BMW’s big Detroit debut will be the production X6 Sports Activity Coupe (unsurprisingly, BMW avoids the somewhat unbecoming “SAC” acronym), which will be arriving in US showrooms sometime during the second quarter of 2008. When it does, buyers get two flavors to choose from.

The xDrive50i is powered by a new twin-turbo, direct-injected 4.4L V8 pumping out 400-horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive35i, meanwhile, gets the automaker’s acclaimed 300-hp TT inline six-cylinder.

Dynamic Performance Control is a standard feature that can direct torque to either rear wheel, further aiding steering in both dry weather and sloppier conditions. Design-wise, the production X6 looks pretty much just like the hybrid-equipped concept version we saw earlier this year. Read more »

If there’s one attribute Swedish premium automaker Volvo is known for, it’s safety. Throughout the history of the company, Volvo has prided itself on making cars that exceed safety regulations, also a key marketing component for the automaker.

Now, Volvo has announced three new technologies it is developing to take road safety to a new level: Automatic braking, automatic steering, and car-to-car communication.

Volvo’s Collision Warning with Auto Brake — recently introduced in the Volvo S80, V70, and XC70 - already issues visual and audible warnings, begins to apply the brakes, and increases brake hydraulic pressure when sensing an likely collision with another vehicle But Volvo is developing the technology one step further by detecting people with wide-angle radar technology that allows the vehicle to “see” people. Read more »

We’ve found yet more high-res pics of the Shelby GT500KR that will play KITT in the TV revival of Knight Rider. This new batch finally gives us enough angles of both the KITT Hero and KITT Attack cars, including KITT’s interior, to make a judgment on how successful the transformation is.

One thing we always liked about the original KITT was how simple it was: just a jet black exterior with black wheels.

The GT500KR KITT Hero car conforms to this ethos, with an exterior that doesn’t distinguish itself very much from a standards GT500KR save for the black paint accented by matte black racing stripes and the swooping red light bars in the hood nostrels. But why the chrome wheels ? Read more »

We got our first (and only) taste of the U.S.-spec Koenigsegg CCX more than a year ago when we piloted it on a road course outside Las Vegas Speedway with sportscar racer Justin Bell giving us driving tips from the passenger seat.

We had mixed emotions about the super-fast Swede — it was immensely powerful, but its ease of use and drivebility made it underwhelming at the same time.

The day before we got behind the wheel, Koenigsegg had treated several prospective clients to stints around the track as well, and apparently there were at least a few who were impressed enough to plunk down the cash to buy one. Read more »

Since 1953, thousands of beautiful models have posed for Hef’s Playboy magazine, and yet the R-rated publication prides itself on giving “readers” more than just a bunch of naked women in various poses.

To celebrate its diversity of content, the bunny has penned its hottest new rides of 2008.

If it wasn’t already obvious that Mr. Hefner had a passion for nice curves, his publication’s selections for the best transportation on four wheels hints at broader appeal than the female persuasion. Read more »

Zagato is responsible for some of the most exclusive and interesting rebodying jobs ever to grace tarmac.

Beauty being in the proverbial eye of the beholder, some have had greater affection for their designs than others, but they’re certainly intriguing.

Some recent examples have included the custom Ferrari 575 GTZ and Maserati GS, but the Milanese coachbuilder’s work has branched far out of the Italian peninsula, including the unfortunately stillborn Spyker C12 Zagato, as well as a stable full of British cars for Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and, of course, Aston Martin (among others). Read more »

Our friends over at Hemmings who follow the auction scene like crack-addled chipmunks came across the mobile bane of the Batman franchise. The Batman Forever iteration of the Batmobile is one of the worst ever devised.

Universally panned along with the film in which it appeared, it was forced to do sit-com work after it was retired, appearing on The Drew Carey Show (some say the Batmobile’s appearance on the show was when it officially jumped the shark).

The car was recently up for auction with no reserve and sold for $297,000, less than half its estimated worth.

Aside from being an abomination and afront to Bruce Wayne groupies everywhere, the car sold so low because it came with many conditions set by Warner Bros. and DC Comics, including one barring the owner from driving the car in view of the public ! Read more »