The stage 1 and 2 Power Kits for the aforementioned models are fully covered under BMW of North America’s limited warranty and can be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program.
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The news site also cited inside sources to say that the plans calls for the development of a highly modified version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six oil-burner fitted with three-turbochargers developing around 500-horsepower and well over 600 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine would be fitted on M-badged versions of the 5-Series and the X6 crossover.
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In a prepared statement concerning the Bavarian firm's first quarter results, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, revealed that the new X1 SUV will hit showrooms this fall followed by the hybrid variants of the X6 SUV and 7-Series limo. BMW's new entry-level X-Series model, which will occupy the space under the X3 rivaling compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan, is the production version of last year's X1 concept and it will be offered with numerous 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
Both the X6 Hybrid and 7-Series hybrid models have been teased in the form of concept studies in the past. It is expected that they will share the same two-mode hybrid system that combines electric motors with an advanced automatic transmission and a conventional gasoline engine, most likely the 407HP 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
The hybrid system allows the vehicles to be powered either exclusively by the electric motors (like the Prius) or in tandem with the gasoline unit. BMW has yet to publish any official figures, but the system is said to boost fuel-economy by around 10 to 15 percent over their conventionally-powered siblings.
As well as preparing the first-ever "M" version of the X5 that is due to be officially revealed towards the end of the week, BMW is also tweaking the rest of the range of its crossover model. If you're finding it hard to spot the cosmetic changes in our latest spy photos, we don't blame you as on the outside they are limited to the newly styled front and rear bumpers, the repositioned fog lights plus a different alloy wheel or two - or four if you want to take it literally.
Our Bavarian sources also told us that the 2010 X5 will also benefit from a few minor interior updates including the new trim, some ergonomic optimizations and the addition of some toys to the standard and options list.
In terms of mechanical revisions, it is said that BMW will add to the X5's range the latest version of its 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine that develops 326HP in the 740i (up from 306HP in the 335i and the X6 xDrive35i).
As we have been officially informed from BMW's dedicated minisite, in less than three weeks time, on April 4, the Bavarian automaker will take the covers off the first ever 'M' variants of the X5 and X6 crossovers. While we've already seen official video clips of both prototype models, in one of the latest episodes of Grip, a German TV car show on RTL 2, we get the chance to see new footage of the X5 M and X6 M during the development phase of the two vehicles.Both the X5 M and X6 M will be powered by a twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine developing somewhere north of 500-horsepower. It should be noted that the same engine will replace BMW's naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V10 unit on the next-generation M5 and M6 models.
Via: Motor Spain
Not too long ago, everyone was questioning BMW's decision to introduce the 'awkwardly' designed X6 Coupe Utility Vehicle (CUV for short) in its SUV/Crossover range. Apparently, the Bavarians knew better and what more proof of that than the fact that another automaker, and specifically Acura, is developing its own coupe-ish crossover. Spied here conducting cold weather testing in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada by a watchful reader of Autoblog.com, Acura's X6 rival features a swoopy roofline and a pronounced rear-end design.There's not a lot of information going around in regards of the crossover's hardware, but expect to see Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system making its appearance on the vehicle.
Via: Autoblog.com
