Hot Cars

BMW 650i Coupe And Convertible Come Full Of Surprises

BMW has finally unveiled details concerning its facelifted 6 Series coupe and convertible performance vehicles. The range-topping BMW 650i now sports the new eight-cylinder 4.8-liter engine, featuring double-VANOS system and Valvetronic valve control and capable of developing up to 360 hp reached at 6,300 rpm. The engine’s maximum torque peaks at 3,400 rpm and reaches generous 360 lb-ft (488 Nm).

Mated with new manual transmission, the engine lets the BMW 650i Coupe accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds (5.6 seconds for the BMW 650i Convertible). The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h).

To make this overgrown shark safer, the Bavarian company has equipped it with new DSC with ABS and ASC systems, as well Brake Assist, and Cornering Brake Control features making high-speed cornering easier.

Another couple of safety options (why don’t they make them standard on such a pricey vehicle?) are BMW’s famous Night Vision system built around a thermal imaging camera and a Head-Up Display projecting relevant information on the 650i’s windshield.

As to the vehicle’s appearance, it now comes with a wider air intake, LED directional indicators, bi-xenon dual round headlights with an additional clear glass layer and an extra brake light built into the spoiler lip.

It may be ordered with one of the new metallic colors of Deep Sea Blue and Space Gray.

New Fiat Bravo In UK

The new 5-door Fiat Bravo goes on sale in the UK on 30 June. It marks Fiat’s return to the second largest segment of the UK market, which equates to almost 600,000 cars per annum or some 25% of the total. Within this sector, 5-door hatchbacks – such as the new Fiat Bravo – account for 75% of total sales.

The New Bravo was created in just 18 months from design ‘freeze’ to production. To achieve this record-breaking development time, Fiat employed new, groundbreaking, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) systems of unprecedented power and complexity, allowing the development of this new hatchback to be undertaken almost entirely through virtual analysis and engineering.

So sophisticated is the computer software involved, that not only could Fiat’s engineers simulate every aspect of the Bravo’s structural, dynamic, NVH and accommodation characteristics to a level of unprecedented detail, but they were also able to create a virtual production-line to ensure consistently outstanding component and build quality.

The benefits of these all-encompassing developments in virtual design and engineering are clearly evident in every aspect of the new Fiat Bravo, from consistently high build quality and class-leading passenger accommodation, to superior driving dynamics, minimal NVH levels and, of course, outstanding safety provision.

New Bravo has been awarded a maximum 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test programme. Achieving 5 stars for adult occupant safety, 3 stars for child protection and a further 2 for pedestrian protection, the new Fiat recorded 33 points, placing it among the leaders of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety.

Twelve versions of the new 5-door Bravo, priced from £10,995 to £15,495 on-the-road, will be available from launch, embracing five trim levels – Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport. Augmenting an interior design founded on the fundamental pre-requisites of class-leading space, exemplary build quality, and visual and tactile sophistication, the new Fiat’s equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board. ABS anti-lock braking, remote central locking, driver and passenger front and side airbags, electric front windows, a CD player, Dualdrive electric power steering and Follow Me Home headlamps are fitted as standard, even within entry level models.

This comprehensive equipment package is further boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options such as dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain, parking and tyre pressure sensors, a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying almost the entire Bravo roof area, a CD system – with subwoofer – that can play MP3 files, and Blue & Me mobile phone and MP3 player connectivity with steering wheel controls.

The new Fiat goes on sale in the UK with a choice of five powerplants, one of which is an all-new 1.4 litre T-Jet 150 bhp turbocharged petrol engine, making its debut in the Bravo. This is the first example of a new family of turbocharged petrol units developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies to combine the sporting performance and low NVH characteristics of a petrol engine with fuel economy comparable to a diesel unit and CO2 emission levels which readily comply with increasingly stringent European regulation.

Through cubic capacity downsizing allied to the adoption of the smallest possible turbocharger, Fiat’s responsive new 150 bhp 1.4 litre T-Jet engine combines performance equal to or better than a conventionally aspirated 1.8/2.0 litre petrol engine, but with a reduction of between 10% and 20% in fuel consumption and emissions. These advantages are especially useful, given the importance of the fleet market, where taxation plays a major role.

