2013 BMW M5
With its new top sedan, the M division continues to tip its own
Building factory hot rods must be a good business.
Practically every automaker has an R or a GT or a V or an S or a Spec-Something-or-Other sexing up its catalog. But nobody commits to the job with the fervor of BMW’s M division GmbH. Granted, the gulf between track and street that opened up years ago means that BMW’s speed shop no longer puts motorsport specials on the road with detuned race engines. But that doesn’t mean new M’s are nothing more than Big Macs with barbecue sauce.
Okay, maybe the 1-series M sort of is.
But take the example of the new 560-hp “M TwinPower Turbo” M5—Bimmer-nerd code: F10—that goes on sale in the U.S. late next summer as a 2013 model.
 |
In the F10 M5, you get: a unique engine [see sidebar]; a unique, reinforced and re-ratio’d, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; and a unique, electronic limited-slip differential with a unique aluminum horse-collar mount for added rigidity. There’s a unique suspension with forged aluminum components and nary a part number shared with any other BMW; a unique variable-ratio steering gear with hydraulic instead of electric boost as in other 5s; unique, iron-and-aluminum brake rotors clamped by unique radial-mount, monoblock front calipers housing six asymmetrically sized pistons per wheel; and a unique front crossmember, stiffened and attached by two additional bolts because somebody thought that was important. A unique rear-suspension cradle is rigidly mounted to the unibody to eliminate the weight and flex of rubber bushings, unique stiffening rods and shear plates underneath serve as extra bracing, and the car runs enough special software to land it on an asteroid.
You may scoff upon learning the M5’s price, expected to fall near $92,000. To that prodigious sum we say: How can BMW possibly sell a couple thousand copies per year so cheaply? What does the dedicated tooling cost, anyway? How much is it to change 10 things about an engine, including the induction system and compression ratio, and then recertify it? It’s a lot of Big Macs. Maybe not as many Big Macs as creating a bespoke V-10, as in the previous E60, but a lot.
The new M5 will assuredly be profitable. But whether it is spectacular or merely great—many people would put a 4300-pound luxury sedan that hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds firmly in the former category—it’s definitely no parts-bin badge job.
 |
Speaking of acceleration numbers, we have them, stolen on a quiet side road in southern Spain while nobody was looking except some ducks and possibly a Chinese spy satellite. It took a while to master the new M5’s picayune order of button pushing and lever pulling to activate the launch control (example: Step on the brake but not too hard, hold the shift lever forward but not for too long).
Launch control automatically dumps the clutch at about 3000 rpm and upshifts for you. When we finally did it right, the quarter-mile went down in 12 seconds flat at 122 mph. In another 6.3 seconds, the car was passing 150 mph. It pulls nearly 1.0 g braking from 70 to 0 in 165 feet. A skidpad figure will have to wait until we can get a car to test in the U.S.
Fisker karma
The Fisker Karma has stunning looks, backed up by impressive acceleration and has single-handedly made electric cars cool
The superlatives don’t end there: it was engineered in Los Angeles by a team headed up by former Aston Martin design chief Henrik Fisker and built at the former Porsche Boxster plant, owned by at Valmet in Finland. And it originally cost around £87,000.
The Karma is based around a bespoke aluminium spaceframe that carries a mid-mounted battery pack on its longitudinal spine, and a 2.0-litre, 260bhp petrol engine up front.Henrik Fisker was responsible for the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin Vantage, so it comes as no surprise that the Karma is an outrageous looking machine. If turning heads is your thing, the four-door Fisker will manage it better than anything else on the road.
On battery power alone, the Karma can accelerate to 60mph in less than eight seconds, which is more than fast enough for the urban conditions in which it will likely be used most of the time. When the engine kicks in to drive the on-board generator, the 0-60 is slashed to 5.9sec.
A pair of 201.5bhp electric motors power the rear wheels; one forward and one aft of the single-speed limited slip diff.
Fisker has aimed to make the driving experience as straightforward as possible by minimising the number of controls on board. Press the start button, select D, choose from the electric-only Stealth mode or the engine-assisted Sport and the car creeps forward as a conventional auto. Pedestrians are warned the car is on the move by a synthesised sound, which Fisker calls Tron.
