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2014 BMW X5 doesn't upset the formula

BMW has unveiled the 2014 X5, and fans of the company's CUV will find plenty familiar in the machine. The biggest change to the recipe comes in the form of the X5 sDrive35i, which is the first rear-wheel drive version of the high-riding five-door to date. Buyers will, of course, continue to be able to opt for all-wheel drive, and both models will get their thrust from a 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. That powerplant makes 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says the combination is good enough to get the SUV to 60 miles per hour in around 6.2 seconds.
Those who require more thrust can step up to the more potent X5 xDrive50i with its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. Drivers get to enjoy an extra 45 hp over the previous model, with final output up to 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic of its own, the engine can hustle the big X5 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The 2014 BMW xDrive35d continues to offer diesel power, though output has dropped 10 horsepower to 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Even so, BMW says the X5 diesel will be just as quick or quicker than the 2013 model. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo gets leaked well ahead of Geneva reveal

The great power of the internet has allowed us to get an early first look at the all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, a car that is slated to be shown in full at the Geneva Motor Show next month, albeit without many details to go on right now. With pictures leaking out this early in the game, we'd expect that you won't have to wait until March to get the full lowdown, however.
Our first look at the 3er GT reveals a car that is, to our eyes, a tidier piece of design work than its 5 Series GT brother. The long-backside proportions are still a bit ungainly, at least from these images, but they're helped tremendously with the larger wheel/tire package and more aggressive fascia of the sport package.
Expect the 3 Series GT to hit the ground running, with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter inline-six found in the standard 3 Series sedan. BMW's popular xDrive all-wheel-drive system is a virtual lock for the option sheet, too.

This 1966 BMW 1600 Neue Klasse lives on the backroads

Among early BMWs, the 2002 gets a lot of love for being a relatively accessible, great-handling little sports coupe. Jim Huff explains in the latest episode of Petrolicious why the slightly earlier BMW 1600 Neue Klasse sedan also offers a fantastic drive – especially with some choice modifications. Huff was a fan of 2002s until his wife gave him a vintage BMW sedan model car as a gift. That toy sparked his interest in the Bavarian automaker's earlier four-door models, and he had to have one to drive. He eventually tracked down his 1966 1600 and started on a project to convert it into a great vehicle for blasting over California's backroads. Huff's 1600 still features the original classic lines, but his now includes a larger 2.0-liter engine with Weber carbs, an upgraded suspension, and improved brakes. As a result of the tuning, the vintage BMW can hang with Huff's buddies in Alfa Romeos and Porsches on curvy roads. It sounds fantastic, too. Petrolicous interviews Huff, and he discusses a little about the history of these sedans. The real highlight is seeing and hearing his BMW in motion, though. Enjoy the ride with him in this video.