In the spirit of providing iPhone and iPod touch users with some MINI-centric fun, all while encouraging them to hold onto more of their coin, MINI Financial Services today launched “MINI Liquid Assets,” MINI’s take on an old-school favorite, available for download at no charge from the iTunes App store. (more…)
Category: Auto News
Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.
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MINI Financial Services Launches Game for iPhone and iPod Touch
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New Nissan 370Z: Pricing And Grades
As with its predecessor, the 370Z will be available in an uncomplicated grade structure to simplify the ordering process which commences online from Monday 2nd February. First customer deliveries are due in July.
The entry level 370Z, priced at £26895, comes equipped with Intelligent Key, engine stop/start button, power adjustable seats, climate controlled air-conditioning, 18” alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, curtain airbag, alarm, audio with auxiliary input and Bluetooth hands free phone connection. (more…)
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2009 Will Be Final Model Year of Production for Honda S2000
The 2009 Honda S2000 will be the final model year produced of the award-winning roadster, Honda announced today. First introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, the S2000 helped define its segment with class-leading handling, engine technology and value. (more…) -
Opel To Reveal Ampera Electric Car At Geneva Motor Show
Opel has announced Ampera as the name of its revolutionary extended-range electric car. The five-door, four-seat Opel Ampera will be revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15). (more…) -
“10 Best Engines”: Double Success for BMW EfficientDynamics in the US
A brilliant US debut for the new BMW Advanced Diesel with BMW BluePerformance: renowned specialist magazine “Ward’s Auto World” has selected BMW’s 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine with SCR system for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions as one of “10 Best Engines” in 2009. (more…) -
The complete AERO package from ABT
When the designers of ABT Sportsline work on a vehicle, it is with the aim of giving the car its own character – and this must be recognisable from every angle. (more…) -
BMW 730Ld goes on sale in UK
One of the most important derivatives of the BMW 7 Series has gone on sale. The long-wheelbase BMW 730Ld is the latest addition to the marque’s flagship model range and is a welcome introduction for chauffeurs and business users. Priced at £57,735 OTR, the BMW 730Ld offers an additional 14cms of legroom for rear seat passengers and a wealth of optional enhancements aimed at cocooning occupants in a hi-tech, luxurious environment.
Model
Price OTR
Power Hp
Torque Nm
Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 – 62
Top Speed Mph
Combined Mpg CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW 730d
£53,730
245
540
7.2
153
39.2
192
BMW 730Ld
£56,790
245
540
7.3
153
38.7
194
The latest BMW 730Ld builds on the standard-wheelbase specification with self-levelling rear suspension, chrome rain channels in the roof, illuminated interior rear vanity mirrors and an electrically-powered sunblind for the rear window.
This long-wheelbase specification can be enhanced with optional multi-adjustable Comfort Seats for both front and rear seat passengers. This is complemented by individually heated and air-conditioned seats that can also be fitted, in the rear, with a massaging capability. Two levels of rear entertainment package completes the initial bespoke passenger experience. The BMW Business package comprises twin adjustable 8-inch flat screen monitors with a remote control. The system is flexible enough to permit two different programmes, DVDs or MP3 devices and games consoles to be played or viewed at the same time. The higher specification BMW Professional system comes with 9-inch twin flat adjustable monitor screens, twin wireless headphones and is operated by an iDrive controller in the rear armrest.
The new BMW 730Ld is powered by an all-aluminium 2,993cc straight-six cylinder diesel engine that produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. A peak torque figure of 540Nm is attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm and this results in a zero to 62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a 153mph top speed. Its 194g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, as is its 38.7mpg combined consumption figure. The BMW 730Ld comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Every modern BMW uses EfficientDynamics technologies as standard to maximise economy and emissions figures, while also improving output and engine performance for a greater driving experience. The BMW 7 Series features Brake Energy Regeneration that uses the engine’s power on overrun, such as braking, to charge the battery for the car’s electrical system. Other ancillaries, such as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the all round performance of the car.
Chassis refined for rear seat comfort
The BMW 7 Series is the first BMW saloon to feature race car-like double-wishbone front suspension. This arrangement allows engineers to fine-tune the suspension for the best kinematic configuration. The standard wheelbase BMW 7 Series comes with a rear suspension consisting of a five-link arrangement made of aluminium. However, for the long-wheelbase vehicle the emphasis is even more biased on comfort so a self-levelling rear suspension is fitted as standard.
Drive Dynamic Control featuring Variable Damping Control comes as standard on the new BMW 730Ld. Drive Dynamic Control is the umbrella function that lets a driver customise the characteristics of his or her car. Variable Damping Control can be set in comfort, normal, sport and sport + modes. For the first time though these settings are infinitely variable depending on driving style and road surface condition. The selected mode now alters the throttle response, gear change speed and steering feel. The BMW 7 Series also marks the first time the dampers of a BMW feature compression and rebound damping capability for enhanced ride quality.
The BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control + featuring additional functions such as Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Pre-tensioning, Soft-stop and Brake Fade Compensation. Dynamic Traction Control can be activated via a button to enable spirited driving or greater traction on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.
The BMW 730d and 730Ld are predicted to account for 85 per cent of all 7 Series sales in the UK during a full year. A long-wheelbase version of a diesel-powered 7 Series was first introduced in September 2005 following a high level of interest from chauffeurs and business users.
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Latest Accessories Range For Jimny
It is nearly 40 years since Suzuki began manufacturing light compact SUVs, which saw the launch of the first generation LJ10 in 1970 and developed almost 30 years later into the current Jimny. This model is ever popular in this sector of the market, and Suzuki GB is pleased to announce a range of stylish accessories for the Jimny JLX and JLX+ four-wheel drive model variants. (more…) -
Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR Concept
Whilst the idea of an electric sports car is not new1, not much thought has been given by mainstream manufacturers to the proposition of a proper sports car as an electric vehicle (EV)… until now.Blending its sporting heritage with leading expertise in the development of the EV, Mitsubishi Motors is providing a clear new look on the world, in more ways than one. The clear removable top of the i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR’ will be premiered at the forthcoming 2009 Geneva Motor Show. (more…)
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New Sports Exhaust System for the Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa 4
The engineers of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, have developed a new sports exhaust system for the latest generation of the 911, available as an option on new models as of February 2009. (more…) -
Carlsson Re-Defines Open-Air Pleasure With SL CK63 RS
With its CK63 RS refinement, Carlsson brings significantly more pressure on the streets than the Mercedes Benz SL 63 AMG which provides the basis for the new vehicle. (more…) -
PPI ICE – Noble lifestyle all-rounder based on the Audi Q7
By presenting the Q7 at the IAA in September 2005, Audi extended its product range by a luxurious and sportive SUV model. Only shortly after its market launch, PPI Automotive Design already presented an enhanced version of the 7-seater basic model. (more…)