Munich. BMW is introducing the all-new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the first-ever BMW i5 with an elegantly sporty design and an electric drive system. The eighth model generation of the forward-looking business sedan captures attention with its digital innovations. To accompany the market launch on October 21, 2023, BMW has developed an innovative campaign that combines a digital-first approach with the evolution of classical advertising media.
The new BMW 5 Series combines advanced, electrified drive technology with pioneering driver assistance systems and digital services. These innovations enhance comfort, safety, and digitalization in the cockpit. BMW has infused the campaign with emotionally rich storytelling and editorial content that explore the visionary functions, appealing to technophile target groups. A central element of the campaign is a brand innovation centered around a group of guardian angels who benefit from the new BMW Proactive Care service.
The campaign showcases the inspiring digital services and features of the new BMW 5 Series.
BMW Proactive Care is a groundbreaking service that detects the servicing requirements of BMW vehicles using artificial intelligence. It offers proactive solutions to customers without them needing to take action. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is equipped with various features such as Condition Based Servicing, digital tire diagnostics, Battery Guard, and accident detection. These features enable the vehicle to identify servicing requirements or assistance needs and communicate them to BMW through the customer’s preferred communication channel.
The new BMW 5 Series also introduces the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, a display and control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5. It offers hosting capability for audio and video streaming services and a new form of in-car gaming. Additionally, the new Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change Assistant enables extensive semi-automated driving, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in certain situations while remaining attentive to the road.
An extensive awareness campaign across TV, out-of-home, print, and radio.
The Germany-wide launch communications focus on video content to showcase the new features of the BMW 5 Series Sedan. The campaign kicked off with the “Guardian Angels” TV commercial airing on ARD, immediately before the Tagesschau news magazine. The campaign also includes commercials on public and private channels, targeted programmatic actions on addressable TV, and online distribution through media libraries and video portals. Two ad integrations during UEFA Champions League football match broadcasts are also planned.
To reach target groups through audio channels, BMW is placing ads in high-reach business and automotive podcasts in addition to classical radio advertising. The campaign also includes out-of-home measures with digital advertising media, as well as placements in online magazines and an extensive social media campaign. A print campaign in news, business, and technology publications, as well as national daily newspapers, further extends the reach of the campaign.
The sporty hatchback is now more affordable by Rs 20,000 due to the replacement of the iMT (clutchless manual) with a proper manual transmission
Days after the launch of the facelifted Hyundai i20, its sportier-looking alternative, the Hyundai i20 N Line, has also been introduced in a refreshed avatar. It gets minimal changes in terms of design and is now more affordable than its pre-facelift version. Here is everything that’s new on the i20 N Line, and everything that’s still the same:
What’s New
The first thing new with this facelift is the design. Hyundai has not changed the design much, but there are some minor tweaks made to its exterior. The fascia gets a tweaked bumper, redesigned grille and updated LED headlights. There are no changes on the sides except for the new alloy wheels while the rear end is almost identical as before. With this facelift, Hyundai has also added a new Abyss Black exterior shade option to the colour palette of the 2023 i20 N Line.
The cabin doesn’t get any significant feature changes except for the addition of a type-C USB port in the front just like we saw on the facelifted i20. Its safety kit is also the same but now gets 35 standard safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), 3-point seatbelt with reminders for all passengers, and vehicle stability management (VSM).
One more thing that’s new, is in the powertrain. It still comes with the same 1-litre turbo-petrol engine which makes 120PS/172Nm, but instead of the previously offered 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual), the sportier-looking hatchback now comes with a proper 6-speed manual transmission. The 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) option has been retained.
What’s Still The Same
Since it is not a major facelift, the overall design language is still the same. Inside, the updated i20 N Line gets the same cabin with an all-black dashboard, same leatherette upholstery with contrast red stitching and ‘N’ logo, and red ambient lighting. The steering wheel with the “N” badging is the same as well and so is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
On the outside, it still has red inserts, red brake calipers and “N-Line” badging all around.
