash mini-MPV concept which according to Suzuki, will base a production model in the near future.

Swift Sport: Based on the Japanese version which was introduced last year, the Euro spec Swift Sport gets a sporty bodykit and a few modifications in the interior which include bucket seats and aluminum pedals. The flagship Swift gets a 1.6 engine producing 125 hp and it will be produced at Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary with sales will starting in the autumn.

Splash mini-MPV Concept: The Splash is a 'clinic model' for another all-new vehicle which will follow the Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4 onto the market. According to Suzuki, it is based on the concept of a car that will appeal to many different markets and market sectors.

Although the Splash shares its platform with the Swift, it has new 1.2 16v engine which will probably find it's way in the Swift very soon. There are no pictures for the interior, but Suzuki tells us that ''the cabin combines a contemporary design with equipment that maximises user-friendliness'' - whatever that means.

Splash specifications

Dimensions: 3,780mm (Length) x 1,780mm (Width) x 1,650mm (Height)

Wheelbase: 2,360mm

Engine: All new 1.2L, 16valve, 4cylinder petrol

Transmission: Four-speed automatic

Seating capacity: Five persons

Technorati Tags: Suzuki+Swift+Sport, Suzuki+Splash, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, concept, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Just one, yes only one day after Rick Wagoner announced that the Camaro concept will head for production and a couple of dealers swept the chance to make some pre-mature dough...

I know it was bound to be, but nevertheless, doesn't it strike you a tad strange that people are willing to bid and give a down payment for a car that, a) they'll get in their hands in 2009 & b) they know as much about it as a horse knows about its tale ? I'm not saying that the 2009 Camaro will be a dissapointment , but I surely can't put my hand on the bible and say that it will fulfill every car-nut's dreams. Why not just wait and see ?

Technorati Tags: Chevrolet+Camaro, e-bay, buy, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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This handsome little fellow has been developed by Volvo specifically for the European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg to take on the duty of transferring various objects such as javelins, hammers or discuses from the place where they land, back to the thrower.

Volvo hand built four unique scaled bodies (1:15), mounted on electrically driven chassis developed by the Nordic Sport company. The radio controlled mini-Volvo has a 2hp electric motor giving it the capability to transport either four discuses, three javelins or two hammers (2 hammers alone, together weigh 14 kg). According to the Swedes, this mini-XC90 can go up to 20 km/h.

Technorati Tags: Volvo+XC90, European+Athletics+Championships, Gothenburg, Toys, radio+contol, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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BMW is ramping up it's 3 Series Sedan & Touring models for the 2007 range as it announced the addition of three new six-cylinder powerplants. As from September, the "ultimate" mid-size sport sedan will be available with BMW's new 306 hp twin-turbo 3.0litre petrol engine, to be badged 335i, a 197 hp single turbocharged diesel engine called the 325d and finally, the 335d which boasts a twin-turbocharged 2,993cc engine pumping out 286hp and more impressively, 580 Nm of torque.

Model	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	0 - 62 mph**	Top Speed (mph-km/h)
325d Sedan	197	400	7.4	146 - 235
325d Touring	197	400	7.6	145 - 233
335i Sedan	306	400	5.6	155* - 250
335i Touring	306	400	5.7	155* - 250
335d Sedan	286	580	6.2	155* - 250
335d Touring	286	580	6.3	155* - 250

*Electronically limited **0-100 km/h

Technorati Tags: BMW+3+Series, 2007, Sedan, Touring, 335i, 325d, 335d, Turbo, specifications, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Hyundai is getting ready to broaden its car line-up according to a announcement made by a company spokeswoman. The ninth vehicle in Hyundai's 2007 line-up will be called "Veracruz" -after the Mexican state, and it's a mid-sized 7seat SUV that will be equipped with a 3.8 V6 engine and a 6speed auto transmission.

According to the Koreans, the Veracruz will compete in the same sector as the Nissan Murano and the Subaru B9. Sales will start in the US in the first quarter of 2007. Although there are no official pics yet, a few images have leaked in the net giving us a rough idea to how the Veracruz will look like.

Technorati Tags: Hyundai+Veracruz, SUV, 2007, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Following speculations after it's thriving debut at the North American International Auto Show, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner gave the Chevrolet Camaro the green light today.

"The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the Camaro Concept continues to remind me of the uniquely iconic place our products can have in customers' hearts," Wagoner said. "Camaro is much more than a car; it symbolizes America's spirit and its love affair with the automobile."

