BMW

BMW, short for Bavarian Motor Works (in English anyway), says on its website that the company fosters a culture of ideas. "Ideas are everything," one page says. It is this attitude of exploration that has kept the German car maker in the forefront of the automotive industry.

Known primarily as a manufacturer of luxury-imports and high-end motorcycles, BMW's tag-line here in the USA is, "The Ultimate Driving Machine," and that isn't far from wrong, considering the quality of design that goes into their cars, but what isn't was widely known is that the company was originally an aircraft engine manufacturer.

The founder of BMW, Karl Friedrich Rapp, took a contract to build V12 engines for Austro-Daimler in 1916, and because he needed more capital, he joined forces with Camillo Castiglione and Max Friz, It was after this that the name BMW was born - the company officially became BMW AG in 1918.

Since then BMW has been busy. They built the first motorcycle engine, and later the first motorcycle, innovated the designs of sedans and coupes, and eventually became the parent company of Mini, Rolls Royce, and Rover (as in Land Rover), though they sold the latter.

In 2000, under Christopher Bangle's direction, BMW redesigned their entire line, and while traditionalists balked, sales increased, and have continued to increase. Their 3-series cars are currently the standard to be met in entry-level luxury sedans and their performance vehicles, while pricey, are gaining popularity.

Today, BMW continues to put their ideas to work, even showing a hydrogen fuel cell concept car, the Hydrogen 7, in Geneva this year. At BMW, ideas really are everything.

2011 BMW X5

With a full 40 inches of legroom in the front and 61.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the 2011 BMW X5 is a large, strong SUV that's both agile and responsive. It features standard seating for five adults and suggested retail pricing between $45,800 and $58,400. The X5 sets the bar for this new group of highly-demanded SUV's that are designed with heavy emphasis placed on comfort, luxury and safety appointments. There are 5 trims available for 2011, all featuring the BMW xDrive AWD system and optional seating for 7.

With competition stemming in part from the Lincoln MKT and the Volvo XC90, xDrive 35i trims of the 2011 X5 from BMW feature a 3.0L I6 engine that is equipped with a single intercooled turbocharger. It whips up 300 horses at 5800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at a low, low 1200. The xDrive35d carries over into 2011 with the same 3.0L 265hp 425 lb-ft inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo diesel. And the new star of the lineup, the xDrive50i with its street-shredding 4.4L twin-turbo DOHC V8 that cranks out 400 ponies and a whopping 450 lb-ft of twist. xDrive35i and xDrive50i X5's also feature an entirely new 8-speed "Sport" automatic gearbox while the xDrive35d remains satisfied with its 6-speed auto. Both transmissions feature BMW's Steptronic manual shifting mode technologies. Further, all trims except for the xDrive35d feature BMW Brake Energy Regeneration technologies.

The list of standard equipment offered on the 2011 X5 BMW is lengthy and impressive. All trim levels feature stock:

• 18 inch alloy wheels;
• 2-zone automatic climate control;
• CD/MP3 compatibility;
• Bi-xenon adaptive headlights;
• Run flat tires;
• Leatherette upholstery;

And of course, as the eloquence of the trim levels increases, purchasers are presented with features including:

• 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels;
• Heated seats, front and rear;
• Bluetooth;
• 12 GB hard drive, voice-activated navigation;
• Real leather seating;
• Genuine wood trim;
• USB Port;
• Loads more...

Although it has not yet been rated by the NHTSA, the X5 BMW 2011 also comes very well stocked with standard safety features including Dynamic Stability Control, electronic traction control, anti-whiplash frontal head restraints, rollover sensors, 4-wheel antilock braking, individual tire pressure monitoring, and of course loads of airbags including overhead curtains for all seating rows. And don't forget about the Active Cruise Control and the newly available Lane Departure Warning system.

With a freshened exterior styling scheme in place, the 2011 BMW X5 measures 191.2 inches in length, 76.1 inches in width and 69.9 inches in height. It travels on a long wheelbase of 115.5 inches and has a reported gross vehicular weight of 6371 pounds. All trim levels feature a payload rating of 1290 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 6000 pounds. It also requires 21 feet of turning radius and is able to deliver 19/26 mpg city/highway. Ultra-comfortable, appreciably fuel efficient, able to tackle rough terrain and still very affordable, the new X5 is sure to excite you.

