The BMW 5-Series GT was first presented to the European market at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show. It is now available in the US, and these videos show the design and production phases of the new 5-Series Gran Turismo. We get an insight into both the exterior and interior design philosophy, and get a peek at some BMW technology, including the 3D glasses used to visualise the interior before any concept is actually made.
The second part of the video, after the jump, shows the prototype and testing phase of the BMW 5-Series GT, with all of its handmade parts. Crash tests are completed, and it’s time to get the 5-Series GT out on the track to see how it actually drives. We even get to see how the camouflage works in testing! Check it all out in the videos.
The new Opel Astra now has a new bodykit from Irmscher, which was originally presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The German tuning company has always specialised in Opel models, and has changed the look of the new Astra, without modifying the technical or mechanical aspects.
The Irmscher Astra kit includes 20-inch wheels, or an 18-inch option is available if you want something smaller. The front of the Astra takes on a different grille design, and new look spoiler and side skirts. The rear now includes a spoiler on the roof, and a redesigned rear bumper to accommodate the diffuser and the two or four exhaust outlet. The Irmscher kit lowers the Astra by 30 mm, and on the insider we get leather seats, door panels and central arm rest, with the final touch of aluminium pedals.
A series of videos of the BMW X1 shows its production line, including pressing, welding, painting and final assembly at the Leipzig facilities. The new X1 was presented at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show and will soon reach its target of manufacturing 300 vehicles a day. The SUV will be available from October in 12 versions, with various kits including Base, Eletta, Attiva and Futura, with prices commencing from 33,600 euros.
Among the engines available are a petrol unit and two diesels: the 2.0D at 177 hp and 350 Nm, the 2.0D Twin Turbo with 204 hp and 400 Nm, and the 3.0i with 258 hp and 310 Nm. The smaller diesel engine is available both with rear wheel and all wheel xDrive, with six-speed transmission. In the future 18i and 18d versions will emerge at a lower price of about 29,500 euros.
Well! This is quite a sexy video for the Citroen Revolte concept we must say, though the car itself effectively mixes cute with sex appeal. The Revolte was presented at the Frankfurt motor show, and while no production is planned, Citroen fans are hoping this will turn into the new Citroen 2CV. It has potential, and so far we like it more than the Renault concepts presented.
The Mercedes SLS AMG coupe has just been presented at Frankfurt, but here already is a spy video of the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. Heavily camouflaged, we can see the overall style of the SLS AMG spider version, which loses the Gullwing doors. No detailed information is available as to the nature of hte roof, but we assume to keep the weight contained and maintain the excellent performance of the coupe, a simple soft roof with electric mechanism will be used.
The general mechanics of the SLS AMG Roadster will be the same as the coupe, with a 6.2-litre V8 at 571 hp, with possible EDrive version also available. Given the advanced stage of testing it is reasonable to think that the spider would be ready to present at the Geneva show next year, though for marketing reasons, that could be moved to a US event with commercialisation starting in 2011.
Source | Auto Moto und Sport
We saw the Mulsanne at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and here again, are the Bentley Mulsanne official pics. We get to see the Mulsanne interior in these pics, showing off its very detailed and luxurious finishings. The substitute to the Arnage, it is equipped with a 6.75-litre V8 twin turbo with 512 hp and 1020 Nm of torque. The Mulsanne is all about comfort, though, and total, unconquerable, status.
After live pics of the Aston Martin Rapide at the Frankfurt motor show, we though we’d take another look at the beautiful Rapide with the full press materials. For your Friday afternoon literature, you can check out the very long press release below.
The new Aston Martin Rapide cetainly gets 10/10 from us in the looks department and if it’s anything as good to drive, it could turn around the fortunes of four-door Astons. Here’s waiting for drive impressions to hit the press.
Sticking with the design theme, we take a look at the new Jaguar XJ, with these live pics of the XJ from Frankfurt. Aesthetically, it’s turning out to be so controversial that most of us are forgetting to underline its technical qualities.
The first and foremost is the extensive use of alluminium. This gives the XJ sedan a head start in lightness and agility compared to its competitors, coming in at approximately 150 kg lighter. This clearly also gives it supreme drive dynamics in a light but rigid car that should be a mix of responsiveness and a smooth ride.
The engine range is impressive, with a 5.0-litre petrol V8 with 350 hp, a V8 supercharged at 510 hp and a V6 diesel with 275 hp. We figure its performance is everything the car’s looks promise it will be. But then, that’s where the controversy kicks in. A ground breaking Jag is not to everyone’s taste, it seems.
This virtually created video of the Ferrari 458 Italia was made by Polyphony Digital Inc., makers of the Gran Turismo video game. It’s a tribute to the new Prancing Horse creation recently released. See live pics of the 458 Italia from the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Here’s the official Lamborghini Reventon Roadster video. The new limited series Lamborghini was presented at the Frankfurt motor show and compared to the coupe, has the LP670-4 SuperVeloce engine at 670 hp. There will be a production run of 20 and the Reventon Roadster price tag is 1.1 million euros. Great car, but the video…?

In an exciting move for India, Suzuki and Volkswagen could forge a partnership for that market in a move which would exchange Volkswagen know-how for Suzuki’s resources in Asia. The news comes from rumours at this year’s Frankfurt motor show and German publication Automobilwoche.
An unnamed source has apparently said: “For Suzuki and VW this connection would be a win-win situation. Suzuki would have access to a variety of VW’s technology, while Volkswagen would have a solid supporting leg in India and Southeast Asia.”
Source | Indian autosblog and Autoblog
The Peugeot RCZ Limited Edition was presented at the Frankfurt motor show, a brief chance to see it as a production run of only 200 will be made. The RCZ is equipped with a 1.6-litre THP with 156 hp and has six-speed manual gear change. It has a pearl white finish, 19-inch wheels, carbon fibre roof and front black-painted grill.
Accessories include satellite navigation, Bi-Xeno lights, leather interior, electric seats and front and rear parking sensors. The RCZ costs 35,500 euros and is already available for online order from European customers, with delivery set for spring 2010.