The all-new Camaro will begin with early production versions at the end of 2008 and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe will feature an independent rear suspension, and will be offered in a variety of models with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions and V6 and V8 engines.

Technorati Tags: Chevrolet+Camaro, 2008, 2009, North+American+International+show, Rick+Wagoner, GM, CEO, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Despite to what you may think, this is not a cut scene from the "Back to the future" movie -although the De-Lorean and the green humanoid suggest it could be. It's a thought to how a car could be cleaned in the near future -2020. It is designed by Mira - the Motor Industry Research Association who was commissioned by E-Bay Motors to come up with a solution for helping drivers to keep their cars clean without using a pool of water. According to the designers, the inflatable car wash unit uses just four litres of water, compared to the 135 used in a hosepipe. Via Jalopnik

Technorati Tags: Car+Wash, future, gadgets, 2020, MIRA, E-bay, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Although the upgraded 2007 Acura TL and the brand-new TL Type-S models were programmed to be unveiled in September, a leak in the Boston Globe newspaper last week seems to have speeded things up as Autoweek now came out with the rest of the pictures. via: Autoweek

2007 Acura TL Type-S: After a three year absence, Acura will once again have a Type-S version of it's TL sedan in the menu. The Type-S gets an upgraded 3.5 V6 engine with 286 horsepower and 256 lb.ft. of torque, mated to new 5speed automatic with paddle shifters, or a close-ratio 6speed manual transmission.

The top-notch TL version's looks are quite subtle. The bodykit includes rear deck spoiler, lower side skirts, slightly different rear bumper, new alloys, all red rear light clusters and quad exhaust outlets. In the interior the Type-S differences itself from the basic TL thanks to its new 3spoke steering wheel, gauges with red ambient lighting etc.

2007 Acura TL: The basic version gets a subtle upgrade for 2007 which includes: new front fascia with a larger grille, slightly redesigned bumpers and light clusters, new 5 spoke alloys, new gauges and steering wheel. No change under the hood as the basic TL is still equipped with the 3.2 liter VTEC V6 that produces 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb.ft. of torque at 5000 rpm.

Technorati Tags: Acura+TL, TL+Type-S, Honda, 2007, specifications, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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One by one, car makers are opening their cards for the upcoming Paris Motor Show which will open it's gates to public in September. This time it's Peugeot and these are the first pictures of the futuristic 908 RC concept. No so much of a "haute couture" but nevertheless, Peugeot's 4door-Coupe Concept is quite impressive. Same goes for the interior which is intended to host four people.

The 908 RC is equipped with Peugeot's 908 Le Mans contender racing car: a 5.5 V12 HDi diesel engine that produces 700 Hp and a monstrous 1.200 Nm of torque. According to french sources, the 908 RC could base Peugeot’s not so successful, 607 premium sedan successor with the production version aiming at a more niche market.

Technorati Tags: Peugeot+908+RC, V12, diesel, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, specifications, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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Following the success of the rental Shelby GT-H Mustang developed for Hertz, Ford announced the creation of a retail version that will bear the name Shelby GT. The 4.6-liter, 325-horsepower Ford Shelby GT will occupy a niche between the Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500 both in performance and appearance. It will only be offered as a coupe and in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black.

"We know the combination of Mustang and Shelby is magic, and we proved it again when we revealed the Ford Shelby GT-H. The car received such rave reviews that our dealers and customers asked for a version of their own," explained Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company Executive Vice President and President of The Americas. "We listened, and we're delivering"

Technorati Tags: Ford+Shelby+GT, Mustang, Shelby, Hertz, Press+release, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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Leaving aside its latest problems, Ford stepped up on its "boldmove" motto confirming that it will put the Lincoln MKS in production. Based on the concept vehicle first shown at the North American International Auto Show in January the MKS is expected to hit Lincoln dealers sometime next year.

Press Release: "The Lincoln MKS will take Lincoln craftsmanship and comfort beyond anything we’ve built before," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company Executive Vice President and President of The Americas. "Its design communicates power, motion and speed, and it will be packed with more technology and features than any Lincoln before."

One new technology on the Lincoln flagship comes straight from Ford racing and the Ford GT: a capless fuel filler. It eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after refueling and is better for the environment because no gas fumes escape.

"Capless fuel filling will make its way throughout our lineup going forward, and it’s the result of listening to customers," Fields said. "We know even small innovations deliver big customer benefits."