2010 BMW Z4

The 2010 BMW Z4 is happy to compete with the likes of the Audi TSS, Chevrolet Corvette and the Mercedes Benz SL Class. With retail pricing between $46,000 and $61,050, BMW jumps in offering a powerful example of what a modern sporty convertible should be. Excellent auto financing options are available now. It's presented in two trims: sDrive30i and sDrive35i. The Z4 looks like a classic 2-seated roadster, but upon closer inspection offers far more, including a 2-piece aluminum retractable powered hardtop. It's elegant, yet immediately strikes onlookers as capable of high speeds and big fun!

The 2010 Z4 by BMW is a truly enjoyable vehicle to drive. There are 2 engine choices offered, specifications as follows:

sDrive30i 3.0L I6 255hp 220 lb-ft.

sDrive35i 3.0L twin-turbo I6 300hp 300 lb-ft.

(**Coming in 2011**)sDrive35is 3.0L twin-turbo I6 335hp 332 lb-ft.

Transmission choices for the Z4 BMW 2010 include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or an advanced double-clutch 7-speed. All trims of the BMW Z4 are rear wheel driven and require a 17.5-foot turning radius. The Driving Dynamics Control system allows drivers to select between Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving modes.

Exterior measurements of the BMW Z4 are 166.9 x 70.5 x 50.8 inches (l, w, h), so it's small. It rides on a 98.3-inch wheelbase and weighs in at just 3241 pounds. On the inside, there's ample room for two adults to enjoy long cruises in the country, or shorter shots down the main street strip. You'll find 39 inches of headroom, 53 inches of shoulder room and a very respectable 42.4 inches of legroom. Maximum cargo capacity is reported a 10.9 cubic feet, just enough for packing a picnic, some gear for a day hike and a nice bottle of chardonnay.

The BMW 2010 Z4 has been designed and meticulously manufactured to offer new owners a sporty convertible driving machine that's both elegant and intelligent. It's rated by the EPA to deliver 18/28 mpg city/highway and features a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. Although the NHTSA has not reported crash test safety ratings yet, the Z4 does come with an impressive list of standard safety features including:

• 4-wheel antilock braking;
• Electronic stability control;
• Front impact airbags;
• Side impact airbags;
• Knee airbags;
• Seatbelt pretensions;
• Ignition disable;
• Tire pressure monitoring;
• And more...

If you're in the market for a nimble, comfortable, intelligent and very well built convertible, the 2010 BMW Z4 is definitely worth your further consideration.

2010 Acura MDX

Germany's world-famous Nurburgring track has been used as the testing and tuning grounds for the 2010 Acura MDX. It's considered the most challenging natural road course on the planet. High-performance automobile manufacturers from all over the world count on the many tests at Nurburgring in order to hone their chassis to perfection. A 3.7L 300 horsepower VTEC V6 engine lurks beneath the hood of the MDX. This six cylinder is very impressively powerful, rivaling the performance levels from any of its V8 competitors. It's joined by a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is built with Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control technologies. The entire drivetrain operates smoothly and responsively; and thanks to its lightweight construction standards, it operates very efficiently as well.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the Acura MDX 2010 will travel 16/21 mpg city/highway. It features a 21-gallon fuel tank, which means that a single fill up will allow travel for more than 400 miles. With Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the MDX conquers curves like few other vehicles are able to. Add in the optional high tech Acura Navigation System with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather and you have a cruising machine that extends nothing but pleasure and excitement. The MDX feels like a luxury sports sedan, yet features base pricing starting at just $42,230.

