Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street Concept, 2012

• Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street Concept, 2012

From motor racing to the street is the motto of the VW Polo R WRC Street concept car. At 2012 Wörthersee, Volkswagen presenting for the first time a preview of an extremely sporty small series, which is due to be launched in late 2013. 

With its highly unique and distinctive design, this model cuts an impressive figure with its rear spoiler, diffuser, sports suspension and an inscription with R-WRC logos. A powerful 162 kW / 220 PS 2.0 litre TSI produces motorsport-like performance.

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Nissan Versa Sedan, 2012

 

 

 

 

• Nissan Versa Sedan, 2012

Small on the outside, big on the inside. Smart technology with next-generation efficiency. A $10,990 starting M.S.R.P. and low cost of ownership. New dual injector system and sub-planetary CVT design. Expected combined city/highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. New global "V" (for Versatile) platform. Sophisticated styling, high quality interior.

There are myriad ways the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan breaks new ground for entry-level compact sedans. And many ways to sum them all up. But perhaps a simple statement is best: Innovation Within Reach.

Small When You Need It, Big Where You Want It
Knowing that entry-level vehicles are used as "workhorses" - for commuting on weekdays, errand running on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long - the designers of the new Nissan Versa Sedan sought to combine five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement. It also offers an unexpected level of available entertainment and connectivity features, such as Bluetooth®, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod®/USB interface.

The new Nissan Versa Sedan's interior volume of 90.0 cubic feet and trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet (104.8 cubic feet total) are intended to not only look great on a specifications sheet - the passenger and cargo spaces have been configured for real-world use. Nissan Versa Sedan has, for example, more rear legroom than some mid-size sedans - trumping even luxury cars such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And the trunk design focuses on useable space, taking into consideration everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is offered on SL models for even greater versatility.

Other available interior features include trip computer, power windows with driver's one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks, remote trunk release lever and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Two interior colors are available, Sandstone and Charcoal.

The Nissan Versa Sedan's new exterior design is also a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a fresh, refreshing design character that is both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic.

To achieve the new Nissan Versa Sedan's upscale look, the designers gave the exterior shape a strong sense of volume, with a wide shoulder width and a smooth silhouette. In front, Versa Sedan features Nissan's new signature sedan grille design and jewel-like headlights.

The front end blends smoothly into the cabin, which offers flowing curves, while design elements such as the shape of the trunklid help give the new Nissan Versa Sedan excellent aerodynamics, including a low coefficient of drag of just 0.31.

In addition, to help ensure superb functionality, fresh ideas were addressed in the initial stage between the designers and the engineering team. For example, the indented line in the middle of the Nissan Versa Sedan's sweeping roofline is not just a design feature, but a functional innovation that helps reduce the amplitude of the roof panel vibrations in order to create a quieter cabin interior without the use of reinforcement devices called "mass bumpers."

Other exterior features include a fixed roof antenna, body-color front and rear fascias and available chrome-accented grille, blacked-out B-pillar, chrome door handles and front fog lights.

The 2012 Versa Sedan is offered in eight exterior colors, including Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Red Brick, Fresh Powder and Titanium - which has previously been reserved for the Nissan GT-R among Nissan models.

Next-Generation Efficiency and an All-New V Platform
One of the biggest challenges in designing a compact sedan, of course, is where to put everything - people, cargo, engine, transmission and other mechanical components. Often the solution is to gather a fraction of an inch here, a fraction there and hope they add up to a usable benefit. For the new Nissan Versa Sedan, the approach was a little more radical - create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight.

"It's unusual to develop a totally new platform for a vehicle in only its second generation, yet when driven by a culture of innovation, such investments are easy to make," explains Castignetti.

The 2012 Versa Sedan's all-new front-wheel drive global "V" platform, designated "V" for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20 percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than the previous "B" platform. While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Nissan Versa Sedan, the new model is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). The biggest dimensional gain, however, is in the visible gain in trunk length - provided by a more compact engine/transmission design that allows for a 2.7-inch increase in rear overhang (the distance from the center of the rear tire to the rear bumper).

The second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in class. For example, while the average engine uses only one injector per cylinder to inject fuel, the new Nissan Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder. This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design's particle size) to help achieve stable combustion.

