BMW M550i xDrive Arrives in Abu Dhabi Wearing AC Schnitzer Goodies

The new BMW 5 Series range used to have a king up until not long ago, one that even trumped over the old M5 in 0-60 mph potency without having gone through the complete M treatment. Yes, I’m talking about the BMW M550i xDrive model, the only V8-powered machine within the 5 Series range, without including the M5, which plays in a league of its own. The M550i came out with slightly improved power readings compared to its predecessor but just enough to leave us yearning for it.

With 462 PS and 650 Nm of torque going to all four corners of the car from the 4.4-liter V8 engine under the hood, the M550i will do 62 mph from standstill in 4 seconds flat, faster than the outgoing M5. But while all that makes it sound like this is a racing car, the appearance of the uber-sedan makes it seem like it’s just another ordinary car, that you’ll find parked in a shopping mall’s parking lot or in front of some fancy office building.

It’s this ‘sleeper’ attitude that makes me want one more than anything else, as it will take a lot of people by surprise. Not the car we’re showing you today, however, as this one arrived in Abu Dhabi wearing some goodies from German BMW tuning specialists, AC Schnitzer. What you’ll immediately notice is that the whole theme of subtlety was thrown out the window to make this Bimmer look like a proper M5 rival.

Up front we have a carbon fiber AC Schnitzer spoiler, on the sides you’ll notice the new sills and wheels while round the back the new exhaust tips and diffuser will make you wonder if this is not actually the M5. The one thing I don’t like about the way this car was configured though, is that massive wing at the back. It feels unnecessary and a bit too much considering how the car was designed in the first place.

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New Cadillac XT4 debuts to take on BMW X1

We’re of the belief that competition breeds excellence. Especially in the automotive world. So the more excellent competitors, the better, as that will ultimately bring the entire industry up and make all cars better. Which is why it’s so good to see so many new competitors in premium segments, especially the compact premium crossover segment. There are currently some very good cars in this segment, with the BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace and the brand-new Volvo XC40 occupying the same space. Is there room for another, though? The Cadillac XT4 thinks so.

“The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”

To be honest, this sounds exciting. Cadillac certainly seems to be trending upward, as it’s beginning to show off a real character of its own, rather than just feeling like a slightly luxurious offshoot of GM, as it has up until now. First, Cadillac announced that it would be creating its own bespoke engine, which will be hand-assembled like an AMG motor, and now this. And, after hearing de Nysschen, it seems as if Cadillac will be filling up its model range quite a bit, being w should be seeing a new Caddy every six months for the next few years.

And this new Cadillac XT4 is probably the most interesting car from Cadillac since the CTS-V debuted. Not that small-ish crossovers are all that interesting but the XT4 is the best looking Caddy in a while and it’s finally starting to show some life in its interiors.

On the outside, the Cadillac XT4 mostly looks good. It has sharp lines and a muscular stance, making it seem sporty and aggressive, while also being more youthful. The vertical headlights look good, as does its grille, with the simple, wreath-less badge. At the back, its taillights also look good and sort of look like horns sticking up. It’s quirky and modern looking and should attract a younger audience, which is exactly the idea. The only bad angle, I think, is the rear three-quarters angle, which reminds me of a Ford Edge for some reason.

Inside, though, Cadillac seems to have stepped its game up a bit. It’s not that this is the most premium of cabins, being that this is a relatively inexpensive car, but its design is much better than previous Caddys and it shows that the brand is working to fix a lot of its annoying electronics. The steering wheel is all new and it looks much better than previous ones, the shift lever is electronic and doesn’t seem like a re-skinned Chevy lever and the CUE infotainment screen is well integrated into the dash. Cadillac also gave the XT4 a physical rotary controller for its CUE system, much like BMW’s iDrive, and a physical volume knob just above it. This shows that Cadillac is finally working to fix the two biggest complaints about its interiors — its badge-engineered styling and crappy electronics.

