BMW has formally announced its 5 Series lineup for the 2014 model year, revealing the updated Sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo, and ActiveHybrid models.

Since the launch of the current-generation 5 Series, BMW has sold over one million units worldwide, and for the 2014 model year, the German automaker has tweaked its design, added new engine variants, and expanded the range of available equipment to build on the lineup’s success. The changes to the exterior are subtle, but include additional contour lines on the surround of the kidney grilles and newly structured lower air intakes. An extra crease was added to the rear apron and the taillights get a slight change to give it an even more striking appearance.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

Xenon headlights are standard on all models with Adaptive LED headlights available as an option. The side indicator lights are now integrated into the mirrors while the automaker has added its Luxury Line and Modern Line packages to the 5 Series lineup.

Minor interior changes include chrome trim on the Control Display while storage compartments and cup holders in the center console have been increased in capacity. The 5 Series Gran Turismo gets additional trunk space.

Added to the lineup is the BMW 518d, a four-cylinder diesel engine with 143 hp on the sedan and touring models. The top-of-the-line engine now offered on the 5 Series lineup is a new V8 unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology pushing out 450 hp. In total for the sedan and touring models, there are four gasoline engines and six diesel engines, including what’s offered on the M550d xDrive. The Gran Turismo has two gasoline engines and three diesel powerplants to choose from.

The ActiveHybrid 5 has also been slightly tweaked with its Proactive Driving Assistant to improve its intelligent energy management.

No pricing was announced for the 2014 BMW 5 Series lineup.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Touring

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

Discuss this story at BimmerWerkz.com

BMW is heading to the 2013 RETTmobil show in Fulda with seven vehicles, presenting its range of purpose-built emergency cars.

Heading to the show is a BMW X6 M50d designed as a medical car for the racetrack and a BMW X3 as a fire brigade. Those aren’t the only X models in attendance however, an X1 First Responder and an X3 will be on display as an emergency medical vehicle. Joining the SUV and crossovers are a 3 Series touring model as an emergency medical services vehicle, and a 5 Series Touring as a fire brigade command vehicle. There will also be a new F 800 GT motorcycle on display as a public authority variant.

These BMW emergency vehicles are designed hand-in-hand with specific equipment facilities and are carried out in close cooperation with the specialists from the respective public authorities and institutions. BMW technologies such as its ConnectedDrive, Night Vision, and Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) all benefit the services of firemen, emergency doctors, and rescue workers worldwide.

GALLERY: BMW at 2013 RETTmobil

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Gone from the Audi lineup is the A4 wagon, known as the Avant, and in its place is the return of the Allroad.

While the previous Allroad model sold on our shores (from 1999 to 2005) was based on the A6 wagon, this new version is a down-sized model based off the more compact A4.

So does it combine the best aspects of a sedan and crossover? Or are we left wanting for the return of Audi’s premium, sporty wagon.

Honda previewed its utilitarian Civic Tourer during the Geneva Motor Show last month in concept form and now new spy photos are showing what to expect from the production car.

Despite being almost entirely covered in camouflage, the photos show Honda’s production version of the Civic station wagon will look a lot like the concept, albeit in a toned down version. The front end, for example, looks more like the Civic hatch, but the rear remains looking like the concept – or at least the car seen here does.

SEE ALSO: Honda Civic Tourer Concept is Like a Mini Odyssey

Changes are good that the final version of the car will retain most of those characteristics, though, because the car is expected to reach the market in early 2014 – although this model won’t be sold in the U.S.

GALLERY: Honda Civic Tourer spy photos

Now that Cadillac has introduced its new 2014 CTS sedan to the world, the fate of the CTS coupe and wagon is up for discussion.

