BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

With the future still offering sufficient room for an exciting new driving experience, BMW has once again defined a brand-new vehicle segment: The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the series-based adaptation of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) in the upper midrange segment, offering an impressive outlook on the extension of the BMW 5 Series by a new, additional concept.

With its stylish appearance and comfortable driving experience, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo transfers the characteristics of a classic Gran Turismo to a very special four-door vehicle with four seats. These features so typical of a Gran Turismo are then enriched by the highest standard of intelligent, versatile functionality.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability. In a combination never seen before on any other car, the characteristic features of a prestigious sedan, a modern and versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo are all united in this unique Concept Car.

Besides the typical BMW proportions, the coupe-like roofline accentuates the elegant yet sporty character of the car and the sheer length of the car’s body. In addition, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo has four frameless doors and elegant aluminium highlights.

The luxurious interior is surprisingly generous considering the coupé-like silhouette of the car, creating a spontaneous feeling of well-being for driver and passengers. This impression is further enhanced by a comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, and the panorama roof providing a particularly pleasant travel experience.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is highly versatile: a flexible interior comprising the rear seats, the partition wall wall, and the luggage compartment allows the adjustment of the interior individually to personal requirements - from a separate luggage compartment, like in a sedan, all the way to a loading capacity of 1,650 litres or almost 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility is rounded off by a two-piece tailgate with separate openings for additional convenience.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo addresses a demanding and modern target group - discerning individuals who attach great importance to genuine style, luxurious comfort and flexibility in use. This gives BMW the opportunity to win over customers who today drive either a sedan, an SUV or an wagon model in the respective competitive segments.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo extends the BMW’s model range by an intelligent, new and indeed unparalleled vehicle concept for modern mobility at highest standard. Through its unique combination of elegance, space, comfort and variability, the car creates a powerful impression of relaxed presence. Indeed, these new characteristics enrich Sheer Driving Pleasure to an even higher standard and appeal to additional target groups. And last but not least the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo authentically visualises premium quality and a new standard of sporting performance borne out by the car’s dynamism and efficiency.

Interior design:
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a spacious and luxurious ambience with inspiring and modern interior design. As the world’s only combination of variable spaciousness and uncompromising premium quality, this new concept car also stands out through the most sophisticated materials and excellent quality of finish. Supreme harmony in interior design, reflected by the trim surfaces extending from the front to the rear doors, creates a modern symbiosis of the two seats at the front and the seats at the rear. The panorama glass roof, in turn, further intensifies the light and generous ambience inside the car, while the stylish cockpit emphasises the sheer width of the vehicle through its horizontal lines, black panel technology and a fully integrated 10.2-inch Control Display.

Supreme seating comfort, ample headroom and elbow room in the front provide the standard of a luxury performance automobile, the slightly elevated seating position ensures an optimum overview and makes access to the car particularly comfortable. Tilted slightly to the front, the instrument panel, finally, optimises the degree of control comfort on the driver’s seat.

Convenient and ergonomically optimised access as well as significant freedom of movement characterise the generous atmosphere on the rear seats. Extending all the way to the rear, the centre console in the concept car emphasises the length of the interior. Outstanding variability, in turn, is ensured by single seats at the rear infinitely adjustable fore-and-aft, their backrests folding forwards individually and under electric power at the touch of a button and the adjustable backrest angle ensuring further comfort and style.

With the rear seats in their regular position, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers the passengers at the rear the same legroom as in the BMW 7 Series and virtually the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage compartment capacity is 430 litres or 15.1 cubic feet. The partition wall behind the rear seats separates the passenger and luggage compartments from one another in terms of both acoustics and climate conditions, like in a sedan. If necessary, the rear seats move fore-and-aft by up to 100 millimetres or more than 3.9″ - so that with the seats moved as far forward as possible, the occupants still enjoy the same legroom as in the BMW 5 Series Sedan, with luggage capacity increasing to 570 litres or almost 20 cubic feet. Then, once folding down the rear seat backrests and the partition wall, the luggage compartment further increases in size to its maximum capacity of 1,650 litres or nearly 58 cubic feet. The firm cover on the luggage compartment may be stowed away in the floor of the compartment, again in the interest of extra convenience.