The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Other enhancements include the addition of a piston oiling jet, tuning of the piston top shape and expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter.

The new 1.6-liter engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
The Nissan Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission. The CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. The new CVT design adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency.

The CVT also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. Friction is reduced by about 30 percent, weight by about 13 percent and overall size by about 10 percent versus the previous Nissan Versa Sedan CVT design.

Nissan Versa also offers low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires with available 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission) (preliminary estimates).

All 2012 Nissan Versa Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also standard on all Nissan Versa Sedan models.

In addition, the new Versa will be the first Nissan model in the United States branded with the PUREDRIVE™ designation. PUREDRIVE will be used on models utilizing Nissan's most advanced technologies to promote eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions.

Standard safety features found on every 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection), seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Additional safety features include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Summer 2011 On-Sale Date
The all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan will be available in three well-equipped models when it goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in summer 2011 - Versa Sedan 1.6 S (offered in 5MT and CVT versions), Versa Sedan 1.6 SV (CVT only) and Versa Sedan 1.6 SL (CVT only).

Along with the 1.6 S model's many standard features, the 1.6 SV adds cruise control, Fine Vision instrumentation, chrome grille accents, body-color dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors, upgraded cloth seats, power windows and more.

Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 SL models add 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, chromed inside door handles, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod® connectivity, upgraded audio system, door-linked map lights and more.

Just three options packages are offered: the Cruise Control Package (1.6 S CVT only); the SV Convenience Package (1.6 SV only) with Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded audio, iPod® control, map lights and front passenger vanity mirror. The SL Tech Package (1.6 SL only) adds the Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and 5-inch color touch-screen display and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The 2012 Versa Sedan will be manufactured at Nissan's Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.

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Ford Kuga, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Ford Kuga, 2013

The all-new Ford Kuga, unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, builds on the huge success of the current model and introduces new technologies as well as a more streamlined, stylish and spacious design.

Technological improvements include the introduction of a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed simply by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper.

"Innovative technologies like the hands-free automatic tailgate clearly set new Kuga apart from its competitors," said Ford of Europe's chairman and CEO, Stephen Odell. "But more importantly they provide customers with everyday advantages. All-new Kuga is more spacious, dynamic and capable than the current model, which continues to be popular with our European customers."

Ford's advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface SYNC will also be available from launch. It will include Emergency Assistance, which upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, uses the on board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language, for the emergency response.

A range of driver assistance technologies including the parallel parking aid Active Park Assist, and sensor-based Blind Spot Information System, which indicates with a warning light in the door mirror that a potential hazard is in the driver's blind spot, will also be available.

The all-new Ford Kuga features 82-litres more boot-space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button.

Ford of Europe's executive design director, Martin Smith said: "We've evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel."

The smart Ford Kuga AWD system pre-emptively reassesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction. Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system first found on the new Focus.

Engines available from launch include 140PS and 163PS versions of Ford's popular 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, with Ford Powershift automatic gearbox an option. Ford Kuga will also offer the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, already available in Ford Focus and C-MAX and impressing with its strong torque delivery and high fuel efficiency.

The Ford Kuga aligns with the One Ford strategy as a global vehicle, on sale worldwide, including North America, where it is badged Escape. One of ten cars to be built on the same C-segment platform as the new Ford Focus, European customers can expect the all-new Kuga in late 2012.

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Audi A4 Avant, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Audi A4 Avant, 2013

A bestseller has become even more attractive: Audi has updated the A4 series. New solutions for efficiency, driving dynamics and infotainment, along with an even more attractive design, attest the "Vorsprung durch Technik" achieved by the A4 Sedan, the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro and the S4.

Design
The A4 is Audi's bestseller - for 39 years now and in its eighth generation. The brand has sold ten million such models in total. The Audi A4, with its elegance, sportiness and emotional appeal, forms the centerpiece of the Audi brand. And now the design has become even more clearly defined and striking in all models - the Sedan, the Avant, the allroad quattro and the S4.

The new look further accentuates the horizontal lines at the front end. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The grille is painted gray, with high-gloss black on the six-cylinder models or in combination with the S line exterior package. The redesigned bumpers are striking with their angular air inlets, their revised grilles and the flat front fog lights. The Audi A4 allroad quattro is distinguished by its grille's horizontal chrome applications and by the round fog lights.

