The New BMW X6

In 1999 BMW broke the four-wheel-drive mould when it launched the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. With a bias towards excellent on-road performance combined with a dynamic design and a premium interior, the BMW X5 was an instant success. And it's a winning formula that has, unlike most other models, led to increasing sales during its lifecycle with the biggest annual UK sales coming in its penultimate year. The timing of the BMW X5 was perfect and it reflected buyers' lifestyles and their desire for something unique in the marketplace.

The introduction of the BMW X6 is a logical next step in the process of anticipating customer demand. The BMW X6 sets a new performance benchmark with the world debut of its innovative Dynamic Performance Control rear differential and advanced stability systems to ensure a new dimension in 4x4 car-like driving capabilities. The drivetrain, incorporating BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, ensures the X6 delivers excellent emissions and fuel consumption figures in conjunction with impressive output and acceleration figures. All that in a dynamic coupe-like body shape and interior that is unique in the premium segment. The BMW X6 is a bespoke proposition, but one that competitors look set to copy…just like the BMW X5.

The concept of the new BMW X6 is best considered in relation to the link between the BMW 3 Series Saloon, Touring, Coupé and Convertible. People buy all four versions of the 3 Series depending on their circumstances and needs. The same will be the case for the BMW X6 compared to other BMW X models.

The BMW X6 is undeniably a niche car with BMW UK expecting to sell approximately 1,600 X6s in its first year - by comparison an average of 7,000 X5s are sold every year. Research has shown that three key buyer profiles exist:

• Buyers who want the command driving position an X product provides, but who also aspire to the sporting style of a Coupé.
• Early adopters. BMW broke the mould when it launched the X5 and the interest for that model came from early adopters looking for something unique in the market. Early BMW X6 customers are expected to come from a similar demographic.
• The BMW X5 or other Sports Activity Vehicle owner whose family has left home and still desires a similar car, but one that doesn't scream 'family'.

Klaus Kibsgaard, the new Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "People have questioned why we should launch such a car, but these doubters are the same who said a BMW X5 wasn't a true BMW and that we shouldn't produce that. The BMW X5 3.0d has gone on to be the third biggest selling new car in our portfolio and is one of the most searched for used cars too.

A quartet of turbocharged engines

For the first time in BMW's history a model range has been launched solely powered by turbocharged engines. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by the twin-turbocharged 2007 and 2008 International Engine of the Year winner that produces 306hp. This powerplant is capable of propelling the X6 xDrive35i from zero to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph. The 2,979cc-engined X6 is still capable of achieving a combined 25.9mpg and a CO2 figure of 262g/km.

The BMW X6 xDrive30d and the BMW X6 xDrive35d also both have award-winning powerplants under their bonnets. The former, a single turbocharged unit produces 235hp from its 2,993cc block, while the latter ups the ante by offering 286hp from the same capacity engine but aided by twin-turbochargers.

The BMW X6 xDrive30d, which is likely to become the biggest selling X6 variant over time, reaches 62mph from zero in 8.0 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. Emissions and economy figures are equally impressive, recording 217g/km and 34.4mpg respectively. The low CO2 output is enough for the car to qualify for a lower Vehicle Excise Duty band, compared to rival products, and continue to be an £8-a-day Congestion Charge vehicle in London should current proposals become statute.

The BMW X6 xDrive35d sprints from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 147mph. It too sits under the 225g/km higher Vehicle Excise Duty and Congestion Charge strata. The twin-turbocharged diesel records an emissions figure of 220g/km, while also being capable of 34.0mpg.

Completing the awesome foursome of powerplants is a new twin-turbocharged, high-precision direct injection, 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 408hp. This all-new engine, not seen in any other BMW product before, is the most powerful production non-M BMW V8 engine ever and makes the flagship X6 the most powerful production X product. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 5.4 seconds - quicker than a Porsche Boxster - before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

All four X6 models utilise facets of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. Brake Energy Regeneration is standard across the range and combines with active aerodynamics and low viscosity fluids in the steering and transmission systems. Third-generation common-rail technology diesel-engined cars and high-precision direct injection on the petrol models both serve to optimise the combustion process.

A new high in dynamic capability

The power of the BMW X6 is harnessed by an advanced chassis that incorporates Dynamic Performance Control for the first time on a BMW. Dynamic Performance Control offers drivers class-leading cornering ability courtesy of a complex multi-clutch differential that, effectively, helps drive the vehicle around a bend.

A conventional differential wastes power through wheelslip during cornering. A limited-slip differential locks out an unloaded wheel to transfer drive to the wheel with most grip - but the locked wheel can act as a drag on performance. However, Dynamic Performance Control improves on the traditional, performance oriented limited-slip differential. It allows an inside wheel to still deliver power and provide drive, while at the same time sending more drive to the outside wheel that has more grip. The result, combined with one of the most advanced stability control systems available, is a vehicle that out performs the current benchmark BMW X5 and some sports cars in terms of dynamic capability.

