New Spy Video

[Juanted]

Again, from what I hear, we are not to trust any of those spy shots... BMW could be pulling a trick on us not seen since the trojan horse.

[scott27]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Again, from what I hear, we are not to trust any of those spy shots... BMW could be pulling a trick on us not seen since the trojan horse.

Yeah, sure.

Spy pics are very representative. Cars you are seeing in the spy pics - minus the camo tape - are the new X5.

There were several claims in the past (almost for every recent new BMW model) the testing prototypes were just "false misleading models" while BMW were preparing the surprise in the background with completely different "true new models". I guess some people just have nothing smarter to do than spread BS around.

[TahoeM3]

Originally Posted by josejb70

One spooky thing, though! You'll notice that those cool wheels we've all seen in the spy pics appear to be still while the vehicle moves (a la those chrome wheels that are so pupular nowadays). I wonder if the BMW folks have ever noticed the effect.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=115885

This is because the frame rate on the camera matches the rotation of the wheel. It's similar to when you see wheels on film that appear to be rotating backwards...just a trick on your eye caused by the camera.

[The Big Easy]

Scott, mabye you can help answer this one: what can you tell us regarding the E71, a two door sport version of the X5 due in 20 months time......any comment?

Cheers,

[scott27]

Originally Posted by The Big Easy

Scott, mabye you can help answer this one: what can you tell us regarding the E71, a two door sport version of the X5 due in 20 months time......any comment?

Cheers,

E71 is a code for Security / Protection version of E70 (armored vehicle).

I guess you are talking about X6 (E72 / F06 - not sure since I've seen both codes being used for this vehicle) - a 5-door Sport Activity Coupe based on X5 platform: a SAV cum coupe crossover coming in 2008 (also produced in Spartanburg).

The car (chasis & suspension) is already being tested in E70 mules. Here is my recent write-up:

Enter the X6...

BMW like to think of the forthcoming SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) X6 as a five door 911 rival. The Cayenne is in another segment and a different type of vehicle, and being X5 rival. Of course BMW are expecting the next interpretation of the Cayenne to be very different once the X6 is established. Opening a new class of vehicle the X6 will be a five door but will not be confused or marketed as the X5. X6 will be worlds apart in approach, design and dynamics

Dynamic design for a new class of vehicle

Popular activity spots such as Winter sports resorts are populated by Range Rovers, Cayennes, MLs etc. and of course X5. These are mainly "other" cars to the city based performance cars nesting in those people's respective garages. BMW would like to offer something with a taste of both worlds for their customers - something with luxury and performance, style and capability: An all purpose coupe.

Off The Wall...

This being a completely new segment and a new market being in its infancy the competition design brief signalled to tap into a brave new world - create something that hat offers a radical approach to convention, a phrase always used by BMW design: "Defy Conventions". After months of design and debate the final proposal has now been selected by the BMW board of management described by BMW's designers as "Off the wall".

The overall shape of the X6 that will make it into production offers a very forward looking visual experience. The overall shape is similar to that used in the XCoupe concept car: a hatch cum coupe with the rear hatch opening functioning like the Z4 Coupe. The overall design offers adventurous elements such as stacked triangular headlights on each of the front wings, a wide twin Kidney grille with preforated grille slats as seen on land Rover products but was also shown on the 2001 XCoupe concept. The next generation of the twin kidney grille will be like a twin shell with an outer - reverse shape with the inner slats as normal.
Also look at the surface work on BMW Mille Miglia 2006 Coupe concept and you will see (especially if you look at the birds-eye view shot) the elements that will take shape in the forthcoming X6 SAC. Although the BMW grille will not make a comeback like this.

The production car will share a sloping glasshouse similar to the Z4 coupe placed on broad shoulders widening for the wheel arches in the rear. Even the headlights although similar snake eye-like slits that sit on the top edge of the bonnet although the ones onX6 will be larger.

The X6 will be brutally beautiful. People like to be shocked by design. It's like architechture or furniture design: people like individuality and quirkiness, and are turned off by something of a common shape or form (eg Computers: Apple Mac to normal PC - people prefer the design to the normal box).

The X6 will feature an evolution of "flame surfacing" approach to the design with the headlights forming into surfaces that ride into the shoulder line melting the bodywork all the way to the rear lights following form with the front of the car triangular in shape joined at each end along the trunk lid with a long chrome element.

Ideas and Influences

One of the many challenges for the design brief was that it is to be not a conventional BMW - just as the CLS Mercedes-Benz is not a conventional Mercedes. Of course the CLS was wheeled in for influence. Many interior aspects take their ideas from modern influences such as ipod, winter sports equipment, and yacht equipment. Precision milled materials are used - delicate with an expensive look: a feature that will form the next generation of BMW interiors. The SAC will not be seen as a regular SUV. Space will not be an issue. Four people will sit in comfort but this will not detract from car's persona: Performance and Dynamics.

Engines

V8 and the in-development Twin-Turbo NG V8 with an expected output of over 400bhp. Also expect a V10 powered M variant. Diesel will be catered for with V8 and in-development V10 diesel that will also appear in next 7er.

Such a vehicle is essential for BMW to keep to BMW core of producing visually dynamic groundbreaking products.

[fln8tive]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

My dealer told me today that THEY'VE been told by BMW NOT to believe ANY of the spyshots out on the internet... that they were ALL wrong, and possibly even decoys. We'll find out soon enough.

Juan

Which is what the rep told my dealer and I posted 20 days ago...

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...ead-wrong.html

So we have FL, NC, and OR dealers all reporting that spy mules are off the mark and scott27, whose credentials I am unfamiliar with, telling us that the dealers are lying. Is it possible that the E70 has been shot down in multiple focus group studies? If we are debating whether a spy shot is actually an X3 or an X5, someone in marketing screwed the pooch.

[The Big Easy]

Thanks Scott.
Cheers,

[Repa]

I like it!