THESE ARE the first official photos of BMW’s new Z4 based Coupe, that retains the muscular looks of the concept we saw last year at the Frankfurt Motor show. BMW’s answer to the Cayman coupe will be available in two editions, the 3.0 and the M. The Z4 Coupe boasts a much stiffer body than the roadster, promising better handling.

The 3.0 is fitted with a straight 6 cylinder 3,0 litre engine that produces 265 hp while the M edition is fitted with the M3 straight 6 engine that blows out 343 hp. According to Munich, the Z4 M weighs 1.420 kg (80 kg heavier than the Porsche Cayman S) and it is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h -or- 62 mp/h in 5,0 sec. Top speed is, electronically limited at 250 km/h -or- 155 mp/h.

BMW has put a smaller tank in the Z4 Coupe in order to help boost boot space (300 litres). According to inside information, when it goes to sale in the summer, the Z4 3.0 Coupe will cost less than the 3.0 Roadster, while the M version will undercut Porsche’s Cayman S price by15%!.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

BMW Z4 M Coupé: The new high-performance BMW Z4 M Coupé generates 343hp and 365Nm of torque from its 3.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine. Maximum power is generated at 7,900rpm while 80 per cent of the maximum torque is available from 2,000rpm.

The renowned power and flexibility of the ‘M’ engine contributes to a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds and propels the car to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Power is transferred to the road via a six-speed short-shift manual transmission.

Key to the purity of driving dynamics and handling characteristics of the Z4 Coupé is its exceptionally stiff body structure of 32,000Nm/degree. The suspension of the new Z4 M Coupé is largely the same as the recently announced BMW Z4 M Roadster, apart from the spring and damper settings that take account of the different weight distribution of the fixed head car. The chassis and suspension also share many common features from the benchmark BMW M3 Coupé, such as the M variable differential and compound brake system taken directly from the M3 CSL. Also in common with the forthcoming Roadster, the new Z4 M Coupé rides on unique, lightweight Z4 M alloy wheels shod with 225/45 ZR18 tyres on the front and 255/40 ZR18 tyres on the rear.

From the outside, there is no mistaking the new BMW Z4 M Coupé with its purposeful stance. The roof of the two seater is contoured for added headroom. From the sides, the long bonnet accentuates the dramatic styling with occupants set back in true sports car style. Owners can personalise their new BMW Z4 M Coupé with a choice of three exclusive M colours and five ‘standard’ colours.

From the front, a deep front air-dam with distinct x-shaped lines differentiates the ‘M’ car from the 3.0si. Large air scoops in the valance and two precision lines running along the bonnet signal the car’s performance credentials. Xenon headlamps and BMW’s unique corona light rings also accentuate the dynamism of the front view.

From the rear, the car’s wide rear wheel arches combined with horizontal diffusers and BMW M’s trademark double-twin tailpipes creates a powerful, resolved stance. BMW’s traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ is integrated into the large clamshell boot lid and shallow-sloping hatchback that hides a practical 300 litres boot capacity.

Internally, the new BMW Z4 M Coupé features BMW’s M Sports seats covered in a choice of four nappa leather colours that provide the highest levels of lateral support.

BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé SE / Sport: Powered by BMW’s innovative magnesium-alloy 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé develops 265hp at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 315Nm at 2,750rpm. This powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These high levels of performance are not, however, at the expense of fuel consumption with the 3.0si models delivering a combined fuel consumption of 31.7mpg.

This lightweight engine is mated to a six-speed, close ratio manual transmission as standard, ensuring that the driver can select the exact ratio for any given situation. Customers preferring an automatic can opt for BMW’s six-speed Sports automatic gearbox that, like the open-top Z4, allows the driver to select gears using paddles on the steering wheel and features blip-throttle down changes.

Like the Z4 M Coupé, the 3.0si benefits from BMW’s tradition of near perfect 50:50 axle weight distribution, a low centre of gravity and rear-wheel-drive. All of these traits combine in the new Z4 Coupé to deliver a dynamic, sporting drive. The new Z4 Coupé can also be used as a cross-continent cruiser, with the 3.0si SE and Sport variants benefiting from up to 340 litres of available boot space; 40 litres more than the M Coupé as a result of the relocation of the battery.

Externally, the silhouette of the new BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé is identical to the M variant, with the 3.0si differentiated from the M car by styling details such as different style 18-inch alloy wheels (on the Sport model, 17-inch alloy wheels on SE models) and a revised front and rear valance, the rear featuring ‘only’ two exhausts. The 3.0si model is available in 10 non-metallic and metallic paintwork finishes, eight interior colours and five trim options. Customers wishing to further personalise their cars can select from a further palette of exterior and interior colours and trims through the BMW Individual programme.

[Read more...]

BMW Motorsport launches BMW 120d for customer racing

THE GERMAN manufacture is extending the range of models available for customer sport with its latest offer of a race version of the BMW 120d. The racing kit is expected to cost 95,000 euros when it goes on sale in March 2006 and is available from BMW Racing Parts.

