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Tuesday, January 31, 2006

The Ethanol Boom

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As oil prices continue to rise, Americans are getting their fuel from an unlikely source -€“ corn.

Across the country, plants are opening that convert corn into ethanol - a clean burning, renewable fuel. Ethanol improves car performance since it cleans the engine, fuel lines and increases the octane of a blended fuel. It also helps the environment – a 10 percent blend of ethanol in fuel can reduce emissions by up to 30 percent.

Thousands of gas stations across the country offer drivers 10 percent ethanol blend fuel, and more than 600 stations offer 85 percent ethanol. That number is expected to grow with the recently passed energy bill that mandates an increase in ethanol fuel production. As demand grows, producers are using automation technology to produce ethanol more efficiently.

Multimedia:



Watch the Video - The Ethanol Boom (1 min 59 sec)
(The video is streamed courtesy of Google Video and will open in a new window)

Source:
Siemens

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New Lightweight Engine for Vectra

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  • New lightweight 140PS 1.8-litre now available in Vectra and Signum
  • Offers improvements in economy, flexibility, refinement and performance
  • Lower emissions bring tax savings of up to £566 for company car drivers
After making its debut in the Zafira late last year, Vauxhall’s sophisticated new 1.8-litre petrol engine is now available in the New Vectra and New Signum. The powerplant features a state-of-the-art Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, bringing a host of improvements compared to the outgoing 1.8-litre model.

Power is boosted from 122PS to 140PS, cutting the 0-60 time from 10.5 to 9.9 seconds and raising the top speed by 5mph to 131mph for the Vectra hatch. But despite these improvements, fuel consumption is actually reduced by an average of 3 percent, with the new engine achieving 39.2mpg on the combined cycle.

More importantly from a company driver’s perspective, the new more efficient engine results in significant benefit-in-kind tax band reductions. The SRi hatchback’s emissions drop from 182g/km to 173g/km, while non-SRi models drop from 175 to 173g/km. This is enough to drop the SRi by two percentage bands to 21 percent.

For a 40 percent taxpayer, this saving amounts to £566 over three years for the new SRi 1.8 VVT compared to the existing SRi 1.8 16v. The new Signum 1.8 VVT also offers tax savings against the previous 1.8i model, with a 40 percent tax payer saving £406 over the same period.

This has been made possible by using advanced valve and cam phasing technology, which makes sure the engine is operating at its most efficient. With 90 percent of the 175Nm maximum torque available between 2200 and 6200rpm the car feels lively and responsive even at lower engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear and work the engine.

Despite additional features such as VVT, engineers succeeded in making the new engine three percent lighter than the previous version while achieving increased stiffness and structural strength. This all brings improvements in refinement and efficiency with no compromises to the driving dynamics.

Prices start at £14,750 for the 1.8 Vectra Exclusiv hatchback, £15,750 for the Estate and £17,995 for the Signum Exclusiv.

A full technical specification for the 1.8 ECOTEC is as follows:
Displacement (cm3): 1796
Bore/stroke (mm): 80.5/88.2
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Power output (kW/PS at rpm): 103/140 at 6300
Max. torque (Nm at rpm): 175 at 3800

Research Material:
  • Founded in London in 1903, Vauxhall is a UK brand aiming to deliver driving excitement and stylish and innovative design. Its vehicles benefit from the best of GM's worldwide capability while being designed to cater for the various and varied demands of modern day drivers.
  • GM's UK van plant in Luton and car plant in Ellesmere Port produce over a quarter of a million vehicles a year, as well as being major contributors to the local economies and communities in both Bedfordshire and Cheshire.
  • Total sales for 2005 were 369,834 (317,353 cars and 52,481 vans). UK production of cars and vans in the same period totalled 279,331 (188,917 cars and 90,414 vans).
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Monday, January 30, 2006

Mazda is UK’s Favourite Sports Car Marque

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Mazda sells more sports cars in the UK than any other car maker, figures just released show.