The headlights have also changed, with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. Xenon plus headlights are available from Audi on request. The LED daytime running lights form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. The adaptive light together with dynamic and static cornering lights are available on request.

The tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights, and in combination with xenon plus have homogeneous strips of LEDs. The bumper with its diffuser insert has been redesigned, with the exhaust system always terminating in two tailpipes.

There is a selection of 15 paint finishes, including four new tones. The Sedan and the Avant offer the S line exterior package, while the Avant also includes a roof spoiler.

The modifications have changed the dimensions only by a few millimeters. The Audi A4 Sedan and the Avant each have a length of 4.70 meters (15.42 ft), while the A4 allroad quattro and the S4 are 4.72 meters (15.49 ft) long. The wheelbases for all models are 2.81 meters (9.22 ft), and the width is 1.83 and 1.84 meters, respectively (6.0 and 6.04 ft). The height varies between 1.41 and 1.50 meters (4.63 and 4.92 ft) depending on the body version.

Interior
The interior of the Audi A4 models has also been refined. Audi offers a wide selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel also featuring a flattened lower rim. The steering arm and the ignition key have been modified. High-gloss applications and the slender chrome trim at the controls add elegance to the interior.

The elaborate finish makes operation even simpler and more intuitive. The MMI navigation plus system now features four instead of eight buttons, with a script function integrated in the volume control dial. Other improvements concern operation of the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel. The seat heating and air conditioning are now directly operated at the respective buttons.

The high level of workmanship is as much a matter of course for Audi as a sure touch in the range of colors. All interior colors - except black - have been re-coordinated. The upholstery range has also been revised, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. The new, single-part cluster trim has been adapted in color to the interior, while the inlays are available in Aluminum Trigon, walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural. Especially eye-catching is the Beaufort oak plywood inlay.

The interior of the S line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. 18-inch wheels or the optional 19-inch wheels and an S line sport suspension that lowers the body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in) complete the package. Audi exclusive and Audi exclusive line offer further individualized options.

The Audi A4 Sedan's luggage compartment still has its 480-liter capacity - 962 liters with the rear seats folded down (16.95 and 33.97 cubic ft). The A4 Avant and the A4 allroad quattro have 490 and 1,430 liters, respectively (17.30 and 50.50 cubic ft), with Audi offering an optional electrically operated tailgate for both models.

Engines
The new Audi A4's drive system sets new standards. The consumption levels have dropped by 11 percent on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines. In the Sedan and the Avant each, Audi offers any of six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations. All engines are supercharged direct-injection systems; the start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard throughout.

The TDI engines combine pulling power with pioneering efficiency, with the four-cylinder versions presenting extensive modifications. A new centrifugal pendulum-type absorber (in the 2.0 TDI with 100 kW, 120 kW or 130 kW with quattro drive) in the dual-mass flywheel makes engine running even more refined and quieter at low revs, for even earlier upshifting and savings of up to 0.2 liters per 100 km.

The most economical variant in the model family is the Audi A4 2.0 TDI with 100 kW (136 hp). In the Sedan, this engine needs only 4.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (56.0 US mpg) on average - a CO2 equivalent of just 112 grams per km (180.25 g/mile). The new A4 2.0 TDI with 120 kW (163 hp), also optimized for maximum efficiency, manages with 4.4 liters of diesel per 100 km (53.46 US mpg). This equates to 115 grams CO2 per km (185.07 g/mile). Both engines are available for the Sedan and the Avant.

In addition, three other four-cylinder diesel engines are available - with 88 kW (120 hp), 105 kW (143 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp). They can also be ordered for the allroad quattro, apart from the entry-level version. Three V6 TDI units complete the line. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) (not for the allroad quattro) is the most efficient six-cylinder engine in its class worldwide; in the A4 Sedan it consumes an average of just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.0 US mpg). The second variant, the 3.0 TDI, generates 180 kW (245 hp), with an especially clean diesel version.

The Audi A4 series also presents the latest state of the art in gasoline engine technology. A new highlight of the TFSI family is the new 1.8-liter engine, available for the Sedan and the Avant. The four-cylinder engine delivers sporty thrust, with a power output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The average consumption in the Audi A4 Sedan is limited to 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.0 US mpg), or 134 grams CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile). That is a decrease in consumption of 19 percent compared with the predecessor engine.

