Automotive

BMW Announces New 5 Series Pricing at NAIAS

“Speed equals money sir. How fast would you care to go?” Or so asked world driving champion Graham Hill when he was selling cars for Colin Chapman. How much will the very quick BMW 530e iPerformance and M550i xDrive Sedans set you back? This much:

Wait, why start with the bad news – here’s the good news:

The BMW M550i xDrive Sedan is the fastest 5 Series ever, clocking 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. Now, are you really going to quibble about price?

Okay, here we go.

Pricing & Performance

During its world premiere this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, BMW announced the price for the 2018 530e iPerformance Sedan as $51,400. The BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan will go for $53,700, plus $995 destination and handling.

Starting, keep in mind, at those prices. We’ll get to the M version in a sec.

The iPerformance is the automotive weirdo of the two, and is the fourth addition to the iPerformance portfolio in the United States. That would be the ones with more than an internal combustion engine. In this case, the powertrain is a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo mill and a powerful plug-in hybrid drive system. Combined system output is 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of peak torque, which is not bad at all.

This all works together to propel the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds; the all-wheel drive 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan variant does it in 5.8 seconds. The bigger, badder, 2018 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan hits the showrooms with a starting price of $72,100, plus $995 destination and handling.

Or, about the price of an used Nissan GT-R.

2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Excessive or Impressive?

This BMW M550i xDrive Sedan takes the top spot in the 5 Series roster. It’s the latest addition to the vaunted BMW M Performance line that combines “everyday usability with the power and driving dynamics that will elate even the most discerning enthusiast because they’re a total fruitcake and have no concept of self-preservation or propriety.”

Okay. Wait. BMW didn’t say all of that, but still.

They could have said that, because even loaded down with lots of techno-gear, the BMW M550i xDrive Sedan can hurtle from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, finally running out of grunt at an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Oh no, wait. It could go much faster, but the Bavarians have to limit it to 155 MPH?

2018 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Engine Specs

If you want to know the hows, whys, and wherefores, it all starts in the engine room. Up front there’s a specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine. This V8 mill is fitted with two twin-scroll turbochargers, a High Precision Injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve lift, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing control.

Bottom line: 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 480 lb-ft. from just 1,800 rpm.

Coupled to this entertainingly overpowered plant is a BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system (with a rear-wheel toque bias thankfully) and an M Performance chassis set-up, helping to create the fastest and most agile BMW 5 Series to date. Agile schmagile, who cares? With that much rumble on tap, any handling “issues” can be overcome with a little more pressure from your right foot.

Both vehicles will be arriving in U.S. BMW showrooms this spring, followed shortly after by a sharp decrease in your available funds.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan Gallery

2018 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept Shows Brand’s Future Styling

Nissan’s Vmotion 2.0 is as frivolous and pointless as any other concept car at an auto show, but, ironically, it is also as serious and valuable as concept cars can be. Sometimes, concept cars are just there to make a splash. They can exist just to let designers off the leash and show what they can do.

Other times, concept cars are there as a signal to show where a given automotive company is headed.

This is one of those times.

Front & Center

Nissan, with their Vmotion 2.0 concept, states it quite plainly: “Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept takes center stage at 2017 North American International Auto Show debut.” In other words, “look at this, we really want you to pay attention to it.”

The space-age styling shows a progression of Nissan’s signature “V-motion” front end. This design element has drawn a fair amount of criticism, but Nissan shows no signs of backing down, so the critics are going to have to live with it. Nissan also points out how the V-motion front end design is utilized on the current Altima, Murano, and Maxima. This is not just shoring up their own opinion on the worthiness of this motif, but exists more as a way to tie the design of the Vmotion 2.0 to what you will see in Nissan showrooms in the future.

“Vmotion 2.0 previews what the future designs from Nissan will be,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Intelligent Mobility

Nissan also states how the Vmotion 2.0 goes beyond looks as a harbinger of things to come. They point out things like Nissan Intelligent Driving, one of the three core elements of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Which is a polite way of saying: “Get used to seeing Nissan Intelligent Mobility throughout our range.”

