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Articles on Car Matters:

About The BMW X5 SAV

Sport utility vehicle sales continue to plummet in the face of surging gasoline prices now topping the three dollar per gallon mark. Indeed, this segment of the vehicle market has produced some of the largest profits for automakers globally and this loss of sales is impacting manufacturer bottom lines the world over. Yet, demand hasn’t dried up altogether and a rebound is possible once gas prices stabilize. For BMW owners, a larger vehicle such as the BMW X5 SAV is almost a necessity no matter what gas prices may be. Yes, the BMW X5 SAV is big topping out at just over 5,000 lbs. Are you in the market for a luxury sport utility vehicle? If so, BMW’s largest model may just have something to offer to you.

For the record, BMW calls their SUVs an SAV: a sport activity vehicle. BMW’s marketing arm felt that customers should know that beyond it’s off road prowess, the BMW X5 SAV can tow as much as 6,000 pounds; carry bicycles with an optional bike rack; hold a canoe on top of its roof; and stow camping or other activity gear in its generous sized rear quarter.

Although new to the game when its first SAV was released during the late 1990s, the technology powering this vehicle is not. Uniting BMW car technology [the X5 is based on the BMW 5 Series] with renowned Range Rover SUV engineering, BMW has fully harnessed the relationship it has with its British off road division. This is important to note as BMW entered the SUV market fresh without having had the benefit of producing a capable sport utility vehicle previously.

The chief attribute of the BMW X5 is its size as the vehicle can carry five passengers comfortably and all of the stuff needed to transport them to their various activities. Furthermore, since the X5 is based on the BMW 5 Series, the SAV shares many features with its passenger car stable mate including: four wheel independent suspension; front and rear wheel anti-roll bars; speed sensing steering; four wheel disc brakes with ABS; electronic stability with traction control and brake assist; and a host of passenger comfort items including Bluetooth wireless; low tire pressure warning; premium sound system; on-board computer; and power everything. A retractable cargo cover completes the BMW X5’s bountiful storage offerings.

Engine choices include a 3.0L I6, a 4.4L V8 or a potent 4.8L V8. Surprisingly, the EPA fuel mileage figures for the smallest and largest engines are the same: you can expect a combined 18 mpg when driving either model numbers that line up with the industry average. A diesel aspirated engine is available for the European market but no plans have been put in place to make that engine available in the US. The BMW X5 is built exclusively in South Carolina, but likely the diesel engine does not meet the stringent US government [EPA] pollution requirements.

BMW is fast at work preparing its second generation X5 a vehicle that should be longer and heavier than the current model. Automotive experts are suggesting that the new BMW X5 will add a third row of seats to accommodate two more passengers and to differentiate the model from its slightly smaller, but also five passenger capacity X3 stable mate.

Prices for the current BMW X5 start out at just over $42,000 and top out at more than $70,000 with all options included. Chief competitors for the BMW X5 include the Mercedes M Class, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Acura MDX.

Matthew C. Keegan
08 May 2007

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer covering classic, current, and future models including the luxury BMW X5.

About The Ferrari Enzo Super Car

One of the world’s top sports car manufacturers is Ferrari, whose symbol of a black prancing horse on a yellow shield-shaped background is perhaps one of the most easily recognizable car logos in the world. Based in Maranello, Italy, this Italian sports car manufacturer is responsible for the existence of some of the most powerful and at the same time most elegant sports cars the world has ever seen.

Every single Ferrari ever manufactured, from the 250 GTO to the 206/246 Dino, is a feat of engineering and design. One such Ferrari is the Enzo Ferrari Supercar, which was named one of the top sports cars of the new millennium by Sports Car International magazine in 2004. Named in honor of Enzo Ferrari, who founded the company in 1929, the Enzo Ferrari supercar is indeed super in many respects.

Built in 2003, the Enzo Ferrari supercar was designed using Formula One technology. Its body is made of carbon-fiber, its brake discs are carbon-ceramic, and it has an F1-style sequential shift transmission. It has 6.0-liter, 660-horsepower V-12 engine, the first Ferrari motor to have continuously variable exhaust valve timing. The Enzo engine has four valves per cylinder and a variable-length induction system.

As befitting the “supercar” tag, the Enzo Ferrari boasts of extremely quick acceleration. The Enzo Ferrari is capable of reaching 62.5 mph in 3.30 seconds and can accelerate to 100 mph in 6.60 seconds. This particular breed of Ferrari can also complete the quarter mile from a stop in approximately 11.1 seconds at 133 mph. Its estimated top speed of 217 mph is further proof of its Formula 1 heritage. So unless you’re an active driver in the Formula 1 circuit, there’s no way you can hit the top speed on a regular road and get away with it.