The new 1.8 TFSI engine features many innovations: in the control of its valves and their lift, in the novel thermal management system, in the fuel injection system, in the turbocharger and in the integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. The engine weighs 3.5 kilograms (7.72 lb) less and its internal friction has sharply decreased.

The entry-level gasoline engine is the 1.8 TFSI with 88 kW (120 hp). The 2.0 TFSI - as the only spark-ignition engine also available in the Audi A4 allroad quattro - delivers 155 kW (211 hp). At the top of the line is the 3.0 TFSI in two variants. In the Audi A4 the V6, to follow a bit later, affords 200 kW (272 hp). In the sporty Audi S4 top model its power is an impressive 245 kW (333 hp).

Drivetrain
The wide range of drivetrains is typical of Audi. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sedan and Avant models with front-wheel drive; most variants offer continuously variable multitronic as an option. The quattro versions have either the manual transmission or (as of the 2.0 TDI with 130 kW (177 hp)) the seven-speed S tronic on board. The Audi A4 allroad quattro employs a manual transmission or S tronic with all engine versions.

The innovative thermal management system shortens the warm-up phase of the manual transmission, among other things, and thereby reduces friction loss. All transmissions are distinguished by convenient and precise operation, high efficiency and a wide spread of gear ratios - the long ratios in the higher gears reduces fuel consumption, while the short ratios in the lower gears benefit the dynamics.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on the Audi A4 allroad quattro, and available in the Sedan and Avant from the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp). The A4 family uses the self-locking center differential here. In regular driving operation it primarily transmits the engine torque to the rear wheels in the ratio of 40 to 60. If necessary, redistribution occurs within the shortest possible time. The torque vectoring function supplements the work of the center differential with finely incremented brake applications, to make handling even more precise and safer.

In the V6 quattro variants Audi offers the sport differential as a supplement, lending maximum precision and high traction to the A4 when cornering at the handling limits. The high-end component actively distributes the power between the rear wheels as required.

Chassis
The chassis of the Audi A4 is striking with its sporty precision, high ride comfort and superior safety. The mounts of the rear suspension control arms and the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been even more finely tuned. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum.

The electromechanical power steering is new in all models of the series. The direct gear ratios convey precise road contact; slight brake applications counteract pulling to the side on unevenly slippery surfaces. The electromechanical power steering requires no energy for straight-ahead motion, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This is equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 7 g/km (11.27 g/mile).

Another high-end feature that gives the Audi A4 a special status in its class is Audi drive select. In the basic package, the driver can switch the characteristic of the accelerator, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the power steering and the automatic air conditioning between the four modes "comfort," "auto," "dynamic" and "efficiency." If there is an onboard navigation system, the additional "individual" mode is also included.

Further modules are optional - adaptive cruise control or the cruise control system, the sport differential, the suspension with damper control and dynamic steering. By means of a superposition gear, the gear ratio is adjusted in a continuously variable manner depending on the driven speed; at the handling limits small interventions compensate for understeering and oversteering.

All front-wheel-drive versions of the Audi A4 feature the electronic stabilization program (ESP) with electronic limited slip differential. In dynamic driving the system further improves handling and safety by initiating minimum brake interventions at the front wheel that is subject to a reduced load on the inside of the curve. The large wheel brakes - with ventilated front and rear disks in many variants - offer excellent stopping power and can be precisely modulated.

All Audi A4 variants roll off the assembly line on elegant aluminum wheels. Depending on the engine version, they are 16 or 17 inches in size; tires with optimized rolling resistance belong to the 205/60 and 225/50 series. The A4 3.0 TFSI has 18-inch wheels with 245/40 series tires. The line of options ranges to 19 inches with 255/35 series tires. Four of the 18 available wheels are new designs. The A4 allroad quattro offers four independent designs.

Assistance systems
Audi offers highly developed assistance systems for the A4 family, for making driving even more relaxed. Standard on all variants is the new driver information system with break recommendation - it detects and draws the driver's attention to deviations from typical driving behavior on the basis of steering motions and other parameters.

