2015 BMW X5 M And X6 M Revealed At L.A. Auto Show

BMW’s new X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs based on the latest X5 and X6 are finally here, revealed in full ahead of their official debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show in a month’s time. The formula is a familiar one, with the original X5 M and X6 M having brought us plenty of joy during their time on the market. Now their replacements have arrived, bringing even more power, extra gears and a host of other technological updates with them. Their engine is a version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in several other M cars, rated here at 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, or about 12 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque more than the outgoing models produced. That peak torque, by the way, is produced from as low as 2,200 rpm, helping the vehicles accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat (with launch control activated). Like most BMWs, top speed is limited to 155 mph. To go along with the extra power, M engineers also worked over the suspension. Modified upper wishbones are used, which are said to have an increase in camber as well as optimized camber progression and steering pivot axis to aid agility in corners. 

The springs are also stiffer, resulting in a 10-millimeter drop in ride height, and self-levelling air suspension is fitted at the rear. And, of course, everything is adjustable, with the driver able to select between Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes. BMW xDrive all-wheel drive is standard, but with a rear-biased torque split unique to these M variants. The system employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to allow fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles—from 100 percent at the rear to up to 100 percent at the front. The stock wheels are 21-inch light alloys, which come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires measuring  285/35 up front and 325/30 in the rear, and the brakes are vented steel discs with massive six-piston calipers up front and a single-piston set at the rear. The steering features electronic power assistance and has M-specific gear ratios for a sportier feel. Once again, the driver can choose between multiple modes depending on how they want to drive. When you see either the X5 M or X6 M approaching in your review, there’s no mistaking their identity. 

Large air intakes at the front end, aerodynamically-shaped side mirror caps, body-colored side moldings and quad-exhaust tips at the rear all scream performance, and this theme is carried into the cabin where designers have also installed a number of unique M enhancements. These include the instrument cluster, leather steering wheel, aluminum gearshift paddles, and the gearshift lever itself. There are further options exclusive to the M models, such as Merino full-leather trim. And there’s also a choice of two new and exclusive paint finishes—Long Beach Blue Metallic and Donington Gray Metallic, as featured above. The X5 M and X6 M go on sale early next year, as 2015 models. Pricing for the X5 M starts at $99,650 while the X6 M starts at $103,050. Both figures include a $950 destination charge. 2015 BMW X5 M And X6 M Revealed At L.A. Auto Show.

2015 Acura TLX: Best Nominee Car To Buy in 2015

The 2015 Acura TLX is a surprising car in many ways. Rising out of the near-premium or entry-luxury segment to prove itself more than just another mid-level manager’s car, the Acura TLX offers a well-tuned chassis and suspension, innovative drivetrain features, and impressive value. “It has, hands down, the best-tuned suspension you can buy for the money, especially in the entry premium/luxury segment, and that includes stalwarts like the BMW 3-Series and newcomers like the Cadillac ATS. It’s really that good.”

That statement is made, primarily, about the entry-level model. Perhaps that’s surprising to some, but the four-cylinder engine and torque converter/dual-clutch transmission come together in remarkable harmony with the brilliantly tuned suspension, four-wheel steering, and stiff chassis to produce a driving experience that truly is comparable to much more expensive and widely recognized sport sedans. At a nicely configured price of about $35,000, that entry-level TLX doesn’t feel so entry level. The cabin is spacious and attractive, there’s a fair amount of modern safety and infotainment gear, and there’s even a rather good EPA gas mileage rating of 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

While there are faster, more luxurious, and more attractive cars in the nominees list for Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2015 award, the TLX makes its presence known by combining a remarkable set of features and abilities with an approachable price tag. “…at the entry point, even with all of the available option packages, the roughly $35,000 you’ll spend on a four-cylinder TLX feels like a remarkable bargain, particularly if you like driving a good car quickly.” That bargain status makes it a car more people can buy, and its value and wide appeal make it a car that deserves a shot at this year’s Best Car To Buy award. Which will win? Stay tuned to our Best Car To Buy page as we run through all of the nominees’ strengths en route to our November 10th announcement of the winner. 2015 Acura TLX: Best Nominee Car To Buy in 2015.