Powering the XT4 will be a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is competitive in the segment. It also gets a nine-speed automatic gearbox and available all-wheel drive. The only real demerit for the XT4 is the fact that it’s going to be built on GM’s front-wheel drive crossover platform, the same one that underpins the Buick Envision. So, dynamically, it might not be that great. It does show a willingness to improve and move more upmarket by Cadillac, though. So we’re excited to see what the XT4 brings and if it can hang with the best in the segment, like the X1 and XC40.

The article New Cadillac XT4 debuts to take on BMW X1 appeared first on BMW BLOG

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VIDEO: 1992 E34 BMW M5 Review

I’ve gone on record before, saying that I’m not a big fan of the E34-generation 5 Series. It’s a fine car and there’s really nothing objectively wrong with it but I was just never a fan of the way it looks. Having said that, I’d daily drive an E34 BMW M5 in a heartbeat because, well, M5. And compared with modern-day M5s, the E34-generation M5 must just feel so special. As we learn from this new video review from The Drive.

During the F90 BMW M5 launch in Europe, BMW had some of its classic M5s on hand for journalists to test as well. That allowed them to get some perspective on what the M5 is supposed to feel like, where it’s been and where it’s going. One of the M5s on hand was a Daytona Violet E34 BMW M5 that, despite its bland, boxy shape (in my eyes, I know some enthusiasts love it), looks pretty fantastic. Mostly thanks to the color. And in this new video review, we get to see just why older M5s are so revered and so special.

Firstly, just look at it. Both inside and out, there are no frivolities, nothing superfluous. It’s just looks like a car and it’s so very refreshing to see in a day when cars are so wildly over-styled. As an example of what I’m talking about, the E34 BMW M5 was one of the fastest, highest-performing sedans on the planet in its time and it looks like a Plain-Jane sedan to anyone not in the know. Now though, the new Toyota Rav4, the epitome of bland, mindless and practical transportation, has so much styling it looks like Lamborghini designed it at the same time it did the Countach. So the simplicity of the E34 M5 is delightfully refreshing.

Then there’s the way it drives. Hydraulic steering and fixed suspension, without a billion customizable modes, allow it to drive so sweetly and purely that it makes you yearn for the old days. Sure, there’s a lot of play in the steering on-center, as the E34 probably had the worst steering of all 5 Series generations save for maybe the original E12, but it’s far, far more communicative and pure than anything you’ll find today.

The best part, though, is that engine. A 3.8 liter, naturally-aspirated straight-six, making 340 hp and revving to 7,000 rpm, it’s a glorious motor to ring out. It’s sonorous and characterful, without the need for artificial noise pumped through the speakers. And the power is created without turbochargers or electrification or anything additional aids, it’s pure, blue-blooded horsepower.

None of this is to say that the new F90-gen M5 is bad or worse than the E34. In fact, it might be the best M5 ever. It’s an astonishing car. However, there’s something to be said about driving an older, a purer and, ultimately, more engaging version. So basically what I’m trying to say is that if you can afford to buy a brand-new F90 M5, pick yourself up an old generation, too. Drive the F90 during the week, the classic one on the weekends and live happily ever after.

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Power progresses at Rosses Point

Mark Power. Picture: Pat Cashman Photography

Kilkenny teenager Mark Power is gunning to become the youngest winner of the West of Ireland since Rory McIlroy in 2006 after he completed two impressive wins on the opening day of matchplay combat at Rosses Point.

Winner of the Irish Boys title in 2016 and 2017, the 17-year old beat Carton House’s Paul O’Hanlon 7&6 in the first round before defeating Royal Dublin’s Robbie Hynes 5&3.

“I’ve been hitting the ball great all week and I feel very comfortable in the wind,” said Power, a member of the Irish senior squad, who will face Athlone’s Thomas O’Connor for a place in this afternoon’s quarter-finals.

“I’ve been feeling good and I played great against Paul this morning — three birdies and bogey-free — though it was a lot tougher in the wind this afternoon and I was pleased to get through on the 15th.”

Several fancied contenders made their exit on day one with the 2016 champion Jonathan Yates from Naas and Warrenpoint’s reigning AIG Irish Amateur Close champion Jamie Fletcher going out in the first round.

