It was early June when BMW introduced the next-generation X5 and already the company is ready to electrify its midsize SUV. Developed as a direct replacement for the old xDrive40e, the new plug-in hybrid version goes by the name of xDrive45e to reflect the improvements it offers over its predecessor. It boasts a new hybrid powertrain developed from the ground up to please both worlds by offering superior power and better efficiency at the same time. At the heart of the electrified X5 is an inline-six 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 282 bhp working together with an electric drive setup with an output of 110 bhp. With the power of the two combined, the new xDrive45e offers a generous total output of 389 bhp and a massive 443 pound-feet of torque. For the sake of comparison, the old one had to make do with a total of 308 bhp and 332 lb-ft. Although developed with efficiency in mind, the electrified X5 is no slouch - 0 to 62 mph takes 5.6 seconds, which is more than one second less than the model it replaces. Not only that, but top speed in pure electric mode has gone up from 75 mph to 87 mph. Even the base version comes with two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers, while the more expensive ones get four-wheel steering. The only downside of this version is the cargo volume, which is reduced by 150 liters compared to the conventionally powered model. With all the seats in place, you have 500 liters at your disposal, and 1,716 liters once the rear backrests are folded. Although revealed today, the new BMW X5 xDrive45e won’t be going on sale until sometime next year.
The Mazda MX-5 has been named as ‘Britain’s most reliable new sportscar’ in the 2013 Which? Car Survey - the biggest survey of car satisfaction and reliability conducted in the UK. “For a sportscar that will last for years and won’t cost a fortune in repairs, head to your local Mazda garage. The MX-5 has the lowest number of faults and no annual repair costs in the first three years,” states Which? For MX-5 models between 1998-2005 the magazine comments: “The Mazda MX-5 is the automotive equivalent of a double espresso. Near-telepathic steering and handling make other cars (even some sportscars) feel woolly and dull by comparison. You can pick-up a decent used MX-5 for just £1,500. Demonstrating the excellent reliability for which the Mazda brand is famed, other Mazda models also scored well in the Which? The Mazda6 Estate placed second in the Estate cars (up to three years old) category scoring 97.2 percent, while the Mazda2 ranked fifth among Superminis with a 96.4 percent score. Overall, the Mazda brand was ranked by the Which? 31 alongside Volkswagen in its Best Car Brands section, which merges the staff’s road-test opinions with the Car Survey results. Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK managing director, commented: “The 2013 Which? Car Survey findings are a wonderful endorsement of our products and our brand. I’m sure that our all-new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 compact SUV with their innovative SKYACTIV technology will claim top rankings in future Which? Compiled annually, the 2013 Which? Car Survey was based on information supplied by more than 47,000 drivers relating to over 57,000 cars.
Three 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDIs will embark upon the demanding climb to the 14,100-foot Pikes Peak summit in the 84th running of the Race to the Clouds. On July 1, pro-drivers Mark Miller, Danny Sullivan and Ryan Arciero will set out to show that the Touareg's precise German engineering and powerful V10 TDI engine can handle even the most challenging driving conditions. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or Race to the Clouds, is a 12.4-mile course with quick straights and 156 hairpin turns on terrain that alternates between pavement and gravel--mostly without guardrails. The Touaregs will run in the Luxury SUV division piloted by the professional drivers. Off-road champion Mark Miller competed in the 2006 Dakar Rally as a factory Volkswagen Motorsports driver. The Touareg V10 TDI is a high-performance, diesel version of Volkswagen's popular luxury SUV. Its powerful five-liter, 10-cylinder engine boasts 310 horsepower at 3,750 revolutions per minute and offers impressive pulling power with 553 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
The Passat BlueMotion Concept that is being presented by Volkswagen of America at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit shows just how fuel-efficient a non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedan can be. Based on the current Passat that was developed specifically for North America, the BlueMotion label defines the version that has the best efficiency in the model lineup. In this case, the Passat BlueMotion Concept has a manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy of 42 mpg, best in class among non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedans. The Passat BlueMotion Concept features an all-new version of the Volkswagen 1.4-liter EA211 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging. On top, this Passat also offers Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, previously seen on the European Volkswagen Polo and Golf models. ACT deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three for situations when the driver only applies light throttle pressure to maintain specific city speeds. This is the world’s first inline four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation.
