Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Reviews, Luxury

BMW recently launched a new marketing campaign titled “BMW is Joy.” The new tag line is explained as, “Part of a big-media strategy the company is doing to raise its profile worldwide with a more emotional, optimistic voice.” Raising a company’s profile is never a bad thing, however, we question if anything is more high-minded than “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” one of the very best auto-related taglines ever concocted. BMW says it isn’t moving away from its TUDM slogan, but we can’t help but wonder, is BMW is trying to tell us something? What if instead of appealing to those who actually might value the ultimate driving machine, they’re looking instead for other customers?

Our man Paukert sampled the 535i Gran Turismo last September and came away impressed by the combination of packaging and driving dynamics offered up by BMW’s curious new kinda-wagon. The party piece of the cynically-named Gran Turismo is a slick, trick two-way tailgate that opens either as a tiny trunk or as a cavernous hatch. Or maybe it’s not such a stretch, name-wise. After all, translated the moniker simply means “grand touring,” and after a hard day of driving, being able to easily unload your luggage and get checked into your hotel is its own kind of luxury. Is it possible that the even more potent BMW 550i Gran Turismo is an even better proposition than its slightly weaker sibling? What about compared to a 5 Series Wagon or even an X5? And what about competition from other brands? Given its unconventional form and unique packaging, is there any competition to speak of? More importantly, is it joyful, the ultimate driving anything or a bird of an entirely different feather?

Make the jump to find out.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine

Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the Ultimate Passenger Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

View full post on Autoblog

Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine

Filed under: Motorcycle, Reviews

*Ahem.* Said in our very best Monty Python Cockney accent: “And now for something completely different.”

The last couple of motorcycles we’ve reviewed – namely the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP and Aprilia Dorsoduro – have been V-twin powered machines with horsepower figures that flirt with three digits and top speeds well over The Ton. Either of these bikes can quite easily loft the front wheel (or the rear, if that sort of thing is your bag, baby), burn up the drive rubber with reckless abandon or grind their hard bits into oblivion with the kinds of ludicrous lean angles that are normally seen only at weekend MotoGP races.

However, today’s review is most definitely not that kind of bike. In fact, you might say it’s diametrically opposed to either of the aforementioned pavement pounders. The subject of this test is the brand-new-for-2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic, and the question that was on our minds when we first laid our eyes and sweaty palms on the machine was this: Is it possible that a classically styled, low-horsepower, single-cylinder motorcycle that traces its heritage way back to the 1950s can be as fun to ride as a much more powerful, fully modern and well-equipped model? Read on, friends.

Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine

Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

View full post on Autoblog

DTI Lauds Toyota Philippines Action on Prius model

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauded Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) for implementing a recall on the Prius. Toyota implemented a recall on the hybrid car due to faulty brakes.

“We are pleased that TMP has taken the initiative of contacting their customers and perform the required repair at no cost to customers,” Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said.

DTI said that mistakes that occur in the manufacture of products pose danger to the health and safety of the consuming public. When similar incidents occur in different people when using a specific product, this could be an indication that there is a flaw in its production, and when this happens, a product recall may be necessary. Read more

Philippine Auto Parts Makers Target ASEAN market

Philippine automotive manufacturers are now aggressively promoting its products in the ASEAN market starting in Thailand, the region’s automotive hub.

This developed as the local auto parts makers are going to participate for the first time in the Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories (TAPA), the largest auto parts and accessories trade fair in Thailand, reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The auto show is identified as an important sourcing event for international players in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Industry reports say that the ASEAN region has a promising global market for the automotive industry with sales amounting to 2 million vehicles in 2008. ASEAN countries are attracting major investments in vehicle production and because of growing demand; some major auto companies are in want of a production hub in ASEAN next to Thailand. Read more

Honda Accord 2010 Model Gets Enhancements

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. offers an enhanced model of its highly acclaimed premium sedan, adding a new dimension to rich styling with the 2010 Accord. Presenting a well-appointed interior design, the 3.5 liter Accord is now fitted with black leather seats.

Controls for audio and air conditioning system are also improved for better functionality and ease of use.

