Pininfarina Sintesi Concept first sketch revealed

Pininfarina has released the first sketch of the new Sintesi, its first concept car since the Birdcage 75th, presented in the 2005 edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Due to be first shown to the public in March, also at the Geneva event, the Sintesi has been given a website of its own, www.sintesi.pininfarina.com , only to tease visitors about what the Italian “azienda” has prepared this time. Most of the images in the photo album have been taken from it.

The Sintesi, as its name states, intends to be a synthesis of the sportiness that has always emerged from Pininfarina’s projects and the functionality another of its famous concept cars, the Nido, has demonstrated so well. These ideas would perfectly fit the new electric car Pininfarina will release in 2010, in a partnership with the French company Bollore. Most people would think the logical choice would be the Nido, since the own company relates the new product to its city cars. The current conception of what an electric car should be also points to small vehicles, but the Nido is a two-seater and Pininfarina has already informed the electric car will be a four-seater, just like the Sintesi will be…

The low-volume production, only 15,000 cars a year, also points out that Pininfarina’s electric vehicle will be more willing to face the Fisker Karma than a smart fortwo.

Sintesi is also the first concept created under the direction of Lowie Vermeersch. Check out what he says about the car: “This concept car is the synthesis of our values, of the love for our work and our passion for innovation, of beauty driven by functionality, of sportiness and elegance. However, Sintesi isn’t only the expression of Pininfarina design; it also embraces innovative technologies that allow us to explore new typologies of mobility, active safety and packaging solutions.” Any doubts it is a serious candidate to become a production electric car?

The chairman Andrea Pininfarina endorses this idea. “Three years ago we unveiled Birdcage 75th, our last prototype. Together with our new concept Sintesi we would like to anticipate new car design trends. In Sintesi, we put all our goodwill in looking at the future, first and foremost in resorting to the excellence of our design.” Let’s way and see!








Press Release

Sintesi, the new Pininfarina concept-car, at the Geneva Motor Show

Friday, 14 December 2007
Turin, December 14, 2007. Pininfarina is proud to announce the unveiling of a new concept at the next Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008. This exciting new car will be named “Sintesi”.

“Sintesi” is the result of the Pininfarina Design Department, under the direction since last August by Lowie Vermeersch, the 33 year old Design Director with almost ten years experience at Pininfarina. Assisting him are Vice Directors Guglielmo Cartia and Fabrizio Valentini and chief designers Jason Castriota, Giovanni Piccardo, Goran Popovic and Giuseppe Randazzo.
“Three years ago we unveiled Birdcage 75th, our last prototype. Together with our new concept Sintesi we would like to anticipate new car design trends” says Andrea Pininfarina, Chairman and CEO Pininfarina S.p.A.
“This concept car is the synthesis of our values, of the love for our work and our passion for innovation, of beauty driven by functionality, of sportiness and elegance. However, Sintesi isn’t only the expression of Pininfarina design; it also embraces innovative technologies that allow us to explore new typologies of mobility, active safety and packaging solutions” states Lowie Vermeersch.
“In Sintesi, we put all our goodwill in looking at the future, first and foremost in resorting to the excellence of our design” underlines Andrea Pininfarina.
An on-line teaser campaign will accompany Sintesi from January to the Geneva Motor Show.


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Renault Launches New Entry-Level Twingo 'Extreme'

It seems Renault is playing catch up in the mini car segment and the French manufacturer has it’s sights set on outdoing the Fiat 500 on value by introducing a new version of its Twingo mini car in the UK, called the Twingo Extreme. The new model undercuts its Fiat counterpart by £400 at a base price of £7,500. The Extreme features Renaults 1.2 60hp petrol engine.

Renault also states that the new model beats one of it’s main rivals, the Citroen C2, when it comes to standard features. Safety features include ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist while convenience features such as Blue Tooth connectivity for hands-free telephone operation and a TunePoint connection point for MP3 players.

Not content with making the Twingo comparable only to the 500 and C2, the new Twingo also comes with an options list that includes Union Jack door handle graphics (£45) and wing badges (£15), as well as the option of having your Twingo Extreme with white or black racing stripes (£80) or chequered flag door graphics (£80), which sounds a lot like the type of accessories that Mini Cooper buyers would normally be interested in.