The 245 hp racing model was developed by BMW Motorsport and is suited to both rally racing and endurance events across the globe. Like its production counterpart, the turbocharged four-cylinder inline diesel engine driving the 120d race version is also coming from BMW Motoren GmbH Steyr in Austria.

BMW is thus perpetuating its customer racing tradition in the year 2006. After the BMW 320i E46 took both the Manufacturers’ and the Drivers’ title in the 2005 World Touring Car Championship, next year will see numerous private teams lining up alongside the BMW national teams to contest the FIA WTCC with its successor model, the BMW 320si. To date, 114 kits of the E46 series forerunner have been sold around the world by BMW Racing Parts.

In extending its product range with the new BMW 120d, BMW is driving forward its successful concept of offering 200-plus customer teams around the globe a wide range of opportunities to gather racing experience and successes. In addition to the recently unveiled version – with its flared wings modelled on the 320si built for the WTCC – the 120d will also be available with slightly modified bodywork to meet the FIA regulations for Group N.

SPECIFICATIONS:	120d
Length:	4,227 mm
Width:	1,845 mm
Height:	approx. 1,360 mm
Wheelbase:	2,660 mm
Vehicle weight:	1,135 kg (with driver)
Chassis/body:	unitary construction steel body
Aero package:	front apron, rear apron, CFRP front wings and rear flared wheel arches, rear diffusor
Front axle:	double-joint spring strut axle with adjustable anti-roll bar
Rear axle:	five-link axle with adjustable anti-roll bar
Shock absorbers:	Sachs with adjustable compression and rebound
Brake system front:	332mm steel discs with six-piston AP fixed callipers
Brake system rear:	284mm steel discs with four-piston AP fixed callipers
Wheels:	aluminium rims, 9″x17″ BBS
Seat:	Recaro ProRacer HANS

ENGINE	120d
Engine type:	four-cylinder inline diesel
Displacement:	1,995 cc
Peak torque	450 Nm at 3,000 rpm
Peak output:	approx. 245 bhp at approx. 4,200 rpm
Max engine speed:	5,000 rpm
Cylinder block:	grey-cast
Engine control:	DDE6.0
Tank capacity / Fuel:	100 litres, diesel

[Read more...]

GM released official pictures from the Chevrolet Camaro concept, where they show us how the car was developed from sketch to reality. It should be mentioned that according to GM sources, the car we saw at the Detroit Show was their second interpretation of the model. The story has it that while GM executives had the car ready in July, they decided to have a “private” sneak preview of the concept. The special guest’s (not from GM) who saw the car, told Tom Peters, director of design for GM’s global rwd performance cars, the it was a little too retro for their taste. Obviously, that had an impact to GM people who went back to design board.

Another interesting story that came from Autoweek is that GM is revising its rear wheel platform plans. Below is a part from the Autoweek story:

GM revived its rwd plans late last summer after halting efforts to develop North American vehicles on Zeta last winter. Last winter, GM executives said that the initial plan for the Zeta vehicles was not workable but pledged to develop a new strategy. Possible Zeta vehicles included the Buick Velite concept, Pontiac GTO and Impala.

Stefanyshyn would not reveal the entire lineup under consideration but said the next-generation Impala "is a possibility." GM's styling studio has prepared both rear- and front-drive versions of the next Impala, according to an industry source who did not want to be identified. The engineering of the new group of vehicles will be handled by GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia, which built the Holden Monaro that is the basis for the current Pontiac GTO.

The architecture will debut in the second half of this year on a redesigned Holden model. GM also is considering a rwd model for China. Stefanyshyn was named vehicle line executive for the Zeta architecture a year ago. After the program stalled, he canceled plans to move to Australia. Now that the program has been revived, he will relocate to Australia in February and restart the vehicle development program for North America.

Long wheelbases

GM vehicles on the global rwd architecture will have long wheel-bases and short overhangs. All-wheel drive will be available. The Camaro and Velite, a convertible concept introduced at the 2004 New York auto show, demonstrate the possibilities for the architecture.Stefanyshyn says the global rwd architecture can be used for a wide range of vehicles. Vehicles will be assembled in Australia and North America.But Opel no longer is considering such a car, says Hans Demant, managing director of Adam Opel AG. Says Demant: "It is just too big" for Europe.

GM GROUP Rear Wheel Drive candidates

Buick Velite convertible

Buick flagship sedan

Pontiac Grand Prix

Redesigned Pontiac GTO

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Impala

[Read more...]

Retro craze in the US has gone banana wild as after the Challenger & Camaro prototypes, Dodge is remembering its past once again, this time with a special edition of its Charger. Below the official press release:

Offered in Detonator Yellow with black accents, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the Charger on Steroids. Powered by the Street and Racing Technology-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI producing 425 horsepower, the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee features special logos on front and rear fenders, contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. It will be available in dealerships this fall.
Before the re-introduction of the Super Bee designation on the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8, the only previous Dodge Charger available as a Super Bee was a 1971 model. Immaculately restored examples now sell for $80,000 to $100,000

[Read more...]

