BMW X5 Photos Gallery

BMW X5 wallpapers, images, photos and pictures. The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches. The takeover of Rover proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look at and use Range Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5 - one such example would be hill-descent control. In many respects, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British counterpart; for example, the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39 5 Series parts bin to save costs.

In contrast to the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car: its off-road capabilities are significantly less than those of Land Rover. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). Even though the X5 was a four-wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose from the start to route 62% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company's rear-wheel drive sedans. Many reviewers commented on its road and track "feeling" chiefly because this is essentially a jacked up 5-series with 4WD. As a result, its offroad prowess is limited to grass and gravel only. Because it's missing essential offroad components that upmarket SUVs like as the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover offer--such as a low-range case, locking differentials, 8-inch+ adjustable suspensions, and a waterproof intake just to name a few. The X5, along with the BMW Z4 roadster, BMW X6, and soon BMW X3 are currently manufactured in BMW's South Carolina plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A one-off version known as the X5 LM was equipped with the M70 S70B56 V12 engine from the Le Mans winning BMW V12 LMR. It was used by Hans Joachim Stuck to set a lap record at the Nürburgring in 2000. A sporty model called 4.6is was released in 2002, having both exterior and interior decorations, including 20-inch wheels. The 4.6L V8 engine was derived from the 4.4L V8, tuned by M GmbH.

Infiniti FX35 Photos Gallery

The Infiniti FX35 is powered by a new 3.5 liter V6 engine and delivers an output of 303 hp (226 kW). The Infiniti FX35 is available in two drivetrains, the RWD and the AWD, which are both fitted to a dual overhead cam 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 VQ35DE gasoline engine, with aluminum-alloy block and heads, electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons that makes use of the continuous variable valve timing which in part optimizes the opening of intake valves. This is also coupled with an electronically controlled super-wide ratio five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift mode that includes the option of sequentially selected manual gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching.

Hummer H2 Photos Gallery

The Hummer H2 is built under contract by AM General at a specially constructed plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA. Although it shares GM's GMT820 truck platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, those vehicles differ in many ways and are constructed in three other GM plants. The H2's final frame assembly is made up of 3 sections: The front uses a modified GM 2500-Series utility frame, the mid-section is all new and is completely boxed, and the rear section uses a modified GM 1500-Series frame which is upgraded for the 8,600 pound (3629 kg) gross vehicle weight. The 2008 Hummer H2 does 0-60 in 8.2 seconds.

The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003. The H2 appeared in the video game Midnight Club 3. Hummer launched a special 2009 Black Chrome Limited Edition version of the truck. In January 2009, a study by ISO Quality Planning revealed the H2 and H3 Hummers to be the most ticketed vehicles in the United States.

Volvo S40 Photos Gallery

The Volvo S40 comes with optional Active Bi-Xenon headlights which point the light beam in the direction of the road as it curves (standard in SE Lux models). There is also a camera which can be located on the side mirrors which alerts the drivers of passing vehicles beside the car. The camera is optional on all models. This is given the name BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). The S40 T5 (one of the several variants of the S40) features a 2.5 L (2521 cc) five-cylinder fuel-injected engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. The valvetrain has four valves per cylinder and is a DOHC design. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and drives the front wheels, as was with the first generation. The T5 engine got a performance increase of 9 hp (6.7 kW), giving an output of 227 hp (169 kW). The D5 engine has become available with a manual gearbox offering 400 N·m (300 ft·lbf) of torque and an automatic transmission offering 350 N·m (260 ft·lbf) by the second half of 2007.

Audi A3 TDI Photos Gallery

The Audi A3 TDI Engine is a turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel producing 224 horsepower (167 kW) and 332 ft·lbf (450 N·m). of torque. It produces 113.8 horsepower (84.9 kW) per liter while meeting Euro 5 Diesel emission standards. It uses the quattro drive system with a six-speed manual transmission. The chassis has Audi's Magnetic Ride Suspension system, lowering the vehicle 1.4 inches (36 mm) from the base model. It also has ceramic front brakes, a four-link rear suspension and electro-mechanical servo assist for the rack and pinion steering. Audi claims performance of 0 to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h) in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 149 miles per hour (240 km/h). It is expected to get approximately 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp).