G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/"><img hspace="0" height="393" width="630" vspace="4" border="1" align="top" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630gpower.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><sma ll>G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
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We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.<br />
<br />
Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: <a href="http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2009/10/il-track-tested-2010-bmw-x6-m.html"><em>Inside Line</em></a> ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers. <br />
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Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking. <br />
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That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/">after the jump</a>.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/">G-Power X6 M and X5 M</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gpower00_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gpower10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gpower20_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gpower30_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/g-power-x6-m-and-x5-m/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gpower40_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: G-Power]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/">G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19275755/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/" rel="tag">Detroit Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/#8"><img border="0" hspace="0" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054024.jpg" /></a><em><strong><small><br />
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - click above for high res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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When BMW launched the new Z4 early this year, they made it clear that, unlike the last Z4 and the Z3 before it, there were no plans to create an M version this time around. Of course, forgoing the M nomenclature doesn't mean that BMW won't create a faster Z4 than what's currently in showrooms. <br />
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In fact, the first of those faster roadsters will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 sDrive35is is based on the existing 35i, with its delicious twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. Compared to the existing turbo Z4, the new model gets a higher-flow intake and the turbos are allowed to spin up to higher boost pressures, resulting in an 11 percent bump in both power and torque output. The '35is now makes 335 hp and 332 pound-feet. In fact, for brief bursts, the 35is can crank up the boost even higher -- resulting in short periods of up to 369 pound-feet of torque. <br />
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BMW claims the Z4 sDrive35is will get to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Other features of the 35is include revised electric electric power steering programming, a standard dual-clutch gearbox, and brake energy regeneration. Visually, the 35is wears some M Sport aero and suspension bits and sees its ride height dropped 0.4 inches lower than the standard 35i. They may not be calling this a full M Roadster, but in most respects, that's exactly what this new model is. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/">2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054017_highres_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054019_highres_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054020_highres_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054021_highres_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p90054022_highres_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/">Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19276076/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/#7"><img hspace="0" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_4-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Normally we can think of some cute little anecdote to kick these here posts off with, but today... can't do it. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bmw/">BMW</a> is raising their prices by 0.4 percent across the board on vehicles sold in North America. This price increase takes effect on January 1, 2010. Why? BMW isn't saying. And while less than a percent may not sound like much, if you're buying a stripper 760Li ($136,600), that's like $600!<br />
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There is a tiny sliver of good news. The three vehicles that just got introduced to this continent in December -- the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/">ActiveHybrid X6</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bmw+7+series+activehybrid/">ActiveHybrid 7</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/550iGranTurismo/">550i Gran Turismo</a> -- are unaffected by this price increase. Of course as all three of those vehicles haven't proved themselves in the marketplace yet, so that sliver is even tinier upon second glance. <br />
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But it's not just the base prices that are going up. Destination & Handling fees are on the rise as well. Every new BMW is coming with an additional $50 tacked onto the 2009 $825 price, for a total of $875. And yes, this fifty dollar increase applies to the two new hybrids and the Gran Turismo as well. Happy New Year!<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/">BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7_thumbnail.jpg" alt="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7" title="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6_thumbnail.jpg" alt="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6" title="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2" title="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1" title="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-activehybrid-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3" title="bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3" /></a></div> [Source: BMW]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/">Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19276297/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/cadillac/" rel="tag">Cadillac</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630bmw.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><sma ll>Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
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This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/cadillac-cts-v-challenge-nets-120-applicants-heinricy-to-stand/">Cadillac CTS-V Challenge</a>. If you don't, here's a refresher: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/gm/">General Motors </a>vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their <strike>cars'</strike> support. <br />
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To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's <em>that</em> good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by <em>also</em> losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call. <br />
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Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer <em>*cough*</em> ringer) Hienricy. <br />
