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21.2.14

Porsche... Two wheels





Porsche is synonymous with sportiness, performance and driving pleasure – attributes that apply on two wheels as well as four: Porsche is expanding its Driver’s Selection range to include new bikes, available from March 2014. The Porsche Bike RX, Porsche Bike RS and Porsche Bike impress through their use of innovative materials, and deliver a sporty ride both on the road and off it. The design is typically Porsche: The frames of the new bikes are reminiscent of the silhouette cut by the sportscars produced in Zuffenhausen. 




Featuring a 20-speed gear assembly supplied by Shimano and 27.5 inch wheels, the new Bike RX is the ideal partner for off-road routes. The mountain bike’s high-end carbon frame blends stability with a low weight and outstanding damping properties, guaranteeing boundless riding pleasure in the great outdoors. A DT Swiss air-suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes supplied by German brake specialist Magura ensure optimum control for every manoeuvre and on all terrain.

The Bike RS also features a high-end frame, with ergonomic components made from carbon, bringing the sport bike’s overall weight to just nine kilograms. A 20-speed gear assembly makes the bike ideal for particularly sporty rides through vibrant urban settings or on extended trips. What’s more, the XTR equipment provided by Shimano and the ultra-lightweight brakes supplied by Magura ensure complete exclusivity on the road, even without an eight-cylinder engine.





The Porsche Bike, in turn, features a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear assembly, which permits the eight gears to be shifted with ease. A low-wear geared belt drive transfers the power to the wheels without making a sound, while the MT26 disc brakes provided by Magura ensure optimum safety – making the Porsche Bike the ideal companion when navigating through the urban jungle.

Another outstanding feature of the Porsche Bikes is the anti-theft label, applied as standard under the paint on the frame. The label contains a unique code and is intended to deter thieves. Should a theft nevertheless occur, this code can then be used online to report the bike as stolen. Registered bikes can ultimately be checked by anyone – online and while on the move – simply by using an iPhone app and QR code, making it considerably more difficult to sell on stolen bikes.






The Porsche Bikes will launch on the global markets in three sizes (S, M and L) from March 2014.


19.2.14

New Mercedes S-Class Coupé - Geneva Motor Show 2014

 
 The new S-Class Coupé will have its world première at the Geneva International Motor Show (6 – 16 March 2014); distribution to dealerships is scheduled for the second half of 2014. 
 
The two-door car is available with a 4663 cc V8 biturbo engine. The S 500 Coupé has a nominal output of 335 kW (455 hp), its torque level peaks at 700 Nm. The sporty motoring experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system. MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the first "suspension with eyes", had its world première in the S-Class. With the curve tilting function the Coupé introduces a further world first for series-production cars: The Coupé leans into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances motoring enjoyment and comfort.
 
Like the S-Class Saloon, the new Coupé is available with numerous new assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safer. 
 





 
 Design: sensual purity at its most beguiling
Sensual purity as an expression of modern luxury – this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that showcase high tech while radiating emotional appeal. The sensual purity is reflected in the core design values of tradition, emotion and progressivism. These make up the guiding star, and are accentuated differently depending on the model. Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progressivism.
 
The exterior: flowing profile of perfect proportions
The flowing profile of the S-Class Coupé embodies sensual purity in a modern way. It is characterised by typical rear-wheel-drive proportions, emphasised by the hallmark Mercedes dropping line. The long bonnet with pronounced lines and powerdomes, the low greenhouse with high beltline, the accentuated wheel arches as well as the large wheels (18- to 20-inch) and the broad visual effect created by the rear reinforce the S-Class Coupé's aspirations as a masterpiece of automotive refinement. With a wheelbase of 2945 mm, the Coupé is 5027 mm long, with a width of 1899 mm and a height of 1411 mm.
The view from the side is marked by the dropping line in keeping with the emotional character of the vehicle. It underscores the brand-typical proportions like a signature. The lines are deliberately reduced to the basics. This creates a sensual, timeless purity.
The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the S-Class Coupé a superior, self-confident front: in the centre of the vehicle front end is the further-evolved three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, whose structure is defined by rectangular, chrome-plated elements. It incorporates the central Mercedes three-pointed star and one louvre.
 
The full-LED headlamps with their iconic eyebrows as daytime running lamps lend it an extremely self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the S-Class Coupé the eyebrows have been further refined with a semi-circular counter-curve. In combination with the standard LED Intelligent Light System, unique headlamps with no less than 47 Swarovski crystals are available. 17 angular crystals form the flare-shaped daytime running lamps, with 30 round-shaped crystals making up the turn indicator lamps.
 