The goal of the new CTS sedan is to compete within the mid-luxury segment, allowing the ATS to target the entry-to-mid level luxury segment such as the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. According to sources close to the American luxurty automaker, the CTS coupe and wagon will be built alongside the new sedan for “at least a year,” but it is likely that after that, both models will be axed.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport is a Genuine German Alternative

It’s no surprise that the wagon is going, considering its sales has been weak at best. Last year, the wagon accounted for a mere seven percent of all CTS sales, and one in three of those were high-performance V models. As for a sporty Cadillac coupe model, it’ll come in the form of an ATS coupe. A competitive, entry-level luxury sports coupe will allow the American automaker to compete against other popular coupes such as the upcoming BMW 4-Series.

So if you’re on the fence of getting your hands on a CTS coupe or wagon, you might want to act fast. It’s just a matter of time before they become a thing of the past.

GALLERY: 2014 Cadillac CTS

[Source: Car and Driver]

Discuss this story at CadillacATSForum.com

Looking for a small, but rugged crossover? Then the Subaru XV Crosstrek is a vehicle to take a look at. With its raised height over the Impreza, the XV is poised to confidently go where the Impreza can’t. We had a chance to drive the base Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium, which costs just $21,995 and here are the five things you need to know about it.

BMW has announced pricing for its 2014 3 Series Wagon which will go on sale in America starting this summer.

The 2014 328i xDrive Sport Wagon will be priced from $42,345 including an $895 destination fee putting the wagon at a $2,600 premium over its sedan counterpart. The 328i xDrive Sport Wagon will be powered by the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four with 240 hp that the sedan features. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and will be available only in all-wheel drive form.

As with any other BMW model that’s available on the market, a huge collection of packages and options are available for the 3 Series Wagon shopper. The Luxury Line package adds some chrome to the aesthetics with the kidney grilles, exhaust tip, side window trim, and roof rails getting a bit of shine. 18-inch wheels are available as part of the package as well as a black and chrome key fob. Interior color choices are Saddle Brown, Venetian Beige, or Black Leather.

As for the Modern Line package, the German automaker swaps the shiny chrome out for matte chrome on the kidney grilles and exhaust tip while the side window trims and roof rails are finished in black. Meanwhile in the interior, the Oyster and Black Leather seats are accented with Dark Oyster accents. The key fob also receives a similar Oyster accent treatment. Both those packages are available for $2,300 and includes the $2,200 Premium Package which adds satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition, and leather seats.

Then there’s the $2,600 Sport Package that also features the blacked-out roof rails and window trim, further accented by black kidney grilles and a lowered sport suspension. Five-spoke, 18-inch wheels are included while leather seating is standard with options of black on red, red on black, or black on grey.

The $3,950 M Sport Line package gives buyers the ability to order the automaker’s infamous Estoril Blue paint shade (for an extra $550) and adds sleeker front and rear bumpers, M-branded 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, new steering wheel, and sport bucket seats. It’s worth noting that the M Sport Line package does not include the Premium Package in its pricing.

As for options, a Cold Weather Package can be had for $900 that adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel. A $1,900 Driver Assistance Package gives blind-spot detection, park sensors, and side/top/rear-view cameras. A $1,000 dynamic handling package outfits the 3-Series Wagon with adaptive dampers and variable sport-tuned steering assist for an extra $1,000. Lastly, navigation can be added on its own for $2,000 or can be part of the $3,000 Technology Package that also adds a heads-up display, enhanced gauge cluster, and telematics services.

BMW did not announce pricing on the diesel-powered 3 Series wagon, which will join the lineup later this year.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 3 Series Wagon

Discuss this story at BMW-Driver.net

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has yet to reach dealerships but customizers are already envisioning the possibilities.

Callaway Cars has been customizing Corvettes since 1987, adding turbochargers and other go-fast modifications to America’s great sports car. Now, the company is gauging interest on a new creation based on the C7 Stingray.

Essentially a “shooting-brake” style vehicle, the Callaway Corvette Stingray AeroWagon will actually be produced if demand is sufficient from Callaway. For the heavy body modifications, the company is charging a $15,000 premium over the price of the vehicle, and if produced, will be available around the same time the Stingray hits dealerships.