The Lincoln MKS will be the next major step in establishing Lincoln as America's luxury brand. Lincoln is building momentum - with retail sales up 8 percent for the first half of 2006. The new Lincoln MKS flagship is designed to continue to introduce a new face of Lincoln to the American public, building on the hallmarks of design, a business class experience and a smooth, confident ride.

Technorati Tags: Lincoln+MKS, Press+release, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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You've seen the pictures and you've already read the details so now its Video time. Take a look at the following video clips which BMW released this morning. They not only include the usual exterior, interior and driving shots but also quite a few impressive clips taken while the X5 was in the development stage. Scroll down and watch the clips which are accompanied by the official press release.

Interior - Exterior - Engine Shots

Additional seating practicality comes with new design: In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space. However, unlike many competitors even with all seven seats in place there is still 200 litres of boot space. The two extra seats, complete with three-point seatbelts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor.

Whatever seating combination an owner chooses, the new BMW X5 is capable of taking most payloads. In a standard five seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres - up 155 litres compared to the outgoing X5. For those looking to move sizeable objects, luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed -a figure greater than that of any other BMW.

While being one of the most practical cars BMW has ever made, the new X5 still has a luxurious interior feel and a dynamic and sporty exterior shape. A drag coefficient as low as 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SAV or SUV. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow. Nine exterior colours are offered initially alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours to allow owners to personalise their X5s.

BMW's innovative iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new "wave" style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the new style of gear selector. The controller is complemented by eight buttons integrated as system short cuts for ease of use.

Parking camera: Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control, X5 customers have the option to specify a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console

First SAV with Head-up Display and Run-flat tyres: The BMW X5 can be specified with Head-up Display. For enhanced safety the system projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the line of sight of the driver. Such a system allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road ahead while still being made aware of important instructions.

Run-flat tyres allow a driver to continue his or her journey in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles at speeds of 50mph. Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a blowout. The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with optional 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.

Driving Shots

Petrol power: Based on the world's lightest production six-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW X5 3.0si develops 272hp at 6,650rpm. Peak torque of 315Nm is attained at 2,750rpm for in-gear responsiveness, with 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) dispatched in 8.1 seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph - 225 km/h (when fitted with the Dynamic Package).

Representing the flagship of the range, the BMW X5 4.8i with its 355hp engine is faster from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport. The 4,799cc V8 powers the car to 62mph (100 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150mph (240 km/h) when fitted with the Dynamic Package).

Diesel economy: Output from the 3.0d engine is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 520Nm, up four per cent. This peak torque is available from 2,000 to 2,750rpm offering near instantaneous reactions for swift yet refined motoring. Such an advanced engine powers the BMW X5 3.0d from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 134mph (130mph for a non-Dynamic Package equipped model).

New six-speed automatic gearbox: The new BMW X5 comes with an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox now features a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker compared with the previous automatic gearbox. A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders. The use of an electronic parking brake in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.

Development & Enginnering - Protoype Testing

Driving dynamics and safety: The BMW X5 offers unsurpassed safety credentials and on-road ability. Not only does its intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive system transfer power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip for optimum handling, but it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering -two advanced systems never offered before on a BMW X model.

Adaptive Drive uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants. In addition to this Adaptive Drive incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for optimum comfort.

Active Steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft that adds more lock than inputted by the driver at slow speeds to make parking effortless. When driving at speed the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.

Dynamic Stability Control+ is also standard on the new X5. DSC+ comes with four unique functions for added safety and comfort. Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead. Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.

Hill Start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake. Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose "bite" due to heat build up.

Dynamic Traction Control+ (DSC+) allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

Technorati Tags: BMW+X5, 2007, E70, Press+release, Video, Clip, prototype, scoop, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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With the help of Mopar Performance, Cherry Bomb is going to present a unique version of the 2006 Dodge Charger at this year's SEMA Show. According to Cherry Bomb, the modified Charger will get a tuned 5.7 Hemi engine that will be tricked out with the latest performance enhancements available from Mopar Performance including high performance camshaft, lifters, torque converter, and engine and transmission controller.