The side profile is defined by the dome-shaped stretched roof line and the frameless doors. An elegant 3D continuous chrome frame surrounds the glass areas that are uninterrupted by B-pillars. This underscores the Mercedes-typical coupé look.
A muscle above the rear axle extending from the side wall generates a sense of lightness and dynamic spirit even at a standstill. The positively arched surfaces and lines of the side walls flow into the rear end with a dramatic tapered effect.
 


 
 The interior: modern luxury as avant-garde design
The interior design of the new S-Class Coupé is an expression of the Mercedes-Benz design idiom – sensual purity. An enthralling combination of sculptural sensuous volume elements and components, and the clear geometry of its basic architecture create an avant-garde design idiom. A high class appeal, quality workmanship and exceptional touch and feel are a treat for the passengers' senses, so that the car's interior represents the highest level of "modern luxury".
 
The S-Class Coupé's dashboard fascinates with its spectacular architecture, giving rise to a vehicle of unique character in the upper coupé segment. The dashboard is divided into a very clear top-layer section with an expansive "wrap-around" effect extending to the doors, and an extremely low, sculptural "floating" lower section. This striking architecture was made possible by repositioning the airbag to a completely new low location. This concept enables the large, two-part wide-screen format TFT display to be placed in a prominent "hovering" position in front of this trim surface. In addition, it is stylishly highlighted with an ambience lighting corona. Under the display, the sporty elevated centre console extends to the vehicle rear. All lids and armrests are lavishly covered in leather.
 
New interior colours such as Bengal red, saddle brown and porcelain allow individualisation of the interior. The standard ambience lighting with several lighting moods provides the corresponding wellness character. The customer can choose from seven lighting moods.
 




 
 Lower transversal forces: active curve tilting function
MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the first "suspension with eyes", had its world première in the S-Class. With the curve tilting function the Coupé introduces a further world first for series-production cars: The curve tilting function makes the Coupé lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances motoring enjoyment and comfort. The object is not to reach higher speeds, but to produce a more pleasant motoring experience.

The new S-Class Coupé and its innovations seamlessly continue the tradition of large coupés into the future.
 
 



 
 

18.2.14

New Range Rover Evoque Autobiography




Land Rover is introducing the Autobiography name to the Range Rover Evoque for the first time with two new premium derivatives to the line-up for 2015: the luxurious Autobiography tops the range, complemented by the more powerful, more agile Autobiography Dynamic with its 285PS turbocharged engine and optimised chassis for enhanced performance and sharper handling.
Enhancing Land Rover’s existing suite of connected-car technologies, Land Rover InControlTM Apps* also debuts across the range. In a world first, InControl Apps enables vehicle-optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen. Owners simply download Land Rover InControlTM Apps to their smartphone and connect it to the vehicle’s dedicated USB port to enable compatible apps to function on the Range Rover Evoque’s touchscreen, with new content available every time the apps update. 
This new in-car technology complements the Evoque’s existing infotainment system by bringing the convenience and familiarity of iPhone or Android smartphone apps into the owner’s vehicle.
Speaking ahead of the official world premiere for the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography derivatives at the Geneva Motor Show, Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes, said: “The introduction of Land Rover InControlTM Apps together with the new range-topping Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic derivatives, takes the Range Rover Evoque’s core strengths a step further, bringing increased connectivity, desirability, luxury and dynamic ability to the already successful line-up.”
The Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic make a bold design statement with enhanced dynamic body styling, a new premium grille design, lower front valance, jewel-like headlights and tail lamps and 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Autobiography ingot badging on the tailgate and front fender vents provides further visual differentiation. A new and striking premium metallic body colour called phoenix orange also debuts across the Dynamic Evoque derivatives.



 Inside, the Autobiography is equipped with a luxurious leather interior in a selection of six colour palettes. Autobiography Dynamic customers can choose from a dynamic plus leather interior with either sports or premium climate seats and a choice of four colours. Headrests feature an Autobiography embossed logo whilst Autobiography illuminated tread plates greet you as you open the door.
“The Range Rover Evoque continues to be applauded for its ground-breaking design,” said Land Rover Design Director & Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern. “The new Range Rover Evoque Autobiography is a natural progression, bringing luxury that’s more commonly associated with far larger, more expensive models to a premium compact SUV.”
The Autobiography is available with the Evoque’s powerful and efficient 240PS petrol or 190PS diesel engines, together with the responsive and fuel-efficient 9-speed ZF automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The Autobiography Dynamic’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, meanwhile, has been upgraded exclusively to 285PS and 400Nm, a substantial 45PS and 60Nm increase. Its 9-speed ZF transmission now responds even more keenly to sportier driver inputs, including when left in Drive.
Active driveline is optional on all Range Rover Evoque derivatives and comes as standard equipment on the Autobiography Dynamic. One of the world’s first four-wheel-drive systems of its kind, active driveline improves traction, enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by engaging four-wheel drive seamlessly and automatically when required. 





