BMW is preparing to recreate its entire X family and the new generation X5 is only part of the job. The BMW X5 was first launched in 1999, and 13 years later, is getting ready to enter its third generation in order to keep with the changing times. The car is rumored to make its world debut in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show.
BMW will mostly focus on reducing the X5’s total weight and improving the final performance figures for its new generation. It is being rumored that BMW plans to reduce the car’s total weight by about 330 lbs, but it will still be offered with the latest technologies like a lane departure warning and compensation system, night vision, park assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view cameras, and active cruise control.
The new X5 will be offered with two new four-cylinder engines, and the most powerful version will still get a 4.4 liter V8 engine with improved figures and a reduced fuel economy. It is also rumored that BMW plans a plug-in hybrid version.
As for the exterior design, it will be more an evolution of the current car as opposed to a revolution.
Updated 01/13/2012: The next generation BMW X5 has been caught testing for the first time. Enjoy the spy shots!
Updated 01/20/2012: The next generation BMW X5 has been caught testing one more time, now during winter conditions. Enjoy!
Shortly after revealing their brand new package for the Porsche Panamera, Hamann turned its attention to a larger model in the luxury segment: the Land Rover Range Rover. Believed to have just enough power for the general public, the Range Rover has been given a once-over by the German tuner to increase that power for those who a deeper need for customization. The package includes exclusive bodywork, performance updates, and a new interior program.
The exterior of the Range Rover has been slightly altered with a new front spoiler with larger cooling air inlets and harmoniously integrated LED daytime lights. The SUV has also received wider wings, forming a single unit with the newly designed side skirts, a carbon roof spoiler, and stainless steel exhaust pipes. The final element for the exterior is a new set of 22" three-part forged wheels. The interior can likewise be made over with an infinite number of combinations formed from leather, Alcantara, wood, carbon, or aluminum trims.
For the engine updates, Hamann is offering an entirely new exhaust system, complete with X-manifold, center pipe, and perfected engine electronics for the Range Rover. As a result, the 5.0 liter V8 engine’s output has been increased to 530 HP and 487 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 RPM, from the standard 510 HP and 461 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in just 6 seconds and top speed has been raised to 141 mph.
Just one day after announcing a new tuning package for the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, German tuner Brabus have swicthed their focus to another model in the Mercedes line-up, but this time, it’s an SUV. The new generation ML-Class has been hooked up with the customary exterior and interior updates, as well as a significant power increase.
Brabus has brushed up on the new ML-Class’ already aggressive stance with a few accessories to accentuate it even further. The use of an "On Road" front spoiler with attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia, new sill skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a dual or quad sport exhaust system support their effort in bringing the SUV to the next level. Much like every other tuning package provided for any vehicle, Brabus also threw in a new set of wheels ranging from 18" to 22," depending on the choice of the customer. For the interior, Brabus is offering bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo, as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins, and a new foot rest. Adding more elegance to the package is the choice of exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color.
Finally, for the engine updates, the tuner has added an ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that will increase the output from 258 HP to 306 HP and the peak torque from 457lb-ft. to 509 lb-ft. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made 1.4 seconds faster, while top speed will be increased to 142 mph.
The new Mercedes ML-Class by Brabus will be presented November 26th at the 2011 Essen Motor Show.
After debuting the new generation ML-Class, Mercedes has gone on to offer a series of accessories for those who want more than just the standard SUV. The company has delivered a very long list of accessories starting with different sets of wheels and extending to a powerful Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.
Exterior options give customers the the choice between 12 different light-alloy wheels, snow chain systems, valve caps in sterling silver, bonnet fin attachments, and aluminum-finish running boards. The interior offers customization options not unlike any typical tuning firm, such as new floor mats, a wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sill panels, coat hangers, and stainless steel sports pedals. For those who love technology, Mercedes is also offering a rear-seat integration kit for the Apple iPad, a Rear Seat Entertainment System, and an InCar Hotspot system.
The add-ons continue on to include accessories for the average sports nut, including a range of carrier systems, ski and snowboard racks, bicycle racks, and roof boxes.
Afzal Kahn and his fellows at Kahn Design probably know more about tuning Range Rovers than most people know how to brush their teeth. Over the years that they’ve been in business, that much has been clear.
The British tuning company’s latest Range Rover project is yet another example of the company’s innovativeness in coming out with programs for the luxury SUV.
This one is called the Military Edition, and true to it’s name, it’s been designed with plenty of high-end security design cues that makes it a virtual fortress on wheels.
The exterior of the Range Rover received a Metallic Military Grey paint finish while also getting fitted with a wide arch pace kit that comes with LED daylight lighting in the front arch extensions. Meanwhile, the program also includes an RS grille in carbon fiber finish with a Metallic Military Grey inner grille insert and black mesh. There’s also a front lip extension spoiler, also dressed in Metallic Military Grey and treated to a carbon fiber finish. Rounding out the exterior modifications are orange calipers, black rubber steps, Kahn badging, illuminated Kahn side sill plates, and a new set of 22" Kahn RS/R wheels.
