As a BMW driver, I know that at times, we can piss off quite a few people. As a Georgian, you often wonder if those gun racks are for show or easy access. So, for those more aggressive BMW drivers in the South (and heads of state) who require a great handling SUV AND require the ability to stop a .44 caliber bullet, we can now turn to the BMW X5 Security. Obviously, BMW is keeping most of the specifics on the down low for obvious reasons, but we do know the windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass. The SAV has a camera system with intercom keeps the passengers informed of what’s happening outside their bullet-proof kid-carrier. To handle the extra armor plating, the Security package is bundled to the X5 4.8i model with its 4.8L, 350HP V8. Nearly indistinguishable from the regular model, BMW has reportedly attempted to maintain the X5’s driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and brakes. Seeing what BMW has done with an already tough to manage SAV, throwing more weight will hamper the already 2-ton beast. However, knowing what BMW can do with heavy cars means this whale will still scoot like a kangaroo and be the most rewarding security based car on the market.

Source: AutoBlog

By Mini rickshaws, we don’t mean there are tiny rickshaws running around China. As cool as that would be, we’re talking about Mini’s of the Cooper variety. In an effort to jump on the Olympic bandwagon and help promote the new Mini Clubman in the People’s Republic of China, Mini has chopped up a small fleet of their car for modification as rickMINIs pedal, quite literally, around Beijing. In addition, a British style bus is working the Olympic crowds selling Mini paraphanalia.

Source: China Car Times

So how much does it cost these days to be at the peak of cool and conscious of the environment? $71,685. At least that’s how much it’s going to cost you to buy the newest iteration of the Cadillac Escalade. This bling people carrier features an EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/21 miles per gallon (city/highway). While not the greatest in the world, it’s an incremental improvement that will give those in rap industry a little more “green” cred. For those of you looking to purchase a Hybrid to save money, look elsewhere.

Source: Reuters

 With 26 actual “selling days”, July 2008 shows that most car companies (not just The Big Three, as the news might have some believing) are hurting by the current lack of consumer confidence and increase in fuel prices. As some might figure, Hummer is taking it on the cheek with a 72% reduction of sales (averaging 72/day) where as Mini (part of the BMW Group) is kicking it at 195 cars per day, up 15% from the same time last year. Nissan and Mercedes also have an increase of 1.4% and 3%, respectively. As you could guess, Chrysler, Ford and GM are some of the largest losers with Toyota and Honda not far behind. Though new car sales are failing, by the estimations here at EasyAutoSales.com is that used cars sales are kicking into full swing as people are always looking for a sweet new ride.

Source: AutoBlog

The Indinapolis Star recently reported on the fact that their fleet of new Ford Mustangs have collected over 4600 tickets on the highways of Indiana. These unmarked cars are targeted specifically on catching speeders and work from the 18 Indiana highway stations around the state. Just tossing some numbers out there, 4600 tickets times $100 a ticket turns in to $460,000 dollars. Enough to keep those Mustangs running and pay the officers who patrol with them. What I’d really like to know is if catching all these speeders has really decreased the number of accidents on highways. Personally, I fail to see how hiding in unmarked cars is still a reasonable tactic for police outside of undercover operations. If you want people to be safe and slow down, make yourself seen. If you want to make money, hide your cars.

Source: Indy Star

Many of you Top Gear fanatics (as well as myself) have been fretting over the eventual quality of a USA based Top Gear due to the show’s financial backing (in the UK, the Government [through the BBC] funds the show which gives them freedom to be honest about cars on the show that might otherwise be part of the show’s advertising base). However, this past weekend, the first filming of Top Gear USA seems to have been a great success. Though many have complained about the guests (Howie Mandel and Mel B), I think Howie was a great choice due to his current popularity with Deal, No Deal. Whereas I do hope they will branch outside of NBC shows, it’s a solid start to get people to watch who might not normally tune in.

It also seems that Adam Carolla was in fact a great choice, by many who were at the first taping. Whereas Jeremy Clarkson and the British crew work off a script, Adam does about 90% improv which really got the crowd chuckling. The other two hosts haven’t come into their own yet, but the chemistry is there and it’s starting. With a few more shows under their belt, most feel they will be a great team.

Though the first show may not be used as the actual pilot on NBC, producer Andy Wilman said it will in fact be used at some point, much to his surprise. One guest who got to talk with Andy stated, “One interesting thing that Andy said was before the tapping he didn’t think that this show was going to be broadcastable, just because the guys needed more time to get in a grove, but after the show he was really excited and said that he would probably use the show, but just not as the series premier but as a later episode.” Some say the shows pilot will air online at some point. Some say we may see it on the local bittorrent sites before the end of the year. All we know is that the first episode is slated to air sometime in January.

Source: FinalGear.com