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Renault Megane GT

Performance and pleasure for daily use

The Mégane range sees the introduction of Mégane GT, a new dynamic derivative that can be ordered with either the 165hp 2.0 T engine or the diesel 2.0 dCi 150hp powerplant. Mégane GT is aimed at customers looking for driving pleasure from a car they can use on a daily basis. Its sports chassis ensures outstanding handling performance without compromizing the balance between comfort and handling. Mégane GT's distinctive exterior looks and interior design emphasize its sporty calling. The car is available in three- and five-door form and will go on sale at the end of 2006.

Following the success of Mégane Renault Sport, Mégane GT reasserts Renault's interest in the hot hatch segment. The combination of its sports chassis and the choice of two powerplants both acclaimed for their punchy performance ensures that Mégane GT meets the demands of customers looking for pleasure when they get behind the wheel.

Petrol or diesel power

The market for diesel saloons with a power output of between 140 and 160hp has seen a marked upward turn in western Europe. In 2002, their share of around 2 per cent was little more than marginal, yet today they account for almost 20 per cent of total sales. Mégane GT arrives on the marketplace powered by the high performance yet inexpensive to run 2.0 dCi engine which boasts the very latest diesel technologies, including piezo-electric injectors, 1,600 bar common rail injection and a variable geometry turbo. With a power output of 150hp (110kW) at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 340Nm at 2,000rpm, it stands out as one of the most efficient powerplants of its class. Coupled with a manual six-speed gearbox, the 2.0 dCi 150hp engine – like its petrol alternative – ensures a particularly broad useful rev-band. Meanwhile, Mégane GT 2.0 dCi's fuel consumption (5.4 litres/100km) and C02 emissions (144g/km) are amongst the lowest of its class.

For fans of petrol power, Mégane GT can also be ordered with the 2.0 T engine which delivers maximum power of 165hp (120kW) at 5,000rpm and torque of 270Nm at 3,250rpm. Again mated with a manual six­speed gearbox, this powerplant takes Mégane GT from standstill to 100kph in just 8.3 seconds. Both of the engines available for Mégane GT combine excellent driving pleasure, performance and flexibility.

A sports chassis for dynamic handling

While some sports saloons tend to place the accent on performance to the detriment of comfort, Mégane GT combines the two. When developing this chassis, Renault's engineers opted for technical solutions that ensured outstanding handling and a particularly effective front suspension layout without detracting from the car's vertical suspension performance.

To this end, Mégane GT features specifically tuned dampers for optimized control of body roll whatever the driving style.

Compared with the previous versions of this chassis used for Mégane 2.0 T and 2.0 dCi Dynamique, Mégane GT's chassis comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll characteristics aimed at combating body roll under cornering. The ride height has also been reduced by 10mm in order to lower the centre of gravity, while the stiffness of the front and rear springs has been increased by 24 per cent. For optimal steering precision and response, the electric power steering is controlled by specific parameters and the front suspension bushes are stiffer. The ESP has been especially calibrated as a function of the characteristics of Mégane GT's sports chassis to ensure a comfortable ride whether driving around town or on motorways, while at the same time guaranteeing perfectly rigorous handling along twisty roads.

Available in three- and five-door form, Mégane GT is a new model in its own right and takes over from the Mégane range's former Dynamique versions as far as these two powertrains are concerned. Its looks mirror its assertive personality. Outside, Mégane GT comes with a spoiler and chrome grille surround on the front bumper, as well as side sills, a rear hatch-mounted lip spoiler, specific "dark metallic" 17-inch alloy wheels and twin centrally-positioned chrome exhaust tailpipes with a "dark metallic" GT-badged tailpipe trim. Mégane GT is available in a choice of eight body colours, including Metal Blue which is specific to the model.

The inside of the car reveals an unmistakably sporty ambience including enveloping seats and a leather sports steering wheel complete with GT badging, plus an aluminium pedal assembly and footrest. Leather upholstery is also available as an option. The modern, dynamic interior trim features a stainless steel flake finish for the centre console, glove compartment trim and door handles. The background of the instruments is blue-grey, while the upholstery sports run-and-fell stitching and silver-grey seatbelt straps.

After its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Mégane GT will go on sale at the end of 2006 and will be produced at Renault's Palencia factory in Spain.

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New Renault Megane prices announced

• On sale from 1 February 2006

• Prices and insurance group ratings same as previous version, ranging from £11,450 to £22,310 and 3E to 17E

• Two new special editions: Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ and ‘Maxim’

• New entry-level diesel, 1.5 dCi 106 6-speed for Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet

• New flagship diesel, 2.0 dCi 150 due in May 2006

Renault has announced prices and specifications for the New Renault Mégane 2006 range and also raised the bar in the sports hatch stakes with the launch of a special edition Mégane Renaultsport 225 to celebrate its Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title from last season.