Once moving, the Karma feels fast even in battery-only mode, and even quicker with the engine assisting, despite the lack of a powerful soundtrack to back up the supercar looks. The Karma has excellent electro-hydraulic steering and an understeer-free chassis that seems to thrive on tight cornering. The car is a joy to drive on a tight handling course, and you can’t say that for every two-tonne, five-metre-long luxury saloon.
Fisker says it benchmarked the interior against the Panamera, which means a low seating position with a high centre console featuring bespoke instrumentation. Space is adequate up front, but by comparison the Aston Martin Rapide feels spacious in the rear, and there aren’t many four-doors that can claim that. Occupants are insulated from the worst bumps and tyre noise, thanks in part to 35-section tyres.
The Karma had several vital factors in its favour, not least its film star looks - but production stopped in 2012. It was a great shame, as it offered the complete engineering package and drove well. Right-hand drive versions were never planned - nor made.
In a country packed full of the conditions that flattered the Karma’s talents, the decision not to build a right-hand drive model seemed curious. Would it have saved the company? Unlikely. But we'll never know.
Kia Cadenza
Those who think Kia doesn't make quality cars need a serious reality check. The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza impressed me with its luxury, comfort, and wide array of amenities. What's more, people came to me with envious stares, thumbs up, and many nice things to say about it throughout my test week.
What is the Kia Cadenza?
Simply put, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is a brand new and luxurious full-size sedan from Korea. Slotted above the popular Optima, it will inevitably help Kia attract a new generation of buyers.
While it may not have sporty aspirations, the 2014 Kia Cadenza offers tremendous value, especially the base model which starts under $40K.
  |
2014 Kia Cadenza Price and Specs
A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. Featuring direct injection, this mill pairs up with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and, on my watch, burned a combined 11.2L/100km (30% city, 70% highway).
Two trim levels are available: The one priced at $37,795 is very well equipped, while the Cadenza Premium at $44,995 adds keyless entry, heated rear seats, many extra safety features, and a panoramic sunroof -- basically everything consumers look for in this price range.
 |
| A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. (Photo: Kia) |
Driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza
Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. With nearly 300 horses under the hood, acceleration is convincing, and handling manages to surprise.
Engineers integrated a remarkable number of modern technologies. In addition to safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control, you'll find in the Cadenza Premium goodies such as a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, adaptive HID headlights, and a driver's seat with memory.
The wide A-pillars and large side mirrors of the 2014 Kia Cadenza reduce forward visibility. As for the rear, the backup camera and parking sensors are quite useful. Elsewhere, the 8-way power adjustable seat helps in finding a proper driving position, although the seat may not drop low enough for taller drivers.
On a more negative note, Kia's navigation system is pretty frustrating. You can't zoom easily or enter an intersection as a destination. Fortunately, the rest of the Cadenza is so good that you will quickly forget about it.
 |
| Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin) |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Cadenza
From the outside, the new 2014 Kia Cadenza looks just as stylish as most competitors. Larger than the Optima, it sports fluid lines and a sharp-looking set of headlights. The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture -- kudos to Peter Schreyer, the former Audi designer who now oversees design operations at both Kia and Hyundai. On the other hand, the two-tone alloy wheels look somewhat cheap despite being 19” in size.
The big, panoramic sunroof certainly boosts the appeal of the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Fit and finish, both inside and out, deserve praise.
From a practical standpoint, I soon realized that the rear seatbacks do not fold down. Instead, there's a centre pass-through for long objects, such as skis -- too bad. Other than that, the rear seats prove roomy and comfortable.
Up front, the 2014 Kia Cadenza's dashboard is clean and modern, in large part thanks to the digital speedometer and tachometer. The various wood trim pieces will likely turn off some younger buyers; however, everything else has been well thought out. The analogue clock adds a touch of prestige that evokes renowned luxury brands.
 |
| The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin) |
Comparing the 2014 Kia Cadenza
This Korean import offers plenty of bang for your buck, and could give more expensive German sedans a run for their money. Of course, the ride and handling don't quite match those of Audi or BMW, but if you're looking for a classy and contemporary full-size car, you should totally check it out.