The adaptive cruise control assistance system keeps the Audi A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle at speeds between zero and 200 km/h (124.27 mph). If the threat of a rear-end collision becomes imminent at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system will execute a full brake application. Audi active lane assist supports the driver in keeping to his lane. A camera detects the lane markings and the system makes slight corrections to the steering if necessary. Audi side assist monitors the space behind the Audi A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in the blind spot, for example.

Infotainment systemsAudi offers a whole kit of state-of-the-art infotainment systems for its A4 series. The chorus CD radio with eight speakers is standard, while the MMI navigation plus system with large hard disk, color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player forms the top of the line. Voice control and the optional digital audio broadcasting are further improvements to the system.

The high-end supplement to the MMI navigation plus system is the Bluetooth online car phone. Via Audi connect the system provides special services in the car, such as voice-controlled Google searches for points of interest and navigation with Google Earth pictures, along with Google Street View. Audi online traffic information, another such service, gives the driver the latest news on congestion along the selected route. The WLAN hotspot, another feature of the Bluetooth online car phone, allows passengers in the Audi A4 to surf the internet and send e-mails as they please with their mobile devices.

The Audi S4
The Audi S4, available in the Sedan and Avant versions, employs the most powerful engine in the line - the 3.0 TFSI with 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) torque. The Sedan's average fuel consumption is a mere 8.0 liters per 100 km (29.40 US mpg) - with an impressive performance: The Audi S4 accelerates in 5.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and achieves an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The modified Audi S4 is identifiable from the changes to the headlights, the bumpers, the air inlets and colors. The interior also contains subtle changes in appearance. The S sport suspension and 18-inch wheels featured on the S4 deliver outstanding road grip.

Prices
The prices of the A4 have changed only slightly, despite the extensive upgrading. For example, the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI costs just 475 euros more - the sporty Sedan is now listed at 35,425 euros.

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BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe UK Version, 2013

 

 

 

•  BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe UK Version, 2013

BMW will expand the 6-Series range in the UK to three models in June 2012 with the introduction of the Gran Coupé. BMW's first four-door coupé combines the elegant and sporty appearance of a classic grand tourer with the space and ease of access of an executive saloon.

A new 450hp V8 heads a range of three Twin Power Turbo engines, which also includes six-cylinder petrol and six-cylinder diesel powerplants. All three engines drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with the full suite of Efficient Dynamics technologies, including Auto Start-Stop, ensuring highly responsive performance goes hand-in-hand with low fuel consumption and emissions. Extensive use of aluminium in the body and chassis reduces weight and ensures that the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé has the agility and precision expected of a BMW.

Design
The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé has the proportions of a classic grand tourer coupé - characterised by a long bonnet, a sweeping roof line and a passenger compartment set towards the rear of the car - with the spaciousness and ease of access of an executive saloon. The Gran Coupé is the most spacious and practical 6-Series ever. This has been made possible by stretching the wheelbase and overall length of the 6-Series Coupé on which it is based by 113mm. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé is 5,007mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,968mm.

Familiar BMW design features include a 'shark nose' with a large forward leaning double-kidney grille broad air intakes and dual round Xenon or LED headlamps. The Xenon headlights use BMW's familiar double corona units, while the optional Adaptive LED Headlight units pivot in line with the car's speed, steering angle and lateral body movement during cornering. Powerful, flared wheel arches and a three-part lower air intake emphasise the wide stance of the car.

A long, flat bonnet leads upwards through the front windscreen pillars into a sweeping coupé roofline. The increase in wheelbase has allowed BMW's designers to maintain the flowing elegance of a coupé roofline while maintaining the headroom of rear passengers. Frameless aluminium doors house long side windows that emphasise the space within.

At the rear, bulging wheel arches and horizontal lines accentuate the wide track and serve as pointers to the Gran Coupé's dynamic driving style. The two-part rear LED light clusters, in the now familiar BMW L-shape, create a striking look at night with the high-level brake light extending the full width of the upper part of the rear screen.

The front of the cabin is unmistakably BMW thanks to its driver-oriented layout. The automatic gear selector, electronic handbrake and iDrive controller are mounted in the centre console which runs through to the rear of the cabin, but leaves sufficient space for a passenger to travel between the two sports seats. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé is fitted with lightweight seats with integral belts, developed for the 6-Series Coupé and Convertible.