So far, the Enzo has proven to be stable when cornering. Its powerful engine, however, sometimes makes the car a bit difficult to control. Fortunately, it has rack-and-pinion power steering, pushrod actuated coil-shock units, a four-wheel independent suspension stabilized by front and rear anti-roll bars, and four Bridgestone Scuderia tires, which have been designed and tuned specifically for the Enzo Ferrari supercar.

So far, Ferrari has only produced 400 of these supercars, and only a select few have managed to acquire one. As a matter of fact, just being able to afford its US$643,330 price tag is not enough to get your hands on one. Propsective owners still have to send applications to Ferrari for the privilege of purchasing one of these supercars.

A number of famous people are or have been proud owners of an Enzo Ferarri supercar, including Nicolas Cage, Eric Clapton, Tommy Hilfiger, Rod Stewart, and of course, Michael Schumacher, the man responsible for bringing virtually countless honor for the company as the most famous Formula 1 driver for Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari’s racing division.

Bradley George Lindermann
14 May 2007

Lexus 2007 - Luxury and Elegance in a Premium Car Brand

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Launched by Toyota in the fall of 1989, the Lexus line represents the company's effort to create a world-class luxury-car brand. Groundwork for the Lexus line was laid in the mid '80s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers.

In early 1989, Lexus unveiled its first two models, the entry-level ES 250 and the flagship LS 400. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin and a refined engine. The cars were, however, panned by some for being somewhat less exciting than their European competitors because of bland styling and a suspension that placed plush ride quality over sporty handling dynamics.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom , Canada and Australia . Additional cars were also added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. Over the next few years, the company grew its line to include SUVs, with the addition of the LX 450 and RX 300. By the end of the decade, Lexus had sold over a million vehicles in the U.S. The 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trendsetter with the launch of the world's first luxury hybrid SUV, the RX 400h.

2007 Lexus ES350
The new Lexus ES350 is powered by a V6 engine, dispatching 272 hp to the front wheels via a new six-speed manu-matic. The 0-to-60 mph time drops from a claimed 7.2 to 6.8 seconds yet torque steer remains effectively muffled. Building on another strength of the outgoing car, the ES now offers optional upgraded leather upholstery that is even softer than the standard stuff. Other new temptations include a glass roof that extends over the back seat as well as the fronts, and a reversing camera and sonar proximity sensors that take all the tiresome judgment out of parking. The standard equipment list now includes keyless ignition, seventeen-inch wheels, stability control, and eight air bags. Although the car casts the same shadow as before, there's an additional 2.2 inches between the axles, which not only helps the looks but also opens up the interior space a bit. Unlike those of many cars in this class, the ES350's rear seats should elicit no complaints from passengers.

2007 Lexus GS450h
A brand new model for 2007, the Lexus GS 450h is a hybrid powered luxury performance rear-drive hybrid sedan. The 2007 Lexus GS 450h isn't just your average trumped up hybrid sedan. The 2007 Lexus GS 450h delivers the performance of a modern V8 engine and sips fuel like a four cylinder; Lexus GS 450h smog forming emissions are 80% cleaner than the average car; the level of quiet during the electric-mode is half of that during normal engine operation and 0-60 mph is as quick as a Porsche 911 with Tiptronic. Under the hood the Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 3.5-liter all-aluminum V-6 generating 292 hp and 267 lb-ft, and two electric motors generating a peak 197 hp. Combined rating is 339 horsepower. Lexus has refined this synergy drive to be quieter, cleaner and quicker than its cousins.

2007 Lexus RX350
The RX 330 is being reworked for 2007 and is now renamed RX 350. Though external changes are minor, the changes made under its shapely exterior panels are significant. Now sitting under the hood for 2007 is a new 3.5-liter V6. The new all-aluminum engine has dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-I), which allows for greater torque over a wider power band. The RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission combines for great fuel efficiency. The interior has all the fancy trimmings expected; beautiful leather and wood trim with heated power front seats and two driver seat memory settings, plus a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Standard on the RX 350 is a new tire pressure monitoring system. A sensor is placed on each wheel and warns you via a warning light when the pressure gets too low. Other safety features include various multi-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, and roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags for all occupants.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand may not offer as much passion as its Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus line up can't be beat.

Owen Walcher
08 Jun 2007

Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, writing car and auto articles such as Lexus 2007 Model Reviews.