EuropeanCarBlog

If you are thinking I’m just trying to pack-in some sleazy punch line, beware; you are going to have your own words as breakfast by mid next year. That explains one thing – the BMW X6 SAC shall show up sometimes around late May or early June; I think you are clear on the Gemini part now. Is it? Wait, the story has just begun.

The BMW X6 SAC shall have two different faces (read hearts i.e. engines) – while the first choice for an absolute sword-in-the-wind person shall be the twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4L V8 delivering 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque (between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm), for the timid and the focused, it shall be a less powerful twin-turbo 3.0L inline six with 300 hp with 300 lb-ft of torque. Got your salt and the pepper ready? Good. And now the third one – it might be possible to see a diesel version as well. However, this Gemini shall have something in common, which is to say, the features. BMW does not discriminate much between the powerful and the weakling; therefore, the Dynamic Performance Control feature (for a smoother and more efficient torque transfer between the front and rear axles) shall be available in both.

A suitable successor to the impressive BMW X5, the X6 is sharp on the handling. That’s because, this time, it’s an enhanced version of the xDrive 4WD technology that is giving the BMW X6 a better stability, with road-agility and a precise steering filling in the rest. The Dynamic Performance Control (mentioned above) distributes the drive-forces between the rear wheels, thus multiplying torque on individual rear wheels, thanks to the re-designed computer control and the rear differential. The two planetary gears, together with two clutch-packs stay responsible as well. It is vital, since the new, compact V8 turns pretty wild with the Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection backing it up. But that intricate an engine requires some serious cooling and BMW has added the large air intakes to take care of that. But what about the components to overlook the bumps?

Enter the X6’s drivetrain and the suspension system; together, they provide the Integrated Chassis Management to fight the abruptness of sudden changes in driving conditions to deliver the optimum dynamics. An outstanding agility, to be precise; enhanced further by a double track-control arm configuration of the front axle to bring the double-joint, dynamic, lateral acceleration principle into play. The rear one is a BMW-patented Integral IV axle, designed to harmonize a superior variety of comfort and dynamics through the wheel mounts; the rear axle sub-frame and the four track-arms that also reduce noise and enhances the ride-comfort.

But then again, unless those 19-inch light-alloy wheels were there, the entire technology wouldn’t have served as much. The run-flat safety tires are a standard equipment though the Tire Pressure Monitoring ensures that the pressure doesn’t go beyond 30 per cent below the permissible level.

So, how do you find the X6? I found it great, not only because of the modest dimensions and weight, but fuel-wise as well. The double-VANOS infinite camshaft management develops an exceptional high-torque when the engine speed is low; together with the High Precision Injection using piezo-injectors, a compression of 2900 psi while complying to the US ULEV II emission standards becomes a child’s play to the premium German carmaker.

Here are a few shots of the BMW X6 Concept from the IAA 2007

The Mercedes R class has competition now. The new BMW V7 is bigger, better and has more room for all those little knick-knacks which get difficult to carry, while on the go.

Time.com has come up with an interesting list of the 50 worst cars of all time. Surely I agree with most of the cars listed on here, but to add the 2002 BMW 7-Series to the list? I know the original i-drive was not as user friendly as first and the rear end was not designed in the original BMW style, but it is a vehicle that introduced new technology and a new design elements for all BMWs. It seems to me that most of the previous BMW fans absolutely hated the new design, while a lot of the people who never thought much of the typical BMW look seemed to actually like the new 7-Series design.

Of course the Yugo and the Ford Pinto made the list, to see the East German Trabant on there is not surprising either. Take a look at the list and see if you have ever owned on of the cars and let us know about your experience.

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The new BMW 3-Series (E90) is already getting a facelift. The new slightly bolder and sportier look is mainly due to the modified front and rear end. The front and rear bumpers have had design changes and the hood will have more dimension due to being more sculptured. The grille will be slightly rounder from current models. The facelifted version is due to come out as a 2009 model in late 2008.

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