But the cream also started to rise to the top with leading qualifier Kyle McCarron edging out Tiarnan McLarnon by one hole to set up a last 16 match with 2017 runner-up Jack Pierse and Castle’s Alex Gleeson seeing off Welsh raider Jake Hapgood 3&2.

Douglas’ Peter O’Keeffe, the Irish Amateur Open champion, was four down to Holywood’s Rory Williamson after nine in round two but while he staged a late fightback, he lost by one hole as defending champion Barry Anderson also progressed.

Tramore’s Robin Dawson also eased into the last 16 with wins over Marc Nolan and Cian Geraghty but now faces a tough game with Co Sligo’s Sean Flanagan.

West of Ireland Amateur Open, Co Sligo GC (sponsored by Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo)

Third round - Monday, 2 April

(8:00) K McCarron (North West) v J Pierse (Portmarnock);
(8:10) A Gleeson (Castle) v R Black (Hilton Templepatrick);
(8:20) S McDermott (Co Cavan) v J Fox (Portmarnock);
(8:30) M Power (Kilkenny) v T O’Connor (Athlone);
(8:40) R Brazill (Naas) v B Anderson (Co Sligo);
(8:50) P Connolly (Killeen Castle) v J McDonnell (Naas);
(9:00) R Dawson (Tramore) v S Flanagan (Co Sligo);
(9:10) R Williamson (Holywood) v J Madden (Royal Portrush).

Second round - Sunday, 1 April

1. K McCarron bt TMcLarnon 1h;
2. J Pierse bt  R Moran 6/5;
3. A Gleeson bt J Hapgood 3/2;
4. R Black bt C Ryan 5/3;
5. S McDermott bt E McCormack 2/1;
6. J Fox bt TJ Ford 3/2;
7. M Power bt R Hynes 5/3;
8. T O’Connor bt C Denvir 3/2;
9. R Brazill bt A Hill 3/2;
10. B Anderson bt M Ryan Jnr 2/1;
11. P Connolly bt N Hearns 2/1
12. J McDonnell bt F Kennedy 4/3;
13. R Dawson bt C Geraghty 6/5;
14. S Flanagan bt D McAleenon  4/3;
15. R Williamson bt P O’Keeffe 1 hole;
16. J Madden bt G Collins 19th (finished on Monday).

First round - Sunday, 1 April

1. K McCarron (North West) bt W Small (Tandragee) 4/3;
2. T McLarnon (Massereene) bt W Russell (Clandeboye) 2/1;
3. J Pierse (Portmarnock) bt J McCarthy (Stackstown) 1 h;
4. R Moran (Castle) bt G Dunne (Co. Louth) 1h;
5. A Gleeson (Castle) bt J Doherty (Carton House) 5/3;
6. J Hapgood (Southerndown, Wales) bt T Neenan (Lahinch) 5/4;
7. R Black (Hilton Templepatrick) bt P Coughlan (Castleknock) 20th;
8. C Ryan (Dun Laoghaire) bt A McDaid (Palmerstown Stud) 20th;
9. E McCormack (Galway Bay) bt P McKeever (Castle)1h;
10. S McDermott (Co. Cavan) bt A McCormack (Castletroy) 1h; 
11. TJ Ford (Co. Sligo) bt R Knightly (The Royal Dublin) 3/2;
12. J Fox (Portmarnock) bt G McDermott (Carton House) 2/1
13. M Power (Kilkenny) bt P O’Hanlon (Carton House) 7/6;
14. R Hynes (The Royal Dublin) bt J Walsh (Castle) 7/6;
15. T O’Connor (Athlone) bt A Marshall (Lisburn) 3/2;
16. C Denvir (Elm Park) bt R McKinstry (Cairndhu) 5/4;
17. A Hill (Athenry) bt J Yates (Naas) 6/5;
18. R Brazill (Naas) bt S Cullen (Slieve Russell) 1h;
19. B Anderson (The Royal Dublin) bt J Greene (Portmarnock) 3/2;
20. M Ryan Jnr (New Ross) bt J Fletcher (Warrenpoint) 4/3;
21. P Connolly (Killeen Castle) bt J Brady (Rosslare) 2/1;
22. N Hearns (Mountrath) bt A Kearney (Castlerock) 3/2;
23. F Kennedy (The Island) bt K Egan (Carton House) 2/1;
24. J McDonnell (Forrest Little) bt D Mallon (Dungannon) 3/2;
25. R Dawson (Tramore) bt M Nolan (Dun Laoghaire) 3/2;
26. C Geraghty (Laytown & Bettystown) bt F Carr (Kirkistown Castle) 1h;
27. D McAleenon (Edenmore) bt A Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown) 5/3;
28. S Flanagan (Co. Sligo) bt G Smyth (Clonmel) 3/2;
29. P O’Keeffe (Douglas) bt S Ryan (The Royal Dublin) 5/3;
30. R Williamson (Holywood) bt L O’Neill (Connemara) 5/4;
31. J Madden (Royal Portrush) bt J Whelan (Newlands) 3/2;
32. G Collins (Rosslare) bt M Sinclair (Knock) 1h.