The rear seat backs can be folded to expand a 460-litre luggage area to 1,265 litres. Even with four seats in use the luggage compartment will accommodate two golf bags, while an optional through-loading hatch allows for two pairs of skis to be transported.

Drivetrain
BMW is renowned for producing award winning engines and the triumvirate powering the new 6-Series Gran Coupé are no different. All three have won their respective categories at the International Engine of the Year Awards. And in the case of the flagship 650i Gran Coupé it has just been revised for 2012 with increased power and torque.

BMW 640d
The most popular derivative of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé will be this model which is likely to account for circa 80 per cent of all UK sales. For drivers wanting a longdistance tourer this BMW is possibly one of the world's most sporting yet luxurious diesels. The all-aluminium 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder unit in the 640d Gran Coupé records a combined fuel economy of 50.4mpg. With its 70-litre fuel tank it, thus, has a potential range of almost 800 miles, while its CO2 emissions have been pared down to just148g/km. This brings the double benefits of a 22 percent BIK for company car drivers and Vehicle Excise Duty of just £130 a year.

However, in performance terms the luxury model still produces 313hp at 4,400rpm and 630Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,500rpm. It matches the 640i for acceleration from zero to 62mph with a peak time of 5.4 seconds.

BMW 640i
The 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupé features direct injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft control, and has a single twin-scroll turbocharger. With this arrangement three exhaust pipes channel air back to the turbine through one scroll while the other three do the same. In this configuration two streams of exhaust gases keep the turbocharger operating at its optimum.

The result is an engine that develops peak power of 320hp at 5,800rpm, while its maximum torque of 450Nm begins at 1,300rpm and is maintained until 4,500rpm, helping the BMW 640i Gran Coupé to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. The effortless performance is complemented by combined fuel economy of 36.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of only 181g/km.

BMW 650i
A new 450hp 4.4-litre direct-injection V8 in the BMW 650i Gran Coupé is the pinnacle of the three-strong engine line-up. This powerplant develops its maximum power from 5,500 to 6,000rpm, with peak torque of 650Nm remaining constant from 2,000 to 4,500rpm. As with the V8 in the 6-Series Coupé and Convertible, the turbochargers are uniquely positioned in the vee between the cylinder banks with one turbocharger feeding one side of the engine and the other side feeding the other bank.

The new engine has the addition of VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, which improves driveability, performance and efficiency. Thus acceleration from zero to 62mph is accomplished in a mere 4.6 seconds, yet the car is capable of a combined fuel consumption of 32.1mpg and CO2 emissions of just 206g/km.

Efficient Dynamics
Like any BMW, the 6-Series Gran Coupé benefits from Efficient Dynamics technologies, which includes Auto Start-Stop to ensure zero emissions when the car is stationary in traffic. This is accompanied by Brake Energy Regeneration when slowing down or stopping, on-demand management of ancillary components, electro-mechanical power steering, a detachable air conditioning compressor and active aerodynamics to reduce drag.

In addition, all models come with ECO PRO mode within Drive Performance Control. This promotes a more relaxed driving style by adjusting the engine management system, reducing accelerator sensitivity and changing the gearshift characteristics. At the same time, electronically operated functions such as the climate control system are put into maximum efficiency mode.

Transmission
On all versions of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé power is transmitted to the road by an eight-speed sports automatic transmission. With its extremely fast gear changes this unit is built for sporty driving, comfortable shifting and optimised efficiency. It is operated using the electronic gear selector on the centre console. For manual gear changing, this transmission comes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

Chassis
The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé benefits from a lightweight chassis featuring extensive use of aluminium. It is based on double wishbones at the front and a fully independent multi-link axle at the rear, with the renowned Adaptive Drive package available as an option. The standard configuration allows for the optimum in suspension geometry for a road car, while the Adaptive Drive package builds on this for even greater variety.

Adaptive Drive is a system that allows the driver to choose the set-up of their own car, comprising Variable Damper Control and Dynamic Drive active anti-roll stability management. It allows the car to uniquely offer a firm suspension set-up for sporty driving while softening bumps in way a car with much more comfort-orientated setting should the driver feel so inclined. Controlled electronically, the unique and innovative new damper system, in which the inbound and rebound strokes are independent of each other, adjust both to the road surface and the driver's style of motoring.