The New Ferrari California

The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material discs as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

BMW 1-series Cabrie AC Schnitzer

Viewed from its roof construction, the new BMW 1-series Cabrio is a classic softy. But under its soft shell lurks a hard masculine cornering machine which isn't pushed aside by anyone: especially in the AC Schnitzer version. As honed as a high performance athlete, the car cuts a fine figure even in the car park. The Aachen-based BMW-tuners have transplanted the muscles visually to the right places. In the end, the vehicle is an agile sprinter and not a bodybuilder who can scarcely move for power. At first glance, the new front skirt strikes you - it is less rounded than standard and runs into a slight taper. This, in combination with the diagonal grille insert, ensures a far more dynamic appearance. And naturally the Cabriolet not only has a neat front, but also a strong rear: The AC Schnitzer rear skirt lip or insert (for M-Technik version) provides an extra cross contour in comparison with the original, and hence a more "powerful" look. Underneath, a diffuser element highlights the sporting heritage of the vehicle. The final touch is given by the chromed tailpipe trim in "Racing" design, available for the 118i, 120i, 125i, 120d and 123d.

The fact that the sporting appearance is more than just Show & Shine becomes evident to the driver from a glance in the rearview mirror. Because the car behind grows smaller at record speed when you put your foot to the floor. In both petrol and diesel engine variants, the Aachen tuners inject any amount of power into the compact cabrio. Extra horsepower is available for the 135i, 120d and 123d. And because the standard speedo is sometimes overloaded with so much "unbridled" power, AC Schnitzer upgrades it to 320 km/h.

Any pursuer's hopes of overtaking the agile 1-series on the next corner are soon deflated by the AC Schnitzer suspension. The spring kit alone allows transverse acceleration which seems to go beyond the laws of physics. But fortunately physics doesn't issue penalty notices! Obstacles can be evaded more quickly and precisely with the complete sports suspension, or even circled completely with the height-adjustable racing suspension. The comfortable 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel from AC Schnitzer, and the further refined controls, always ensure that the car is a joy in your hands. All that remains for the final touch is a set of attractive wheels, and the 1-series will be dressed to take centre stage not just on twisty roads but also in front of the latest trendy café or bar. The 18" Type VI with its exciting re-interpretation of the classic Y-spoke design is an ideal choice of decor for the cabrio, as is the delicate but sporting Type IV in either 18" or 19", in silver or "BiColor". Or take your pick from a wide range of other styles in 17", 18" or 19". With the 1-series, the only thing left open by AC Schnitzer is the roof - not your dreams.

The New Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe

The Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe is not just a show car. It is a company personified. Like the iconic Jaguar XK120s and E-types that preceded it, the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe heralds a new generation of stunning sports coupes and saloons; cars that will remain true to Jaguar's illustrious past but more importantly will see the company leaping confidently forward into the future.

Created by Jaguar's advanced design team under the watchful eye of renowned Design Director Ian Callum, this high-performance show car is indicative of more than just the company's evolving design direction - the Advanced Lightweight Coupe represents the future of Jaguar, as an ambassador for a marque whose reputation was founded on beautiful and dynamic sports cars.

The Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe is a physical expression of Ian Callum's direction for the next generation of Jaguar cars which, like this 2+2 show car, will have purposeful and seductive exteriors that bring Jaguar design firmly into the 21st century. And with the lightweight aluminium body architecture technology that was introduced with the new XJ saloon, in production form the Advanced Lightweight Coupe would be as dynamic and agile as it is desirable.

"This company has had many ground-breaking moments," says Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars. "The XK120 was a ground-breaker and of course the E-type and XJ6 saloon in the 1960s helped to change the face of motoring. These were events in automotive design history that have stood the test of time and I would like to think that we will look back on the Advanced Lightweight Coupe as another of those moments in Jaguar's lineage."

ENGINEERING

What if we let our minds wander for a moment? What if this show car was a road-going reality? Well, the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe would be the most potent 2+2 the company has ever created. Thanks to a technologically advanced aluminium architecture - which is around 40 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than a standard steel body - and renowned V8 powertrain assembly, the car would be capable of compelling performance, reaching 60mph from standstill in less than five seconds and breaking the 180mph mark at maximum velocity.

Yet it is not simply straightline speed that would make the car so notable. It would also demonstrate an agility that reaffirms Jaguar's commitment to producing the best-handling sports coupes and saloons in the world.

"The Advanced Lightweight Coupe is the sort of Jaguar we want to build," says Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars. "But that means we must do much more than just come up with a beautiful design, we must have the tools in place to turn that creative spark into something tangible. What people should recognise is that we have the people in place to allow this to happen. The company's engineering team is as strong as it has ever been and this new generation of engineers is all set to follow in the footsteps of great names from Jaguar's past.

"Today's team, with extraordinarily talented people such as Phil Hodgkinson, Jon Carling, Russ Varney and Mike Cross, will drive Jaguar's product direction. These are the people who will take Ian Callum's designs and ensure that the end products are as desirable as the concept cars that precede them."

