BMW is in the midst of its final testing for the U.S.-spec 335d--the first diesel-powered Bimmer to be sold in North America. The introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of face-lifted sheetmetal destined for the entire
3-Series lineup.
Due to emission restrictions, the U.S. version of the 335d will reportedly be down on power from its European cousin (265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque vs. 282 hp and 428 pound-feet), but even our U.S. numbers--especially the fat torque number--promise terrific performance that may well be enough convince people to make the move to diesel.
As with the 335i gasoline engine,
BMW will use two turbochargers: a small, low-pressure turbo to aid low-end acceleration and a more potent turbo to help at higher engine speeds. Acceleration for the 335d is expected be around 6.2 seconds to 60, while fuel consumption will likely yield 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
BMW's new diesel range is expected to launch under the banner:
BMW Advance Diesel with BluePerformance (Blue denotes the use of AdBlue--the aqueous urea solution used to reduce the diesel's nitrogen oxide emissions). The 335d is expected to bow this fall.
--KGP Photography
Posted in : 2009, BMW, Diesels, Spy Shots
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The next generation of the
BMW 5-Series will sport an advanced version of the iDrive system and more cues to bring its interior closer to those found in
Audis.
TheCarConnection.com's spy photographer ring has nabbed these new photos of the next
BMW 5-Series, including the first interior photos. The cabin shot shows a relocated iDrive controller with satellite buttons, which may provide shortcuts like the buttons that surround
Audi's MMI controller. A joystick-style shifter is also found inside, as is a button for an electronic parking brake.
The new
5-Series also has a redesigned cockpit; the steering wheel has roller-type controls again like those in
Audis. On the equipment list: keyless start/stop, an active suspension, a night-vision system, a head-up display, and a navigation system with a larger display.
The body styles for the new
BMW 5-Series will include a Sedan, a Touring wagon, and a fastback version along the lines of the new X6. All-wheel drive will be offered across the lineup. A debut at the 2009
Frankfurt auto show might be in the cards for the new
5-Series, which likely will make it to the U.S. as a 2011 model.
Posted in : 2011, Sedans, Spy Shots
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TheCarConnection.com's spies spotted
BMW's X6 Active
Hybrid undergoing hot-weather trials in Death Valley.
Three
BMW X6
Hybrid cars were spotted, but one of the test vehicles showed one important difference, as its final hood design was visible for the first time on a real-world prototype. Two of the prototypes showcased enormous hood bulges, but the third prototype's hood--while still bulging more than a standard X6--looks clean with a tastefully integrated bump sculpted in near the cowl.
These details lead us to the conclusion that the production X6
Hybrid will take its visual inspiration from
BMW's X6 Active
Hybrid concept. Whether the revised hood bulge is there to make room for some hybrid-specific hardware or if its sole purpose is to signal one's green-leaning tendencies is currently unknown.
Stay tuned for more on the 2010
BMW X6
Hybrid.--
KGP Photography
Posted in : 2010, BMW, Hybrid Cars, Sport-Utility Vehicles, Spy Shots
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With the LF-Xh Concept,
Lexus promised a none too radical remake of the popular RX crossover. Now the first clear spy shots of the 2010
Lexus RX have surfaced, and those first impressions seem to be right.
The next
Lexus crossover won't vary too much from the
2008 Lexus RX 350 crossover, which ranks highly with TheCarConnection.com's editorial team. The updated version takes on more of
Lexus' "L-finesse" styling concepts, and from these shots, the most striking revision seems to be in the rear pillar and taillamps.
In concept form, the new RX carried nearly identical dimensions to the current vehicle. That similar stance disguised a five-inch stretch in wheelbase, so we're expecting much more second-row legroom. A V-6 will be standard; likely options will include a seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and the logical
hybrid version.
Posted in : 2010, Crossover Vehicles, Lexus, Spy Shots
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We're playing Concentration this morning at TheCarConnection.com. Below this post, you'll see pics of the
2010 Saab 9-4X--and here, you have the 2010
Cadillac SRX. Can you spot the differences?
OK, time's up. For starters, this Caddy prototype has a body-colored A-pillar, which also appears to be a little more upright than that on the
Saab, too. On the
Saab shots, the grille is exposed; here, the front end's covered, but even the cooling vents in its chic little outfit are shaped like
Cadillac shapes, with a broad grille and vertical headlamps.
This Caddy running mule is riding on 255/55R-18 tires, and our sources say it weighs more than 4,000 pounds. It sits about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide--nearly the same dimensions as the current
Cadillac SRX.
That detail brings up the swirl of naming rumors surrounding the car. Initially, sources had been spreading around the letters BRX. Now it's assumed that this vehicle, which was called a Provoq as a concept at last year's
Detroit auto show, will inherit the SRX nameplate when it goes into production. The current SRX has been a slow seller and is due for replacement.
We'll know more before the 2009
Detroit Auto Show starts in January. Stay tuned.
Posted in : 2010, Cadillac, Crossover Vehicles, Spy Shots
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Marty Padgett July 8th, 2008
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BMW is in the midst of its final testing for the U.S.-spec 335d--the first diesel-powered Bimmer to be sold in North America. The introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of face-lifted sheetmetal destined for the entire 3-Series lineup.;)
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