The future addition to the range of a 120 bhp version of this outstanding new unit, with performance equal to or better than a conventionally aspirated 1.6 litre petrol engine, together with significant fuel consumption reductions, will increase the new Bravo UK model range to 15 versions later this year.

Alfa Unveils 159 Turismo Internazionale

Only a small number of Alfa Romeos have ever carried the famous two-letter designation, TI. Now it’s the turn of the Alfa 159 saloon and Sportwagon to carry the famous TI initials. Short for Turismo Internazionale, the TI badge now appears on several versions.

The range-enhancing Alfa 159 TI line-up benefits from a unique body kit, lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers all-round, plus chrome effect door mirrors and exhaust.

Inside these TI models, electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats top the list of interior changes, along with new sports dials, aluminium sports pedals, kick plates and trim inserts. A leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob are also included in the sporty specification list.

Drivers can choose from three powerful yet flexible engines. There are two petrol units: a 2.2 JTS and 3.2 JTS V6; and one diesel option: a 2.4 JTDM plus a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes. In addition, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 4WD system, standard equipment on the 3.2 JTS V6, can also be specified on the diesel version.

And, by offering only three body colours – Alfa Red, Stromboli Grey and Carbonio black – Alfa Romeo is planning to keep the Alfa 159 TI models distinctive and exclusive.

Prices are also suitably attractive, with all this extra equipment costing just £750 more than the top spec Lusso models.

Picasso Fan Converts His Car Into Work of Art on Wheels

44-year-old Andy Saunders has spent six months turning a 2CV car into a bizarre work of art - after being inspired by Picasso.

The tiny French motor is now an artistic masterpiece after the multi-coloured makeover and abstract alterations. It is still fully roadworthy and capable of hitting 65mph (105 km/h) and has been renamed Picasso’s Citroen.

Andy decided to create an asymmetrical and abstract vehicle after seeing paintings by the Spanish cubist Pablo Picasso. The mechanical masterpiece was inspired by Picasso’s Three Musicians and his portrait of Dora Maar.

Andy has done his best to alter all symmetry and says the more you study the car, the more quirky things you can see.

It will be officially launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain.

VW Latest Generation Radio-navigation System

The latest generation of navigation devices is marked by simple operation and multiple functions. The RNS 510 radio navigation system is one unit that sets standards in these areas and is now available in the new Touran.

For the first time, the new unit can be operated easily and precisely using a touch screen. The additional control rows (hard and soft keys) using the piano key principle have been kept and enhance the user-friendly concept. The new system calculates routes in record time using a high-performance 750 MIPS (million instructions per seconds) processor and is capable of displaying multi-coloured maps in 16:9 format.

An integrated 30 gigabyte hard drive is used to store navigation data and can also be used to save audio content. The high-resolution display on the electronic navigator is impressive in all areas. It displays maps, images and videos in brilliant screen quality. You can also display maps in a bird’s eye view as well as the familiar arrow icons in split-screen mode.

An integrated DVD drive allows you to play common CD formats like MP3 and WMA (Windows media audio) as well as play videos (only when vehicle is stationary). A Secure Digital card slot on the front of the unit allows you to access various “AUDIO” data formats. The modern radio module with four 20 Watt speakers and excellent sound and reception completes this high-end system. The RNS 510 is available as an option for the Touran at € 2,010.

2008 MY Jaguar XKR Revealed

Jaguar has finally revealed its face-lifted XKR performance coupe. Although not really different from the current Jaguar XKR, the updated model is nevertheless a small step forward for the struggling automaker.

Just like the current model, the updated Jaguar XKR will be equipped with the same 4.2-liter supercharged V8 capable of delivering up to 420 bhp of power and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. However, thanks to increased use of aluminum, the 2008 XKR will weigh only 1665 kg (3670 lbs), which is about 70 kg (154 lbs) less than the outgoing model.

As a result, the new Jaguar XKR will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in some 4.9 seconds with a top speed electronically limited at 155 mph. As to the looks, the car will feature huge 20-inch Senta alloys, heated front windscreen, high-end Surround Sound system and alloy pedals. All these are mentioned in the long list of standard equipment.

The new XKR will be available at a price of £70,097.