The two-piece tailgate allows unique variability in loading the luggage compartment: Opening the small, sedan-like tailgate beneath the rear window enables the driver and passengers, in combination with the closed partition wall, to load the luggage compartment without creating any drafts into the passenger compartment or changing the temperature the passengers wish to enjoy. To conveniently load bulky objects, in turn, all the driver has to do is open up the large tailgate similar in its configuration to that of a Sports Activity Vehicle.

Exterior design:
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the modern, up-todate interpretation of a Gran Turismo with four doors and all the prestige of a Sedan and the variability of a Sports Activity Vehicle. The proportions so typical of a BMW are borne out in particular by the long engine compartment lid, the long wheelbase, the coupé-like roofline, and the greenhouse moved far to the rear.

The dynamic character of the car’s front-end design is accentuated by the large BMW kidney grille positioned low down and standing upright at the front, as well as the large air intake. Tilted to an angle, extending far round to the side and highlighted by a striking surround, the dual round headlights give the front end of the car a particularly modern look. The corona rings of the daytime driving lights, finally, come for the first time in LED technology.

From the side, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo clearly visualises its innovative character, the striking waistline and the coupé-like roofline accentuate the elegant look of the car and the sheer length of the body. Following the example of a sporting coupé, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with four doors and frameless windows. The aluminium surrounds on the side windows are milled out of one solid unit and holding the elegantly designed exterior mirrors as yet another important design feature. Yet a further striking element on the side is the exciting re-interpretation of the famous “Hofmeister kink” so typical of BMW at the rear end of the window graphics.

Horizontal lines at the rear emphasise the width and sporting character of the car, further accentuated by the waistline extending from the side into the rear panel, a three-dimensional chrome bar and the flared wheel arches. The outer rooflines merge into the air spoiler and encompass the rear end in its sporting fastback design. And as yet another feature typical of BMW, the L-shaped rear light clusters come with horizontal rows of lights extending far round into the side of the car.

Porsche Panamera

Porsche AG is presenting the first time the innovative interior concept of its fourth series. Already on the market, in Germany on 12 September 2009 begins, the Panamera will be in the top versions with V8 motorization and luxurious facilities available.

With a continuous center console makers from the taps to the Fondsitzen offers four Gran Turismo on all four seats in a new room and ride. The interior provides optimal ergonomic conditions for the driver and stresses beyond the personal sphere of each passenger on each tailored individual seats. A deep seating position and steering wheel give a sporty flat the Porsche-typical direct contact with the road. In addition to these traditional values of the Panamera offers numerous possibilities for the interior to vote individually. Smooth and natural leather-processing equipment in a total of 13 color and material combinations, including four Bi-Color equipments can with seven optional interior designs are combined, including exclusive materials such as carbon, and the open-pored wood “Olive nature.

Upon request, a four-zone automatic climate control available, with the temperature, fan strength and air distribution for each position can be set separately. The inmates are in the new Panamera standard of driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags and the front seats by side and knee airbags protected in case of accidents. For the rear-side airbags are optional.
For the Panamera S and 4S standard comfort front seats are sporty and designed for comfort, an excellent eight-fold electrically adjustable. The fund offers two individual seats with folding armrest means generous leg and headroom for very tall passengers. In the Panamera Turbo is the electric seat adjustment with Comfort Memory Package combines the extension of an additional seat and lumbar support and an electric steering column adjustment covers. Upon request, additional alternatives such as adaptive sport seats
or electrically adjustable comfort seats often in Fond available.

For the first time is in a Porsche as a culmination of listening to desire the high-end surround sound system of the Berlin Edelmanufaktur Burmester available, one of the most prestigious high-end audio manufacturers worldwide. Never before has such a large, acoustically effective total membrane surface area during the design phase of a vehicle and now in a production vehicle implemented: More than 2,400 square centimeters provide a sound experience to the live concert comes very close. They provide 16 speakers, the amplifier of 16 channels with more than 1,000 watts total output will be activated, for a unique sound, of an active subwoofer with 300-watt Class-D amplifier is rounded.

When the luggage is the great practicality of the Panamera concept. After opening the tailgate, four suitcases easily stowed behind the Fondsitzen. Due to the high standing that the luggage can be accommodated. The luggage compartment volume of Panamera S and 4S is 445 liters, the Panamera Turbo offers 432 liters of luggage contents. With umgeklappten Fondsitzlehnen the capacity to grow lush 1,250 liters.