The Renault Mégane continues to be Europe’s best-selling car, so the arrival of two new special editions and the lack of price rises over the current version looks certain to keep the distinctive range at the top of the sales charts. And that’s not forgetting the fact that prices still start from just £11,450 on the road. There are no changes yet to the Scénic MPV range which is built on the Mégane platform.

New Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ special edition

Giving the New Mégane 2006 even more impact is the launch of a new special edition, Mégane Renaultsport 225 Renault F1 Team, to celebrate Renault’s 2005 Constructors’ and Fernando Alonso’s Drivers’ Formula 1 World Championship titles.

Based on the Mégane Renaultsport 225 Cup - and therefore three-door Sport Hatch - the eye-catching newcomer offers a powerful combination of track-proven technology and £1,450 worth of equipment for only £900 more than the Cup, at a price of £19,500.

In addition to the standard specification of the ‘Cup’ version, the latest hot hatch from Renault’s performance division gains: 60W CD/MP3 RDS radio, climate control, new "black-gloss" 18" spoked lightweight alloys with matching door mirrors and blue/black Recaro front sports seats and blue detailing on the steering wheel and gearshift gaiter. Standard equipment on the ‘Cup’ includes: Cup Chassis (includes Brembo front brakes, disconnectable ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), uprated dampers and springs and shock absorbers to reinforce the sensation of rigidity and augment cornering ability), plus cruise control with speed limiter, exclusive Dunlop SportMaxx tyres and trip computer.

As you would expect when it comes to the glamorous world of Formula 1, the new special edition certainly isn’t lacking in image or exclusivity, boasting ‘Ultra Blue’ paintwork, a numbered plaque at the base of the centre console, plus unique Renault F1 Team decals and badging on the front wings and front and rear bumpers. The production level is not limited to a specific number.

New ‘Maxim’ special edition

Broadening the appeal of the New Mégane 2006 range even further, particularly in the retail sector, a new ‘Maxim’ special edition will also be available from launch to appeal to the more cost-conscious buyer.

Available for the same price as the already sporty Dynamique versions on which it’s based, the new special edition is available in Hatch and Sport Hatch models with a choice of either the 1.5 dCi 86 or the petrol 1.6 VVT 111, the two biggest-selling engines which account for approximately 60% of Mégane hatchback sales.

Reflecting the New Mégane 2006 range’s unique French style and built-in value for money approach, Maxim versions boast £450 of free extra equipment such as 17" Steppe alloy wheels and 60W single CD/MP3 player, with prices of £13,250 and £13,550 for the Sport Hatch versions, £13,750 and £14,050 for the Hatch.

New Mégane 2006 – Timely arrival in highly competitive lower medium sector

The lower medium sector has seen the arrival of several new and revised contenders in recent months and the arrival of New Mégane 2006 could not be more timely. Designed to build upon the success of the previous range, the facelifted line-up offers a revised look, greater refinement and an ever wider choice of engines and options.

New Megane 2006 – Range Structure

The Mégane range structure and equipment levels remain very similar to the original collection, with seven distinct body styles, namely the Hatch, Sport Hatch, Sport Saloon, Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet, offered with a total of five different trim levels (depending on model and excluding Renaultsport range): Extreme, Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Privilège. Scénic and Grand Scénic do not change until 2007.

From the outside, each of the Mégane range’s five body styles receives a subtle exterior facelift. At the front, the new models have a revised "V" shaped front grille and front bumper, a more prominent Renault diamond and new slim, tapered headlamps, whilst at the rear there are new rear light clusters (excluding Coupe-Cabriolet) and bumper unit.

There are also several alterations to specific trim levels, such as body-coloured door mirrors and door handles on Authentique, ‘Flint’ bumper and side rubbing strips from Expression upwards, chrome effect roof bars on Sport Tourer versions from Dynamique and above, plus a wide range of new wheel trims and alloy wheel designs for each version.

The improvements to New Mégane are even more apparent on the inside, where the revised interior reflects steps made in quality and materials, similar to those of New Clio and New Laguna which have been received so well.

Each of the New Mégane 2006 models features new interior trim and cabin detailing, plus new look dials with white background lighting and soft-touch dashboard materials. To emphasise their sporting air, Dynamique models also have chrome surrounds to the vents, controls and handles.

Renault continues to improve the quality of its products in all areas and New Mégane 2006 benefits from the company’s increasingly high standards. As such, the new versions have improved fit and finish, the interior being an even quieter environment than before thanks to enhanced soundproofing of the cabin, engine and drivetrain.

