YELP now in your BMW

The current BMW X5 went on sale back in 2006 and after what will end up being eight years, BMW will finally release a brand-spanking new generation X5 in 2014, and we were able to grab some spy shots of its first tests. The new model will be completely redesigned, much lighter compared to the current model, and powered by more fuel efficient engines.

It’s no surprise BMW will be working on their X5, considering Audi and Landrover have announced they will be focusing on lighter models for the future. BMW is matching these statements with a 330 lb drop for the new X5, compared to the current model, through the extensive use of aluminum. It will be offered with the company’s latest turbocharged engine in a smaller capacity and an improved fuel economy. The top version, however, will still enjoy its usual 4.4 liter V8 engine, but with improved figures. It has been rumored that BMW will also offer a hybrid X5.

In addition to the weight drop and engine modifications, the next X5 will also get a revised suspension, improved xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, and systems like lane departure warning and compensation, night vision, park assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view cameras, and active cruise control.

BMW staged the U.S. launch of the sixth generation of the stalwart 3-series at the Detroit auto show this week, which makes this as good a time as any to take a look back at the car that other sports sedans aspire to be.

The small sedan hit the scene in 1975, just three years after the 5-series, as a successor to the BMW 1600, the 1600ti and the 2002. It was characterized by large windows, short overhangs and a low-slung appearance. It was fronted by the company’s signature double-kidney grille. The E21, as it was known internally, had engines ranging from 1.6 liters to 2.3 liters in displacement. The top model made 141 hp and had disc brakes all around.

In 1982, the second generation debuted with redesigned sheetmetal and optimized aerodynamics. Track width was increased, and dual headlights became standard. The E30 was sold until 1993 with a selection of four- and six-cylinder engines ranging from 121 hp all the way up 192 hp in the 1989 M3.

In the early 1990s, the third generation debuted. It was larger and rounder than its predecessors. The double headlights were mounted together behind glass on each side of the grille. The third generation had almost nothing in common with the previous model but was easily recognizable as a BMW. Power came from a selection of four- and six-cylinder engines ranging from 111 hp to 190 hp. The third-generation M3 topped the 300-hp barrier for the first time with 317 ponies from the 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

The fourth generation grew even more, adding nearly two inches to the width and nearly three inches to the track. The grille was integrated into the hood. Compared with the 5- and 7-series, the lower headlight surrounds formed a distinct look. Output increased to 235 hp for the non-M models while the M3 CSL made 355 hp.

In 2005, the fifth generation launched–it was the most powerful series to date. It was awarded World Car of the Year honors in New York. Internally named the E90, power ranged from 215 hp in the 325i to 444 hp in the M3 GTS.

The new BMW 3-series, introduced to North America in Detroit, promises to be more efficient, with the lowest coefficient of drag in its history. A four-cylinder engine was introduced with 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Top models stay with the twin-scroll turbocharged I6 making 300 hp. The dual headlights with LED eyebrows extend all the way to the kidney-grille frame. The 3-series sports two large air intakes located below the headlights.

BMW has done well over the past 35 years to improve the 3-series while keeping it recognizable as the company’s bread-and-butter sedan.

The US market still has to wait until next year to savour that which is the BMW M5 F10. But in Europe, the all new M5 is hitting the markets and tuning firms are getting their greasy paws on the autobahn scortcher for the first time.

One of the first is German tuning firm PP Performance who have promptly put the vehicle on the dynamometer for first independent runs to see what the Bavarian fun machine can really do.

The M5 F10 registered 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS) at the wheels on a MAHA LPS 3000 dyno. This translates into an estimated power output of 573.7 bhp (428 kW / 582 PS) and 721 Nm (532 lb-ft) of torque at the crankshaft. The official BMW specifications are 560 PS (412 kW / 552 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque.

Other tuners such as G-Power have already let us know they have an M5 F10 in their possession and are doing the same thing. Preliminary findings indicated G-Power’s Stage 1 package should produce at least 620 PS (456 kW / 612 bhp).

With this as a basis, expect to see tuners such as Manhart who are already achieving 750 PS (551 kW / 740 bhp) and 910 Nm (671 lb-ft) of torque with their MH3 V8 RS Clubsport to achieve even more.