With total sports car sales of 10,153 units in 2005, Mazda has a 13.8 per cent share of the overall sports car and coupe segment of market. And there will be much more to come in 2006, according to Rob Lindley, managing director of Mazda UK.

"We would have sold even more in 2005, but we ran out the old model MX-5 early in September and the new car did not go on sale until November. We also had supply shortages with Mazda RX-8 in the second quarter which impacted on total sports car sales," said Lindley.

He estimates that dealers could have sold 1,000 extra cars if they had them. "We really only hit our full potential in October and November when we took a phenomenal 40 per cent share of the non-premium sports car segment."

Total RX-8 sales in 2005 were 4,971 and Mazda sold 5,812 MX-5s, according to figures from the SMMT.

Only the Vauxhall Tigra with 5,563 outsold the MX-5, but total Vauxhall sports and coupe sales, including VX220 and Monaro, were 5,936, giving Vauxhall an 8.1 per cent segment share.

Lindley predicts that the sports car and coupe segment will grow this year despite the demise of models like the MGTF and Toyota MR2 (which is being gradually phased out).

He forecasts sales of 9,000 MX-5s in 2006, around the same volume achieved in Mazda's best every year previously with the roadster (2003). He also anticipates selling 5,000 Mazda RX-8s.

What Car? magazine also endorsed the position of Mazda as the UKs favourite sports car company with two awards for the marque this month. "The recent What Car? Awards 2006 were a huge boost and a great recognition for all of us at Mazda with the MX-5 and RX-8 winning the Best Open Top and Best Coupe categories respectively."

"If you add in our newly-launched sports models, Mazda has a really strong, broad-based performance range," said Lindley.

The sports car range now also includes a 260ps, 150mph high-performance saloon the Mazda6 MPS at £23,950, the Mazda MX-5 two-seater sports car from £15,600 and the rotary-powered four-seater, four-door sports coupe Mazda RX-8 from £20,500.

Lindley believes that the Mazda MX-5 is the "only competitive, rear wheel drive genuine two-seater sports car" in its price range. Honda’s S2000 costs more than £25,000 and BMW’s Z4 starts at £21,600.

Mazda’s sports car line-up will be given an added boost when TV advertising returns for the Mazda RX-8 in March. "It is still very early in the MX-5 launch period as well, " said Lindley. TV advertising for that model starts in April.

The Mazda sports car range can be experienced at Mazda dealerships around the UK as Mazda MX-5, RX-8 and the Mazda6 MPS models are all on sale now. Mazda is holding a National test drive campaign for the three models at every dealership under the banner "Storm Warning" from 15 to 19 February (inclusive).

The SMMT figures show that in the non-premium sports car section, one-in-four buyers opt for Mazda which has a 25.3 per cent market, ahead of Vauxhall and Hyundai.

Overall, Mazda also outsells Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW sports cars.

Source:
SMMT

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Checking Your Oil

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How often do you check your oil? Many owners’ manuals recommend you check your engine’s oil every time you get fuel. But if you’re like a lot of drivers, you probably don’t even know where the dipstick is.

Winter weather may mean a change in your engine’s oil grade.

Brian Osuch reports for GM Goodwrench.


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Brakes to Slow, Gears to Go

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To mark the IAM's 50th anniversary this year I will be providing 50 tips to improve your driving, courtesy of the IAM. The third one is below.
This week’s initiative to offer an advanced driving scheme to "white van man" was greeted by everybody – except, predictably, the people it was aimed at.

Nobody likes to be told that possibly they could improve their driving. And when the news broke, White Van Men took to the airwaves from their cabs to protest. They claimed they were being picked on – and that there are plenty of other drivers who are equally poor (mini cab drivers, 4 x 4 owners for example).

But despite this initial hostile reaction to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling’s initiative, common sense tells us that there is some excellent thinking here.

First of all, any driver education has to be welcome. There is no such thing as a perfect driver, and we can all gain from refreshing our skill at the wheel, without exception.

Mr Darling has pledged a £1.3m fund for Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SaFED). Saving up to £500 of diesel per vehicle should appeal to white van drivers, even if the road safety or environmental benefits don't.

