New BMW X5: Video & Review
Filed under: 4x4s/Off-roaders, BMW, Crossovers, First Drives, SUVs
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BMW’s new X5 (known as the E70) is currently making its world debut at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show. We here at Roadfly, however, pulled a few strings and took the wheel of it a few weeks ago in the beautiful countryside near Spartanburg, SC. We liked it so much that we decided to do a full Roadfly TV video review of it.
BMW’s new X5 stands head and shoulders above the previous-generation X5. While still clearly recognizable as an X5, it is completely new, from engine to interior to body.
The interior of the X5 is finished with a quality worthy of BMW’s 7-series. For audio enthusiasts, the CD player is MP3-compatible AND an auxiliary input jack is standard for an iPod or other audio player. The X5 has been stretched almost 8 inches, split between the cargo area and the passenger cabin, which allows not only a third-row seat option and more storage space, but also for a 6-foot plus passenger to ride comfortably behind a 6-foot plus driver!
Featuring BMW’s Valvetronic technology in both the 4.8i V8 and 3.0si straight six models, the X5 features more horsepower and torque than its predecessor (35 more hp for both models, and 26 and 11 lb-ft of torque, respectively). The X5 4.8i hits 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, and the 6-speed Steptronic transmission ensures smooth acceleration with shift points almost impossible to detect.
It may look like an SUV, but make no mistake–the new X5 is powerful, fast, and nimble. Watch in the video as we take it on a figure 8 through a wet skidpad and can’t get it to spin out, despite our best efforts even with BMW’s dynamic stability control off!
As we went through our footage, preparing the Roadfly TV story, we found ourselves wanting even more time with this capable performer. BMW has really hit the mark in the luxury SUV segment. Watch the video here:
The new MINI Cooper S Works GP at the race track.
Filed under: Economy Sport/GT, MINI, Road Tests
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When MINI asked us if we wanted to flog one of the 451 U.S.-bound MINI Cooper S Works GP models around Willow Springs raceway in California, who were we to refuse?
This new limited edition car is the ultimate factory tuner model of the MINI. The 2006 MINI GP has been produced in a very limited run of 2000 worldwide, with barely 20 percent of those making it to U.S. shores.
We drove #238. Like all MINI GPs, ours featured the changes that make this a unique performer. Not only does the car have a supercharged engine producing 214 horsepower, helped by a smaller ratio pulley than the standard MINI Cooper S, optimization of the engine computer, and a factory free-flow exhaust, but the back seat has been removed and other weight-reducing measures have been taken including aluminum rear control arms and removal of sound-deadening options. There is even an air conditioning delete option, showing just how seriously MINI is at attracting true performance enthusiasts.
MINI didn’t stop at adding power and reducing weight, however. The car also has the full John Cooper Works brake system and tuned suspension. This makes the car not only quick, but very nimble and capable on the track, while still remaining streetable.
With 214 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 6 and change, and a top speed of over 140 mph, this limited edition bumps just north of $30,000, but there is little else on the market at that price range that combines the performance, handling, and pure driving fun of the MINI Cooper S Works GP.
Watch and listen as we take the MINI GP through its paces on the track. We’re still smiling.
2008/09 Lotus Esprit spied on the road
Filed under: Lotus, Sports/GT, Spy Photos
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In 2004, Lotus’ famed Esprit ceased production after 27 legendary years. Many car enthusiasts first caught a glimpse of it in two James Bond films, while others fell in love with it in Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct.
Lotus is working as fast as they can on the next-generation Esprit, scheduled to debut in late 2008 as a 2009 model. These spy shots of a heavily disguised prototype are the first of a model that is beyond the test mule stage.
Lotus is referring to the new Esprit internally as the MSC (mid-engined supercar), and has created an all-new lightweight aluminum structure for it. Lotus’ prowess at their philosophy of “add lightness” has most recently been exemplified in the sub-2000 lb. Elise. The new chassis will offer Lotus the flexibility to introduce the Esprit both as a traditional hard top and in a first-ever roadster model. In addition, there are rumors of a 2+2 GT and possibly a lesser-powered 6-cylinder sportscar.
While Lotus’ drivetrain choice has been finalized, the specifics have not yet been officially released to the public. Sources, however, are telling us that Lotus has picked a 4.4 or 4.8 liter BMW V8, with engine management tweaked by Lotus’ engine programming wizards. Lotus, aiming to extract the maximum possible performance and handling characteristics from the new model, will be mounting the engine and transmission longitudinally. If you look closely at the spy shot of the rear of the prototype, you can see the transmission case at the bottom rear end, behind the mid-mounted powerplant.
Lotus is aiming at a price point of around $130,000. This is a good step up from the previous model Esprit which maxed out around $95,000, but well under what Lotus sees as the direct competition: the Ferrari F430. With such lofty and proven competition, Lotus has its work cut out for it, but their engineers have a reputation of being among the best in the business. We can’t wait to report the details of this new model to you as it comes closer to being released.
New BMW X5 SAV Era Begins
Filed under: 4x4s/Off-roaders, BMW, New Car Previews, SUVs
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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.