The good news continues with the improvements to the electric steering column gleaned from the development of the Renaultsport Trophy, focusing mainly on a revised "tube in tube" steering column to give superior feel and handling around the centrepoint. The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) has also been re-programmed to give more consistent steering responses.

While some of the revisions to the latest Megane range are clearly quite comprehensive, Renault’s usual attention to detail is also clearly evident even right down to the new flat blade wipers for example.

Mégane Renaultsport 225 – Same high performance, even greater purpose

The Renaultsport range remains the same with a three model line-up, Megane Renaultsport 225 in Hatch and Sport Hatch guise, with the focused ‘Cup’ version in Sport Hatch only. Prices again are unaffected, however, there are several notable revisions to the range in addition to the new Renault F1 Team special edition.

This starts with greater differentiation between the standard 225 and the more hardcore 225 ‘Cup’ version, as the latter receives gets a striking new blue/black ‘Scotec’ cloth interior, while the normal Megane Renaultsport 225 now comes equipped with a full leather interior, climate control and 60W single CD/MP3 RDS radio as standard. These optional extras on the outgoing range would have cost over £1,000, yet the retail price remains the same.

There are also two noteworthy option changes for the entire Renaultsport range. The first picks up where the Clio Renaultsport 182 Trophy hot hatch left off, as the Recaro seats are available as an £850 option on all Sport Hatch versions. And, due to the continued demand for the the Cup Chassis option on the standard Mégane Renaultsport 225, which accounts for around 40% of current range sales, the pack now includes anthracite-coloured door mirrors to give the cars even greater on-road presence.

Two colour changes are also made with the launch of the new vibrant non-metallic blue, Ultra Blue, which replaces Capsicum Red, plus the new metallic pearlescent blue, Albi Blue, which replaces Arctic Blue.

New Megane, New Power

The Mégane range already featured some of the most highly-regarded engines in its sector and New Mégane 2006 will be no different. The line-up gains a new flagship 2.0 dCi 150 diesel engine and sees the welcome addition of an entry-level dCi 106 6-speed option to the Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet series, offering an impressive 56.5mpg on a combined cycle. With prices for the new entry-level diesel version starting at £19,110, this top-selling and now even more frugal, convertible looks certain to cause even more of a stir among its rivals, whatever the weather.

The class-leading 2.0 dCi 150 engine which was recently introduced on New Laguna is scheduled to appear across the Mégane range in May and will offer a strong combination of refined, lusty performance and low fuel consumption for long distance and inner city journeys. This new powerplant offers 340Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, plus a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds in the Hatch, only marginally slower than the most powerful 2.0T 165 turbo petrol engine at 8.3 seconds.

In keeping with New Mégane 2006 sense of style, there are also several colour changes to the range. Nordic Green is added to the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet models, while elsewhere, Hessian is replaced by Quartz, Extreme Blue replaces Ottoman Blue (all except Sport Saloon) and Gunmetal replaces Hologram Grey.

Orders for the New Mégane 2006 range can be placed from 1st February in time for the new registration plate change. Scénic and Grand Scénic are unaffected by the changes to the Mégane range.

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Tropical Renault Alpine: The Interlagos

In 1964, Willys-Overland produced, under license, a vehicle based on the Renault Alpine 108 in Brazil. It was called “Interlagos”, an homage to the circuit and the speed fans that bought the car. Although it had a weak engine, the Interlagos was very light, with a body made of fiber glass reinforced plastic. That has helped the first mass-production sports car in the South American country to establish itself as a respectable vehicle. When its production ended, in 1966, more than 800 had been produced and sold. Now Renault seems to be studying a new version of the Alpine, but Brazilian designers Joao Paulo Cunha Melo and Felipe Guimaraes Coelho have moved faster and already have a project to bring the Interlagos back to life.

Just like its predecessor, the new Interlagos will use a Renault engine and will be a low-cost sports car, since all parts are already available and produced in Brazil. The heart of this machine will be the Mégane 2-liter engine, capable of producing 142 bhp and 19.2 kgm of torque, and managed by a six-speed manual gearbox. The other specs will make sports cars fans celebrate: the Interlagos will be a two-seater, mid-engined, rear wheel drive car. It will be short, low and wide: 3,87 m of length,1,15 m of height and 1,78 m of width. The aimed weight is below 1,000 kg.

