Need a faster way to get your kids to soccer practice? Make sure you don’t pass any Prius fanatics because this new 2010 BMW X5 M collects a two out of a possible ten on its sticker’s Global Warming Score. The X5 M’s combined fuel economy is 14 mpg according to the EPA, and we all know it seems they calculate that number driving downhill. The 262 cubic inches (4.4-liters) under the hood supported by two blow driers (turbos) produces 555 hp and 501 tq. With that power we know you wont be seeing 14mpg. It has been shown though that 13mpg is more realistic.

But who cares. I am sure whoever has $89,875 won’t be worrying too much about gas mileage. This thing is also not the skinniest girl on the block tipping the scales at 5,368lbs. That’s over 500lbs MORE than the F-150. And I thought the F-150 was heavy. Don’t expect that 555hp/501tq to throw you back in your seat too far. But we have heard this thing still shows its German engineering and excellence. Read below from a fellow writer at autoblog.com:

As we exited the freeway, the Caterham’s pilot gunned it around a sharp corner. Figuring, “Let’s just see,” I followed suit, one-handing the X5 M’s tiller sharply to the right. What transpired is one of the most eye-popping and perplexing few seconds of my auto-reviewing career. The X5 M stayed with the Caterham. Inch for inch, line for line, apex to apex, the giant blue hulk perfectly mimicked the Se7en’s nimble flight path. Not only that, but when we straightened out, the 5,386 pound lard-ass was able to out accelerate the 1,200 pound British bantamweight. I burst out in laughter, a long, heartfelt, sustained thirty-second belly-laugh. No way man. There’s absolutely no way that just happened. Couldn’t have. But, much to my extreme disbelief (not to mention whatever was going through the Caterham driver’s mind), the X5 M totally, fully 100-percent opened up a can of 9,000 calorie whoop-ass on Colin Chapman’s lightweight ideal. And just then, all 90,000 of the X5 M’s ridiculous dollars suddenly made complete sense.

Did you know the rear end rotates? The DPC (Dynamic Performance Control) is implemented into the rear axle and employs torque vectoring technology. What does that mean? When you’re driving at a certain speed and turn left, the rear right wheel gets the bulk of the power, allowing you to keep on the throttle in while cornering. The same goes for turning right. I have not experienced this myself but sounds like a very impressive addition.

What about the numbers? The X5 M hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and cruises through the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds at 109 mph. Not bad. Not bad at all. What helps to do this is the All Wheel Drive system, Launch Control, and the meaty 275/40R/20 front and 315/35R/20 rear tires. Here is a little tutorial on the launch control system according to the owners manual.

1. When the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, step on the brake pedal.
2. With the transmission in M/S mode, shift into M1
3. Activate MDM mode or deactivate DSC Dynamic Stability Control, refer to page 21.
4. Select the “Sport” program for the M Engine dynamics control.
5. The engine speed is controlled for starting off. The flag symbol appears in the instrument panel.
6. When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle accelerates.
7. Upshifting occurs automatically.

Have you ever been in a BMW M car? You should have noticed the small “M” button on the steering wheel. This performs several functions other than lift off. The EDC (Electronic Damping Control) will stiffen up your suspension to ultimately eliminate body roll. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) will loosen up and allow the rotating rear end to act even harder. The X5 also goes into MDM (M Dynamic Mode) which allows for even higher limits. If you like the Fast and the Furious movies and aspire to be the DK (Drift King) on your block, BMW allows you to turn off the DSC and MDM modes.

Overall this beast of an SUV is nothing like a soccer mom vehicle. Performance, handling, electronics, and the crappy mpgs are all there with the $90k price tag. It’s what you expect when an M5 mates with an X5. If you are looking for that performance SUV that will compete with your neighbors Porsche Cayenne, maybe the X5 M is the fit for you.

Test driving the Spyker C8 Aileron provides a sense of sitting in supercar heaven. As if this vehicle was made by God himself, the Spyker C8 Aileron is perfect. Everything about the car is supreme, from the 100% aluminum construction to the special cold weather raised leather interior. The vehicle is hand made, but do not expect flaws. This car is the Rolex of automotive performance and luxury! Spyker has a rich heritage of aviation and it is clearly seen through out the vehicle. Aeronautical style gauges, cockpit like feel, and that warm feeling of rich surroundings engulfs the passengers as they depart gate C8 courtesy of Spyker. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Powered by a 4.2 liter Audi V8, the Spyker C8 Aileron has plenty of grunt to push occupants back into the seat as if simulating a private jet takeoff. Four hundred horsepower and 480 NM is plenty of power for this lightweight aluminum land bound aircraft. The only thing missing is wings! You will feel like you are flying on cloud nine as the Lotus suspension handles the obstacles within your trajectory. There is nothing wrong with this vehicle, it is perfect. If you can find one and you are in the market, buy it! You won’t be sorry. The vehicle I test drove was the pre-production model and was one of four in the entire world, valued at over one million dollars. View a complete slide show of the Spyker C8 Aileron and friends.

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Source: Tampa Sports Car Examiner