Honda Accord also offers flawless performance such as the i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control). The 3.5 liter variant ably responds to your heart’s desire with its maximum power capacity of 275 ps @ 6200 rpm. Such variant is also equipped with the latest advancement in fuel-efficient technology called, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

With the VCM system, optimal power output, promising fuel economy and lesser harmful emissions in actual driving situations become possible by simply closing down cylinders when not needed. VCM tailors the number of cylinders to be activated to match one’s driving requirements. Such seamless activation and deactivation of cylinders from 6 to either 4 or 3 brings about the coining of its nickname, VCM 6 4 3.

The 2010 Honda Accord comes in Alabaster Silver (2.4 liter variant only), Bold Beige (2.4 liter variant only), Polished Metal, Night Hawk Black and Brilliant White Pearl (3.5 liter variant only). It is available in two variants: 2.4 liter with automatic transmission comes with Php 1,680,000 price tag while 3.5 liter variant with automatic transmission is priced at P2.03 milliom. Additional Php 20,000 is applicable for the exclusive Brilliant White Pearl color.

Ford Launches 2010 Vehicles

Ford Group Philippines (FGP) introduces 2010 editions of the Expedition Eddie Bauer EL, E-150 Club Wagon and Explorer Eddie Bauer. The firm said standards of business class driving were raised by offering larger full-size vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art features and amenities — the 2010 editions now feature award-winning Ford SYNC connectivity and entertainment technology.

“The quest to meet and exceed our customers want and need never cease at Ford Motor Company,” said FGP president Richard Baker.

For more information please visit Ford.com.ph.

Honda Vehicles in the Philippines Not included in SRS Airbag Recall

On February 09, 2010, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and on February 10, 2010, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced expansion of recall related to a defect in the driver’s SRS airbag installed on certain vehicles produced in 2001 and 2002.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. officially announces that the local market has no reason to worry since ALL models sold in the Philippines are not affected by the recall. Parts used for the locally sold Honda models are DIFFERENT from those included in the recall.

CAMPI Supports Perks for CKD Importers

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), which groups 19 automotive players in the country, Thursday clarified that while they are supporting a policy bias for CKD (completely knocked down) assemblers this should not be done at the expense of the CBU (completely built-up) importers.

“The auto policy should be biased for assembler and the intention of CAMPI is for the expansion of the assembly operations in the country, but the question is the way by which it will be accomplished and (how) will the objective be attained in such a manner,” said CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee
It could be noted that the Deloitte Consulting, which came up with an assessment on the domestic auto industry, has proposed for a $1,000 subsidy for each CKD unit produced in the country.

Lee said there is no problem with the move to grant subsidy whether fiscal or non-fiscal incentives to CKD assemblers, but it was not clear as to the source of this subsidy. Read more

Local Auto Sales Surge 33.8% in January 2010

The local auto industry reported a strong performance in January as sales went up by a strong 33.8 percent to 11,763 units from a year ago level.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said the growth was backed by a strong dollar inflow from overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and an increase in domestic business activity.

“A high January sales volume augurs well for the year. It is a good start for stronger sales for 2010,” CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said.

“ We are looking forward to a much stronger growth for this year with increased spending as a result of bullish OFW remittances which is projected to grow by eight percent or exceeding $18 billion; increased appetite for investment and business expansion; continued liquidity in the market; ease in taking out loans and availability of loans serving buyers needs; ….not to mention this being an election year as well,” Lee added.

However, month-on-month comparison showed a decline of 13.5 percent as sales for December 2009 stood at 13,596 units. In spite of this, Lee stressed that this will be a good year for the industry. Read more

Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Reviews

AutoExpress has put the 478-horsepower Nissan GT-R Spec-V through a round of semester exams, and it looks like this carbon fiber kid has the guts to make it in the real world. It motored to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, ran the slalom at 74.7 mph – beating everything from Europe and tying the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 – and soaked up 1.12 G on the skidpad – beating everything including the ZR-1. It’s all right to admit… you want a Spec-V. Don’t you? Follow the jump for the video.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Continue reading Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

View full post on Autoblog

Next Page »