Its features list has not changed apart from the inclusion of a type-C port. The hatchback still comes with the aforementioned infotainment system, semi-digital driver’s display, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, push-button start/stop and cruise control.
Price & Rivals
The updated Hyundai i20 N Line is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 12.32 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While its only close rival is the Tata Altroz Turbo, it will compete with the upcoming Tata Altroz Racer.
Although Guy Fieri’s first car was a small, sporty import, he is now a devoted fan of Chevrolet. His first brand-new vehicle was a 1991 Chevy Z71 4WD pickup truck. Currently, almost all the vehicles in his garage are either black or yellow, except for his wife’s white Cadillac Escalade. Fieri explained to Motor Trend that his wife didn’t want a black or yellow car and didn’t want to conform to the same color scheme.
While most of Fieri’s vehicles proudly display the Chevrolet bowtie logo, there are a few exceptions. These include the Escalade, a 1968 Pontiac Firebird, a 2004 GMC pickup, and a 1976 Jeep CJ5. Among his Chevrolet collection, Fieri has a yellow 2007 Corvette C6, a yellow 1971 Chevelle SS, a black 1996 Impala SS, and a 1967 C10 pickup truck that is currently disassembled in his garage.
Fieri mentioned that the 1967 C10 pickup truck is in various parts and not fully assembled. He explained, “There’s no one single piece attached to any other piece. The tires aren’t on the rims, the rims aren’t on the axles, the axles aren’t under the truck, the frame is completely powder-coated. Everything’s done, but it just has to be put together. This is going to be a sick custom hot rod.”
In a recent drag race video, the Bentley Continental GT and the Flying Spur go head-to-head to showcase their impressive performance. Despite the Flying Spur’s larger size, the two cars are remarkably similar in terms of power.
Both the Continental GT and the Flying Spur are equipped with twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engines. The Flying Spur produces 635 horsepower while the GT boasts 659 horsepower. Additionally, both cars generate 663 pound-feet (900 Newton-meters) of torque and feature all-wheel drive with eight-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. It’s worth noting that the Continental GT is lighter, weighing in at 5,011 pounds (2,273 kilograms) compared to the Flying Spur’s 5,372-pound (2,437-kilogram) curb weight.
When you think of sporty V-8s, the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro instantly come to mind. These cars are often the first choice for anyone looking for a V-8 powered car, and for good reason. They offer excellent performance, have powerful V-8 engines, and are iconic in pop culture.
However, if you are looking for something more exclusive and unique, there are plenty of other V-8 sports cars that often go overlooked. These cars range from European sport sedans to underrated sports car icons and sleeper cars. Here are 10 V-8 sports cars that you may have overlooked but definitely shouldn’t.
We have compiled this list of underrated V-8 sports cars by consulting specialist sites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend.
The 2003 Jaguar S-Type R was designed to compete with the Mercedes E55 AMG and the BMW M5. It had a powerful engine that offered impressive acceleration. Although it wasn’t as quick as its German rivals, the S-Type R provided exceptional track performance while still maintaining a comfortable ride.
Specifications
Engine
Supercharged 4.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower and 408 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.3 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
What set the Jag apart was its suspension, which offered improved cornering and performance without sacrificing comfort.
92003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
Top Speed 155 MPH
Mercedes
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG was powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 engine producing 362 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and was considered one of the most gorgeous cars of the early 2000s.
Specifications
Engine
5.5-liter V-8
Engine Output
362 horsepower and 376 pound-feet
Transmission
Five-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.9 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
It featured advanced driver-assistance technologies and a stunning design that made it a worthy competitor to its German counterparts.
82011 BMW 550i
Top Speed 155 MPH
BMW
The 2011 BMW 550i was equipped with a powerful twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. It offered impressive performance and came with a host of standard equipment. It was a great option for those looking for a powerful and well-equipped sports sedan.
Specifications
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8
Engine Output
400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.1 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
It offered optional extras that enhanced its performance and styling, making it a great choice for enthusiasts.
