BMW 5 Series GT (w/ Video)

BMW officially took the wraps off the production version 5 Series Gran Turismo today. The new model, previewed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in March, is set to bridge the gap between the automaker's X5 SUV and the 5 Series Touring wagon. As we expected, BMW has remained true to form: the 5 Series GT is identical to the design of its concept precursor, including a lower body section and taillamps that call to mind the latest BMW 7 Series, a front end reminiscent of the CS concept, and an upper cabin design familiar to anyone who's seen an X6.  The interior has seen the most change, if only in color and trim.

Chevy will use World Series to pitch Volt's debut

Chevrolet will use next month's World Series to launch ads for the debut of the Volt plug-in hybrid sedan, General Motors Co.'s marketing chief Joel Ewanick said. The ads will be part of a broad campaign that Chevrolet will initiate during Major League Baseball's fall classic and run throughout autumn, said Ewanick, who spoke on the sidelines of the Rainbow PUSH auto summit in Detroit. Ewanick declined to give details of the Volt commercials or the broader Chevrolet campaign.

Posh cars 'raise house prices'

HAVING a posh car in the driveway can push up property prices, according to a survey. As many as a third of people reckon having a luxury motor outside their home can add to the value of their house, the poll by car rental company Avis found. Around a third of the 2,000 adults surveyed also thought a flash car would help sell a property.