Hot Cars

HAMANN Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the perfect vehicle in the Maranello sports car stable for the gentleman driver. The Gran Turismo is already a very noble means of travel as standard equipment, however particularly optically it can still stand some flashier details. Therefore a modification of the body stood at the top of the HAMANN engineers’ to-do list. But the refiners from Laupheim didn’t neglect sound and handling either.

Form and function assume a strong symbiosis through the HAMANN aerodynamic components. The sports car designed by Pininfarina acquired a front spoiler from the noble tuner from Laupheim to provide optimal downforce on the front axle, which also improved the optics of the largest Ferrari even further. The pair of side sills for the flank of the 612 impart an impression of lowered suspension. The rear spoiler helps to ensure optimal downforce on the rear axle, while clearly bringing a more sporting look to the rear view without disturbing the basic design. HAMANN achieves an even bigger modification to the rear view through a new rear end component with integrated diffuser, which also ensures more downforce.

As customary with HAMANN, the aerodynamic components are available in fiberglass and carbon-Kevlar.

HAMANN addresses the subject of wheels with its self-developed design “Edition Race”. The appearance of the three-part, ultra-light, forged rim with cross-spoke design and black rim-star is characterized by the nine main spokes, which each branch out to form two more. Besides the exciting design, the titanium screwing is particularly pleasing to the eye. The cherry on the cake of the noble optics is the highly polished rim flange. Naturally HAMANN also offers the wheel as a complete wheel set.
Typical wheel and tire combinations:
front 9.0 J x 20″ / rear 12.5 J x 20″ - 245/35 ZR 20 / 335/30 ZR20
front 9.0 J x 21″ / rear 12.0 J x 21″ - 245/30 ZR 21 / 345/25 ZR21

With the aid of a chassis spring assembly, HAMANN lowers the center of gravity even further which even in a vehicle of this caliber still brings noticeable improvement to the handling.

Incontestably the sound of a Ferrari 12-cylinder is something completely special. The sport mufflers are made from in V2A stainless steel and are offered by HAMANN for left and right, each of which has double exhaust pipes (Ø 90mm).

When ordering the sport mufflers, the 540 HP symphony sounds twice as potent as before. This also means that the twelve cylinders can breathe out more easily.

Naturally HAMANN also dedicates itself to the interior. Traveling should be made as pleasant as possible for the passengers. For example, an exclusive foot mat set in black in the Ferrari’s cockpit makes it appear more homey. Of course HAMANN can also modify any 612 Scaglietti to the individual tastes of the customer, e.g. with lavish leather fittings in different colors or extensive multimedia configurations involving a DVD player, TV or PlayStation.

Peugeot 207 Van Revealed

The Peugeot 207 van will replace Peugeot’s successful 206 van and build further on the stylish looks and great driving dynamics of its predecessor. Based on the 207 three door hatchback model, the 207 Van shares the same overall length of 4.03 m, width of 1.92 m, wheel base of 2.54 m and overall height of 1.47 m. This provides a maximum load area of 1.1 m3 and a payload of 450 kg.

It will be available at launch with three engine options, two HDi diesels, 1.4 litre 70 bhp and 1.6 litre 90 bhp and a 1.4 litre 75 bhp petrol engine. All the engines will be fitted with a manual five speed gearbox with ratio selected to match the individual engine characteristics.

The 207 Van will also benefit from all the structural safety features of the hatchback and will include as standard, driver and passenger airbag and side airbags. ESP will be available as an option. With its car like comfort and equipment levels it will provide an ideal vehicle for service engineers, city centre deliveries and individuals who need to transport small loads such as florists or the transportation of documents etc. Prices and specification will be announced nearer the launch of the 207 van in July.

BMW Powers Forwards With The O2

BMW UK has joined forces with AEG to become the official automotive partner for The O2, the UK’s première entertainment venue. When it opens in June, The O2 will feature significant BMW branding and signage as well as allowing BMW to showcase its latest products at the venue. BMW is the title sponsor of the VIP entrance and walkway as well as a Welcome feature in the main Entertainment District.

The deal, which will run for three years, primarily involves the BMW brand, with MINI and BMW Motorcycles featuring at specific events. BMW will host dealer and customer events as well as benefiting from hospitality opportunities at more than 150 live music, sports and entertainment events annually. The venue is expecting to attract five million visitors in its first year and BMW’s brand and products will be accessible to a broad audience in this exciting entertainment environment.

Paul Andrews, General Manager, Marketing Services at BMW said: “BMW UK is both proud and excited to be a founding partner of The O2. I am convinced the venue will be an incredible success and offer premium levels of entertainment and hospitality. AEG’s ambitions for The O2 mirror BMW’s goals – to be appealing to consumers looking for the ultimate experience.”

David Campbell, President and Chief Executive of AEG Europe added: “The O2 will be Europe’s ultimate entertainment destination – setting a new standard for entertainment and hospitality. In developing the venue it is really important to us that we work with world-class partners who share in our vision. The BMW and MINI brands are two of the best brands we could hope to work with and will offer an unrivalled experience to our visitors. We are immensely excited and proud to be working with BMW UK.”

Price Announced For BMW M3 Coupe

Further details of the new BMW M3 Coupe, the most powerful road-going M3 the marque has ever produced, have been announced. The latest BMW M3 Coupé is a technical tour de force. The 420hp V8-engined performance car is capable of zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds, before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. But while engine capacity, cylinder count and output have increased compared to the previous M3’s six-cylinder unit, engineers have managed to reduce powerplant weight and introduce elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme.

The use of lightweight engine components means the 3,999cc engine weighs 15kgs less than the previous 3.2-litre six-cylinder. Brake Energy Regeneration combines with an induction system featuring eight individual throttle butterflies and double-VANOS variable valve technology for the best performance. Such technology is why the BMW M3 posts a consumption figure of 22.8mpg on the combined cycle, an eight per cent improvement over the outgoing car.

The BMW M3 Coupé goes on sale in September 2007 priced at £50,625 OTR.