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2010 BMW X1

July 2nd 2009 18:45
BMW X1


BMW has officially announced the arrival of a new cross-over vehicle for the premium compact segment as they expand and enhance the range of BMW X models to 4 with the all-new X1.


BMW X1


Set to launch locally in the 1st quarter of 2010, BMW promises versatility, sporting performance and supreme agility in an urban environment and beyond for the X1. Slotting below the X3 as the new entry-level X model, the five-door X1 measures 4.45 metres in length and a long wheelbase of 2.76 metres. Features including square-contoured wheel arches, greater ground clearance, the slender protection cover on the lower part and the upright BMW kidney grille clearly symbolise the robust qualities of the new model.

BMW X1 interior


Other features include BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, and a gearshift point indicator.

At launch, the X1 will be available with a choice of six diesel and petrol engines including the X1 xDrive28 with its straight-six gasoline engine developing a maximum output of 190 kW.


The Official BMW Press Release:

• With its agile, versatile and modern character, the BMW X1 guarantees a new driving experience in the premium compact segment. It expands and enhances the range of BMW X models by yet another innovative vehicle concept.

• Through its body design the BMW X1 demonstrates self-confident elegance, a versatile and sporting character, as well as spontaneous agility. For the first time the features and characteristics of a BMW X model are carried over in modern style into a unique vehicle in the premium compact segment.

• The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear function and trendsetting, modern style. The driver orientation so typical of BMW is additionally accentuated by the forward-pushing lines within the cockpit area. Sophisticated materials and natural colours accentuate the youthful and dynamic flair of the vehicle.

• The elevated seating position, a generous feeling of space, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior offer ideal conditions for enjoying the BMW X1 both in an urban environment and beyond, with agility, spontaneity and versatility of the highest calibre. Three full-sized seats at the rear offer generous space and freedom of movement. The rear-seat backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Luggage compartment capacity may be increased from 420 litres/14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 litres/47.3 cu ft. An electrically operated Panorama glass roof is available as an option.

• Modern drivetrain technology gives the BMW X1 superior performance and supreme efficiency all in one. Depending on the model variant, the driver benefits from powerful, economical and low-emission gasoline and diesel engines, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, and a gearshift point indicator. The BMW X1 sDrive18d with rear-wheel drive and average fuelconsumption to the EU standard of 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 136 grams/ kilometre offers the highest standard of efficiency all round.

• The cutting-edge suspension technology featured in the BMW X1 comprises a double-joint thrust bar or, respectively, an aluminium double-joint tiebar axle at the front and a five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel, high-precision power steering, high-performance brakes, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and, as an option, Performance Control acting on the brakes for particularly dynamic driving behaviour.

• The BMW X1 features a special body structure designed from the outset for maximum occupant safety. Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive Brake Lights and daytime driving lights. Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant are all available as an option.

• In conjunction with the optional Business and Professional navigation systems, the BMW X1 is equipped with the latest generation of BMW iDrive including a Controller and direct selection buttons on the centre console, a Control Display harmoniously integrated in the instrument panel, and favourite buttons beneath the control panel for the air conditioning featured as standard. The most sophisticated HiFi systems are available as an alternative to the audio system fitted as standard and the AUX-In port likewise featured as standard may be supplemented by a USB interface. Numerous driver assistance systems and the wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive services are also available.

• Engine variants: BMW X1 xDrive28i: Straight-six gasoline engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm Max torque: 310 Nm/228lb-ft from 2,600 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.8 sec Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph) (230 km/h or 143 mph with optional high-speed set-up) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 9.4 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 30.0 mpg imp)

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 219 g/km Emission standard: EU5. BMW X1 xDrive23d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, BMW TwinPower Turbo and common rail direct fuel injection Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 150 kW/204 hp at 4,400 rpm Max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 2,000 – 2,250 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.3 sec Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph) (223 km/h or 138 mph with optional high-speed set-up) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.3 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 44.8 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 167 g/km Emission standard: EU5. BMW X1 xDrive20d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 130 kW/177 hp at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 8.4 sec Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph) (213 km/h or 132 mph with optional high-speed set-up) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.8 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 51.4 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 153 g/km Emission standard: EU5. BMW X1 sDrive20d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 130 kW/177 hp at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 8.1 sec Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph) (218 km/h or 135 mph with optional high-speed set-up) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.3 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 53.3 mpg imp)

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 139 g/km Emission standard: EU5. BMW X1 xDrive18d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 10.1 sec Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 49.6 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 150 g/km Emission standard: EU5.
BMW X1 sDrive18d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 9.6 sec Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.2 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 136 g/km Emission standard: EU5.


[Source: BMW]









28
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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni


Italian supercar marque, Lamborghini, has just released the latest version of the popular Gallardo and its the purest one so far: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

As you may have already guessed, the "2" means the all-wheel drive system has been ditched in favour of rear-wheel drive thus making it the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni


In this version, the 5.2-litre V10 engine generates 405 kW (550 hp). Coupled with a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, the performance of the LP 550-2 is blistering to say the least: 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h.

Named after the legendary Lamborghini test driver, Valentino Balboni, the LP 550-2 stands out from other iterations of the Gallardo courtesy of a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler - an inspiration from the classic sports cars from the '70s.

Only 250 units of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni will be built.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 interior


The Official Lamborghini Press Release:

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni – Driving fun with absolute precision

He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world's most uncompromising sports car brand – Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name – the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini's most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Gallardo and Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the 'life blood' of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

"A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend," says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status among the brand's fans and customers worldwide.

Limited to 250 units

After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand.
The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units.

Light-footed yet extremely safe

With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many customers' requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem – naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.

Driving fun with unique character

In order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and safety, the engineers at Sant'Agata Bolognese have incorporated extensive modifications into the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow.

The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 litre ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars.

Powerful elegance in its distinctive design

The Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from the '70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of the Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Suggested retail price – without taxes
Europe:
162.000 €

UK:
137.900 £

USA:
219.800 $


[Source: Lamborghini]










39
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Toyota Australia Altona factory


The local car industry has shown signs of improvement over the past few months as the economy continues to recover from the battering it took late last year. With new car sales on the rise in the country once again, Toyota Australia has recently opened its manufacturing plant to dealers and sales staff to highlight the economic importance of the company's locally-made vehicles i.e. the Camry and Aurion models


[ Click here to read more ]
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Aston Martin Cygnet


Aston Martin and Toyota - two unexpected partners in crime - have collaborated on a new luxury commuter car to be exclusively built for and sold to Aston Martin owners


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29
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Renault Clio and Megane World Series


French car maker Renault has announced the arrival of two special edition models featuring exclusive sports body styling for the UK market. Dubbed the Renault Clio World Series and Renault Megane World Series, both special edition models will be unveiled publicly for the first time at the famous Silverstone racetrack over the July 4th weekend


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Porsche Spyder to return in 2013?

June 25th 2009 17:45
2013 Porsche Spyder


UK motoring journal, Auto Express, has reported that the famous Porsche Spyder nameplate will be resurrected in the form of an all-new entry-level model for the German sports car marque


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29
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GTbyCITROËN in London


The stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car which first appeared in the immensely popular Gran Turismo gaming franchise, took to the streets of Central London to recreate a part of the game's 'street circuit' in real life


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