The Vmotion 2.0 concept aims to unite a high sense of fashion, an evocative, expressive design, and imbue the vehicle with space, comfort, and technology to “make the mobility experience seamless for busy professionals.”

No, I’m not sure what that means either, but Nakamura explained it this way.

“Technology is evolving. So is design. At Nissan we see design as the ultimate expression of how customers see themselves, but also an expression of the vision and values of our brand,” he said.

The Vmotion 2.0 concept offers hints at the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s proposal to realize zero emissions and zero fatalities.

“It is an insightful proposition of what the future sedan could be in the coming years,” Nakamura said.

So, like many concept cars before it, Nissan’s Vmotion 2.0 concept is both a “hey, look at me!!” visual statement, and also “this is what you can expect to see driving around in the near future,” declaration. The styling aspect will most likely be debated for some time to come, but the technology innovation should be a net benefit for anyone on the road.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept Gallery & Video

Photos, Video & Source: Nissan North America.

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Porsche Introduces New 911 GTS Models

“Faster and more capable than ever before,” says Porsche. Which, when applied to the 911 GTS, might actually be bending the laws of physics, but people have foolishly underestimated Porsche for decades now, so I’m not going to argue with them.

Look, before we get our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty here, let’s just get one thing straight: The previous GTS variants are titanically capable cars. They go and stop (Porsche’s two high altars) and turn like you wouldn’t believe.

And they almost have that terminal (just like the “terminal” in any disease or sickness) oversteer dialed out.

Okay, first things first, there are five of these little beasts available. The 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive, both available as a Coupé and Cabriolet, and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive.

Power & Performance

Impetus comes from Porsche’s 3.0-liter flat-six cylinder, cranking out 450 horsepower with larger turbochargers. That’s 30 horsepower more than the current 911 Carrera S and 20 horsepower above the previous, naturally-aspirated GTS model. All GTS cars are standard with a seven-speed manual transmission, specifically for you luddites. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission is available for you customers without 1100cc brains and bulging occipital bones.

Said mill puts out 405 lb-ft. of torque (37 lb-ft. more than the Carrera S) that “further improves acceleration and responsiveness,” according to Porsche. Ya think? Maximum torque is available between 2,150 and 5,000 rpms. Broad shouldered, no?

911 GTS Coupé models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph 0.2 seconds faster than the Carrera S and 4S Coupés. When equipped with the optional PDK transmission, the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé takes just 3.4 seconds to hit 60. Top track speed of the GTS models is up to 3 mph higher, depending on the variant. For example, the 911 GTS Coupé with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is capable of 193 mph.

On the track, you knuckle dragging Saracens. On. The. Track.

Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard on all GTS models with the Coupés featuring the PASM Sport Suspension, which drops the ride height by 0.39 inches.

Photo: Porsche Cars North America.

Body & Styling

All GTS variants are based on the Carrera 4/4S body. The new Sport Design front end with a spoiler lip painted in black emphasizes the car’s performance character. Combined with an increased rear spoiler extension height, lift is cut on the front and rear axle more than on the Carrera S models. Tinted tail lights, rear lid grill strips with a satin black finish, and tailpipes in high-gloss black give the GTS a noticeable look. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch center lock wheels painted in satin black, and black GTS logos on the doors are added bits of flash.

The characteristic Targa bar, which is black with a satin finish for the first time, gives the 911 Targa 4 GTS a very exclusive look.

The GTS interior is unique as well, seen especially in things like the stopwatch from the standard Sport Chrono Package in the center of the dashboard. Standard Sport Seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests provide increased lateral support and comfort. They are fitted with a combination of leather and Alcantara with new seat stitching. The standard GT Sport steering wheel is also covered in Alcantara as is the gear lever and the armrest. Finally, brushed aluminum interior trim is anodized with a black finish.

The Porsche Track Precision App features automatic recording and a detailed data display for smartphones. The MSRP ranges from $119,000 for the 911 Carrera GTS, up to $ 138,200 for the 911 Targa 4 GTS.

Start saving.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Porsche 911 GTS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America.

