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BMW releases slew of 2013 X1 photos, details fuel mileage and pricing

BMW releases slew of 2013 X1 photos, details fuel mileage and pricing

It’s hard to believe that BMW has been selling SUV’s for 13 years now. When the BMW X5 launched to great controversy in 1999, “crossover” had yet to be coined and not a soul on this planet would have predicted that one day BMW would be offering the two-sizes-smaller X1. Yet it hits dealer lots this fall, in multiple models with a long line of options and trim packages.

The most basic choice when it comes to the X1 is whether you want a four- or six-cylinder engine. The two-liter, turbocharged four delivers 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and is available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic, though both rear-drive (X1 sDrive28i) and all-wheel-drive (xDrive28i) versions are available. BMW says rear-drive four-cylinder X1 models can do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model is a tenth slower. Projected EPA fuel economy numbers are 24 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined for the rear-drive model and 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with all-wheel-drive.

Then there’s the six. With three liters of displacement and a single turbocharger, the N55 inline-six makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the X1 xDrive35i does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, but you’ll pay for that power at the pump. EPA ratings are just 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and 21 combined. The real world fuel economy difference between the four- and six-cylinder X1 models could prove to be even greater than what’s reflected in the EPA numbers, as the four-cylinder models include start-stop technology and eco modes, which are not part of the xDrive35i package.

And before we move on to trim packages, note that there is no manual transmission available in any X1. Keep reading for more ruminations on the 2013 X1.

BMW will be offering two separate lines for the X1, xLine and SportLine, as well as an M Sport package. The xLine models offer more of a luxury theme to the interior and exterior trim pieces, while the SportLine involves lots of piano black and contrasting red. Both lines have “exclusive” colors. The M Sport package is available on all X1 models, and per typical BMW practice, includes an upgraded suspension, sport seats and steering wheel, and aero kit and its own 18-inch wheels. All-wheel-drive models also receive “Performance Control” with the M Sport package, which is basically a system for shifting more of the power to the rear wheels during cornering (up to 80 percent) while also using the rear inner brake to help the X1 turn.

The X1 has a typically long list of available features and options, including BMW’s Servotronic steering, iDrive, Xenon headlights and LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, a rear parking camera, and BMW Apps compatibility. Prices start a $31,545 including destination for the sDrive28i, with the xDrive28i at $33,245 and the xDrive35i at $39,345.

BMW has released an obscene number of official X1 images and we’ve got all 94 included in our gallery and all 10 pages of press release below.

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Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype

Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype

Porsche has officially put the finishing touches on the first prototypes of the company’s 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery scheme that pays homage to the 917 racers of old. Production is set to commence in a little over a year, and the German sportscar manufacturer says buyers can look forward to taking possession of the first examples by the end of 2013. The plug-in hybrid will command a heady price tag, though. Porsche has confirmed the company will ask a whopping $845,000 per model, each with a 500 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors.

Altogether, the gas-electric drivetrain should be good for a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint and a top speed of 199 mph. Perhaps even more impressive is the news that the 918 will be able to propel itself with electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. That little fact helps account for the news that the vehicle should be able to return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Scroll down for the brief press release, but not before checking out the high-res gallery.

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Ford recalling 10,500 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models over faulty transmission sensor

Ford recalling 10,500 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models over faulty transmission sensor

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of several recent Ford models due to a defective transmission sensor. Some 10,000 vehicles are affected, including some 2011 and 2012 F-150 pickups, 2012 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, and 2012-2013 Ford Mustang vehicles.

Problem vehicles will experience one of several issues with their automatic transmissions, including the transmission not shifting into reverse when the gearshift lever is moved to the “R” position, the “R” lamp on the dashboard not illuminating, and the backup lamps not working. A faulty transmission range sensor is the culprit.

Ford says the recall campaign will start on June 25, with owners being notified by the automaker. Ford can also be reached at 1-866-436-7332.

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2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Take this nicely executed new luxo-niche player, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. It’s no scoop, of course, that it was created specifically to not miss out on what both Mercedes-Benz and Audi are discovering for themselves with the CLS and A7. And yes, that “nicely executed” modifier just used to describe the Gran Coupe could indeed ring with more enthusiasm.

BMW designers have taken the existing Big Bimmer language and successfully created a new dialect for the company, if you will. The 6 Gran Coupe is a true mix between the 5, the 6, and the 7 Series cars. It’s better looking in some key ways than either the latest 5 or 6 Series models – front, rear and profile views, for starters. Still, it’s the 7 Series that comes off feeling like the most complete package for the segment it is meant to represent. At least, that is, for this current generation of large BMW cars.

The 197.1-inch length of the 6 Series Gran Coupe is much closer to that of the standard 7 Series (199.7 inches) than it is to that of the 5 Series (192.9 inches), yet the wheelbase is equal to that of the 5 Series. Front and rear tracks – 63.0 inches and 65.6 inches, respectively – are the same as seen on the 6 Series coupe. Curb weight is quoted at 4,023 pounds, putting the 6GC right between the 200-pound lighter 640i coupe and 245-pound heavier 740i. As for height, the Gran Coupe sits one inch taller than the 6 Series coupe and three inches shorter than the 5 Series sedan.

The 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with 315 horsepower was perfectly fine for less-than-ambitious requirements of this executive/family/lifestyle car. It’s the 330 pound-feet of torque – available as low as 1,300 RPM – however, that allows this engine to work in this above-average-sized BMW. Acceleration to 62 miles per hour is quoted at 5.4 seconds, but we firmly believe that extreme testing will no doubt result in a 60-mph run in around 5.0 seconds flat.

The most important quality of the 6 Series Gran Coupe is indeed its interior – the living space. Even without a BMW Individual makeover, the design is pretty luscious and doesn’t seem to be overwrought. The cockpit has never been so driver-oriented in a BMW, while the front passenger side feels practically like a cocoon in how it wraps that person in leathery goodness.

The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe starts deliveries in North America in June at a base price of $76,895 – that’s $5,895 more than a 740i, $24,395 more than a 535i and $3,295 more than a 640i coupe.

A 402-horsepower Mercedes CLS550 with its 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 starts at $71,300 and an Audi A7 with its 310-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 can start as low as $60,600 when modestly equipped. The 650i Gran Coupe, featuring a 443-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that arrives a little later this year is set to start at $87,395.

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