By Dwayne Thomas

BMW Group will bring the new BMW 5 Series mid size luxury car to New York as it will make its North American debut at the forthcoming York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Here is what the Munich-based automaker said about the new BMW 5 Series: "A carefully refined exterior is combined with a striking enhancement of style and sophistication in the interior that underscores the sporting yet elegant and refined character of the BMW 5 Series. The interior reflects the premium character of the vehicle. High quality new materials and colors, ergonomic door panels with an optimized design, padded armrests, additional storage options and newly designed control elements all create an exceptionally refined ambience."

Outside, the BMW 5 Series retains its sporty character and elegant styling for both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon. Like all other BMW models, the BMW 5 Series is equipped with BMW's signature double kidney grille. The front air dam adds to the sedan's sporty appearance on the front fascia. The rounded headlamps now come with brilliant clear glass technology and highlighted by chrome edges around the headlamps. Compared to its competitor in the mid size luxury sedan segment like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with quality Mercedes cold air intake, the BMW 5 Series features a unique BMW air intake with horizontal trim that sweeps up and side wards and highlighting the wide track of the 5 Series. There are also light contour on the vehicle's side-sills, horizontal lines on the rear, and like the headlamps, the rear lights also come in clear glass design with additional LED direction indicators.

As expected for a BMW model, the interior of BMW 5 Series features new styling and showcase the elegance and comfort, as well as plush driving atmosphere. The vehicle's design comes with sophisticated and high quality materials. The armrests and center console is trimmed with comfortable Pearl Gloss Chrome. The door panel is trimmed with two-tone finish and Black door trim bar is included. The 5 Series now also comes with BMW's iDrive vehicle management system.

Now on the technical side, BMW is offering an extensive powertrain options for the new BMW 5 Series. BMW will install the newly developed straight-six engines under the hood of 5 Series models. BMW said the engine offers a powerful performance along with impressive fuel economy. Customers can choose from various offered gearboxes that will be combined with the engine. Leading the transmission range is the unique Sport Automatic Transmission with shift paddles. A six- speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission is also available. The new BMW 5 Series is available with BMW xDrive permanent and variable all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain configuration. New driver assistance and safety systems are also offered as a an optional feature including Active Steering, BMW Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Active Cruise Control with a Stop & Go functions and Lane Departure Warning.

Watch out for the BMW 5 Series at NYIAS and check out its availability on your nearest BMW dealer in April.

By Joe Thompson

The Ford Motor Co. will launch three new limited-edition models - the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foose Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition - and all of which are making their official debut at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The automaker's trio of vehicles showcases how Ford is leveraging crucial partnerships to build thrilling and more functional new products.

"Marrying great Ford products like Mustang, F-150 and Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose and Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customers who want to make the boldest statement they can," said Cisco Codina, the group vice president of the company's North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "We are seeing more demand for special wheels and accessories and, of course, from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauer Taurus X and Harley F-150s."

According to Ford's research, 62 percent of full-size pickup truck purchasers buy accessories for their vehicles, and 73 percent acquire auto parts through their dealer. In addition, truck buyers spend an average of $1,700 in accessories. About 30 percent of crossover utility vehicle purchasers buy accessories, and they are more likely to make these accessory purchases at the dealership.

The Dearborn-based automaker announced that its overall customization business rose by 50 percent in the previous year and could potentially double its business again in the next two years. The anticipated growth is anchored on the development of factory-customized products and a hard stress on wheels, appearance packages, and electronics such as DVD players and navigation systems contained in the updated repair manuals.

"This is really a fashion industry," said Peter MacGillivray, the vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). "Consumers want to put their personal stamp on everything they buy - from personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear - and everybody knows that 'you are what you drive."

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, which will be launched next spring, features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine unit with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that improves the engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower. It is also given distinct exterior badging, a one-of-a-kind interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats, a unique striping and a 40th Anniversary numbered dash plaque. The coupe version is also complemented by a custom carbon composite hood, stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with functional brake ducts, a modified suspension, and 14-inch Brembo front brakes.

The all-new Ford F-150 Foose Edition, a rugged boulevard cruiser, is scheduled to hit the roads early next year. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is penned by custom street rod designer Chip Foose. It features 22-inch wheels, the special Foose F-150 sports bold racing stripes, a new grille, and the 450-horsepower supercharged Triton V8 that produces 500 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. By far, it is the most powerful F-150.

The 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, the limited-production SUV, will hit showrooms this fall. The concept of the car was created by hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex. Its offers 20-inch aluminum wheels, a 340-watt Audiophile(TM) Sound System, an MP3 player audio jack, a Powerfold(TM) third-row seating, heated and cooled front seats, an optional navigation system, a custom front fascia, a power liftgate, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Rounding out the package is the SIRIUS satellite radio and an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.