The front-wheel-drive 2014 Kia Cadenza appears a bit more refined than most American rivals including the new Chevrolet Impala, Buick Lacrosse, and Dodge Charger. As for Japan, expect the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima to form a nice opposition.
In the end, the Cadenza stands out with its modern approach, sophisticated looks, plethora of technologies, and Kia's excellent warranty.
Bugatti 16C Galibier
All we’ve detected concerning the Bugatti 16C Galibier up to now has been construct details and speculation, however things square measure getting ready to rotate for all the fans wish the corporate would take following massive step.
Volkswagen has offered Bugatti the backing they have for a Bugatti 16C Galibier sedan.
Click here to order your new Bugatti 16C Galibier rival with a brand new Audi W16 engine 8,004 cubic centimeters (488.4 cu in) 1100 horse power engine for US$49,000.
Apparently, Wolfgang Duerheimer, the person World Health Organization recently took over as head of Bugatti and Bentley, was the most person behind pushing Volkswagen to relinquish them an opportunity. The Bugatti 16C Galibier, a one thousand horsepower sedan, was 1st shown as a thought in 2010 and once place into production, can value concerning $1.4 million. it’ll use a 16-cylinder engine which will run on each biofuel and gasoline, and could bring back dual-clutch equipment case. Production would force facilities in Molsheim, France, to be refitted, which can thrust back deliveries till 2013 or 2014.
The official name for the assembly model hasn’t been provided nevertheless, however Bugatti’s call to supply a production version sedan ought to return as no surprise considering Lamborghini has already confirmed the assembly version of the Estoque and Ferrari has brought out the FF. These competitors by no means that equated to the ability behind the Bugatti, however {they do|they square measure doing} illustrate the posh automakers that are taking advantage of the upswing the economy is creating by increasing their lineups.
Click here to order your new Bugatti 16C Galibier rival with a brand new Audi V8 engine engine for US$29,000.
The leak was confirmed by sources Bugatti CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, when he stated that the production 2015 Bugatti 16C Galibier is “in the second half of the design phase,” but will change significantly from car concept was originally shown.
“I would suggest we continue development, but there will be some remarkable changes from the original concept,” said Durheimer. “The design will be different, especially from the B-pillar back, the entry and retreated to the rear seats will be improved, as will the legroom and ergonomics, the car will be a little longer, and engine power will be at least four figures.”
So what is new about this 2015 Bugatti 16C Galibier ? Well, according to Auto Motor und Sport, the production car has been delayed until 2015 at the earliest. According to Chief Executive Bugatti, Wolfgang Durheimer, the vehicle is still missing releases Groups Council. Three years of production delays behind 2015 Bugatti 16C Galibier is mighty significant, especially since the Veyron is on its last legs. Let’s just hope that Bugatti has something up their sleeves to expedite release of the car.
#102014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
The standard features of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe Base include 4.4L V-8 560hp engine twin turbo, 7-speed auto-shift manual transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 20" forged aluminum wheels, cruise control, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
#22014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$212,000.00
The standard features of the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Base include AMG 6.0L V-12 621hp engine twin turbo, 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, airbag childseat sensor, automatic air conditioning, 20" AMG forged aluminum wheels, cruise control, DISTRONIC PLUS distance pacing, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
#32014 Porsche Panamera
$175,300.00
The standard features of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S include 4.8L V-8 550hp engine twin turbo, 7-speed auto-shift manual transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 20" aluminum wheels, cruise control, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
#42014 Jaguar XJ
$155,000.00
The standard features of the Jaguar XJ XJL Ultimate include 5.0L V-8 510hp engine intercooled supercharger, 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 20" forged aluminum wheels, cruise control, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
- Research the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
#62014 Audi A8
$135,900.00The standard features of the Audi A8 L W12 6.3 include 6.3L W-12 500hp engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, SIDEGUARD curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 20" aluminum wheels, cruise control, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
#82014 Lexus LS 600h
$119,910.00
The standard features of the Lexus LS 600h L include 5.0L V-8 389hp engine, 8-speed CVT transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 19" aluminum wheels, cruise control, and an ABS and driveline traction control.
No comments:
Post a Comment