According to Callaway, the AeroWagon will have a top speed of 200 mph, which possibly means the company will be adding forced induction to the Stingray as well. The body will be transformed through the use of resin-transfer molding, which produces carbon in one step.

A domestic Ferrari FF-style Stingray? Count us in.

GALLERY: Ferrari FF

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Subaru is recalling its 2012 model year Outback and Legacy models for an issue with the windshield wiper motor.

Only 16 vehicles in total are affected by the recall, which is an expansion of a recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued earlier for 2010-2011 model year Outback and Legacy models.

The issue comes from a wiper motor cover that can overheat and potentially cause a fire, and the vehicles affected were manufactured from April 6, 2011 to April 12, 2011. Subaru has already notified all affected owners and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover for free.

Discuss this story at SubaruOutback.org

BMW will be showing off its 328d diesel wagon and sedan models at the upcoming 2013 New York Auto Show, both of which are expected to launch in America as 2014 models.

Joining the 3-Series diesel models will be the German automaker’s Concept Active Tourer, which many have speculated will become a production model. But the big news is the diesel 3-Series, which will be one of several diesel models BMW plans to introduce in America over the next couple years.

SEE ALSO: Future BMW Diesel Lineup Previewed

The 328d will feature a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque and fuel economy is expected to be around 40 mpg. According to some BMW dealerships, the 3-Series wagon will only be offered as an all-wheel drive xDrive model in America (diesel and non-diesel), while the sedan will have xDrive as an option.

Discuss this story at BimmerWerkz.com

American Volvo dealerships could be showcasing new V60 wagons, thanks to an effort by the Swedish automaker that will make it more relevant to new car buyers.

The move to get rid of the V60, as well as 4 other Volvo models, is hurting the automaker’s growth in the US. As a result, the company is considering reversing the decision on the popular station wagon, and could get the product to US showrooms within a year.

According to Automotive News, Volvo is also is working with its Chinese parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding, on a small-car platform, that would result in a car that would compete directly with entry level BMWs and Mercedes.

SEE ALSO: Volvo Debuts Cyclist Detection With Full Auto Brake

In the mean time Volvo is prepping updated and refreshed models for 2014. The S60 compact sedan, XC60 crossover, S80 sedan and XC70 wagon are all getting enhanced interiors and updated exterior styling. Overall, there are 4,000 changes to the four new models.

The first new vehicle that Volvo will be showcasing will come in 2015, with the XC90. The crossover use a new flexible platform which will be the basis of the redesigned S80, S60 and XC60 in coming years. The current XC90 was originally engineered under Ford ownership and is 10 years old.

GALLERY: 2014 Volvo V60

[Source: AutoNews]

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What happens when you take the Aston Martin Rapide and transform its body so it’s even longer? You essentially get an Aston Martin Rapide wagon, or as Bertone likes to call it, the Jet 2+2.

The Bertone Jet 2+2 joined the original Jet 2 on display at the Geneva Motor Show to celebrate not just Aston Martin’s centenary, but Bertone’s 60 years of association with the British automaker. It’s a shame that the Jet 2+2 isn’t a production model; it’s easily one of the hottest wagons we’ve ever seen.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

Its base is from the original Rapide, not the updated Rapide S that made its world premiere in Geneva. Therefore, it’s powered by a 5.9-liter V12 with 470 hp. The one-off Jet 2+2 was commissioned by an Aston Martin collector and was approved by the brand. Compared to the factory Rapide, there’s slightly more headroom and the cabin features a nice blend of aluminum, leather, and wood.

Enjoy an extra gallery of the original Jet 2, which first debuted in 2004 as a Vanquish wagon but recently got an update.

GALLERY: Bertone Jet 2+2

GALLERY: Bertone Jet 2

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