The Panamera will initially only in V8 motorisation and rear-wheel drive on the market: Even the entry model Panamera S is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 with 400 hp (294 kW) performance driven. Power is optional on a seven-speed Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK) to the rear wheels. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.4 seconds back, the maximum speed of 283 km / h achieved. The EU5 standard consumption is 10.8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 253 g / km. The price in conjunction with the PDK gearbox, including 19 percent VAT and country-specific equipment is 98,085.50 euros. Mass is the Panamera S with a six-speed manual gearbox and is equipped for the price of 94,575 Euros including 19 percent VAT and country-specific feature.

In the Panamera sports 4S does a 4.8 liter V8 with 400 hp (294 kW) power. The transmission takes place over a seven-speed Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK) to all four wheels. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is 5.0 seconds, the maximum speed of 282 km / h. The EU5 standard consumption amounted to 11.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions to 260 g / km. The price includes 19 percent VAT and country-specific equipment is 102,251 euros.

The top model Panamera Turbo equipped with a 4.8 liter V8 Biturbo with 500 hp (368 kW). Power is also on a seven-speed Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK). Allradler The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed of the turbo to reach 303 km / h. The standard consumption of 12.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 286 g / km. The price includes 19 percent VAT and country-specific equipment is 135,154 euros.

All versions are equipped with engines with gasoline direct injection, low-friction drive systems and lightweight bodywork. Panamera will also offer all models with the self-switching Porsche double-clutch PDK gearbox, the new Auto Start-Stop function. It provides the motor vehicle at a standstill and operated brakes automatically - for example at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

Mini John Cooper Works Convertible

Mini unveils the Mini Convertible John Cooper Works. With the same high performance engineering changes, as the Hatch model with the John Cooper Works BADGE, the Convertible’s 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm maximum torque with overboost use. [more....]

Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

In 2010 Ford is presenting a new cool customized F-150 - the Harley-Davidson F-150. This Ford F-150 is the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever – featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.” [more...]

Maybach Zeppelin

The new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury sedan series. The new model, the ability to receive premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, is the absolute peak in the high-end luxury sedan segment. This makes him a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, the world’s revered as the ultimate high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s. [more]

Apollo Speed

On the 79th Geneva Motor Show, the Gumpert Sportwagen Manufaktur GmbH will show the Apollo Speed. While Apollo Sport testing on race circuits for optimum performance, and lateral Grip in all situations, the focus on the Apollo Speed is exclusive high-speed customers. The output values of the speed is due sophisticated aerodynamics significantly higher than those of competitors.

Want an Electric Mini Cooper? First, You Must Qualify to Buy One

BMW's Mini division has a problem most automakers would love to have: too many people want to buy its cars. Specifically, they want an electric version of the wildly popular Mini Cooper. The company can't build enough examples of its proposed electric Mini to meet demand. While most automakers struggle to attract buyers, Mini has to figure out which buyers to choose.

In fact, nearly 2,000 people have applied to lease one of the 450 available cars. The German solution? A checklist, of course.

Autoblog Green explains, "There are a number of guidelines that must be met to receive a new MINI E, such as the average daily driving distance required. So far, the list has shrunk down to 1,000 applicants that have made it through the first set of cuts. All those who are chosen will live in or around Los Angeles, New York or New Jersey, have a lockable garage," and, of course, be able to make lease payments that would make a Maserati dealer blush -- $850 a month.

[more...]

2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition Unveiled

2009 brought us a new Ford F-150, and every time there is a new F-150, we get a new Harley Davidson edition one year later. True to form, Ford has released images and details of the next Hog-lover's truck, due in the 2010 model year.

Edmunds Inside Line reports, "Some of the more intriguing elements can be found in the cabin, where Ford said it took pains to pattern the seats after a Harley biker jacket." Deep red and black seats are wrapped in the same leather used for the jackets, "with engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and zippered map pockets," using the same zippers as the official apparel. Seat bolsters are even built of the same ribbed leather used on the shoulders and elbows of Harley jackets. The center console bin is capped off with a huge Harley logo carrying the truck's serial number and VIN.