Interestingly, one of the key course techniques is better use of gears. By avoiding over revving and missing out unnecessary gear changes, drivers can not only reduce fuel consumption, they can also cut down wear and tear on the transmission.

Those of us taught to drive years ago were conditioned to move our way up and down the gear box systematically – 4, 3, 2 and 1. But that’s because vehicles in those days had inferior brakes and we needed to bring the cars to a halt by using the drag of the transmission.

These days, we recommend "block changing". Use the brakes to slow down, then, when the speed is right, choose the gear that is best for that speed. So you may move from fourth, say, straight to second, after you have finished braking. Brake pads are cheaper to replace than clutches. You can also block change to move up, skipping intermediate gears.

So remember – "gears to go, brakes to slow".
For further information and other driving tips, visit the IAM website at iam.org.uk

Previous Tips:
  1. Ice on the Road
  2. When Backwards is Best
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Increased European Engineering Input at Toyota

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  • Inauguration of expanded Brussels Technical Centre
  • Development part of Toyota’s programme of localisation of its European design and engineering operations
  • Total project investment worth €130 million (approx. £91 million)
  • Ninth consecutive record year for Toyota sales in Europe
Toyota’s commitment to establishing local facilities for its European design and engineering operations reached a new milestone yesterday with the official inauguration of its expanded Technical Centre in Zaventem, Brussels.

The focus of the centre’s work is the complete development of upper body elements for all future Toyota models in Europe, including body, chassis and electronics design; selection and testing of materials and components; engine evaluation; and tuning of driveability characteristics.

Toyota also produced 638,000 cars, 588,000 engines and almost 337,000 transmissions at its plants in the UK, France, Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic. 2005 was its ninth consecutive year of record sales.

The Technical Centre employs 580 people and represents a total investment of €130 million (approx. £91 million). It is also home to Toyota’s European purchasing and product engineering activities, which will continue to grow in step with the expansion of Toyota’s European manufacturing operations and capacity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shinichi Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "The expansion of our R&D operations is crucial to our future growth in Europe, as it will help ensure that our European customers are provided with superior quality vehicles that are specifically tailored to their tastes."

The occasion was also attended by Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt and European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik.

Toyota announced an additional €75 million (approx. £52.5 million) investment in its Technical Centre in February 2004, creating around 200 additional engineering jobs. This money was divided between new build (€30 million, approx. £21 million) and the introduction of new test and evaluation facilities (€45 million, approx. £31.5 million).

In 2006, Toyota aims to take its European sales above one million units and to achieve full production capacity of 806,000 cars, 860,000 engines and 575,000 transmissions.

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Female Engineer Takes The Wise Prize

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Kiara Harper with her certificate from Ford and WISEFord Motor Company Ltd has awarded this year's WISE prize to 20-year-old automotive engineering student Kiara Harper.

Kiara, who studies at Kingston University in Surrey, received her £750 prize at this month's Young Women Engineer of the Year award ceremony. It was presented in London by CBI director general Sir Digby Jones, with Ford represented by European quality director Kenna Kintrea.

Ford and The WISE Campaign (Women Into Science and Engineering) make the annual award, which is backed by the Institutes of Incorporated Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers, to a carefully chosen female engineering student. Kiara came first in a stringent selection process including interview by a panel of engineering professionals.

The Ford WISE prize was initiated by Ford to recognise and reward exceptional women in the penultimate year of studying for their engineering degree. It also promotes the potential of engineering as a career to females.

"Kiara is an exceptional woman who is committed to the world of engineering. She not only studies the discipline but is also enthusiastic and dedicated," said Kenna Kintrea, who is based at Merkenich Technical Centre in Germany – one of Ford's two principal European research and development centres. The Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex is the UK's largest automotive R&D facility, staffed by an engineering team of more than 3,000.

Leah Pellew, chair of Ford's Engineers for the Next Generation (ENG) group at Dunton, said: "ENG works hard to increase the awareness of science and engineering as a career to all young people. The Ford WISE prize is supporting those young women who have chosen to pursue a degree in what is typically a male dominated arena."

