BMW twin-turbo diesel power starts under $50,000

The first breed of BMW's advanced diesel vehicles with Blue Performance are going on sale in the near future- with pricing starting under $50,000.

Running clean and green on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the automaker's proven twin-turbodiesel inline six cylinder engine will make its way under the hood of the newly updated 3-Series sedan and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle'.

The resulting models are called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Both are motivated by the same three-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb.-ft of torque.

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust management system and diesel particulate filter are also included, allowing the models to meet the strictest emissions requirements.

Performance is comparable to the gas-powered variant of either model, though fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 25 to 30 percent. A twin-turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo-lag, and a six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on each machine.

"In recent years, BMW has worked more thoroughly and consistently than any other manufacturer worldwide to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions", said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada.

"The performance and fuel economy offered by new BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance is a further example of the ongoing application of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy and we are delighted that it will shortly be available to the Canadian consumer."

The 335d opens the bidding at $49,700, while the X5 xDrive35d starts at $62,200.

Expect the models to be in showrooms sometime next month.

Photos: BMW

2010 Chevrolet Camaro starts at $26,995

General Motors announced the price of the new Camaro today, which will be on sale next sometime next spring.

The base Camaro LS will cost $26,995, which includes a 300-hp, 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 and 6-speed manual.


The Camaro 1LT will cost $27,995 and adds fog lamps, upgraded 18-inch wheels and a longer list of available options. The 2LT gets Bluetooth connectivity, a 245-watt 9-speaker stereo with USB port, heated leather seating and 19-inch wheels, and will cost $31,595.

$36,995 will get you into the 1SS which boasts a 422-hp, 6.2-litre V8, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels and the 1LT's equipment list. Finally, the 2SS goes for $40,995 and gets the 2LT's features.

A Rally Sport package will be available on all models except the LS and will include exclusive 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights and unique taillights. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is also optional on all models.

Photos: General Motors

Microsoft turns a bus into a mobile office

How's this for a double-edged sword? Microsoft is providing free bus transportation to work for some of its employees in China. Hey, that's great! It saves money as well as the environment. The downside? The bus is full of workstations, meaning everyone it picks up gets to work that much longer every day.
I mean, this is all well and good if the commute time is counted as part of the eight-hour workday or whatever, but I doubt that's the case. Commuting is a precious time to zone out, listen to music, and fantasize about quitting your job and/or killing your boss. Don't take that away from us, Microsoft.

Via New Launches