Other performance modifications include: headers, coil over suspension, upgraded Kicker speakers, a 3d Carbon ground effects kit, and of course a killer Cherry Bomb exhaust system. Via: Jalopnik

Technorati Tags: Cherry+Bomb, Dodge+Charger, Mopar, SEMA, 2006, tune, tuning+news, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it maybe a UFO ? NO it's the Flying Lawnmower ! Watch this "baby" go up, up and away and it'll change the way you'll mow your backyard next time. via: Autoblog.com

Technorati Tags: Flying+Lawnmower, funny, humor, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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I'm sure that most of you remember Saab's sensual Aero-X Concept that was presented a few months ago in the Geneva Motor Show. But even if your memory has gotten a bit rusty from the sea & sun this promotional video of the 400 Hp Swedish prototype will surely ring a bell to you. Via: Motorpasion

Technorati Tags: Saab+Aero-X, Video, clip, promo, commercial, prototype, Geneva+Motor+Show, concept, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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Ok, the 2007 X5 looks pretty cool but daddy can't have all the fun so BMW decided to treat "junior" as well by presenting it's new Kid's Bike which is suitable for for children ages two-and-a-half to six years old. Although this Bavarian 2wheeler will surely draw a vigorous smile on your sibling's face I'm not sure the hefty $ 300 BMW is asking for it will do the same for you too. If not, then all that's left to do is call 1-888-269-6654 or visit www.bmw-online.com and make space in your garage to park it beside your full sized bimmer.

Technorati Tags: BMW, Kid+Bike, bicycle, toys, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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So what exactly is this you may ask. Well, nothing more than the title suggest's. Ok maybe not literally, but these fellows from Ihumpedyourhummer.com "come..." very close to humping the monstrous SUV ! The proud followers of this movement go on the streets setting their eyes for a "humpable" Hummer. Then they decorate the video clip with music and remixed speeches from various government officials, including President Bush himself ! Watch the video clips bellow. Via Jalopnik

Technorati Tags: I+humped+your+Hummer, Hummer, SUV, funny, humor, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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BMW came out with the official press-release for the 2007 X5 -unfortunately it's not available in English yet. It seems my information on the diesel engine was "one turbo wrong" as the X5 gets the normal 231 Hp 3.0 AND NOT the 272 Hp twin-turbo 3.0 6cylinder -although it is certain that the X5 will get this engine later. Also, the 4.7 V8 pumps out 355 Hp (and not 367 Hp) while the 3.0 petrol is good for 272 Hp (and not 265 Hp).

Preliminary Specifications

BMW X5 4.8i : V8 4.799 cm3 petrol engine -- 261 kW/355 PS (+ 11%) -- 475 Nm torque (+ 8%) -- 0 to 100 km/h: 6,5 sec (- 7%) -- Top Speed: 240 km/h -- Avg. Consumption: 12,5 l/100km(- 5%).

BMW X5 3.0si : 6cylinder 2.996 cm3 petrol engine, -- 200 kW/272 PS (+ 18%) -- 315 Nm Torque (+ 5%) -- 0 to 100 km/h: 8,1 Sec (- 8%) -- Top Speed: 225 km/h -- Avg. Consumption: 10,9 l/100 km (- 14%).

BMW X5 3.0d : 6cylinder 2.993 cm3 diesel engine -- 170 kW/231 PS (+ 6 %) -- 520 Nm torque (+ 4%) -- 0 to 100 km/h: 8,3 Sekunden (- 3%) -- Top Speed: 216 km/h -- Avg. Consumption: 8,7 l/100 km (- 7%).

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UPDATE - SEE THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS & READ THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE HERE: 2007 BMW X5

As reported from these pages a few days ago, BMW will reveal it's 2007 X5 model this week. But as I know a lot of you probably don't won't to sit around and wait for them, here they are: the first official pictures of Bimmer's all-new luxury SUV.

Judging from the pictures, BMW avoided "Bangling" up the X5's design which actually looks much better than the model it replaces -that's a first... Design aside, the most important thing on the E70 X5 is the fact that for the first time, BMW is offering an optional third row of seats (probably suitable for two children) which fold into the floor when not in use. With the two extra seats in their position, the X5's boot space is 200 litres (VDA) and while folded, 620 liters. If you want to fold the last two rows then you'll have a whole 1.750 liters of space to do as you please.

To fit the extra row of seats, the new X5 has grown in length and now measures 4.854 mm or 191 inches. In comparision, the previous X5 measured 4.677 mm or 183.7 inches in length. The 2007 E70 X5 is also 61 mm or 2,4 inches wider (1.933 mm or 76,1 inches) than the model it replaces.

In the interior, the 2007 BMW X5 obtains the new 5 Series dashboard which I hope will have better quality materials. The most eye-caching differences concern the double side air vents and the wider lower part of the centre console with the controversial i-Drive system. Rear passengers can get really cozy as BMW offers a DVD entertainment system equipped that come with a standard remote control -popcorn is not included.

