MINIWOOD - what really happened at the Geneva Auto Show

2011 BMW X5 at the Geneva Auto Show

While we're stuck here in snowy upstate NY, across the pond they're enjoying the 2010 Geneva Auto Show (added benefit - Justin Timberlake performed!) While there, BMW uncovered the newly redesigned X5. Since I drive an X5 from Keeler Motor Car I was very interested in seeing what the new 2011 looks like and judging from the pictures it looks very cool! I cannot wait till we get them in stock here at Keeler BMW - it could be time for an upgrade! Read the following article from BMWBlog for all the details:

At 2010 Geneva Motor Show, BMW took the cover off their latest update to the popular X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. The changes in the model year 2011 are quite significant, both in terms of exterior design, but most important, underneath the hood.

The front-end goes through an extensive facelift, the lower front bumper/fascia appears to have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, giving it an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings, or halos as most like to call them, that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design as well.

The outgoing X5 had three engine types, the X5 xDrive30i, xDrive48i and xDrive35d. While the diesel xDrive35d survives, the 30i and 48i die off and go to that wonderful BMW heaven, wherever that is. In to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4.8-liter V8 are the N55 twin-scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 making 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque, as well as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 making 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine in the X5 and X6 M models. So it will now be the X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i, same with the X6. Zero to sixty times are estimated at 6.4 seconds for the 35i and 5.3 seconds for the 50i. Which is drastically faster than the past engines.

In order to reign all of this power in, an all-new 8-speed steptronic automatic, of which you see in the 5-Series GT and the 760Li. The new transmission weighs no more than the 6-speed model it replaces, and offers better gearing for lower speeds and rpm to make the X5 faster from a dig. It also adds the two extra gears up top to help with efficiency at highway speeds. You can also select gears manually, as always before, by pulling the gear shift closer to you and pushing and pulling the shifter forward or back (-/+).

The first BMW X5 facelifted vehicles will appear at U.S. dealerships this Spring.

Click here to view the gallery of pics.

Source: BMWBlog.com

MINI Connected for iPhone to Debut in Geneva

*22.02.2010 * Press Release
*World-first in-car entertainment technology integrates the Apple iPhone.

*Safe, convenient, intuitive control of all functions via the MINI operating system.

*World debut of in-car web radio.

*MINI Connected brings enhanced user functionality and customization to the MINI-exclusive, Mission Control.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - February 22, 2010... MINI Connected, a new technology unique to MINI, opens up a new dimension of in-car entertainment. The new system will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show next week.

MINI Connected.MINI Connected offers new options to further enhance the driving fun associated with the brand by intelligently connecting the driver, his MINI and the outside world. The new MINI Connected system will be launched simultaneously with the MINI Countryman, as an option on the newest member of the MINI brand lineup.

With MINI Connected, MINI is the first carmaker to offer a newly developed USB interface with functionality that enables such a high level of integration of the iPhone into the in-car audio and infotainment system. This MINI-exclusive technology provides the basis for unprecedented integration of Smartphone functions, and takes the in-car integration of modern Smartphone telecommunications, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level.

The innovative iPhone interface provides robust data exchange capabilities, allowing a range of infotainment, navigation and communication functions to be used on board the vehicle. MINI Connected also allows functions to be enhanced or personalized to the driver's individual preferences.

Click here for the entire article.

MINI Countryman Video - First Exclusive Look!

Next week the MINI Countryman will celebrate its world premiere in Geneva and right now, we have some never-before-seen driving footage for you. Courtesy of MINI Youtube Channel, we’re enjoying again the funky, intriguing and lively MINI videos.

Carrying the tagline, “Life is out There”, the MINI Countryman video can be summed up in just a couple of sentences: it is a giddy montage of footage that packs a lifetime’s worth of adventure into a snappy few minutes. It is about drawing a connection between the increased interior space of the Countryman, which is the roomiest MINI yet, with living large, expanding horizons, seizing the day



As a recap, MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines; the power range extends from 90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

At the high-end of the line-up, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management.

The Countryman gets a standard six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman come equipped with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option.The cabin, among other things, gets a standard multifunction steering wheel with cruise control a center rail system that allows each passenger to store objects.

Source: BMWBlog

Leaked! Mini Countryman Photos Hit the Web Before Geneva Debut

As we reported last month, the upcoming Mini crossover will indeed go by the Countryman moniker when it arrives in production form at the Geneva Motor Show. But with the recent leak of three images of the new all-wheel-drive, four-door Mini, you won't have to wait until Geneva to catch your first glimpse of the Countryman.

We saw our first taste of the Countryman when the Mini Crossover Concept debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. That car added over two inches to the Mini Clubman's stretched wheelbase, along with an all-wheel drive layout that is based on the rear-drive platform of the BMW 1 Series. Later, we spotted Countryman prototypes roaming the Nurburgring, hammering out suspension and drivetrain tuning details. Then, in Detroit last week, the Beachcomber concept was shown, featuring some wild styling changes that spoke more to a dune buggy theme than that of a crossover vehicle.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5R7UVfC

From the photos shown here, depicting a Cooper S version of the Countryman, we can see that many of the Crossover Concept's styling cues have been left intact. The Countryman appears pretty much how we'd expect a stretched four-door Mini to look, and keeps its proportions well through the enlargement. The interior is standard Mini fare, with a bank of toggle switches and plenty of retro appeal. The typical Cooper S tweaks are seen on the pictured car, including more aggressive looking wheels, twin exhaust tips, and sporty front and rear fascias.

For those who love anticipation, there's still plenty more rumor and speculation to hold one's breath over. For example, while we can expect a standard 1.6L engine to power a base model (with a supercharged version likely power 'S' trim models), will a bigger engine be in-store for a higher tuned Countryman? With a beefier all-wheel drive 1 Series drivetrain, a larger engine and more horsepower could be in the works. Rumors also persist that the Countryman will enter the World Rally Championship in the coming years.

We still don't know just when the Countryman will arrive in U.S. showrooms, but we'd expect a hefty price premium over the Mini Clubman - even heftier than the premium the Clubman takes on the regular Cooper. For more on the Countryman, stay tuned for our Geneva Motor Show coverage.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5RDtf6X

Article by: Motortrend