By Anthony Fontanelle

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner and already and car manufacturers are gearing up for the chance to show the auto world what they have developed. Among the vehicles that will surely crop up at the event are concept vehicles.

Different car manufacturers have already announced that they would be unveiling their concept cars at the largest motor show in the United States. The Chrysler group revealed that they will be showcasing three concept vehicles at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. These vehicles will show the auto world what direction Chrysler is going in the near future. These three concept vehicles from the group are under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands.

The first of the trio is the Dodge Demon. Dodge is known for producing performance cars and the concept vehicle shows the brand's penchant for such vehicles. The Demon is a "roadster with an attitude" according to its maker. Its bold styling cues points out that it is from the Dodge brand. The simplicity of the interior and the distinct exterior styling are the trademarks of Dodge and the Demon possessed that.

It is dubbed as "an attainable dream car" and it is powered by a 2.4 liter engine which can produce 172 horsepower. While that may seem a small number for a car from Dodge, the design of the engine and the body makes good use of every power generated by the engine.

The second concept vehicle is from Chrysler which is known for producing near-luxury vehicles. This concept vehicle named the Chrysler Nassau may be the start of the group's climb back to profitability. It is a four-door, four-seat luxury coupe. Its roof resembles that of a coupe but the Nassau is a hard top.

Inside, the vehicle features a functional instrument panel with user-friendly controls. Its entertainment system spells luxury that is inspired by home-theater systems. Radical features of the Nassau include the gear shift pod control located on the instrument panel. Whether this feature will ever be used on production vehicles is still not clear at present though.

Completing the triumvirate is the Jeep Trailhawk concept vehicle. Jeep is known for production of off-road vehicles and the Trailhawk concept is no exception. The vehicle has the off road capability of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the sophistication of a concept vehicle. The styling of the concept vehicle gives it a muscular look common on Jeep models. It is made for highway cruising, where an EBC rotor will be of good use, without sacrificing the off-road capability that Jeep vehicles are known for.

These three vehicles will be unveiled at the opening of the motor show on the 6th of April this year. The event will be open to the public until the 15th of the same month. Aside from these three concept vehicles from Chrysler Group, other concept vehicles from other car manufacturers will also be unveiled at the event.

By Anthony Fontanelle

The best selling brand from General Motors will make another appearance at the New York International Auto Show. Chevrolet will be rolling out two concept vehicles at the forthcoming motor show. These vehicles will be featuring what could be the future of Chevy vehicles.

It is known that concept vehicles are loaded with features that are in the development stage and will in the course of time be integrated into mass produced vehicles. The two concepts from Chevrolet are going to do just that.

Aside from showing the auto world where the brand is going in terms of design for their vehicles, Chevrolet will also give consumers a glimpse of what could be the future of automobiles.

The first of the pair is the Chevy Volt concept electric vehicle. The concept vehicle is a plug-in electric vehicle which means that it comes with an on board battery pack which can be recharged using a common household socket. The vehicle is designed to make the best out of its battery pack designed to provide power for 40 miles of travel. That figure covers the average mileage of an American motorist in one day.

Aside from its plug in capability, the vehicle also has a "range extender". This is essentially a small internal combustion engine mated to a generator which charges the car's Lithium-ion battery pack. With this "range extender", the vehicle's 40 mile range increases significantly to 640 miles.

This newest version of the Volt features the radical E-Flex Propulsion System by General Motors. The feature allows the vehicle to run on a variety of fuels including electricity, conventional gasoline, E85, and biodiesel. The Volt's features will surely be made better if complemented with EBC Redstuff brake pads.

The second Chevy concept vehicle is the Chevy Camaro Concept. This concept version of Chevy's pony car is a convertible which gives the Camaro high aesthetic value. The concept convertible which will make an appearance on the Big Apple is daubed with the Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint.

The iconic sport stripes are also present including the long hood configuration common on all pony car as started by the Ford Mustang. The wheels of the Camaro are almost pushed to the corners, giving the Camaro the impression of being ready to burn asphalt at a second's notice. Indeed, this Camaro can rev it up along with the finest car in its class. Its V8 engine provides adequate power to its rear wheels via a sporty manual transmission. This is a car that would definitely receive much adoration from Camaro fans and will probably gain new ones along the way.

These concept vehicles will be showcased at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan where the 2007 New York International Auto Show will be held. The event will be opened to the public on the 6th of April and will run trough the 15th of the same month.