After a long period of wait, Opel is returning to it’s heritage resurrecting the famous GT at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The original model, produced between 1968 to 1973 sold over 100.000 units

That, of course, is what the official press release say’s as the new GT model is in fact, another version of the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky models. Opel’s version will draw much closer to the Sky as this model was designed in collaboration with both the German and American teams. The new GT remains faithful to its predecessor having a front engine-rear wheel platform. What is not known up till now, is which engines the Opel GT will get. Inisde info leads us to believe that the GT will get a 1.8 (140 hp) and two or more, 2.0 Turbo engines (175, 200 & 240 hp).

[Read more...]

(PS-Click to See Official Pics and Info:
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2006/02/2007-toyota-tundra-full-size-pickup.html )
TOYOTA announced that it is going to show it’s all new, second generation Tundra at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The full size Japanese truck was introduced to the US market in 1999 as a 2000 model. The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new body and engine configurations. A concept version of the pickup was displayed in January 2005 at the Detroit auto show.

A heavy-duty, diesel-engine Tundra won't be available when sales of the new model begin in 2006, said Jim Lentz, U.S. general manager of the Toyota brand, in an interview in Detroit. The company is studying offering both heavy-duty and hybrid gasoline-electric Tundras. Lentz said the automaker isn't sure how big the market for such models will be.

"You have to take a look at the cost of all these engines, how many you are going to be selling, to make sure it really makes financial sense before you jump into that market,'' he said.

The all-new Tundra will be built in America at both Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana and the new San Antonio,Texas plants.

[Read more...]

Aston Martin announced that in the next 007 film, “CASINO ROYALE” that is due to be released in November 2006 by MGM/Sony, James Bond will drive one of their supercars.

Daniel Craig, who will play James Bond in the film, will be the lucky “chump” driving the high tech DBS model. The model is assumed to be a super fast edition based on the V8 Vantage. The name DBS is not new to Aston as the British company produced a homonym model in the late 60’s (1967 to 1972)

Dr Ulrich Bez said: “It is great news that Bond will drive an Aston Martin again and we have built him something special to enable him to do his job in style.”

The association of James Bond with the marque began in 1964 with the film “Goldfinger” when the DB5 was fitted with “optional extras” such as ejector seats and rockets. The last Bond film, “Die Another Day”, featured Aston Martin’s flagship model, the Vanquish.

[Read more...]

Mercedes-Benz’s top selling Roadster just received a minor aesthetic facelift for the 2006 (2007 for the US) models. The most significant exterior changes concern the modified grille and the new rear light crystals. However, Merc’s engineers had a lot more to do than the designers as the engine range has been refreshed. The basic SL350 wears a new and more powerful 3,5 litre V6 engine with 272 hp (previous V6 3.7 with 245 hp) while the SL 500 has a new 5,5 litre V8 engine producing 388 hp (previous V8 5.0 with the same hp). The powerful SL 55 AMG has gained 17 hp reaching now 517 hp

Model	SL 350	SL 500	SL600	SL 55 AMG	SL 65 AMG
Engine	V6 3.5	V8 5.5	V12 5.5	V8 5.4 Kompressor	V12 6.0 TwinTurbo
HP	272	388	517	517	612
Top Speed	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 0-62 mph	6,6 sec.	5,4 sec.	4,5 sec.	4,5 sec.	4,2 sec.
Weight	1.825 kg	1.910 kg	2.045 kg	1.960 kg	2.120 kg

[Read more...]

Who shrunk the RAV4? Well, not actually Toyota, but it’s subsidiary Daihatsu as the Rush is Toyota's version of the all new Daihatsu Be-go which will replace the mini SUV, Terios, in Europe. With a length of just 3.995 mm (157 in), the Rush is smaller than an 3d Accent. In Japan the model will be offered with a 1,5 liter engine that produces 80 hp. It is still unknown if the car will be available in markets except Japan.

[Read more...]

Alter a long period of wait, Chevrolet previews its all new compact SUV, Captiva. Co-developed with Daewoo, the Captiva retains the prototype’s (S3X) design theme. The Captiva is one of GM’s worldwide car projects as it will be sold in Europe (as Chevrolet), Asia (as Daewoo) and the US (as Saturn).

Oficial press release:

The Captiva will also be the first model in Chevrolet’s European range available with an electronic stability program (ESP). It debuts at the Geneva motor show (March 2 - 12, 2006) and will be available in showrooms across Europe starting in June.

Dimenisons

The Captiva offers expressive design and a spacious, convenient interior featuring high quality fabrics and materials. The new compact SUV measures 4,639/1,849/1,726 mm (length/width/height) and with a wheelbase of 2,707 mm. It will be available with seven or five seats respectively.

4wd system

Customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants. The latter variant features an-active-on demand, four-wheel-drive-system. As driving conditions demand, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ARP (Anti-Rollover Protection).

Engine specifications

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available for the Captiva. They include the brand new, state-of-the-art common rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto&Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori. In its first application, the 16 valve unit offers 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2000 rpm.. In the ECE mix, fuel consumption is 8.1 L per 100 km. It is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe, beginning in 2006.

The base engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 142 hp at 5,200 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Captiva 2.4 average fuel consumption is 10.8 L per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 225 hp at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque is 302 Nm at 3500 rpm.

[Read more...]