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BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/">Michael Cooper's BMW M3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bb50_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bb00_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bb10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bb30_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/michael-coopers-bmw-m3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bb20_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/12/12/m3-owner-and-cts-vs-challenger-michael-cooper-visits-bmwna/">BMW Blog</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/">CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19278377/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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REPORT: BMW, Mini to let Mercedes-Benz inspect, prep its vehicles at port
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/" rel="tag">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/earnings-financials/" rel="tag">Earnings/Financials</a></p><a href="www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091211/GLOBAL/912119991/1286"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/84816175-630op.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> Baltimore vehicle process center has secured a five-year contract to inspect, process, and repair pre-delivery <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/mini/">Mini</a> vehicles arriving in the United States. It's a deal that makes economic sense for both companies, say that automakers. BMW models currently arrive in Charleston, South Carolina, and are shipped to nearby Spartanburg (home of BMWs assembly plant) for inspection and pre-delivery work. That plant is "no longer appropriate" once the X3 starts production next year, says Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW North America. O'Donnell says BMW has been looking for an outside contractor, and it was the company's own purchasing department who proposed the deal.<br />
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Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, called the deal "a win-win situation." The company has both the manpower and space to service the additional BMW vehicles, and this arrangement may create additional opportunities for the two companies down the road. The Baltimore vehicle process center, on track to process 70,000 vehicles this year, currently handles Mercedes-Benz and Smart vehicles. The arrangement with BMW will not begin until March 1, 2010. <br />
<br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091211/GLOBAL/912119991/1286">Automotive News</a> - Sub. Req. | Image: Max Nash/Getty]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-bmw-mini-to-let-mercedes-benz-inspect-prep-their-vehic/">REPORT: BMW, Mini to let Mercedes-Benz inspect, prep its vehicles at port</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-bmw-mini-to-let-mercedes-benz-inspect-prep-their-vehic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19277121/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-bmw-mini-to-let-mercedes-benz-inspect-prep-their-vehic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/podcasts/" rel="tag">Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/" rel="tag">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/"><img hspace="0" height="142" width="630" vspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!</small></strong></em></div>
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Our friend Mike Levine from <a href="http://www.pickuptrucks.com/index.html">Pickuptrucks. com</a> joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/podcasts/">The Autoblog Podcast</a>, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/">Dodge Ram Power Wagon</a>, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/detroit-preview-2011-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet/">Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio</a>. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-mercedes-benz-begins-road-testing-electric-sls-supercar/">electric SLS supercar</a>. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/detroit-preview-toyota-to-debut-new-hybrid-concept-vehicle/">all new hybrid</a> that we'll see at the 2010 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>, and today's announcement of a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/toyota-officially-launches-plug-in-prius-program-retail-sales-i/">PHEV Prius</a>. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/">BMW's Z4 sDrive35is</a> and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up. <br />
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For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/podcasts/">Joystiq</a> and <a href="http://podcasts.engadget.com/">Engadget</a>, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at <strong>Podcast at Autoblog dot com</strong>, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/audience/start-survey.aspx?pubid=JRJrA-gkKy4$&amp;ver=standard"> survey</a>, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line <strong>734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)</strong>. Thanks for listening! <br />
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<br /><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/">Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19281289/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/" rel="tag">Detroit Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-bmw-740i"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/7-series-24_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>2011 BMW 740i - Click above for high-res image gallery </small></strong></em></div>
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Since the latest generation of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a>'s big <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/7+series">7 Series</a> went on sale in the U.S. market early this year, the only available engine has been the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 with its prodigious 400 hp. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6. <br />
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The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/5+series">5 Series</a>. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-740i/low/">2011 BMW 740i</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-740i/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/7-series-24_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-740i/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/7-series-38_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-740i/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/7-series-40_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-740i/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/7-series-14_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-bmw-740-detroit-preview/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-bmw-740-detroit-preview/">Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-bmw-740-detroit-preview/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19282679/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-bmw-740-detroit-preview/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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