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GM Only Automaker to Build Hybrid Transmission in United States; 75 Percent of 2-Mode Suppliers U.S.-based

WHITE MARSH, Md. – General Motors’ Baltimore Transmission Plant today officially began production of the auto industry’s most technologically advanced hybrid transmission – the only hybrid transmission designed and built in the United States by a major automaker.

The 2-Mode Hybrid transmission will debut in the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, the industry’s only full-size hybrid SUVs. GM’s Arlington, Texas, assembly plant will begin building the hybrid vehicles next month. For more information: http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_tahoe_hybrid/index.html.

“This 2-Mode Hybrid transmission is not only shifting the gears in the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids, it’s also helping shift GM’s efforts to reduce gasoline consumption and emissions into overdrive,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president, global manufacturing. “Better yet, here in Baltimore we are showing that an American workforce is up to the task and can take the lead in advanced technology.”

More than 500 highly trained U.S.-based GM engineers and more than 350 highly skilled United Auto Workers members are assigned to the 2-Mode program, researching, developing, validating and manufacturing the most technologically advanced hybrid system in the auto industry.

In addition to GM designing and producing the 2-Mode transmission in the United States, more than 75 percent of the program’s suppliers are U.S.-based in 16 states.

Source and Full Story: GM Media Online

BMW X5 with high quality BMW cold air intake has been a favorite of most drivers and this is attributed to its fabulous driving characteristics, plush amenities and above all its awesome off-road capabilities.

Undoubtedly the X5 is one of the more fun-to-drive vehicles in its segment. It has been almost seven years since the German automaker has first introduced the first X5. And during that time BMW has given its X5 with a higher sense of refinement, practicality, reliability, versatility and even off-road ability.

The improvements done on the all-new 2007 BMW X5 has started with a stronger and longer body structure. And still in tuned with the popular and agile BMW 5-series, the second generation X5 was made 7.4 inches longer than its predecessor providing it with a spacious interior room that can accommodate third-row seat. But despite the additional measurement still all-new and larger X5 resided in the midsize segment.

The X5’s front suspension is also a break-away from the 45-year-old BMW tradition. The new X5 features a double-wishbone multi-link design which is a departure from its traditional dual-pivot strut front suspension. This results to an improved on-road ride and handling as well as much better all-road ability. Likewise in connection with its original objective, the X5 remains focus on pavement performance keeping it highly competitive.

The previous X5 offers a choice of 6-cylinder (X5 3.0si) or V8(X5 4.8i) performance. The X5 3.0si is equipped with a highly sophisticated 260-horsepower aluminum/magnesium inline-6. The X5 4.8i on the other hand is powered by a 350 horsepower all-aluminum V8. Standard on both models is the new 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission while the manual transmission was removed from its offerings.

For the new transmission it features an all-new electronic shifter that provides three modes of operation namely: Drive, Sport, and Manual. Regardless of which X5 you choose, the xDrive all-wheel drive system is made standard to enhance traction as well as to correct excessive over or understeer.

In addition the refinements to the xDrive allows for it to function in parallel with the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Chassis Management system that delivers even better handling dynamics. The new DSC system also includes Dynamic Traction Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, Brake Drying, and Start-off Assistant.

The Brake Fake Compensation can sense high brake temperatures and automatically increases hydraulic pressure when the brakes are applied while the Brake Standby helps snug the brake pads up against the brake rotors to minimize brake response time when the driver quickly lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal.

The Brake Drying on the other hand acts depending on the inputs derived from the rain sensing wipers and periodically brings the brake pads up against the brake rotors to remove any water film. Meanwhile, the Start-Off Assistant keeps the vehicle from rolling backward for approximately 1.5 seconds after the driver releases the brakes especially on an uphill incline.

The X5 is also the first vehicle in its class to offer Active Steering as an option. It also possesses plush and comfortable cabin, an optional third-row seat plus the addition of two or more seats for kids and friends.

The pricing for the 2007 BMW X5 starts at $45,900 for the 3.0si while the 4.81 has a tag price of $54,500.