Hot Cars

New BMW X5 4.8i M Sport

BMW’s ever-popular M Sport derivative is to be introduced to the new BMW X5 range for the first time. On sale now, the new flagship offers customers a substantial level of sports-orientated standard equipment when compared to SE specification to offer a distinctive and dynamic range-topping model.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport comes equipped with 19-inch V-spoke M light alloy wheels, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminium surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel. Customers wishing to further differentiate their cars can also choose to upgrade to 20-inch M V-spoke light alloy wheels.

The introduction of M Sport to the BMW X5 range has been eagerly awaited by buyers as 90 per cent of the previous models sold were specified as a Sport.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport will be available in six colours: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Carbon Black, Monaco Blue, Space Grey, Titanium Silver. Inside and Nevada leather upholstery is standard and is available in Black, Grey, Beige and Saddle Brown hues. Dark Walnut interior trim is standard on the X5 4.8i M Sport but customers can specify Brushed Aluminium, Dark Bamboo or Light Poplar at no additional cost.

Power for the car comes from a 4,799cc engine fitted with Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC variable valve technologies to produce 355hp. The advanced engine is capable of propelling the car from zero to 62mph in 6.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150mph. The 4.8-litre powerplant still records 22.6mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of 299g/km – both figures that better rival products from Porsche and Audi.

The introduction of a new variant to the X5 range comes as the sales figures reveal that the model is exceeding original expectations. Customer demand for the BMW X5 means the model is forward sold until the end of 2007. The 3.0-litre diesel engined variant is still the most popular X5 accounting for more than 90 per cent of orders.

The BMW X5 4.8i M Sport costs £53,440 OTR. M Sport will be offered on 3.0d and 3.0si models later in 2007 and further details will be announced nearer the time.

Phantom Silver Marks 100th Anniversary Of Silver Ghost

Rolls-Royce has produced a limited edition, named Phantom Silver, to mark the 100 th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The special model, of which only 25 will be made, pays homage to one of the most famous automotive names of all time.

First built in 1906, specifically to publicise the then new Rolls-Royce 40/50 h.p. six-cylinder model, the Silver Ghost established the Rolls-Royce reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The name was coined in 1907 by Rolls-Royce Managing Director, Claude Johnson, by virtue of its silver coachwork and its ‘extraordinary stealthiness’.

The original Silver Ghost, registered AX-201, competed in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, for which it won the gold medal in its class for hill climbing speed and reliability. The Silver Ghost went on in that year to break the world record for a non-stop motor run, covering a London to Glasgow route 27 times, with mileage totaling 14,371 miles.

More than 6,000 “Silver Ghosts” were built between 1907 and 1925, and sold in every corner of the world. The majority are still in good running order.

In tribute to the specifications of the original, the Phantom Silver is finished in a new Bespoke paint, Metallic Ghost Silver. The 21-inch wheels have chrome centres and on top of the grille sits a hallmarked solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, Rose Leaf or Crème Light leather is accompanied by seat piping and headrests embroidered with the Rolls-Royce interlinked RR badge. Straight grained Santos Palissander wood veneer is used throughout. The same veneer is also used on a specially designed presentation box that houses the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned solid silver Conway Stewart fountain pen.

Rolls-Royce Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, “The Silver Ghost is such a significant model in the history of Rolls-Royce that we felt marking its 100 th anniversary was entirely fitting. Its extraordinary reliability, refinement, comfort and virtually silent running were as important to Rolls-Royce in 1907 as they are today.”

Phantom Silver specification

- Bespoke Ghost Silver paintwork
- 21-inch alloy wheels chrome centre caps
- Roseleaf or Crème Light leather interior trim
- Santos Palissander veneered wood
- Coolbox
- Solid silver and enamel Conway Stewart pen
- Solid silver key fob
- Solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy
- Bespoke drinks holder
- Bespoke champagne flutes and tumblers detailed with silver
- White instrument dials
- Bespoke clock matched to instrument dials
- Phantom Silver tread plates

2007 BMW Concept CS

Introducing the BMW Concept CS, Germany’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles is presenting the vision of a unique four-door car which combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car. This unique combination never seen before offers the perspective to enjoy sheer driving pleasure in a dimension quite unprecedented in the world of motoring.

Indeed, the BMW Concept CS is a new definition of design culture. Concentrating on powerful, expressive design, materials of the highest quality, and quality of finish in perfection, this unique new model offers a completely new understanding of premium quality.

In presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is not only entering a brand-new segment of the market never occupied before, but is also setting the milestone with a brand-new type of car. The four-door luxury Gran Turismo enters a new dimension of motoring in new style and with new features.

A new experience of dynamics and the ambience around us, exemplary quality in design and finish, extreme precision in the dimensions of the car, and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS.

The sum total of such qualities in the BMW Concept CS can be created only on a sound foundation of firmly defined values: innovative power, sporting performance, aesthetic design, an open frame of mind, and full awareness of quality. Precisely these are the values BMW has been applying consistently for decades in the development of particularly outstanding saloons and fascinating, truly dynamic sports cars. And now these values are concentrated even more than before in an unprecedented manner in the BMW Concept CS.

Measuring 200.8 inches in length, the BMW Concept CS is dominated by dynamically flowing lines. From the BMW kidney grille standing out powerfully to the front, the eyes of the beholder move back along the low-slung and sleek engine compartment lid, subsequently meandering along the side-line and roof-line all the way to the deliberately short rear-end with its clear-cut air flow spoiler.