570 Horsepower Audi R8 Competition Revealed Ahead Of L.A. Auto Show

Audi has just revealed the fastest and most powerful version of its R8 supercar yet, the R8 Competition. The car makes its official debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show next month and will be racing into showrooms early next year. The R8 Competition’s design draws on the knowledge gained from the R8 LMS line of race cars, with which it shares an engine. That engine is the familiar 5.2-liter V-10 of the R8 V10 model, but with output dialed up to 570 horsepower instead of the standard model’s 525 hp or Plus model’s 550 hp.

This enough for the car to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and it will keep going until it maxes out at 199 mph. Drive is to all four wheels, and the transmission is the R8’s S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch unit. “The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world,” said Audi’s U.S. chief Scott Keogh.

In addition to its more potent engine, the car is set apart by some matte carbon exterior elements. These include a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay cover, mirror housings, flics, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffusor. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 Competition and also provide greater downforce. Other upgrades include a gloss black finish for the wheels, carbon ceramic brakes with anodized red calipers, and more matte carbon in the interior. The final touch is a set of illuminated “R8 Competition” door sill plates.

Just 60 examples are earmarked for the U.S. market and anyone interested can place an order following the L.A. Auto Show debut on November 18. To see what else will be at the show, head to our dedicated hub. Note, a 570-hp R8 was revealed last year but this model, dubbed the R8 LMX, was never offered in the U.S. Both it and the new R8 Competition for the U.S. market are likely to be the last versions of the current R8 before the second-generation arrives sometime next year. 570 Horsepower Audi R8 Competition Revealed Ahead Of L.A. Auto Show.

2017 Aston Martin DB9 Replacement With Pict

2017 Aston Martin DB9 Replacement With Pict. Aston Martin has started Nürburgring testing for a new modular platform that will underpin its next generation of sports cars, starting with a DB9 replacement due in showrooms in late 2016 or early the following year. The new platform is concealed inside the makeshift body of a V12 Vantage but the extra wide wheel arches, slightly stretched wheelbase and modifications made to the grille area suggest we’re looking at an early mule for the DB9 replacement. Aston Martin confirmed it was working on the new platform back in April, after it received some much-needed funding from its investors. However, apart from the fact the platform is being designed to accommodate a new V-8 engine and some electrical systems sourced from Mercedes-AMG, there is very little we know about it.

The platform will be Aston Martin’s first all-new design since the venerable VH (Vertical-Horizontal) platform introduced in the first-generation Vanquish back in 2001. The automaker says the platform will enable its cars to be at the forefront of design, performance and technology, and in addition to Mercedes-AMG’s V-8 engine the platform will also likely fit the current 6.0-liter V-12, which will be supplied to Aston by Ford until at least 2018. As mentioned above, the new platform will debut in the next-generation DB9 in 2016 before eventually appearing in a replacement for the Vantage. That means existing versions of the two Aston sports cars still have several years left on the shelf. Expect Aston Martin engineers to stick with bonded aluminum construction for the new platform, but with weight and rigidity metrics improved compared to the outgoing VH platform. The new platform is also expected to be more flexible in terms of wheelbase and track width, meaning any replacement for the Rapide is likely to grow in size. Note, there’s a chance we may not see a Rapide replacement, and it’s highly likely we won’t be seeing any SUV from Aston Martin.

One thing we do know is that the Mercedes-AMG engine to be supplied to Aston Martin will be a variation of the new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 debuting in the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT. Output will likely be capped at around 500 horsepower, with the Ford-sourced V-12 to serve as the performance flagship. An eight-speed automatic from ZF will be offered, and hopefully a conventional manual will too.It’s likely we’ll see a new concept from Aston Martin previewing its DB9 replacement sometime next year, with the production version to debut in 2016. It’s possible the car will be called the DB10, a name Aston Martin recently trademarked. 2017 Aston Martin DB9 Replacement With Pict.

Source : motorauthority