 Further increasing driver enjoyment, the steering of the Autobiography Dynamic has been specially tuned for additional on-centre precision; the chassis also features upgraded suspension geometry, firmer spring rates and recalibrated adaptive dampers, increasing agility and turn-in response. This has been achieved without impacting on the Range Rover Evoque’s compliant ride quality.
To ensure drivers can fully experience the Autobiography Dynamic’s optimised performance, upgraded 350mm front brake discs have been fitted, while Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB) is standard equipment. TVB helps to reduce understeer on low- and high-grip surfaces, providing more responsive handling characteristics.
Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 157 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, agile handling and off-road capability. It continues to appeal to customers with more than 270,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time. The new Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic represent the next chapter in the Range Rover Evoque’s incredible success story.




The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer


The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer sees BMW for the first time expand its portfolio to introduce front-wheel-drive and three cylinder engines in the model line-up.

Following on from the coupé as the second member of the new BMW 2 Series range, the Active Tourer combines dynamism, style, elegance and practicality in one cleverly packaged car.

New lightweight turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive are all elements in a driving experience that allows sporty performance and incredible efficiency.

Measuring just 4,342mm long (only marginally longer than a BMW 1 Series), 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm in height, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer combines compact dimensions on the outside with a spacious feel on the inside, making it perfectly suited to the increasing challenges of urban mobility.

Model Power (hp) Torque (Nm) 0 – 62mph (seconds) Top speed (mph) Combined (mpg) CO2 emissions (g/km)
BMW 218i SE 136 220 9.3 124 57.6 115
BMW 218d SE 150 330 8.9 127 68.9 109
All figures are provisional and have not yet been officially confirmed. The estimated fuel consumption figures have been calculated as per the ECE test cycle and may vary depending on driving style and conditions.






Stylish design, premium cabin and innovative packaging
Practical shouldn’t mean prosaic: while the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is uniquely versatile it is also distinctively styled. From the low-rise double kidney grille, which is positioned lower than the headlights, a feature normally only found on BMW coupés, to the steeply raked windscreen and clearly defined and sculpted bonnet, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has a low-slung, sporty appearance.

Balance, as always in a BMW, is key and the short overhangs are classic BMW styling cues while the long wheelbase, wedge profile, L-shaped rear lights, crisp contours and eye-catching swage lines give the car great impact and athletic appearance.

The tailgate, with its low sill and wide aperture, gives easy access to the load compartment, while vertical air-deflecting aeroblades on either side of the rear window along with a rear spoiler add style while contributing to impressive aerodynamic efficiency. The dynamic look is even carried over to the rear windscreen wiper, which at rest remains hidden inside the rear spoiler. The result is that the new BMW 218i Active Tourer has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.
Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the interior is light and surprisingly spacious, with comfortable seating for five people. A large glass area ensures the cabin is light and airy throughout – an effect further enhanced by the optional panoramic roof and by the A-pillar triangle window, both of which also improve all-round visibility.

The horizontally structured, layered styling of the instrument panel and door panels gives the interior an elegant, light-touch feel and emphasises the sense of spaciousness. At the same time the typical BMW driver-centric design of the cockpit underlines the sporty character of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Driver and front passenger also enjoy a far higher seating position than in a saloon giving commanding all-round view as well as making it easier to get in and out.








Everyday practicality
Despite the compact exterior length, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer offers luxury-class legroom, particularly in the rear, and a wealth of features for those with active lifestyles, or needing to transport families.

The versatile luggage compartment’s capacity can be enlarged from 468 to 1,510 litres, with a flat loading floor, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest fitted as standard exemplify this model’s excellent everyday practicality. Flexibility is further enhanced by a sliding rear seat, allowing either knee room or luggage space to be increased as required, and its backrest can be adjusted to recline for the three rear seats or sat more upright for extra luggage space.

Access to the luggage compartment is easy thanks to the large, broad, wide-opening tailgate, which also features push button automatic opening and closing, or the Smart-Opener function where a quick flick of the foot sets it in motion.

One particularly clever touch is the foldable boot floor that conceals a storage compartment with a handy multifunction tray. Lashing points and bag hooks, one on either side of the rear compartment, are further features which add to the practicality of the boot space.











Handling: comfortable ride with agile handling
For the first time BMW has introduced front-wheel-drive into its model range, but in order to do so, and retain the sporty characteristics necessary in every one of its cars, it chose to start with a blank sheet of paper.

The result is a new, state-of-the-art, front-wheel-drive system on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer that balances comfort and agility – both key requirements of customers in the segment, but rarely met in other vehicles.
The chassis has been newly developed, with a long wheelbase and wide track (2,670mm and a front and rear track width of 1,561mm and 1,562mm respectively), reduced-friction steering system, a torsionally very stiff, lightweight body with short overhangs, and a low centre of gravity.

