BMW BLOG

The third and final episode in the BMW 5 Series GT Developing series has been just published by BMW on their Youtube channel. For those of you that missed the previous episodes, here is part 1 and part 2.

As a quick recap, with every new product, BMW made an habit out of providing backstage access to everyone interested in learning more about the developing process of a new model. The new BMW 5 Series GT makes no exception and for the first time, we have the opportunity to take a glance of what went behind this new model.

Also, for the first time, BMW allowed us to go even more access backstage and shared with all of some information that ….let’s just say, have been prohibited before.

The last episode focuses on testing the car under extreme conditions and presenting the 5 Series GT for the first time.

By far, this has to be the best insider video we personally have seen from BMW. If the first part introduced us to the developing process of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the second iteration takes it even further and gets into some details that we truly enjoy.

One of them is the camouflage technique used by BMW and this is an area that our publication focuses constantly throughout its testing phases. It all begins with the plastic body parts that hide the entire design lines and later on, as it moves into the FEP, short for Final Evaluation Phase, we get to see the now famous pattern funky camouflage.

We also find it quite funny that BMW makes a reference to the spy photographers waiting to catch a shot of any new model out there. By the way, BMW calls them “prototype hunters” and explain some of evasive measures and techniques to avoid them.

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With every new product, BMW made an habit out of providing backstage access to everyone interested in learning more about the developing process of a new model. The new BMW 5 Series GT makes no exception and for the first time, we have the opportunity to take a glance of what went behind this new, but controversial model.

BMW 5 Series GT launched a few months back in Europe and made its official US debut back in November. In the U.S., the first model to go on sale is the high-end, powerful 550i GT, a V8 twin-turbo. In early 2010, the six-cylinder turbocharged 535i GT will complete the 5 Series GT in the U.S.

Without any further ado, let’s have a look at the video provided by BMW.

Think BMW North America doesn’t care about the driving experience? Think again. Martin Birkmann, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy, drove the BMW M3 GTR (E46) and gave VIP rides at Road Atlanta Oktoberfest 2009.

Having met Martin before, we’re fully aware of his driving skills and the thrill caused by the fast and perfect laps achieved. While he hasn’t given us a ride in the E46 M3 GTR, we did have the privilege though to ride with him in the all-new BMW X6 M, on the same circuit, going through the same corners and straight lines.

The experience? One of a kind.

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Drifting is fun, without a doubt, we have never deny that nor we will start now. But looking at the video below one cannot wonder how safe that maneuver really is and if the driver has the skills to pull it off. We’ve had our fair share of drifting this past summer at the BMW M Performance School, but granted, it was aboard the M fleet, starting with the M3 and finishing with the almighty M6, and of course, with the school instructors holding the wheel.

Now, is really drifting in a new 7 Series considered to be cool? Don’t think so, while the car’s power might give the perception of a “drifter vehicle”, truth is that the new 7 is far from that, it’s a classy luxury sedan and used for total different purposes.

Clearly, we do not condone such excessive and dangerous driving, especially considering the unorganized event it took place in, surrounded by several cars and people around it. To each its own, but DO NOT try this at home!

Maybe not the most accurate nor appropriate vehicle comparison, but Top Gear’s latest episodes gives us a reason to bring the new BMW X5 M on the front page.

While the regular X5 model is a direct competitor to the Audi Q7 and somewhat to the Range Rover, the Motorsport X5, that would be the X5 M, is absolutely out of the other two vehicles’ league, even when Top Gear throws is the top Audi Q7 model, V12 TDI, and the Range Rover

BMW X5 M is 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 M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine is matted to a 6-Speed Steptronic automatic transmission that offers three driving modes: Normal (D), Sport (S), and M-Sport. Top speed is limited to 155 mph and runs 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

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Here is something unusual for today, courtesy of Youtube and a long time reader, Simon: the BMW test mules graveyard or the place where BMW brings their prototypes prior to being destructed.

If you haven’t heard before, majority of the test mules/prototypes used in the evaluations phases are being destroyed after the testing period ends.

According to Simon, in this “graveyard”, one could see a BMW Z4 Roadster similar to the one (or maybe the very same one) used in the “Expression of Joy” video, also an X6 with the M Package bumper, the recently released X1 still carrying the funky camouflage, a 5 Series GT in various forms, from the initial Progressive Activity Sedan testing days to the final Gran Turismo, and surprising in a way, a BMW X5 Hybrid, a mule similar to the ones we have seen testing last year.

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Top Gear returns with a new episode and for us, the BMW fans, it gets quite exciting. Top Gear decides to compare the all new BMW flagship, 760Li, against Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. The  BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-liter V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500.The engine is matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Now, let’s take a look at the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. The S63 uses a 6.3-liter V8 engine which outputs a hefty 456 lb-ft. of torque on tap and 518-horsepower. The engine is matted to AMG-modified seven-speed automatic.

Who takes the crown? Let’s watch this great video from Top Gear.

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