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HomeLink - The Luxury Link Between Car and Home

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Today's luxury vehicle owners expect a stylish ambience and superior comfort not only in their car but also their own four walls. To ensure that driving into one's own garage also meets these high expectations, Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries, has now closed the comfort gap between home and car. The company designs and produces the HomeLink integrated, remote-controlled garage door opener for all Porsche models. This means drivers no longer have to step out of their car in the pouring rain to open their garage door - they can do so automatically at the touch of a button from the comfort of their car. Already available in the Cayenne, HomeLink is now offered as an optional extra for the 911 Carrera (S) and Boxster (S) as well.

Apart from conveniently opening garage doors, HomeLink offers plenty of other benefits. Since it recognizes the frequencies of almost any radio-controlled handset device, the system can control up to three functions - such as garage doors and property gates or lighting and home alarm systems - all at the touch of a button and from the comfort of the car. The transmitter can be programmed in a few simple steps and is just as easy to operate.

Click here

The comfortable aspect of this system is that the remote control is built into the overhead console of the vehicle - styled to coordinate perfectly with the Porsche interior design: inconspicuous and yet ergonomically geared for maximum driver comfort. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to replace handset batteries, since the power supply comes from the onboard electronics. And there's no more hunting around for a handheld remote either.

The new Porsche models have the added advantage of being fitted with the second generation of this garage door opener. This latest version of HomeLink is compatible with almost all garage door openers - even those that work on the interference-free 868 MHz frequency.

HomeLink also is the first universal remote control that can recognize the frequencies of a wide range of handheld transmitters from various manufacturers - and operate them all using a single system.

The ultimate in product comfort, HomeLink is destined to become increasingly popular with car drivers.

For more information, please visit www.eurohomelink.com for a list of all HomeLink-compatible products.



Source:
Web Site:
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Saturday, January 28, 2006

Debbie the Weird Freak Video

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There's certain things Debbie hates me doing and redistributing this video is one of them.

Earlier last year I was downloading photographs from the digital camera when Debbie went a bit freaky and I was able to get the camera into video record mode without her knowing.

I've now added the Debbie the Weird Freak Video to my Google video account and using their new embed function can make it available here for instant viewing.



You can also view the video on the Google Video Web Site by using the following link:
Debbie the Weird Freak Video

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Thursday, January 26, 2006

Caterham Wins MIA Export Achievement Award

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British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has received the prestigious Export Achievement Award at the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) Business Excellence Awards 2005.

The MIA awards, announced earlier this month at Autosport International in Birmingham, celebrate the unsung heroes amongst the motorsport industry who have worked tirelessly to ensure competitive success on the track.

Commenting on the winner of the MIA Export Achievement Award for 2005, the Association’s CEO Chris Aylett said: "The international market place for specialist cars is particularly competitive and Caterham Cars has consistently and successfully used motorsport as its key weapon in securing overseas sales. It is unique in that regard and of particular value to Motorsport Valley supply companies as it has single-handedly helped to build the reputation of this key UK business community."

Ansar Ali, managing director of Caterham, said: "We are proud to have won the MIA Export Achievement Award, not least because the voting was made by our industry peers. Our aim now is to build on the success of this award and spread the word of Caterham further across the globe."

The Caterham Seven - an international benchmark for handling and driver involvement on the road and track - has a lineage stretching back over forty years. The uniquely British Seven is enjoyed worldwide with thirteen official championships in eight countries making it the most raced production car in the world.

The legendary Caterham Seven is exported to more than 20 countries including Australia, North America, Dubai, Germany, France and Spain.



