Archive for May, 2009
G-Power may sound like a brand of washing detergent, a Marvel comic character or a member of D12, but it is actually the name of a German tuning company responsible for breaking the world record recently for the fastest coupe on the planet.
These crazy Germans managed to force 740 horses under the hood of a BMW M6 and managed to create an absolute beast! The twin supercharged 5 litre V10 powered M6 flys from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds and 0-124mph in a staggering 9.6 seconds with a top speed of 230mph.
That great British Icon, the Mini celebrates its 50th birthday this year and during the recent celebrations at Silverstone BMW launched three new limited edition Mini models that will have fans of the hot hatch drooling.
Two of the new models – The Mini Camden and Mini Mayfair – will be in production for one year only with the first batch rolling off the production line in August. Both models will be available in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D, with the Camden starting from £18,165 and the Mayfair from £18,415.
Lexus LF-A Roadster” width=”300″ height=”200″ />Lexus look set to take on the best supercars having unveiled the updated 217mph LF-A in a bold attempt to target Porsche, Lamborghini and Maserati.
The latest LF-A will be powered by a beast of an engine, the most powerful ever seen in a Lexus vehicle – a V10 engine similar to that used within Formula One likely to output up to 400kW.
With the ability to hit 0-60mph in under 4 seconds, the new LF-A has made a progressive step from the original LF-A concept car developed by Lexus in 2005.
Two years later Lexus released an updated 2007 version of the concept car at the Tokyo motor show and is reported to resemble that of the LF-A supercar when it leaves the production line later this year, making it the most exclusive, and indeed expensive, Lexus model yet.
Honda may be in the Press of late for the wrong reasons – having to introduce a pay cut at their Swindon plant in order to avoid job cuts – the Japanese giants continue to lead the way in terms of motoring innovation!
The Honda Insight hybrid vehicle has been a huge success since entering the market a month ago, so successful that it has become Japan’s best selling car! And now Honda have unveiled a sports car like no other: it runs on hydrogen!
Motorbike nuts have been waiting for this news for a while now: BMW are set to launch the production line version of their S1000RR superbike in 2010.
The road legal version of BMW’s fastest superbike was launched at Monza, home of motorcycle racing – at the weekend amid fanfare and anticipation.
The BMW SS1000RR will weigh just 204kg and with 193 horses at a seat-of-yer-pants 13,000rpm is sure to have speedsters everywhere salivating.
The engine – a compact straight four – weighs just 60kg and is similarly designed to those used in BMW’s F 1 engines, comprising two exhaust valves per cylinder.
Release dates are yet to be confirmed but watch this space to find out exactly when you will be able to feel the force of the SS1000RR between your thighs!
BMW have released their latest convertible following on from the new Z4, the 650i Convertible, and it will not disappoint. The 6 series oozes class as we all know and this latest offering is no different.
The 650i Convertible boasts a 4.8-litre V-8 engine – that’s 360 horses under the bonnet! It does 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
The engine is attached to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with Sport mode and paddle shifters. A six-speed manual transmission will be available also.
Cornering is made easy thanks to BMW’s Active Roll Stabilization technology, using hydraulic antiroll bars to counteract body roll which works a treat!
Honda have released details of their new Goldwing touring bike – the GL1800! If you’re looking for a tourer that’ll be a joy to cruise on over longer distances then this is most certainly the bike for you!
The 1832cc engine offers effortless power and with its low centre of gravity the new Goldwing offers driving comfort, yet receptive feedback from a meaty engine.
The anti lock braking system and airbag mean that the Goldwing is one of the safest motorcycles available and with a whole host of luxuries available the new Goldwing will have many two-wheel fans drooling.
The current economic climate has affected the car industry as much as any other industry, mainly because even those who can still afford to buy a brand new car are refraining from doing so at the moment simply as they don’t want to take the financial hit in terms of depreciation.
The government scrappage scheme has divided opinion as to whether it will kick-start sales and help out the car industry, but if potential purchasers do indeed take up on the 2 grand discount then value is there to be had…
The new Lexus RX 450h has taken in-car technology to a new level by implementing a centralised control unit aimed at being more functional and safer than using a touch screen panel.
The Remote Touch is a computer mouse-like control device that sits below the gear stick with a screen positioned at a safe position close to the windscreen to enable the drivers’ eyes to divert only fractionally below the view of the road.
The Remote Touch controls the navigation system, audio, climate, mobile phone and set-up functions of the vehicle and is simple and efficient to use.
