More L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Drawing cues from the CS concept shown at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show, the 6 Series represents a logical progression from its predecessor, which was arguably the sharpest-looking car former BMW designer Chris Bangle penned. This one seems to have higher shoulders, with more sheet metal down low and less glass up top. Being a hand-built concept, the 6 Series at the L.A. show wasn’t open for sitting in, but it doesn’t appear to have abandoned visibility in the name of style. (We’re looking at you, Camaro.) Otherwise, the dimensions make for a striking car, particularly from the rear-quarter angle.

If the production 650i convertible is any indicator, features on the concept car slated for primetime include a freestanding 10.2-inch navigation screen, a head-up display and a rearview camera that deploys from behind the company’s checkered trunk emblem and then retreats when no longer in use to avoid the lens picking up dirt, rain or snow. There’s no sign of the convertible getting the coupe concept’s Bang & Olufsen stereo, which is a shame. The independent audio company makes some of the best stereos in the car business, but the convertible gets a proprietary BMW HiFi stereo.

Look for the coupe to employ the same engine as the convertible: a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 capable of 400 horsepower and 450 pounds-feet of torque. It works through an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission on both the concept coupe and production convertible. The manual transmission is unique to the U.S., where BMW found sufficient demand to justify it. Other markets get only the automatic. As usual, kudos to BMW for sticking with sticks.

Just a month later, BMW released new footage of the X5 M being driven by Nick Heidfeld who also takes the time to talk about the car.

If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.

As a refresher, BMW X5 M and X6 M are powered by a tuned up 4.4 liter V8 M engine delivering 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,650 rpm. The engine uses the twin-scroll twin turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection. BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M run from 0-60 mph in ONLY 4.5 seconds, making the M twins the fastest SUV/SAVs out there.

You might also like:

1. Formula 1 driver Nick Heidfeld takes you around Monaco F1 circuit
2. Travel Show: Experience the BMW Welt
3. Understanding Formula 1: Pit Stop
4. Understanding Formula 1: Helmet
5. Understanding Formula One: Clothing

Jaguar is only months away from revealing its next-generation XJ saloon, which is scheduled to debut on July 9th at a special presentation in London before going on sale by the end of the year. Speaking at the Shanghai Motor Show last month, Jaguar Mike O’Driscoll released some new details about the upcoming flagship, including an official teaser, and now we have new spy shots of the upcoming saloon.

Interestingly, Jaguar has attempted to disguise the prototype as a BMW, even adopting the same psychedelic camouflage material as its German rival.

Spy shots: 2011 Jaguar XJ

Read more

Porsche’s new Panamera may have been revealed to the world in a glitzy event at the Shanghai Motor Show but production of the car has only formally started this week. To mark the occasion, Porsche has also announced that it will be offering buyers and enthusiasts alike the chance to see the Panamera without all of its makeup on – at a free, two-hour factory tour in Leipzig.

With the car officially launching in select European markets this September and in the U.S. this November, Porsche is keen to let future customers see the complete production process at its newly upgraded Leipzig plant in Germany.

2010 Porsche Panamera

Read more