The dynamically stretched silhouette of the car proudly boasts a wide range of features typical of the character of a particularly sporting, avantgarde automobile. All of these features clearly bear testimony to excellent aerodynamics as well as a low centre of gravity helping to promote superior agility on the road. And at the same time the carefully modeled transitions between the body sections are a clear symbol of the car’s nimble character and performance, despite its size.

The interior of the BMW Concept CS also offers dynamism of a completely new standard borne out by the combination of exclusive elegance and sophisticated refinement. In designing the interior, the innovative technique of layering the individual surfaces and components provides an unprecedented combination of function and stylish reduction to the essential.

The appropriate use of joints and seams, together with layered surfaces, creates new options in the arrangement of functional elements for both ventilation and illumination. And at the same time the layering concept offers new possibilities to clearly express the class and value of the materials used as well as the precise design of the car’s interior through contrasting colors and the structure of different materials.

Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard. More than ever before, this highlights the sheer value of the materials used, the love for all details, and quality of finish now enhanced to perfection.

Nissan Announces Pricing On 2008 Altima Coupe

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, which goes on sale May 25, 2007 at Nissan dealers nationwide. The newest extension of Nissan’s best-selling Altima lineup offers dramatic styling, a sport-inspired interior and a choice of two advanced powerplants –a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed manual or Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmissions.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5 S with 6-speed manual transmission is $20,490. Altima Coupe 2.5 S CVT with Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) starts at $20,990. The V6-equipped Altima Coupe 3.5 SE 6MT with 6-speed manual has an MSRP of $24,890, while the 3.5 SE Altima Coupe SE CVT with Xtronic CVT starts at $25,390.

Customers will be able to pre-order 2008 Altima Coupes at Nissan dealers beginning today under a special “Reserve Your Coupe” promotion.

The new Altima Coupe offers smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling, giving it a more sporty appearance and driving feel. Altima Coupe has a 4.0 inch shorter wheelbase and overall length is 7.1 inches less than the Altima Sedan. The Coupe also has a 2.5 inch lower profile than the Sedan version. The Altima Coupe and Sedan only share a common hood, with all other major panels, including the grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.

The new Altima Coupe is part of the fourth-generation Altima design, which utilizes Nissan’s all-new, highly acclaimed “D” platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.

“The Altima Coupe sets itself apart from the segment by being more than just an Altima Sedan minus two doors,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The driving performance of the Altima Coupe is biased toward sporty feel, especially when equipped with our award- winning V6. Handling is also a strong point of the new Coupe, as is the responsive feeling provided by the Xtronic CVT transmission.”

The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 utilized in Altima Coupe 3.5 SE models is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award- winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Available with the new Altima Coupe 2.5 S models is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL).

Altima Coupe models with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires, while V6-equipped Altima Coupes come with unique-design 17- inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires. All 2008 Altima Coupes also come equipped with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The list of Altima Coupe passenger amenities includes standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bose(R)-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Available technology features include a RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear, and Nissan Navigation System with a 6.5-inch color monitor.

The new Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags.

Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

In addition to the new 2008 Altima Coupe, Altima is offered in a variety of Sedan models - including the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and Altima Hybrid (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The new Altima is off to a strong launch, with 2007 calendar-year-to-date sales up nearly 19 percent through March.

2008 Bentley Brooklands Limited Edition Coupe

Calling the new Bentley Brooklands “the world’s most exclusive coupe”, Bentley is planning to limit the vehicle’s production to only 550 units for the model’s lifetime.

Despite 2008 Bentley Brooklands’ retro styling, the coupe features one of the most advanced and powerful engines in its class. The new 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 unit mated to six-speed gearbox, sports impressive 530bhp and mind-numbing 775 lb-ft (1050 Nm) of torque.

The vehicle not only very powerful, it’s larger than its predecessor - Bentley Continental R coupe - giving more leg, knee and headroom for the rear passengers.

Volvo S80 Named 2007 AutoMundo Magazine Car of the Year

AutoMundo, the nation’s premier Spanish-language automotive enthusiast publication, today named the all-new Volvo S80 as its 2007 Car of the Year. The prestigious accolade which appears in the magazine’s April issue, follows the S80’s recent debut in the U.S. marketplace and echoes what others are saying about Volvo’s first V8-powered luxury sedan.

The S80 was selected for its revolutionary design, dynamic and youthful driving attributes and Volvo’s legendary safety systems. “The new 2007 Volvo S80 was really the obvious choice,” commented Jorge Koechlin, President and Editor-in-Chief of AutoMundo. “As the company’s first V8-powered car, it really breaks the mold of what AutoMundo has come to expect of Volvo’s cars.”

“The S80 is a true competitor to other European and Japanese luxury sedans,” said Anne Belec, President and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. “This recognition by the editors of AutoMundo is significant, and reflects our belief that Volvo is worthy of consideration in this very competitive segment.”

The all-new Volvo S80 went on sale in December with a starting price of $38,705 for the 235-horsepower inline-6 cylinder engine and $47,350 for the all-wheel-drive-equipped V8 with 311 horsepower. The S80 features a number of standard safety systems including SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. It also features many driver-assistance systems such as Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Ready Alert Brakes with Electronic Brake Support.

AutoMundo magazine is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Its mission is to publish a premium Spanish-language automotive magazine for the U.S. market with the most comprehensive editorial regarding all aspects of the automotive industry. AutoMundo strives to bring relevant, high-quality content to its Hispanic readers and car enthusiasts.

VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for nearly 80 years.

The 2007 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan - including the award-winning performance sedan - S60 R and the performance wagon version - V70 R; the all-new flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and, the new C70 convertible.