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine producing 310 horsepower. It offered strong performance and had a distinct and iconic design.
Specifications
Engine
5.7-liter V-8
Engine Output
310 horsepower and 340 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.0 seconds
Top Speed
160 MPH (Electronically limited)
It was known for its performance and had a unique and iconic design.
The 2014 Lexus IS F featured a 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 416 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and had a unique and aggressive design.
Specifications
Engine
5.0-liter V-8
Engine Output
416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.6 seconds
Top Speed
170 MPH
It offered impressive performance and a striking design, making it a standout option in the sports car market.
52006 Maserati Coupe
Top Speed 177 MPH
Maserati
The 2006 Maserati Coupe was a stunning machine. It featured a Ferrari-made V-8 engine and had a striking design that made it a worthy competitor to its German rivals.
Specifications
Engine
4.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower and 333 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.8 seconds
Top Speed
177 MPH
It combined Italian styling and horsepower with a responsive transmission and adaptive suspension.
The 2006 Pontiac GTO was powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 engine producing 400 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and was often compared to much more expensive vehicles.
Specifications
Engine
6.0-liter V-8
Engine Output
400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.7 seconds
Top Speed
178 MPH
It offered impressive performance and had a unique and distinct design.
32017 Chevrolet SS
Top Speed 180 MPH
Chevrolet
The 2017 Chevrolet SS was a performance sedan that offered impressive power and a sleeper car design. It was powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, delivering a whopping 415 horsepower.
Specifications
Engine
6.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.7 seconds
Top Speed
180 MPH
It was a perfect blend of power and luxury, offering a thrilling ride experience.
As you can probably tell, sporty, small-displacement commuters are all the rage in the Indian market. Indian motorcycle enthusiasts love bikes with sporty styling, but packing approachable performance and dependable tech. After all, India is home to some of the harshest road conditions, so it goes without saying that bikes there need to be built tough, and should the time come, be easy to repair and service.
A good example of this is the newly launched Hero Karizma XMR 210, a fully faired commuter packing some impressive tech and performance. The release of the XMR 210 is also the revival of the Karizma nameplate, which has been on a hiatus for the better part of three years. In its XMR form, it looks like a down-sized sport-tourer, with its full-fairing, windscreen, and raised clip-on handlebars.
The Karizma XMR is powered by a 210cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that produces 25.5 horsepower and 14 pound-feet (20.4 Newton-meters) of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. This new engine is housed in a steel trellis frame, and the suspension hardware consists of a standard telescopic fork and a preload adjustable rear mono-shock.
A front 11-inch (300-millimeter) disc and a rear 9.05-inch (230-millimeter) rotor perform braking duties, and are supplemented by dual-channel ABS, marking Hero MotoCorp’s first model to feature this safety technology. Unlike single-channel ABS, dual-channel ABS incorporates wheel speed sensors on both wheels, enabling better ABS response.
The sporty commuter motorbike has an adjustable windscreen, which is a first in its class, as well as an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for convenient turn-by-turn navigation. To top it all off, the XMR comes standard with all-LED lighting, lending it an even more contemporary and athletic appearance.
Just launched in the Indian market, Hero MotoCorp’s new Karizma XMR 210 is offered in three colorways consisting of Iconic Yellow, Turbo Red, and Matte Phantom Black. The motorcycle is offered at an introductory price of Rs 172,900 (about $2,089 USD), and will later carry a sticker price of Rs 182,900 ($2,210 USD).
Munich. BMW has introduced the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 models exclusively for the Chinese automotive market. These models have been specially developed for Chinese consumers, taking into consideration their specific requirements. The new business sedan models come with an extended wheelbase, providing generous space and comfort in the rear. They also feature exclusive equipment and cutting-edge technology.