Dynamic Drive automatically reduces side roll of the car in bends and in sudden changes of direction, with sensors determining by how much motors in the front and rear anti-roll bars should build up counteracting forces to keep the car level.

Drive Performance Control allows drivers to vary the responsiveness of the gearbox, steering, accelerator and the level of assistance provided by the Dynamic Stabilty Control. It has four settings ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

Electro-mechanical power steering is standard and can be combined with the optional Integral Active Steering system. This consists of Active Steering for the front axle with a steering rear axle. The steering angle and power assistance at both ends of the car are controlled with the help of electric motors, adding to the agility of the 6-Series Gran Coupé.

Connected Drive
The latest generation of BMW Connected Drive in the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé includes an array of industry-leading intelligent safety and driver assistance systems including traffic information, emergency call functions, online information, a telephone enquiry services, on-board camera and sensor information, comfort and infotainment.

BMW Assist, part of BMW Connected Drive, ensures that drivers of the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé are constantly in contact with the outside world, making them feel safe and able to call on help for all manner of events.

Drivers can access news and information via the internet and SMS, have 24-7 call centre help and are able to receive locations and notes sent to the car. This is all at the time safe in the knowledge that should they be involved in an incident, emergency services can be notified or 999 operators patched straight through to the cabin courtesy of the SOS emergency call function.

The SOS emergency function remains active whether the subscription for other services is continued or not. The subscription is complimentary for the first three years of ownership, and £120 annually thereafter. It works when sensors in the BMW Assist system recognise an accident has occurred. A call is instantly and automatically put through to the emergency services, and exact co-ordinates of the car sent through too. The 999 call centre will also know if the call was triggered manually by pushing the SOS button located in the car, or automatically through sensors. The system also allows the operator to speak to occupants.

Among many useful features, the driver can be put in contact with BMW's Customer Service centre, which can help with finding destinations such as hotels or restaurants. Also RSS feeds from websites can be sent to the car, there is the ability to plan routes and send messages, and even technology where a BMW Customer Service operative can unlock the car remotely.

Market
The BMW 640i Gran Coupé and BMW 640d Gran Coupé go on sale in the UK on 2 June 2012, with the BMW 650i Gran Coupé a month later. Prices start from £61,380 OTR for a 640i SE, rising to £75,130 OTR for a 650i M Sport.

In its first full year BMW expects to sell 700 6-Series Gran Coupés. By comparison during the same period BMW would expect to sell 1,000 6-Series Coupés and 400 Convertibles.

A high standard specification
The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé is offered in SE and M Sport trim grades, both providing exceptional levels of standard equipment, while an extensive range of active safety features and innovative driver assistance systems are optionally available.

Standard with the 640i and 640d SE models are 18-inch Star-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the 650i has 19-inch V-spoke light-alloy wheel. All models have Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Navigation with 10.2" high-resolution display, front and rear Park Distance Control, Keyless Go, two-zone climate control, electronic two-way steering adjustment and heated front seats.

M Sport derivatives feature unique BMW M aerodynamic body styling, 19-inch M double-spoke light-alloys, black brake calipers, dark exhaust tailpipes, Sports seats, Anthracite headlining, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim.

The M Sport derivative is expected to account for circa 80 per cent of all BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé sales.

Optional highlights
The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé is available with the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Audio System with Surround Sound, developed uniquely for the BMW 6-Series. Its exceptionally natural sound comes from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin, comprising of two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters, all with individual amplifiers. It recreates the acoustics of a reference listening room, through DIRAC Dimensions technology, so that all passengers enjoy the same outstanding sound quality.

Other options available include Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Park Assist, Lane Change warning system, Lane Departure warning system, Speed limit display and a full colour Head-up Display.

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Volkswagen Polo R WRC Concept, 2012

• Volkswagen Polo R WRC Concept, 2012

With the newly developed Polo R WRC, Volkswagen Motorsport is presenting a road-going prototype for the FIA World Rally Championship. 

The "hottest Polo ever" - as it was called by Volkswagen Head of Development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg even at its first official airing - will be starting its tour around the globe from 2013 at numerous WRC races. At the heart of this racing version beats a 1.6 l TSI engine with approx. 220 kW / 300 PS power output, which ensures impressive acceleration from naught to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

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