When its production starts, plans are to export the Interlagos to other countries, such as the United Kingdom. Dates are yet to be defined because Melo and Coelho are still waiting for serious investors to approach them with a sustainable proposition. The ones interested in taking part in this project may visit the website www.wideid.com.br and check its English version. Since the Brazilian market has grown 27.8% last year, this might just be the right moment for investments.

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BMW 320d Cabrio and 125i to Debut at Geneva

Alongside EfficientDynamics concept

Today, BMW UK spilled the beans on their Geneva world debuts, the ones they want us know about in advance. No big surprises yet, BMW will show the new BMW 320d Convertible and 125i Coupé to an eager audience at the Geneva Motor Show starting March 4 alongside an EfficientDynamics Concept car.

The BMW 320d Convertible uses a 2.0 liter engine, also found in the other 320d models, producing 177 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The cabrio will accelerate from stand-still to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds, has a top speed of 139 mph (224 km/h) and manages a very respectable 53.3 mpg. The 320d Cabrio will go on sale in March 2008 priced at GBP 33,110 in the UK (approximately 44,500 Euro) while the M Sport model is priced slightly higher at GBP 35,735 (48,00 Euro).

The BMW 125i is the fourth model in the new BMW 1 Series line-up, following the 135i M Sport, 120d and 123d. The BMW 125i is equipped with a 218 hp 3.0 liter engine which propels the small coupe to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds only to stop accelerating at 152 mph (245 km/h). The two-door coupe also features BMW's EfficientDynamics ensuring a 35.8 mpg. The 125i goes on sale in March and also comes in two guises, the 125i Coupe SE priced in the UK at GBP 23,195 (31,200 Euro) and the M Sport with 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and body kit priced at GBP 25,050 (33,700 Euro).

As always we expect to see a surprise concept from BMW at the major European shows, but we will have to wait and see what it will be. Stay tuned for our Geneva coverage this March.

Press Release

The new BMW 320d Convertible and BMW 125i Coupé

• New Convertible and Coupé models make world debut alongside EfficientDynamics concept car and M3 Convertible at Geneva Motorshow.
• New BMW X6 makes European debut at Geneva Motorshow.
• BMW 1 Series, 3 Series and X3 receive specification upgrades.

BMW UK has announced additions to the 3 Series Convertible and 1 Series Coupé ranges. The new BMW 320d Convertible and 125i Coupé will receive their world debuts at the Geneva Motorshow in March alongside an EfficientDynamics concept car and a raft of other new models.

Highlight of the BMW stand at the Geneva Motorshow will be a concept car showcasing the outlook and future direction of BMW’s innovative EfficientDynamics programme. It will appear alongside the worldwide debut for the forthcoming BMW M3 Convertible with M Double Clutch Transmission. The new BMW X6 and 1 Series Convertible also make their European debuts.

The new BMW 320d Convertible

Following the announcement of the new BMW M3 Convertible at one extreme of the open-top car spectrum, BMW introduces the most frugal Convertible in the 3 Series range, the 320d. Available in both SE and M Sport guises, the new 320d uses the same 1,995 cc engine from other 320d models in the 3 Series range to offer 177hp and 350Nm of torque.

This single-turbocharged two-litre diesel engine propels the 320d Convertible from zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph. EfficientDynamics plays a part in the car’s performance with stop-start technology on manual cars, a second-generation common-rail injection engine, and a Diesel Particulate Filter fitted as standard. These technologies ensure that the new 320d Convertible is BMW’s most frugal open-topped 3 Series, delivering an impressive 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km.

The 320d SE Convertible is priced at £33,110 OTR with the M Sport model priced at £35,735 OTR. Both models go on sale in March 2008.

The new BMW 125i Coupé

The BMW 1 Series Coupé range has been strengthened with the addition of a fourth derivative. The six-cylinder 125i joins the twin-turbo 135i M Sport, the four-cylinder 120d, and the 123d that features the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in a production car.

Generating 218hp from its 2,996 cc engine, the new 125i Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 152mph. EfficientDynamics ensures that this level of performance doesn’t compromise the car’s consumption and emissions with the two-door Coupé delivering 35.8mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 190g/km of CO2.

The new 125i Coupé SE costs £23,195 OTR while the M Sport derivative, with its 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and body styling, costs £25,050 OTR. The new BMW 125i Coupé goes on sale in March 2008.

Other Geneva Motorshow introductions

The new BMW M3 Convertible

The new BMW M3 Convertible is the fourth generation of BMW’s open-topped M3 and the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top. It is also the first car to feature BMW’s new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as an option. Changing gear using either paddles on the steering wheel or the gear lever, the new M DCT gearbox has the next gear pre-selected in readiness and changes gear in just a few milliseconds. The M DCT-equipped car also outperforms the manual gearbox car in terms of outright performance, economy and emissions.

