• 
• 
• --Select Make-- AcuraAston MartinAudiBentleyBMWBuickCadillacChevroletChryslerDodgeFerrariFordGMCHondaHUMMERHyundaiInfinitiIsuzuJaguarJeepKiaLamborghiniLand RoverLexusLincolnLotusMaseratiMaybachMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMINIMitsubishiNissanPontiacPorscheRolls-RoyceSaabSaturnScionSmartSubaruSuzukiTeslaToyotaVolkswagenVolvo
• 
• Home
• 
• New Cars
• 
• Used Cars
• 
• Car Dealers
• 
• Buying Guides
• 
• Research
• 
• Community
• 
• 
• 

BMW X5

BMW remains one of the most inefficient car brands in America. According to early NHTSA reports, the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) for the 2009 BMW passenger vehicle lineup is 27.5 mpg – a figure that beats only a few imported automakers.

Seeking to keep up with more stringent CAFE penalties – as well as chase the growing trend towards improved gas mileage – BMW has announced plans to introduce smaller, more efficient engines into its vehicle lineup.

In an effort to improve environmental friendliness without compromising BMW's legendary performance, the kraut automaker is looking at diesel four-cylinder technology.

For those concerned that these smaller engines will diminish the performance of the BMW brand, Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW of North America, explains, "Our four-cylinder diesel will be so good that people will readily accept it as a replacement for six cylinders."

Additionally, Baloga suggests that the new four-cylinders could match the acceleration and horsepower of turbocharged six-cylinders if extra measures such as weight reduction are incorporated into future BMW vehicles.

The smaller diesel options are currently being considered for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series. The BMW X3 and BMW Z4 may also see the diesel treatment.

Diesel engine technology is not new to BMW – the BMW 335 and X5 are both available with a V-6 diesel option. However, this will be the first time that a four-cylinder diesel is offered in America. Currently, BMW offers such technology on the BMW 320d in select European countries. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine musters 177 horsepower and posts a 0-to-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds.

To deliver the promise of comparable six-cylinder engine power, BMW still has its work cut out for it. The current six-cylinder 3 Series gas engine pulls 306 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds.

There is no word yet on when the new diesel engines will be incorporated into the vehicle lineup. However, BMW has made it clear that they intend to meet government emissions regulations as soon as possible.

To that end, BMW sees diesel technology as an important factor for its future in America. Government regulations will be increased to a CAFE of 30.2 mpg in 2011. The figure will be boosted again to 35.5 mpg by 2016.

To accommodate this growing average, BMW plans for 10 to 20 percent of all future vehicle sales to come with a diesel engine. While this is certainly feasible – 70 percent of current BMW sales in Europe are of the diesel variety – meeting this goal is largely contingent on the American public's willingness to climb behind the wheel of a BMW with a smaller four-cylinder engine.

So far, diesel sales in America have been less than promising - the BMW 335d currently accounts for a paltry 1.3 percent of all 3 Series sales. The 2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d fares better, with 13 percent of all X5 sales.

There is no word yet on fuel efficiency estimates for the new BMW diesel engines. However, figures can be expected to be better than the current BMW 335d, which earns 23 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
1.9% Interest or $1,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the most fuel efficient version of the most popular mid-size family sedan on the market. The Hybrid is a comfortable and easy-to-drive vehicle that offers the highest level of standard equipment when compared to any other edition of the Camry. The vehicle features dual climate controls, power seats, a Bluetooth-enabled stereo system and a reclining rear seat. A moon roof, heated leather seats and a navigation system are optional equipment. The vehicle also features a decent-sized trunk, which provides 10.6 cubic feet of space despite the intrusion of the sedan’s battery pack.

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s drivetrain consists of a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, aided by an electric motor that is capable of providing an additional 40 horsepower. While this might not seem like an impressive amount of power, the Camry Hybrid feels very responsive both around town and out on the highway. Matched with a continuously-variable automatic transmission, the Hybrid returns fuel mileage numbers of 33 miles per gallon in city driving and 34 miles per gallon on the highway, which is excellent for a vehicle of its size and capabilities.

