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Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione: a legendary name for a unique car October 10, 2006 The definitive version of the gorgeous exclusive Alfa 8C Competizione, Gran Turismo car that is to be produced in a limited edition makes its debut in Paris. The car, designed by Alfa Romeo, is directly derived from the concept car that aroused such admiration at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Centre can offer. The cooperative venture between both manufacturers was conducted with a view to ensuring integration between the Alfa Romeo design departments and the Maserati production departments. The 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo’s glorious past, projecting its brand values of technology and emotion into the future. The historical allusions begin with the evocative name, recalling the great sporting tradition of Alfa Romeo. The 8C code was used to identify cars (racing and on-road) of the Thirties and Forties equipped with the revolutionary eight cylinder engine produced by the famous designer Vittorio Jano. The term ‘Competizione’ is intended as a homage to the ‘6C 2500 Competizione’, a sports coupé driven in 1950 by the duo Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race. The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo. In this case it takes the form of a brand new 90° V 8 cylinder unit with a cylinder capacity of 4691 cc that was designed with one aim in mind: to ensure extraordinary performance while still offering a smooth drive and being usable in all circumstances, from the track to city traffic.  The top engine performance figures may be summarised as a maximum power output of 450 bhp at 7000 rpm, a peak torque of 470 Nm at 4750 rpm and a top speed of 7500 rpm.

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Road-ready Audi R8 super car wows paris show October 09, 2006 The new ultra-high performance Audi R8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies, all underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system. Mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit of the comparatively lightweight, 1,560-kilogramme aluminium-bodied Audi sports car is a high-revving V8 petrol engine delivering 420 bhp, and contributing to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 269 bhp per tonne. Spinning freely to its 8,250 rpm limit, this acclaimed unit punches the R8 through the 62 mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds and, in the right conditions, can carry it on to a top speed of 187 mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi. Driving purists can choose a six-speed manual transmission to channel the 430 Nm of torque to the four driven wheels, but they may also be tempted by the racing-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which uses ‘shift-by-wire’ technology to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes. By mounting the potent eight-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the new R8, in deference to racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning R8 sports prototype and Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication - another racing-derived element – also furthers this aim by enabling the V8 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.

BMW M GmbH presents the M6 Convertible June 19, 2006 BMW officially unveiled its wicked M6 coupe at the recent Geneva motor show, but it was no secret that a BMW M6 convertible wouldn't be far behind. The first official pictures have been leacked on the internet. The lightweight 19-inch twin-spoke wheels are a dead giveaway to its Motorsport pedigree as are the extended side sills. All the important specs should mimic the coupe, with a 507-horsepower V10 under the hood and a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. With the standard 6 Series cabrio weighing in about 400 pounds heavier than the coupe expect performance of the M6 convertible to be slightly less spectacular than the hardtop. 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a limited topspeed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Its official debut will be at the British International Motorshow starting next month.

Aston Martin reveals 007’s DBS for Casino Royale May 09, 2006 British secret agent, in the next 007 film, “CASINO ROYALE”, to be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions. In true Bond style, specific details of the new DBS remain top secret, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: “This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car. It signals an evolutionary development of Aston Martin’s world renowned style and elegance. “While hinting at our future design direction, the DBS also has very clear links with our heritage – it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin.” Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez added: “The DBS continues our proud and lengthy association with James Bond. “The DBS is not of the understated elegance of a DB9, nor the youthful agility of the V8 Vantage. It is explosive power in a black tie and has its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond.” Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, “CASINO ROYALE” is scheduled for release in November, 2006.

Inline six-cylinder engines enter new dimensions of performance May 08, 2006 Introducing the latest expression of individual style - the all-new BMW 3 Series Coupe. With totally new looks, the newest BMW Coupe once again sets the benchmark for elegant design, luxury and value. In true BMW tradition, it also establishes a new standard of performance and driving dynamics with the introduction of an exceptional engine: the first inline six-cylinder with twin-turbochargers, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. The performance potential of this new 300 horsepower engine ensures that the 335i Coupe offers a significant improvement in performance while maintaining a level of efficiency for which the BMW 3 Series is renowned. The 335i Coupe will be joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe. In addition to the standard six-speed manual, both models will be offered with an available six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Designed for responsiveness, the new automatic enhances driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiency. An additional dimension of driving dynamics, with the benefit of outstanding traction, will be offered with the introduction of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the ten models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S. Beginning this fall these merits will become available to Coupe drivers for the first time. The buyer who chooses a Coupe wants a car that satisfies their demand for elegant looks as well as driving dynamics. With all this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique yet unmistakable blend of design, features and - most particularly - driving pleasure.

Bentley Motors’ new luxury 2+2 convertible May 12, 2006 The Continental GTC will be officially unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show in April 2006. When the stunning convertible goes on sale later this year it will complete the Bentley Continental model range, following the introduction of the highly successful Continental GT in 2003 and four-door Continental Flying Spur in 2005. With a top speed of 195mph (312km/h), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance and dynamic handling of the Continental GT. In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality, which are on full display when you lower the elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof. The Continental GTC becomes the second convertible to grace the current Bentley range. It follows the recently announced return of the evocative Azure name for Bentley’s Arnage-derived flagship four-seater convertible. While the Azure offers the ultimate glamour, sophistication and accommodation for adults in supreme comfort, the 2+2 Continental GTC is designed for customers looking to enjoy the phenomenal performance, style and excitement of the Continental GT with the additional benefits of classic open-top Bentley motoring. As on the entire Continental range, the GTC’s design has also been influenced by the need to ensure perfect aerodynamic balance at speeds close to 200mph (320km/h). The convertible spent many hours in the wind tunnel to ensure a low drag coefficient and like the coupé and four-door versions it utilises an underbody diffuser and specially sculpted rear bumper and bootlid edge to provide downforce and stability at high speed.