New BMW X5 SAV Era Begins
Filed under: 4x4s/Off-roaders, BMW, New Car Previews, SUVs
On Friday, September 22, the very last of the first generation X5 (known to BMW and to in-the-know enthusiasts as the E53) was produced by BMW Manufacturing at the plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The X5 was BMW’s first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) which could not only handle offroad duties with all-wheel drive, but also exhibited performance and handling characteristics of the cars for which BMW is known.
The last E53 X5, to be kept by the factory and exhibited at the Zentrum museum, features a straight six 3.0 liter engine, a Truffle Brown leather interior, dark poplar wood trim, and is wrapped in Toledo Blue paint. The SAV was the 616,867th produced by BMW, and was finished almost 7 years to the day after the first X5 cleared production on September 1, 1999.
As one era ends, another begins. BMW is preparing the launch of the next-generation X5 (known as the E70). Hitting BMW showrooms in the U.S. in November, the new X5 will initially be available as a straight six X5 3.0si (with a base MSRP of $46,595) and a V8 X5 4.8i (with a base MSRP of $55,195).
Both models feature BMW’s Valvetronic technology and offer more power than their predecessors. The X5 3.0si will produce 260 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque (a gain of 35 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque), while the X5 4.8i will produce 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (a gain of 35 hp and 26 lb-ft of torque).
Other upgrades over the previous version include six-speed Steptronic transmissions standard in both models, 18-inch wheels and tires on the 3.0si (compared with 17-inch on its predecessor), and Xenon Adaptive headlights. These were previously an option on the X5 3.0i.
Audio enthusiasts will be happy to find that the sound system in the new X5 features a 205-watt 12-speaker system as standard with subwoofers under the front seats, and, more importantly, an MP3-compatible CD player AND an auxiliary input jack for an iPod or other audio player.
The new X5 features a variety of options, which we will cover in more detail after the official press launch, but a significant new option is a third-row seat for seating up to seven. BMW is also offering its Active Steering technology for the first time on an all-wheel drive vehicle. In addition, a Technology Package is available which features not only BMW’s navigation system and park distance control, but a new rearview camera for safety when backing up or parking.
Enthusiasts will get their first glimpse of the new 2007 BMW X5 in the flesh when it makes its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2006. Stay tuned to Roadfly for updates, driving impressions, and photos of the new X5 in action.
North American International Auto Show Announces 2007 Dates
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show
DETROIT, February 8, 2006 – The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today the 2007 show will take place Jan. 7-21 at COBO Center in Detroit. Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Jan. 9. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 11. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 12. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 21.
In addition, the NAIAS released the final 2006 show figures, which support the recognition this event has received as North America’s premier automotive venue.
“The North American International Auto Show proved once again that Detroit is truly the automotive capital of the world,” said Richard Genthe, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2006. “Every year the NAIAS committee strives to bring forth a world-class, internationally renowned auto show. With 69 vehicle introductions we have once again hit our mark.”
The NAIAS 2006 attracted a large number of international media that came to see the array of new vehicles and advanced automotive technology. Among the 69 vehicle introductions was the first bound-for-America Chinese car in North America, the Geely 7151 CK. Geely attracted a delegation of key Chinese media to the NAIAS 2006, which drew wide international attention to the auto industry.
For the second year in a row, the NAIAS was featured in a two-hour broadcast by NBC Sports titled, “International Auto Show.” The special drew a 2.0 rating/4 share that yielded seven million viewers and aired from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. NASCAR commentators Bill Weber, analyst Benny Parsons and reporters Allen Bestwick, Dave Burns and Marty Snider hosted the broadcast.
“NBC Sports is honored to partner with one of the world’s biggest, best, and most successful auto shows,” said Jon Miller, senior vice president of Sports Programming, NBC Sports. “We look forward to working with the NAIAS in 2007 to once again bring the creativity and technology the automotive industry has to offer to millions of homes nationwide.”
“NBC Sports has brought a new level of excitement to the NAIAS for the past two years, providing a unique and compelling look at the show, and introducing some fantastic vehicles to millions of car enthusiasts across the country,” said Bob Thibodeau, Jr., co-chairman of NAIAS 2006. “The NBC sports broadcast captured the glitz and glamour of the show that make it so special to so many people.”
Additionally, the MSN.com Autos Web page devoted to the NAIAS 2006 received 75 million page views and served 4.3 million video downloads.
NAIAS 2006 also hosted some of the world’s most famous celebrities including: singer Aretha Franklin; comedian Steve Harvey; Grammy winner, Ashanti; star of ‘Desperate Housewives’ Eva Longoria; MTV’s ‘Meet the Barker’s’ star, Travis Barker; comedian David Spade; well known Los Angeles entertainer, DJ AM; and actress Angie Harmon, best known for her role on Law and Order.
2006 Press Preview Days (Jan. 8 – 10)
Number of media credentialed: 6,647
Percentage of media represented by international press: 30 percent
Number of countries represented by media: 62
Number of U.S. states represented by media: 42
Number of press conferences: 30
Number of vehicle introductions: 69
Number of worldwide introductions 58
Number of vehicle introductions since 1989: 993
The 2006 Industry Preview Days, Jan. 11 and 12 attracted 34,881 attendees from 2,200 companies. Of those companies, 23 countries were represented. In addition, Charity Preview, on Jan. 13 hosted 17,000 guests. Tickets for this gala affair were $400 each and resulted in $6.8 million raised for 11 local Detroit children’s charities. Finally, NAIAS Public Days, running Jan. 15 – 23, attracted 759,310 visitors over nine days.