The new M3 Convertible’s engine develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit. When equipped with its standard six-speed manual gearbox, this engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. However, even with these supercar levels of performance, BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme ensures that economy is not compromised with the car delivering 21.9mpg on the combined cycle.

The new BMW X6

The new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé is the latest in BMW’s X family of Sports Activity models. It’s also the first time that BMW has combined the safety and convenience of the command driving position with the on-road performance of a sports car, all wrapped in a coupé body style.

In another BMW first, the entire model range is turbocharged with the X6 offering a quartet of forced induction power plants. The range flagship is an all-new twin-turbocharged V8, the X6 xDrive50i, producing 408hp. The configuration of the new V8 engine is unique too. It is the first engine in the world to locate twin-turbochargers and a catalytic converter within the vee of the engine.

The V8-engined car is joined by the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol-engined X6 xDrive35i producing 306hp.

The X6 will also offer two turbocharged diesel-powered derivatives. The BMW X6 xDrive30d is powered by a single-turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine featuring third-generation common-rail fuel injection and producing 235hp. The BMW X6 xDrive35d uses an award-winning twin-turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine to produce 286hp.

BMW specification enhancements

From March, all BMW 1 Series, 3 Series and X3 models receive floor mats and front seat ISOFIX child seat fixings as standard.

Purchasers of BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models now also benefit from navigation and visibility value-added packages. Media Package – Business offers customers Business navigation (complete with map and arrow view), Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity and BMW’s ConnectedDrive Assist and Online for a package price of £1,645 (£2,115 on ES). This represents a significant saving of up to £635 compared to the individual option pricing.

Media Package – Professional upgrades Business navigation with Professional navigation (complete with its widescreen format and perspective map view), and adds Voice Control, all for a package price of £1,935 (£2,405 on ES), saving up to £745.

BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring customers can also specify the Visibility Package. Ideal for motoring in the dark winter months, the package contains Adaptive Xenon headlights, Headlight washers, Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and BMW’s innovative High-beam assistant. Priced from £605, this package saves the customer up to £270 compared to ordering the individual options.

Buyers of twin-turbo BMW 123d and 135i models can opt for an automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles for £1,505.

Finally, prospective owners of 1 Series cars now have a significantly wider colour choice. Jet Black, Crimson Red, Monaco Blue metallic, Bluewater metallic, and Sparkling Graphite metallic are being introduced on Convertible models at its launch. Bluewater metallic will also be available on 1 Series Coupé, 3 and 5-door Hatch models, with Tahiti Green metallic also available on the Hatch.

Source: BMW AG

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Lobini H1: have you ever met this Brazilian sports car?

Brazil has a long tradition of hand-made sports cars, due to the import prohibition that the country faced for almost 20 years. Since automakers did not produce them, and people were not able to buy the ones that were sold abroad, they started working on their own. When imports where once again legal, most of the small sports car manufacturers disappeared. Lobini is one of the few that have been created exactly after the competition with foreign cars was allowed. And it is doing pretty good with its first product, the H1, intended to face other competitors not only in Brazil, but all over the world.

Initial plans were to sell it to the USA and to the UK, but the Brazilian currency value is not at its best rate for exports, so Lobini’s executives will wait a little longer to sell the car abroad and to improve its production. Meanwhile, all the H1 production will be absorbed by Brazilian customers, at least the ones that can afford to buy one. The Lobini H1 costs R$ 170,000, almost US$ 96,000. Most carmakers in Brazil blame taxes for the stratospheric prices, so the H1 could cost a lot less in foreign countries.

The H1 is a mid-engine rear wheel drive car with scissor doors and independent suspension in all wheels. It is 3.72 m long, 1.18 m high and 1.80 m wide, with a short wheelbase (2.40 m), what turns it into a car for experienced drivers, especially considering its AUQ 1.8 T engine, the same one used in the former generation of the Audi A3, capable of delivering 180 bhp. The low weight (1,030 kg) gives the car good performance numbers: maximum speed of 240 km/h and a time below 6 s to reach 100 km/h from immobility.

To reinforce is sportive aura, Lobini has managed to place H1 as the pace car for the Brazilian GT3, the best way to put the car in touch with the Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari vehicles it will some day meet in American and European roads. Most probably sooner than we can imagine.






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