For the first time, the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be available in an all-electric version, the BMW i5. The car’s progressive features include the enhanced BMW iDrive system with “QuickSelect” and the BMW Curved Display, as well as digital services tailored to Chinese customers.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 models for China are based on the eighth generation of the popular business sedan. Over 10 million BMW 5 Series vehicles have been produced since 1972, with the series gaining significant popularity in China. From 2020 to 2022 alone, around 530,000 vehicles were delivered to Chinese customers, making the BMW 5 Series Sedan the market leader in the premium upper mid-range segment. These models are exclusively produced at the Dadong plant in Shenyang, operated by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.
Distinctive Design and Proportions
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 for China have been designed with the Chinese target group in mind. The exterior design combines signature BMW features with innovative elements, catering to the preferences of the young Chinese generation who appreciate charisma and individuality. The models have a dynamic and elegant appearance.
The front section of the new models exudes confidence, featuring a modern interpretation of BMW’s twin headlights and a forward-extending radiator grille with contour lighting. The side view is characterized by sleek surfaces, while the extended wheelbase and gently sloping roofline contribute to distinctive proportions. The rear of the models is accentuated by slim LED lights divided by a chrome strip.
The interior of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 is modern and luxurious, incorporating design features and technological innovations from the BMW 7 Series and BMW iX. The BMW Curved Display, redesigned steering wheel, BMW Interaction Bar, and further developed BMW iDrive system with “QuickSelect” provide a unique level of interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The cockpit also includes exclusive Chinese styling elements such as Crafted Clarity glass applications and a Titanium Bronze inlay.
The rear of the new models offers comfortable legroom and exclusive details. It features the BMW Theatre Screen, a 31.3-inch panoramic display with 8K resolution and 5G connectivity, providing a high-quality video streaming experience during travel. The rear also includes the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, 4-zone automatic climate control, logo embossed headrests, and seat surfaces with exclusive quilting and bicolour design.
U.K.-based motorcycle manufacturer Lexmoto is known for its sporty and stylish beginner-friendly motorcycles. The brand sources its products from Chinese manufacturers and offers a range of sportbikes like the LXS and LXR models. In addition to these, Lexmoto also has an impressive selection of scooters, including the latest Nexus 125.
Unlike other scooters of this displacement that usually have a retro-inspired design, the Lexmoto Nexus 125 adopts a modern and sportbike-inspired look. It features angular, edgy bodywork and split LED headlights that resemble KTM’s styling. The pointed front fender extends beyond the bodywork, giving the Nexus an adventurous appearance.
In terms of performance, the Nexus 125 is powered by a beginner-friendly 125cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It delivers power to the rear wheel through a conventional CVT transmission, similar to most scooters in this class. The top speed is 110 kilometers per hour (69 miles per hour), although it’s important to note that such high speeds are not typically reached in urban environments.
Despite its 125cc engine, the Lexmoto Nexus 125 has imposing dimensions, making it appear larger than it actually is. It has a wheelbase of 1,600 millimeters and a total length of 2,230 millimeters. However, its seat height of 760 millimeters ensures accessibility for a wide variety of riders. The scooter weighs just 185 kilograms.
On the tech side, the Nexus 125 comes equipped with a large seven-inch instrument cluster. It offers ample under-seat storage for daily essentials and features large handles and retractable foot pegs for comfortable two-up riding. Keyless ignition and full-LED lights are some of the creature comforts provided by Lexmoto. The Nexus 125 is available in the U.K. for a price of £3,249.99 (approximately $4,143 USD).
While vans are not typically known for their sporty handling, it is interesting to observe how the European version of the VW ID. Buzz performs in both the moose test and a slalom. This retro-inspired electric vehicle demonstrates impressive performance during the evaluations.
This particular ID. Buzz variant showcases a short-wheelbase design with a single rear-mounted electric motor, which generates 201 horsepower. It is equipped with Continental EcoContact 6 tires.
Porsche is refreshing their entire 911 lineup, and that includes the popular GT3 model. A new spy video captures the GT3 as it laps the famous Nürburgring track and cruises on the nearby roads.
From the license plates seen in the video, it appears that there are multiple cars being tested. Some of these vehicles have lower inlets that resemble the current GT3, while others have concealed panels in that area (as shown below). The dual outlets at the front of the car remain the same.
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