At the core of the chassis is the highly advanced single-joint spring-strut front axle. Lightweight, very stiff and with perfect calibration, it offers excellent directional control, largely torque-steer-free steering and pliancy for excellent ride comfort.

The multi-link rear axle, too, has been newly developed and makes an important contribution to the excellent driving dynamics.

With the optional electronically controlled dampers, the chassis characteristics can be adjusted to different driving situations with a choice of two different settings, making for even further improved ride comfort and driving dynamics. Optional Variable Sports Steering and the introduction of M Sport models from later in 2014 will add to the sporty handling  and character of the car.

Two new engines: innovative three-cylinder petrol and lightweight diesel
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has innovative all-new transverse engines, perfectly matched to the space-efficient concept of the car.

The new BMW 218i Active Tourer is powered by an all-new three-cylinder engine. This ultra-low-friction, all-aluminium core engine is part of a newly developed modular family comprising light weight, high-performance and fuel-efficiency, equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The result is CO2 emissions of only 115g/km, yet peak power of 136hp.

With turbocharging, direct petrol injection, double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and the longer firing intervals of the three-cylinders, it is possible to precisely match the engine cycle to varying power requirements. As a result, throttle response is sharp, and the engine develops large amounts of torque from only slightly above idling. Peak torque of 220Nm is reached at only 1,250rpm, and sustained all the way until 4,300rpm.

Further advantages of this lightweight, compact three-cylinder engine are its vibration characteristics. The small amounts of engine roll torque are completely eliminated by a balancer shaft, while the combination of a dual-mass flywheel and a centrifugal pendulum absorber, unusual in this power class, eliminate irregular running, ensuring refinement even at the low end of the engine speed range.

Completing the two engine line-up at launch is a new four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. Turbocharged and common rail direct-injected, optimised performance with optimised efficiency see CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km, power of 150hp and a peak torque of 330Nm.

A new diesel engine, it has a friction-reduced core engine, improved thermodynamics and injection pressures of up to 2,000 bar. This makes the engine a natural choice for all drivers who want to combine dynamic power with superior fuel efficiency. This model, too, offers the refinement benefits of a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber.
In the UK, the higher-power 225i will go on sale with xDrive four-wheel-drive from November, alongside further models: BMW 220i, 216d, 220d and 220d xDrive Active Tourer.

The standard transmission is a newly developed six-speed manual unit. Optionally, in conjunction with the three-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission can be specified.

For the four-cylinder engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission has been developed, which is specially adapted to take account of the front-wheel-drive configuration and the transverse engine. All transmissions feature Auto Start-Stop, while the automatic versions further improve vehicle efficiency with a coasting function.


 
EfficientDynamics in the new 2 Series Active Tourer
The use of high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels makes the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer stiffer, safer and lighter. Elsewhere, clever weight saving innovations have been used: the bonnet is made of lightweight aluminium and weighs just eight kilograms, about 50 per cent less than a conventionally produced component.
Apart from being a crucial factor in the model’s exceptional driving dynamics, this lightweight engineering is just one among many BMW EfficientDynamics technology elements.
These also include the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the integral Aero Curtain, which uses two vertical air inlets in the front bumper to direct the airstream along the front wheels.

BMW Connected Drive: clever systems for simpler, safer driving
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with a host of standard and optional functions that make driving safer, and keep its occupants connected with the outside world.
For the first time in the segment, BMW will offer full colour Head-Up Display (optionally available as part of the Media package – Professional Plus). The information is shown on a screen that extends out between the steering wheel and windscreen, enabling drivers to view all key information without having to divert their attention from the road.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer features the new Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which significantly improves pedestrian safety in urban environments. If the system detects a pedestrian or a stationary vehicle, it emits an audible and visible signal to warn the driver, and primes the brakes. If the driver fails to react, the system acts autonomously to reduce vehicle speed.

The new Parking Assistant from BMW improves parking comfort and safety. At speeds below 22mph, Parking Assistant helps the driver look for appropriate parallel parking spaces using ultrasound sensors on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle. The system identifies parking spaces which are around one metre longer than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer itself.

Via the electromechanical steering system, the Parking Assistant takes charge of steering, leaving the driver to focus on accelerating, braking and switching between forward and reverse gears.

The new and even more efficient bi-LED lights are available for the dipped and main beam functions. These lights are as bright as comparable xenon systems with LED daytime running light rings, but only consume half as much energy. LED technology is also used in the cornering lights, which provide excellent sideways illumination both when making a turn and also when cornering at speeds between 25 and 44mph.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer arrives in dealers on 27 September, 2014 and will start from less than £23,000 OTR.