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Ford Introduces City of Tomorrow as Ranger & Bronco Return

Ford Motor Company made significant announcements regarding their vehicles and the future of mobility this week at the North American International Auto Show. The automaker showcased their new, 2018 F-150, confirmed the Ranger and Bronco will return, revealed an expansion of their Chariot ride-sharing service, and presented a dynamic vision for the “City of Tomorrow.”

“This year, the expansion of our business as an auto and mobility company moves into even higher gear,” said Mark Fields, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

Fields underscored the significance of Ford’s recent investment of $4.5 billion in the next five years to their vehicle line and to the future of mobility.

“We’re introducing even more new vehicles and technologies to make life better for millions of people in the near term, plus we’re presenting a vision and partnering with cities to move more people even more efficiently in the future,” he said.

Electrified & Autonomous Designs

Part of the aforementioned investment is targeted towards 23 new electric vehicles, including hybrid versions of the F-150 and Mustang, two pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles, a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric small SUV with an estimated range of at least 300 miles. Other plans include a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle. It will be complete with – or incomplete with we might say – but, the vehicle will have no steering wheel, gas, or brake pedal.

It’s expected to be in commercial operation by 2021 as a ride-sharing type vehicle.

Within the next five years, Ford expects autonomous vehicles will be introduced in cities around the world. The automaker is also predicting global EV offerings will eventually outnumber gasoline-powered ones in the next 15 years.

Ride Sharing Surge

These days, it’s not uncommon for us to have a ride-sharing app on our phone. Ford’s app-based, crowd-sourced ride sharing service Chariot is expanding rapidly. Chariot, which currently operates in San Francisco, California and Austin, Texas, is adding eight cities in 2017, including at least one outside of the United States.

Ranger & Bronco

While there were dozens of rumors flying about, nothing was confirmed until this week. Ford is indeed bringing the Ranger back to North America for 2019. The Bronco follows in 2020 and will be available globally. Both vehicles will be manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

“We’ve heard our customers loud and clear. They want a new generation of vehicles that are incredibly capable yet fun to drive,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s President of The Americas.

The success of the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline proved the midsize truck market is alive and well, and ripe for the taking. Although a Ranger/Bronco combo were merely rumors up until this week, it would be hard to imagine Ford giving up any ground here against competitors. Sooner or later, we expected this announcement, given the demand for midsize trucks and SUVs.

“Ranger is for truck buyers who want an affordable, functional, rugged, and maneuverable pickup that’s Built Ford Tough,” Hinrichs said. “Bronco will be a no-compromise midsize 4×4 utility for thrill seekers who want to venture way beyond the city.”

City of Tomorrow. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

City of Tomorrow

Beyond building vehicles, Ford wants to optimize the infrastructure of our urban homes, and directly address the growing changes and challenges when it comes to mobility. Ford’s City Solutions Team is the first of its kind in the automotive industry, working with the world’s major cites to tackle everything from gridlock to air pollution.

Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, is particularly passionate about the topic.

“This is an issue that goes far beyond congestion. It is one that represents a massive challenge to mankind, one that affects our well-being and access to health care, clean drinking water, food, a safe place to live, and even the ability to find work,” he said.

Ford’s City of Tomorrow looks at how near-term mobility advancements like autonomous and electric vehicles, ride-sharing and ride-hailing, and other connected vehicles interact with urban infrastructure. The entire “transportation ecosystem,” if you will, is examined, and most of the vehicles included in that ecosystem are autonomous and electrified.

Ford envisions a world where drones play a critical role as well. For example, they could be quickly deployed to survey and map the hardest-hit areas following earthquakes, tsunamis, or other major disasters. Meanwhile, data from all aspects of the ecosystem could be gathered on vehicles, bikes, mass transit, street lights, parking meters, and charging infrastructure to quickly access a multitude of situations.

Elsewhere in the City of Tomorrow, reconfigurable roads can respond to commuter needs and traffic flow. Other solutions include eliminating traffic jams, reducing emissions, and bringing accidents and collisions to record low levels. Road space is even saved in favor of greener landscapes like parks and recreation areas.

It’s a brave new world, not without it’s challenges, yes, but certinately possible.

“By solving the mobility challenge, we have the chance to create a better world for future generations. It’s both an exciting opportunity and a big responsibility,” Ford said.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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