2005 Bmw 645ci Base Convertible 2-door 4.4l on 2040-cars

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BMW X4 order guide sneaks onto the web

Much like we gave you an early look at the ordering guide for the BMW M3 and M4 (you can now configure those two, as well), yet another list of BMW options has leaked out. This time, the upcoming X4 is the target. We told you last month that prices for the X3-sized, X6-shaped vehicle started at $45,625, and now, we can confirm everything else for the newest Bimmer.
Only two trim lines will be available when the X4 arrives - M Sport and xLine. The former starts at $2,300 for the xDrive28i model and $1,900 for the xDrive35i, and includes as standard, 19-inch wheels (or optional 20s for $950), sport seats, an M steering wheel, a more aggressive body kit, a black headliner and the option of brushed aluminum interior trim. The xLine is $1,500 for the 28i and $1,000 for the 35i, and is made up exclusively of 19-inch Y-spoke wheels and dark copper interior trim.
Metallic colors dominate the pallet, with just a pair of gloss options available alongside the $550 metal-flake colors. BMW offers a pair of SensaTec leatherette options, along side a wide variety of $1,450 leather trims.

Next BMW 5 Series hits the 'Ring

Here are our latest photos showing the new BMW 5 Series, codenamed G30, testing at the Nurburgring. Based on the fairy door on the left front fender, we'll take this as the purported PHEV version that we caught last time around on German city streets. According to the insiders at BMW Blog, the 5er hybrid will take heavy inspiration from the X5 xDrive40e, including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assistance and a combined power rating of about 300 horsepower. The lighter CLAR architecture making its way under the 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series models is expected to remove anywhere from 80 to 100 kilograms in the 5, enabling non-US markets to partake of the 150-hp, turbodiesel three-cylinder engine at the entry-level end. However, the engine symphony will run up the scale through four-, six-, and eight-cylinder registers that include a 400-hp M550 diesel and a 600-hp V8 in the M5. The tech story is 'Go Go Gadget G30,' with rumors of autonomous abilities like being able to overtake other cars on its own – and signaling beforehand – and parking itself. Inductive charging through a floor-mounted plate, as shown at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, a new iDrive layout with a touchscreen and gesture-enabled functions, and over-the-air updates are also expected. We could see it revealed at next year's Geneva Motor Show, or maybe the 2016 Auto China, in Beijing, or sooner.

BMW 8 Series revival not coming anytime soon

If you thought the BMW Gran Lusso Coupe concept that was shown at Villa d'Este a few months back was a preview of a new BMW 8 Series, prepare to be disappointed. According to a report from the UK's Autocar, BMW officials have "rejected suggestions" that a production model based on the concept was coming. To be fair, though, would you expect them to just acknowledge it?
The Brits seem to be thinking the same, as the story went on to quote BMW research and development chief, Herbert Diess, who claimed, "We're looking into the possibility of production, but a decision is still a way off." Diess also points out that it's far too early for anything to be confirmed, seeing as how the concept only debuted about 10 weeks ago.
The well-received Gran Lusso was penned by Pininfarina and motivated by a brawny, twelve-cylinder engine. If it were to enter production, it'd likely sit at the top of BMW's gas-powered offerings, and would compete against the Mercedes-Benz CL AMG and Bentley Continental GT.