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2014 BMW X5 configurator goes live

BMW won't begin selling the 2014 X5 for another few months, but the German manufacturer has brought the third-generation SAV's configurator online, allowing interested customers to poke around and look at the X5's optional goodies.
Like the 3 Series, the X5 is available in a number of lines that load up extras automatically. There's also a do-it-yourself truck that allows owners to pick and choose if they're not enamored with the styling or trim of one of the dedicated packages. As usual, the options list is quite vast, regardless of which line is chosen. We were able to easily take the new, rear-drive X5 sDrive35i, which started at $52,800, and bring the total price up past $80,000.
The new X5 carries over its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 from the current model, as well as BMW's excellent 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six. The X5 xDrive35d, with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel will also be available on the third-generation SUV, but won't hit dealers until early 2014. BMW is stepping outside of the X5's usual bounds, offering a dedicated rear-drive model, available with all the same trimmings as the xDrive vehicles. Head over to BMW's US consumer page and have a go.

Driving the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and big news from Hyundai | Autoblog Podcast #640

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by News Editor Joel Stocksdale. They discuss some of the big trucks Joel drove: the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and a Mil-Spec-modified Ford F-150. After that is a look at the latest car news including Trofeo versions of Maserati's sedans, Hyundai's new electric brand called Ioniq, and the BMW M3 Touring station wagon and Hyundai Elantra N-Line. They wrap things up with some musings on anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and how cars played a role in it. Autoblog Podcast #640 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Reviews2021 Chevy Tahoe Mil-Spec Ford F-150 Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo models revealed Ioniq becomes EV brand for Hyundai 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line revealed BMW finally announces an M3 station wagon The 19th Amendment and how cars fit in Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Government/Legal Green Podcasts BMW Chevrolet Ford Hyundai Maserati

BMW M2 looks even hotter decked out as MotoGP safety car [w/video]

We didn't think the aggressive BMW M2 could look much better. We were mistaken. Just take a look at this safety car. The new M2 safety car is the latest in a long line of vehicles furnished by BMW to the MotoGP racing series that stretches back to 1999. This model is based on the road-going version, but features a number of upgrades to get it ready for the track. As you can see, it has a fresh take on BMW's signature stripes over white, offset by gold trim. It also wears a low-profile LED strobe light bar on the roof, supplemented by blue LEDs in the front grille and red diodes in place of the reversing lights. The stripped-out cockpit incorporates a roll cage (adapted from the M4 GTS), Recaro racing buckets with six-point harnesses, and an on-board fire extinguisher. BMW also fabricated an adjustable rear wing from carbon-reinforced plastic, and fitted it with Michelin Cup tires and carbon-ceramic brakes. Of course you can't buy the safety car and drive it on the road, but most of the rest of the parts come straight out of the M Performance Parts catalog – and those you can buy. There are aero components like side skirts, front blades, and a rear diffuser, trim pieces in carbon or gloss black, all manner of interior parts, and mechanical bits like an upgraded exhaust system with carbon finishers and a coilover suspension. We're waiting on word regarding US pricing and availability of the M Performance Parts. But in the meantime you can check out the action in the pair of image galleries, the video clip below, and the press releases at bottom. BMW M – OFFICIAL CAR OF MotoGP™. BMW M2 MotoGP SAFETY CAR. MotoGP and BMW M Division: these two partners have formed an ideal combination for almost two decades. MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and features the best riders in the world on high-performance racing prototypes, in the development of which the manufacturers implement their latest technological ideas. High-performance and motorsport genes – attributes, with which BMW M Division is also synonymous. Since 1999, BMW M has been a permanent member of the international MotoGP family. The successful partnership with organiser Dorna Sports has grown consistently over the years, and is set to continue to run well into the future. In 2014, Dorna Sports and BMW M Division extended their cooperation up to and including 2020. Partnerships like this, which span decades, are extremely rare in top-class international sport.