Web Site:
Caterham Cars Web Site

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The Ultimate Mazda6

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  • Single model, 150mph high-performance saloon on sale from January 2006
  • Turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine generates 260ps and 380Nm of torque
  • Euro 4 compliant engine, gives Mazda6 MPS a 245g/km CO2 rating
  • New positive-shift 6-speed manual transmission
  • New Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system
  • Priced from £23,950 (on-the-road)
  • Excellent security levels as standard – Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser
  • Front, side and curtain airbags, plus ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC and TCS
  • Premium BOSE® audio system with intelligent sound equalisation system
The fastest, best handling, best braking saloon Mazda has ever built, the all-new Mazda6 MPS will be marketed in the UK as a single, fully specified and lavishly equipped model. The MPS combines sensationally spirited performance with everyday practicality, which makes it the perfect flagship for the Mazda6 range and the Mazda brand.

Each Mazda6 MPS will be mechanically identical with black leather interior trim, but customers will be able to choose between four exterior paint colours – with mica or metallic finish as standard.

UK Sales
Mazda UK will have a limited allocation of right-hand drive Mazda6 MPS vehicles initially and anticipates a healthy waiting list for this stunning newcomer. The arrival of Mazda’s 150mph super saloon will also have a ‘halo’ effect on sales of the Mazda6 range, which are expected to reach a total of over 14,000 in 2006.

A choice of four body colours will be available – one mica (Black Mica) and three metallics (Graphite Silver, Titanium Grey and Velocity Red) – and 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 15-spoke aluminium alloy wheels will be standard.

Mazda targets User-Choosers with Performance Flagship
Mazda will give company car drivers the ultimate ‘Zoom-Zoom’ experience when it unleashes the new flagship model for its all-conquering Mazda6 range in 2006.

The exciting Mazda6 MPS is Mazda's highest performance saloon and it will give fleet decision-makers and company car drivers the opportunity to choose an alternative to the performance car offerings from prestigious European marques.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey said: "Our brand awareness in the corporate sector has been growing daily and much of that is due to the fantastic reception that Mazda6 has had in the fleet arena.

"Mazda6 has proved to be an enticing package for fleet operators and company car drivers alike. The new Mazda6 MPS, which will go on sale in the first quarter of 2006, builds on that reputation and further epitomises the Mazda brand, with its performance, sports styling and exhilarating dynamics, plus practicality that’s unrivalled in the upper medium sector.

"The arrival of this range-topper will provide new excitement and will take Mazda into a new area of the fleet market in the UK. User-choosers will be attracted to the Mazda6 MPS as a real performance alternative to offerings from Audi and BMW. The new Mazda6 MPS will be the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated saloon."

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Mazda6 MPS
Petrol = 2.3-litre, 260ps, 380Nm torque, CO2 – 245g/km, 6-speed manual

Safety & Security
All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Front side airbags
Front and rear curtain airbags
Front passenger airbag deactivation system
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Seatbelt reminder (all seats)
ISOFIX child seat anchorage
Thatcham Category One alarm & immobiliser

Exterior
18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 low profile tyres
Sports Appearance Pack with unique grille, bonnet, bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler
Body-coloured door handles
Electric/heated door mirrors
Body-coloured mirror housings
Tinted glass
Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling
Front fog lights
Dual exhaust tailpipes
Comfort & Convenience
Remote keyless entry with central locking and dead locks
Folding jack-knife key
Electric front and rear windows, with one-touch auto down
Global opening/closing for all windows
Climate control air conditioning
Cruise control and power steering
Power sunroof
Interior Features
Leather-faced seats
Powered driver’s seat
Heated sports bucket-style front seats
60/40 split folding rear seat
Centre armrest with storage and cup holders
Leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Premium BOSE® audio with 6-CD autochanger and seven speakers
Seven speaker BOSE® audio system
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Optional DVD satellite navigation system with 7-inch screen
Trip computer
Stainless steel scuff plates

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Tuesday, January 24, 2006

The New BMW Z4 Coupe

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BMW UK has announced final specification and pricing of the forthcoming BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé and the new BMW Z4 M Coupé. The new Z4 Coupé is due to start production at BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA in April 2006 with customer deliveries starting in August 2006.

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 Coupé 3.0si 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.



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Shock Survey Drives Home Message to Drive Green, Drive Safely