Besides the i-Drive system, the all-new X5 also comes equipped with BMW's Active Steering, Head Up Display and a Park Assistant Radar System that includes rear view camera.

Power will be driven to all four wheels through BMW's latest generation xDrive 4wheel drive system. As for driving dynamics, BMW officials promise not only to maintain but to improve the current X5's excellent on-road manners.

UPDATED- In regards to the engine range, the new Bavarian SUV will be presented at the Paris Motor Show with two new petrol engines, the 272 Hp 3.0 6cylinder (0 to 100 km/h in 8,1 sec, top speed 225 km/h) and the 355 Hp 4.8 V8 (0 to 100 km/h in 6,5 sec, top speed 240 km/h) and one diesel, the 231 Hp 3.0 6cylinder (0 to 100 km/h in 8,3 sec, top speed 216 km/h). The engine range is expected to grow rapidly after the car starts its career in Europe and the USA in the beginning of 2007 .

Technorati: BMW+X5, SUV, Paris+Motor+Show, 2007, specifications, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Why use a super-duper sportscar to promote your tire company when a simple Hyundai Atos can do the work just as well? A witty commercial from Dackia, a Swedish tire company that was recently overtaken by Goodyear.

Technorati Tags: Tire, commercial, TV, add, Dackia, Goodyear, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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As crazy as it may seem, British newspapers & news sites like Manchester Evening News, Lanchashire Evening Post, Autowired, Motortrader & Yorkshire Post are spreading the news: "Russia's sixth richest man, Oleg Deripaska who has an estimated $14,5bn fortune and is eager to expand his GAZ motor empire, is considering whether to make a bid for struggling British car maker Jaguar"

Although this is the second time in a year that Jaguar has been up for sale (a few months ago Renault & PSA Peugeot Citroen were linked to the British marque, both being rebutted with the same response from Ford: "Jaguar is not for sale") Ford seems to mean business now.

Following last weeks $254m second-quarter loss –compared with a profit of $946 million a year earlier, Ford's embattled chairman, Bill Ford, announced that Goldman Sachs banker Kenneth Leet, a long-time company adviser, would be exploring 'a broad range of strategic alternatives'. Although he did not refer directly to Jaguar, everybody linked it to the premium British automaker.

Technorati Tags: Jaguar, GAZ, Ford, Bill+Ford, business+news, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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It's 7:00 am in the heart of NYC, Times Square. All is quiet as citizens of the Big Apple are just waking up. But not for long as a couple of guys show up in their "mucho" Chevy Nova & Camaro racing each other and filling the NYC air with the sweet smell of burnt rubber and the arousing symphony of a classic American big block V8. Cool video!

Technorati Tags: Muscle+Cars, race, tune, New+York, Chevrolet, Nova, Camaro, drift, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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This amazing Hyundai Tiburon Coupe hides two identical power trains (2.0 Turbo) under its stock body, one in the rear producing approximately 317 Hp and one up front with about 307 Hp. According to the guys that made this Korean monster, the 626 Hp Coupe weighs roughly about the same as the stock model... Watch the Twin-Motor Coupe perfoming an impressive drift in the video bellow. via Autoblog.nl

Technorati: Hyundai+Tiburon+Coupe, tune, tuning+news, drift, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Thirty years have passed since VW shook the automotive world with the presentation of the 1st generation Golf GTI, which practically, gave birth to a new category of cars. A few months ago, VW presented a concept edition of the 5th generation Golf GTI (click here: "Edition 30"). Now, the Germans are releasing a new line of accessories to celebrate the GTI's 30th birthday and make a few bucks or should I say euros. These are the most interesting stuff in the collection:

Scale model of the 5th generation GTI and the "Edition 30" prototype - available as a 1:18 or 1:43 costing 21,9 & 31,9 Euros respectively

Golf GTI Chronograph Watch - A limited edition watch available in just 666 pieces - what's with the number VW?. It costs 199 Euros

GTI Racing PC Game - Take your Golf for a virtual spin. The game also allows you tune up your GTI. For 39,90 Euros

The collection also includes t-shirts (8,90 Euros), long sleeve shirts (19,90 Euros) & ball point pens (5,50 Euros) all dressed up with the famous GTI logo. For more information you can visit VW's virtual show at www.votex.shop.de. But because this requires you to register -in German, to gain access you can do it the hard way by contacting a VW dealer.

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