BMW 5-Series' soft, sleek approach:THIS PHOTO of the next generation BMW 5-Series, due in 2010, is the clearest look yet at the future design direction for the car, although it still carries BMW's usual camouflage.
Sources claim this model is aimed at appeasing those who have attacked the design of the last two generations. It will take a softer, sleeker approach to the market than the current model.
New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its twin-kidney grille design, it will reduce the length of the front overhang.
As is typical of most recent BMW re-designs, this 5-Series will add space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10cm and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than 2cm, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17” wheels will be the smallest available with 18” and 19” wheels optional.
Under the bonnet, this 5-Series is expected to use variations of existing engines in BMW’s line-up. A wild card could be thrown into the mix if BMW attempts to combine its latest turbo technology with a V8 of slightly smaller displacement than the current 4.8-litre. Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5-litre V10.
Panamera's Nurburgring record
THE NEW Porsche Panamera Turbo has set a new record for the fastest four-door production car around Germany’s Nürburgring race track, setting a time of seven minutes and 56 seconds.
Last year, a Cadillac STS-V set the previous lap record for a four-door production car around the 12.9-mile circuit. However, the time set by the Panamera Turbo – powered by a 4.8-litre V8 producing 493bhp – beat the STS-Vs time by a full three seconds.
The current lap record for a production car is held by Nissan’s GT-R, which has beaten Porsche’s 911 GT3 with a time of seven minutes and 26 seconds. However, the German carmaker has controversially asserted that the time is “not possible”, despite supporting video evidence from Nissan.
Chinese regulators clash over Hummer
AS A decision looms over GM’s controversial plan to sell Hummer to a little-known Chinese firm, the two Chinese regulators in charge of approving the deal seem to be on opposite sides of the road.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner, generally opposes a deal that captured global headlines last month, due partly to environmental concerns around the gas-guzzling Hummer and the vague plans that suitor Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery has for the brand, a politically connected source said.
But the influential Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) seems more supportive of Tengzhong, the Chinese machinery maker that launched its surprise bid for Hummer last month, the source said, adding a decision could come as early as the end of July.
The divergent paths are unusual for Beijing, where regulators often speak with a single voice that comes from the top. Failure to reach consensus could delay a deal or even see it rejected.– Reuters
Peugeot confirms RCZ
AS WE reported in Motors several weeks ago, Peugeot is to put its RCZ sports car into production by early 2010.
The French firm has confirmed a production version of its concept car, first unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2007, will now be built.
It will compete with rivals such as the Audi TT and other mid-range sports models.
The car will make its public debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor show.