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2019 BMW 1 Series Hatchback – Rendered and Information

One of the most exciting BMWs in 2019 is the third generation of the BMW 1 Series which will bring major changes to the popular hatchback. After two generations of fun driving from a rear-wheel drive platform, the high-selling BMW will now switch over to a front-wheel drive platform.

The new FAAR(Frontantriebsarchitektur) front-wheel drive architecture will provide the new 1 Series with a lower kerb weight and improved packaging, together with simplified production processes and greater profitability than its rear-wheel-drive predecessor. An xDrive all-wheel drive system will continue to be offered in the 1er lineup.

This new rendering from Carscoops aims to guess some of the design lines of the new F40 1er. Design wise, the 1er hatchback builds atop the current BMW design language, but with a small twist – the headlights are slimmer and more angular, and full LED lights are standard. The front grille takes its cues from the recent BMW models, with the upside down kidney grille, and a more aggressive bumper paired with large air intakes.

BMW will give the five door hatch a front-wheel drive platform paired with three and four-cylinder engines. Models like the 116i, 118i, 120i, 116d, 118d and 120d will appear in the lineup, including a BMW 130iX which will likely replace the current rear-wheel drive M140i.

The new M130iX will take on the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35 and it’s scheduled for launch in 2020.

The top model of the range will be the M130iX M Performance which replaces the current fans’ favorite – and ours as well – BMW M140i xDrive.

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BMW F90 M5 Gets HRE P101 Wheels in Brushed Titanium

Well, that didn’t take long. Just as the first BMW F90 M5 units are arriving at dealerships and getting delivered to owners, HRE Wheels have already produced a set of aftermarket wheels for this exciting all-new high-performance vehicle. The California-based wheel company picked the HRE P101 wheels which fit perfectly the bill of the sporty nature of the new M5.

Currently, the BMW F90 M5 is the fastest BMW M car today. It comes with a standard sprint from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) of 3.2 seconds, thanks to its 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. You’re also not only getting gorgeous looks but impressive performance and handling, making the M5 one of the best full-size high-performance sedans available on the market today.

The Series P1 is HRE’s best-selling series of forged wheels, and for a good reason. In designing the Series P1, the wheel maker set out to create the ultimate street-performance wheel by combining the purposeful lightweight design of their well-known race wheels with an unmatched level of sophisticated design. Building on the successful 3-piece Series S1, the HRE P101 is a refined design of the same, molded into a lightweight Monoblok platform, resulting in an unparalleled blend of style and performance. No wonder that these lightweight wheels were chosen to adorn one of the first aftermarket modded BMW M5s in the world.

The wheels are sized 21×9.5 in the front and 21×11.5 in the rear, producing a rather great looking fitment. The wheels feature a gorgeous Brushed Titanium finish. The color of these wheels works perfectly with the classy, understated and gorgeous Azurite Black Metallic finish of this M5. In turn, the understated and stylish look is achieved throughout this build. Grab a detailed look at these wheels in the media gallery right below.

 

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