Optional packages for the Acura MDX include:

• Technology Package for $3675;
• Technology/Entertainment package for $5625;
• The Advance Package brings the price up to $51,855;
• Advance and Entertainment Package brings the price up to $53,755;

One of the biggest sell points for the 2010 MDX Acura is its Super Handling All-wheel-drive(SH-AWD)system that enhances high performance levels and handling, especially on dry roads. The point is that there are no front wheel-driven, rear wheel-driven or traditional all-wheel-drive systems that are able to handle corners like the MDX. It's truly superior. This intelligent system constantly calculates the most efficient levels of power distribution by monitoring variables including wheel speed, lateral G-force, the angle of steering and the yaw rate. Understeering is reduced, stability is increased in the vehicle's rotation through turns becomes more fluent as the outside rear wheel is made to turn slightly faster than the other three.

Just some of the other ultra-cool standard features of the new Acura MDX are:

• A 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA changer with eight speakers, auxiliary input jacks and XM satellite radio;
• A rearview mirror that serves as a monitor for your rearview camera;
• A remote linked powered tailgate;
• Leather sport seating;
• Tri-zone automatic climate control, humidity control and air filtration;
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity;
• And loads more...

The more exploring that you do about the 2010 Acura MDX, the more you'll understand that listing all of its very attractive standard and optional features is nearly impossible. It's absolutely loaded with available technology, luxury and safety features. It's one of the finest performing automobiles on the planet, regardless of pricing.

2010 Acura ZDX

It's difficult to determine which the 2010 Acura ZDX has more of, luxury or utility. It features Acura's biggest engine, bursting with power: the 3.7L 300-horse 270 lb-ft VTEC V6 the rivals the V8 engines of many competitors. It's of SOHC design and features 4 valves per cylinder for optimal powerage. When you add in the Acura Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) and other convenient technologies including the AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather, the Integrated Dynamics System and more, you end up with one of the most attractive options for safe family transportation available from any manufacturer.

Acura continues developing as one of the hottest and most innovative auto manufacturers on the planet. With retail pricing beginning at $45,495, the 2010 ZDX from Acura offers exceptional value on a variety of fronts. You'll be surprised with the large array of standard and optional features for safety, technology, performance and luxury. Keeping your family secure and injury-free is a top Acura consideration and the reason behind standard safety features including:

• Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS) that uses sophisticated sensors on the rear of the front seats to control rear airbag deployment;
• LATCH upper-tether child seat anchors in the rear seats;
• Obstacle-avoiding auto-reversing windows and moonroof;
• Collision Mitigation Braking System;
• Vehicle Stability Assist;
• Active frontal head restraints;
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering;
• and loads more...

The EPA estimated that the ZDX Acura 2010 will deliver 16/23 mpg urban/rural. It features a 21-gallon fuel tank that will hold out for more than 400 miles. That's achieved in part because of the excellent power-to-weight ratio, Drive-by-Wire throttle system and high-flow exhaust. The cabin is well-appointed with loads of luxury including generous amounts of fine leather, real hardwood trim and more. Technology-wise, the ZDX is difficult to whip with standard and optional tech features like:

• GPS-linked temperature control;
• Acura/ELS Surround Sound System;
• USB audio interface with iPod integration;
• Destination database;
• Zagat reviews;
• Song by Voice;
• Voice navigation;

The driver's seat of the 2010 Acura ZDX features 2 separate levels of heating and cooling, 10-way adjustability with lumbar support and 2-driver settings memory. Advanced design standards also reduce the amount of seat flex, making even the longest of journeys feel stable, comfortable and relaxing. You'll find very attractive financing options currently available from Acura and should definitely stop in for a closer look soon.

Facelifted New Mighty Muscular Scorpio Launched

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched its sports utility vehicle ‘New Mighty Muscular Scorpio’ at a price range of Rs 7.21 lakh to Rs 9.2 lakh. The Scorpio features the technologically advanced mHawk engine and also incorporates micro hybrid technology. The 2.2 litre advanced mHawk engine is now available on the Scorpio LX, SLE, VLX and VLX AT. The Scorpio VLX is the first car to be BC-IV compliant.

The price range is Rs 7.21 lakh (LX) to Rs 9.2 lakh (VLX) ex-showroom Delhi, post significant price reductions ranging from Rs 34,000 to Rs 70,000. The new Muscular Scorpio gets two news colours – Mystique Purple and Toreador Red.