By Ryan Thomas

The largest motor show in the United States, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner. The excitement of auto enthusiasts is building as to what cars will be unveiled at the show. Of course, there will be concept vehicles showcased at the motor show.

Aside from concept vehicles, a motor show is also a venue for car makers to showcase their production cars. The New York International Auto Show is no exception since car makers already announced what they will be strutting at the event. Nissan recently announced that they will be unveiling the upgraded versions of their Murano, Pathfinder, and Quest models. These vehicles are part of Nissan's exhibit at the event and are aimed to further increase the popularity of the Nissan brand among Americans.

The Nissan Murano, dubbed as the "Maxima of SUVs", is a crossover sport utility vehicle first introduced in 2003. It was the top-of-the-line SUV for the Japanese brand until the introduction of the Nissan Armada. The Murano which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show combines the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the handling performance of a sedan.

The new Murano will be an all-wheel drive vehicle which makes it an all-weather vehicle. With the drive wheel configuration, the vehicle supplies traction to all of its wheels making it maneuverable in any road condition. The power supplied to its wheels comes from a 3.5 liter direct overhead cam V6 engine boasting of 245 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency-wise, the Nissan Murano offers a continuously variable transmission - Nissan's Xtronic CVT as it is called. This efficiently transfers power from the engine to the wheels with less waste so that fuel consumption is reduced.

Another Nissan model that will grace the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Pathfinder. The 2008 Pathfinder is designed to look as muscular as its predecessors. Its three-row seating gives the Pathfinder versatility of the SUV that its is. Off-road driving ability is also phenomenal. While the new version of the Pathfinder is built on a longer wheelbase, the short front and rear overhangs gives it the maneuverability that it needs to navigate through city streets or off the road.

The increased wheelbase gives the interior of the SUV good legroom and headspace for its occupants. Powering the Pathfinder is the 4.0-liter version of the brand's award-winning Nissan VQ-Series V6 engine. The 4.0-liter double overhead cam V6 is proven to produce 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The ratio of horsepower and torque is the highest among its competitor in the mid-size SUV market.

Another Nissan vehicle upgraded for the 2008 model year which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Quest. This minivan first introduced in 1993 is still setting standards in its class. The Nissan Quest is designed to have that sociable looks common on minivans, from its Nissan mirrors to its side windows, the Quest looks every bit like a family car that it is. The power of the Quest comes from a 3.5 liter double overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine capable of producing 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque.

By Anthony Fontanelle

Asian car brands have been increasingly becoming popular in the United States. Aside from Toyota and Honda, other car manufacturers from the Orient are tightening their grips on the U.S. auto market. The popularity of these brands is due to the fuel economy and reliability that their car offers.

Aside from that, Asian branded vehicles are relatively priced lower than that of their U.S. counterparts. In the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), these Asian brands look to increase their popularity among American auto enthusiasts by showcasing their concept vehicles at the said event. While these vehicles may take some time before they are put into production, their unveiling at the country's largest motor show will increase the popularity of their brand.

One Asian brand that has been making waves in the U.S. auto scene is Honda. At the upcoming New York Auto Show, the company will unveil its Accord Coupe Concept. The concept vehicle will provide a glimpse of what the new generation Accord will be like. The concept vehicle is powered by a V6 engine designed to reduce fuel consumption and lessen harmful emissions.

The newest technology from Honda that will be showcased at the event is the Variable Cylinder Management. Aside from that, the concept vehicle will also be featuring Honda's ACE Body Structure which is essentially a design system which gives the front-end of the vehicle the ability to absorb a substantial amount of energy in the event of front end collision.

Toyota, now the second largest car manufacturer in the world, continues its surge to get to the top of the list. Their good performance in terms of sale has been a gauge of how popular Toyota is in the United States. Their continuing quest for supremacy in the U.S. auto market leads them to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan with the Toyota FT HS concept vehicle in tow.

The Toyota FT HS is a hybrid sports car which comes combining the fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle with the high performance and good looks of a sports car. The concept is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated with an advanced hybrid system and a powerful battery pack. The concept vehicle is estimated to rocket to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in less than four seconds. Aside from that powerful acceleration, the concept vehicle is also estimated to have a very high top speed, thanks to its power output of nearly 400 hp. That amount of power and torque in a hybrid vehicle is unheard of before and only EBC Greenstuff brake pads can provide good stopping power to.

These concept vehicles are proof of the competition between the two Japanese car makers and their drive to increase their foothold on the U.S. auto market. Both the Honda Accord Coupe Concept and the Toyota FT HS will be showcased at the New York International Auto Show which will open its doors on the sixth of April and will end on the fifteenth of the same month.