Mechanically, Jalopnik reports, " It gets the same 320 HP 5.4-liter you'll find in the engine bay of the regular 2009 Ford F-150 mated to a six speed automatic powering the rear wheels or an optional Harley-unique driveline, which can be operated in 4x2 mode, AWD or 4x4 high. The suspension, on the other hand, is completely retuned for a sportier ride with more aggressive springs and shocks as well as a thicker anti-roll bar. The truck takes advantage of the sportier tune with some custom 22 inch wheels shod in 275 series, low profile, high performance Pirelli Scorpion Zeros."

New Honda Insight Hybrid European Debut at the Geneva Motor Show

New Honda Insight Hybrid European Debut at the Geneva Motor Show

·	Honda Insight Hybrid makes EU debut
·	New Accord 180 PS Diesel Type-S
·	Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition
·	CR-Z Sports Hybrid Concept and FCX Clarity Show Honda's Future

ASIMO, Honda's advanced humanoid robot, will help launch the all new Insight Hybrid at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Insight, which will makes its European debut at the Show, has been designed to offer a practical five-seat family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO₂ and other emissions.

Honda's latest hybrid vehicle revives the Insight nameplate which was first used in 1999. It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimize the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Insight combines an optimised 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine with a compact thin electric motor. This electric motor gives the engine assistance when increased performance is required and acts as a generator during deceleration and braking. It also allows electric only operation in some slow and medium speed conditions.

The Insight has been designed to give good real world emission and fuel economy figures. Its key element is the Eco Assist system that is fitted as standard. The upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is sited, features a color changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple instantaneous economy meter. The display in the center of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

To chart progress, during each journey leaves will appear on the bare stems of the plant icons on the center meter if the driver is matching the ecological driving conditions ideal. Should their driving go outside of these parameters for a length of time then the plants will wilt. At the end of each journey the driver is given a score which they can build up over time and gradually they will be rewarded with trophy symbols for continued good driving.

The Insight has been designed to offer a practical family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO₂ and other emissions. The Insight gives seating for five and a boot capacity of 408 liters with the seats up. The repackaging of the IPU and batteries means the Insight has seats which fold almost flat, increasing the boot capacity to 1017 liters*.

The practical interior is complimented by an attractively styled and aerodynamically profiled body, which helps the Insight to achieve 101 g/km CO₂ emissions and 4.4l/100km fuel consumption under the EU combined test procedures.

The New 2009 Ford F150

• New third crew with 800 workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant at Ford’s Rouge Center are undergoing intensive quality training to build the new 2009 Ford F-150
• Since its launch last year, the 2009 F-150 was named North American Truck of the Year and earned a quadruple 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Ford has gained five percentage points of market share in the full-size pickup truck market in the U.S. since the launch of the 2009 F-150 in October 2008

About 800 new workers at Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Truck Plant are undergoing intensive quality training as they prepare to build Ford’s new F-150, the 2009 North American Truck of the Year.

The crew of about 800 employees is slated to begin its full production shift on Feb. 16.

“Our unrelenting commitment to quality drives everything Ford does in the manufacturing world and beyond,” said Joe Hinrichs, group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “While instability in the external market has had an impact on our manufacturing operations, we are proud of the fact that our quality continues to improve despite changes to production and operating patterns. As we expand our work force at Dearborn Truck, we are ensuring we don’t miss a beat when it comes to quality.” [more...]

All-new mini-car with maximum attitude

Chevrolet Spark

The all-new Chevrolet Spark, making its world premiere at the Geneva auto show in March, is a small car designed to make a big statement. It's big on style, big on fuel economy and, like all products carrying the Chevrolet gold bowtie, big on refinement and value.

Its design breaks the mold for mini-cars and takes Chevrolet's signature styling elements to this vehicle segment in a youthful, fun and fashion-conscious way.

Spark was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of mini-car concepts that has toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.

Exterior
The crisp lines of the five-door hatchback provide a wedge-like profile. Below Chevrolet's hallmark two-tier grille and headlamps that resemble diamond cut lines, the shape of the fog lamp housings and the "floating" lower air intake extend the sense of forward movement. Strong wheel arches accommodate up to 15-inch wheels to give the car a dynamic, ready-to-go stance.

The rear door handles are integrated into the upper part of the door to preserve the clean lines of rear quarter panel and wheel arches. In the rear, an integrated tailgate spoiler and Chevrolet's round tail lights add to Spark's appeal.

With an overall length of 3,640 mm and a generous 2,375 mm wheelbase, Spark offers a spacious cabin with outstanding leg and hip room in the front and rear. [more...]