The engineering excellence that abounds at Jaguar is reflected in this car's impressive technical specification. An aluminium chassis similar to that used in the new XJ saloon is constructed using many of the same advanced technologies. It is not just lightweight but also incredibly strong and stiff, which is of immense benefit to a car's handling and ride as well as fuel economy and exhaust emissions. The lighter body also means responsiveness is improved whether you are talking in terms of steering feel, traction or power delivery. Jaguar's V8 engines are admired as much for their impressive low-down torque as their peak power outputs and with a lighter aluminium body to propel, that torque is even more noticeable.

"The next generation of Jaguars will be remarkable drivers' cars," says Phil Hodgkinson, Director, Product Engineering. "Whether you want to relax behind the wheel on a long journey or head out simply for the pleasure of driving there will be no need to compromise. Our cars will be the perfect blend of performance and luxury."

Jaguar's array of intuitive technologies - features that make life easier for the driver, not more complicated - also sit easily with the Advanced Lightweight Coupe ethos. Dynamic aids such as Computer Active Technology Suspension work in conjunction with safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control and the Active Restraint Technology System - all features that Jaguar already has on its production cars.

And like Jaguar's XJ and S-TYPE saloons, this car has an adjustable pedal box to ensure that drivers are seated in optimum comfort. As with all Jaguar's technologies these systems operate discreetly, without intruding on the unparalleled Jaguar driving experience - they are there when you need them but never impose themselves.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the Advanced Lightweight Coupe is a beautiful, fast Jaguar that is true to the brand's past and heralds an exciting future. It combines the talents of Ian Callum and his design team with brilliant engineering expertise - a combination that will ensure every upcoming Jaguar model delivers both dynamically and visually.

"This car is as clear a statement on the strength and confidence of the company as we could possibly make," concludes Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars. "Its design is assertive and pure - a perfect symbol for our 21st century cars - and beneath that beautiful body lies the heart and soul of a true Jaguar sports car."

"The Advanced Lightweight Coupe marks a return to the core values of Jaguar," says Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars. "There is a determination in every department of this company to produce a new range of cars that provides the total Jaguar experience and this car is the first evidence of that determination.

"Aspirational and exclusive, with contemporary design and stunning performance, the Advanced Lightweight Coupe is conceived as a special car for special people. It represents the unique position that Jaguar holds in the market place - and even more it tells the world that we are set to make another bold leap forward. For Jaguar, the future begins now."

The New Volvo V70 R-Design

The best-selling Volvo V70 becomes the fifth Volvo model to be offered with the sporty factory-fitted R-Design option pack. This further cements Volvo Cars' aim to offer unique products to particularly discerning customers.

The Volvo V70 estate car is for many people the very essence of Volvo: practical, safe and exuding Scandinavian elegance. The R-Design pack spotlights a new dimension: impassioned, extrovert and challenging.

"Increasing numbers of customers want cars that express individual taste and style. Volvo Cars has therefore created the R-Design option pack to add a refined sporty look to the other attractive characteristics of our products," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

Comprehensive package

The R-Design pack for the Volvo V70 boasts a wide range of eye-catching features. For example door mirror housings and grille detailing in silk metal finish, chrome exhaust tailpipe and specially designed 18-inch aluminium wheels. On the inside it is primarily the purposeful, sporty leather-clad seats in black and cool Nordic Ceramic Light that catch the eye - together with the various aluminium details. From the instrument panel's aluminium inlays to the centre console and door sides, there is a milled circular décor pattern that spreads like ripples in water.

Optimised sports chassis

Volvo R-Design not only offers visible detailing, it packs properties that simply have to be experienced out on the road. The sporty chassis offers plenty of driving pleasure and immense control in every situation. The sports chassis has been optimised with the help of features such as stiffer anti-roll bars and bushings and lower ground clearance for more direct road contact and more responsive and rewarding steering feedback.

"The big challenge with this project the R-Design chassis was to combine crisp driving pleasure with Volvo's renowned secure properties in poor road conditions such as heavy rain or snow. I'm convinced we've found exactly the right balance," says Ekkehard Schwartz, Vice President Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics.

The whole package - Volvo V70 R-Design

• Grille in silk metal finish with R-Design emblem.
• Foglamp décor at the front in silk metal finish.
• Door-mirror housings in silk metal finish.
• Five-spoke 18-inch aluminium wheels - Cratus.
• Black anodised window mouldings made of aluminium.
• Tailgate spoiler in the same colour as the body.
• Chromed visible exhaust tailpipe, 90 mm diameter,
• Rear colour-matched spoiler with black insert.
• Sports chassis: lowered 20 mm front and 15 mm rear.
• 11 exterior colours to choose between.
• Sports seats reinforced with extra foam padding in the seat and backrest cushions for added stability and comfort.
• Combined instrument with blue dial faces unique to R-Design cars.
• Sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather and R-Design emblem.
• Sports pedals made of aluminium.
• Upholstery of smooth leather in Off-Black and Ceramic Light colour combination, embossed with the R-Design emblem in the backrest.
• Specially designed centre console and unique décor pattern.
• Gear selector trimmed in perforated leather.
• Off-Black sports mats.

To further emphasise its sportiness, the car has no rails on the roof. These are however available as factory options for those buyers who wish to specify them.