There is a financing incentive of 1.9% interest or $1,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Toyota Camry effective until 08/03/2009.

2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d
$4,500 Cash Back

The 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d is the long-awaited diesel edition of BMW’s popular full-size sport-utility vehicle. The X5 is touted as an SUV that is capable of providing a sedan-like driving experience, and it certainly does feel much more responsive and comfortable out on the asphalt when compared to some of its truck-based competitors. The luxury vehicle is outfitted with leatherette vinyl seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, available wood trim and a sunroof. Rear-seat passenger room is quite good, as is the overall cargo space available when those seats are folded down: 61.8 cubic feet.

The most notable aspect of the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d, aside from its convoluted name, is its engine. The vehicle’s 3.0 liter diesel inline 6-cylinder produces 265 horsepower and an astounding 425 lb-ft of torque. This is enough performance to best the 6-cylinder gasoline version of the X5 in acceleration tests, thanks to the use of a turbocharger and direct-injection technology. The diesel is also far more fuel efficient, with mileage coming in at 19 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive round out the overall package.

There is an incentive of $4,500.00 cash back on the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d effective until 08/31/2009.

2009 Lincoln Navigator
$4,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Lincoln Navigator is one of the largest luxury sport-utility vehicles currently available. With roomy seating for 8 passengers and the ability to tow up to 6,000 lbs, there is no question that the Navigator is one of the most capable full-size SUVs that you can park in your driveway. Throw in a total cargo capacity of 108 cubic feet, and there’s not much that this luxury beast can’t handle. Not only is the Navigator useful, but it is also well appointed, with standard heated and cooled leather seats, wood trim, three zones of automatic climate control, HID headlights and both power folding running boards and mirrors all listed as standard equipment.

A single engine choice can be found under the hood of the 2009 Lincoln Navigator, a 5.4 liter V8 engine good for 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. Matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive, the Navigator is adept at accelerating and keeping pace with the flow of highway traffic. Not necessarily an off-road master, it still manages to deal with trail conditions reasonably well, and it can also handle deep snow with equal competence. Fuel mileage for the Navigator is rated at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon during highway cruising.

There is an incentive of $4,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Lincoln Navigator effective until 08/03/2009.

2009 Kia Spectra
0.0% Interest or $3,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Kia Spectra is an entry-level compact car that is designed to maximize value for first time buyers. The Korean automaker offers the Spectra sedan in three different trim levels. The LX is fairly basic, with cloth seats, a CD player and tinted windows, while the EX adds niceties such air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and fog lights. The top of the line SX upgrades the overall package to include a tighter, sportier suspension and race-inspired trim both inside and outside the sedan. Cruise control and a sunroof are optional for the SX.

All versions of the 2009 Kia Spectra feature a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine that provides 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic, with the former offering much more responsive acceleration and better fuel economy. The Spectra’s fuel mileage comes in at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, making it a frugal option as a daily commuter car.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $3,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Kia Spectra effective until 08/03/2009.

2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R
0.9% Interest or $2,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R is the pocket-rocket version of Nissan’s compact economy sedan. Unlike the base Sentra, the SE-R is focused on providing a sporting driving experience on a budget. The interior of the special edition Sentra features sport bucket seats embroidered with the SE-R label and a g-meter on the dash that measures just how hard the car is being thrown through the corners. Mechanically, the Sentra SE-R offers a limited-slip front differential in order to better handle hard launches, as well as upgraded ventilated front brakes and four-wheel discs to help haul the car down from high speeds. A specially-tuned suspension package that lowers the car and adds extra stability and road-holding is also included.

The four-door 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R is motivated by a 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine that has been engineered to spin quickly to higher revs and deliver 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The SE-R can be ordered with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously-variable automatic featuring paddle-shifters, which is a rarity in a sporty vehicle. Despite its above average power, the Sentra SE-R returns excellent fuel mileage, displaying 24 miles per gallon around town and 30 miles per gallon during highway cruising.

There is a financing incentive of 0.9% interest or $2,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R effective until 08/03/2009.