Inside, the Range Rover Military Edition put in bullet-proof glass to ensure that the owners receive maximum protection from any and all threats that might come their way. Adding to the bullet proof glass is a bespoke interior that comes with an RS leather interior in black with grey insert panels, a quilted glove box, door tops and instrumental binnacle, a blue time clock with black Swarovski bezel, a Kahn billet steering wheel finished with grey top and bottom sections.
Needless to say, it’s another immaculate work coming from Kahn Design, which you can scoop up for £73,875, which is around $98,000 based on current exchange rates.
If you likes the Range Rover Evoque package unveiled a few days ago by Startech at the Dubai Auto Show, you will like even better the one they have unveiled today in Essen. The tuner went with two different approaches: while the first package was all about white, the second one we find it more appropriate for a sports SUV. And that’s because it combines a black exterior paint with a red roof and wheels. The same color theme has been applied to the interior.
The exterior package includes a new front and rear bumpers, with striking air inlets and the front spoiler and for the rear a new stainless-steel rear muffler. And for an even meaner look and a more dynamic handling the car’s ride has been lowered by about 30 mm. For the interior Startech is offering an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter. And as this is also a luxury car the tuner is offering the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color and with any upholstery design.
Next to these impressive transformations, Startech has also promised that a significant engine upgrade is about to follow. So, stay tuned!
Fiat chief exec, Sergio Marchionne, has confirmed that Maserati is indeed preparing three new models: a successor to the Quattroporte, a smaller Maserati, and the production Kubang, rumored to be called the Cinqueporte. Moreover, these three models will debut in rapid succession, which is a good thing considering Maserati is keeping mum on which model will be launched first.
"We are being a bit secretive over what you get first because it has implications for the industrial footprint of the group," said Marchionne. "You see, there is a site in Modena that makes the Quattroporte, there’s some debate what happens to that plant after Quattroporte. There is sufficient commonality in what we’re doing between the smaller car and the bigger one that we can do what we want."
Of course, that doesn’t mean that people aren’t going to throw their two cents in. It is believed that the first vehicle to arrive will be the Quattroporte, followed by the Kubang, and then the baby Maserati. It is already known that the Kubang will be heavily based on Jeep Grand Cherokee and that the four-door baby Maserati will be built on a Chrysler 300 platform, but Marchionne says that the four-door will have a completely different suspension and that the engine are "totally Ferrari/Maserati."
Volkswagen will be coming to the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show (December 3rd-11th) with a very interesting version of their successful Passat. The new model is called the Passat Alltrack and is supposed to close the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. Sales of the new model will begin in early 2012.
But what makes this new Alltrack version different from the Estate version? Well, it comes equipped with new bumpers in an SUV style – with wheel well and side sill flares. The car also offers a greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle, and higher ground clearance.
The engine line-up will include two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) and two turbodiesels. The petrol engines will deliver up to 210 HP and the most powerful ones will be equipped with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). In the diesel version, this option will offer a low combined fuel consumption of 41 mpg in the 140 HP version and 40 mpg in the 170 HP version.
UPDATE 02/21/12: Volkswagen has officially released a comprehensive photo gallery of the Passat Alltrack. On top of the photos, the gallery also has a visual instructional guide detailing and describing all the cool features in the vehicle. Check it out!
Now that we’ve seen the third generation ML-Class, Mercedes was ready to launch its most powerful version: the ML63 AMG. The sporty SUV was to be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Show, but with just two days before the official debut, Mercedes decided it was time to unveil the official details on the SUV. Sales of the new ML63 AMG will begin in the first quarter of 2012.
The whole goal behind the new ML63 AMG was to "bring sport back." At least that is what Mercedes is attempting: "In a world flooded with average SUVs, it is time to bring back dynamic handling, pulse quickening power and most importantly, sport."
The current ML63 AMG uses a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, but the new model will adopt the same treatment as all of the latest AMG models: a 5.5 liter V8 engine with 518 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, the V8 engine’s power output will be increased to 550 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque.
UPDATE 04/17/12: Do you really know everything there is to know about the 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG? On the chance that you need someone from Mercedes to give you the proverbial guided tour around the SUV, Mercedes-Benz USA Exclusive Vehicles Product Manager Will Vetter will take you on a two-part tour in, around, over, and under the ML63 AMG. Check out the videos after the jump!
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Despite having a plethora of auto shows to choose where they were going to unveil the new Trailblazer, Chevrolet decided on doing it at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show as a way of effectively sucking up to the Middle East. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, because if you really think about it, the Trailblazer is built for a region like the Middle East.
In any case, the 2013 Traiblazer did in fact make an appearance in Dubai and it came with plenty of new features that could potentially shoot it up the always-competitive mid-size SUV market.
The new Trailblazer was designed to combine the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover. Its no coincidence that the new Trailblazer, which was built in Brazil, epitomizes these qualities.
For all intents and purposes, the model that was shown at the Dubai Motor Show was merely a show vehicle, but according to Chevrolet, it’s as close to the real thing as it can possibly get.
The show vehicle features, among other things, a refreshed design, an all-wheel-drive system, and GM’s new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, providing all of us as good a look at the company’s new mid-sized SUV before the production version enters the market next year.
Find out more about the 2013 Chevolet Trailblazer after the jump
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