The luxury tuners Alpina have just unveiled the BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo Limousine at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The high end BMW specialists Alpina are responsible for taking care of the lack of an M inspired version of BMW’s larger limousine. Based on the BMW7 Series, the Alpina B7 Biturbo combines exclusiveness, athleticism and comfort in perfect harmony to create a high performance luxury limousine. Committed to developing the best performing vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special high performance version of BMW’s 7 Series luxury, the biturbo’s engine output has been raised to 507 HP thanks to the turbochargers. The suspension is electronically adjustable, ready for any situation and because it is an Alpina the vehicle rests on the signature 20 spoke 21 inch Alpina Classic wheel.
Besides bringing the updated Nissan GT-R to the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese luxury car maker has confirmed that Infiniti is preparing a "a stylish, compact, high performance four seat luxury model with zero emissions." that will be unveiled sometime in the near future. According to Nissan’s president Carlos Ghosn: "The world is eager to address concerns about global CO2 emissions, and we are proposing solutions to meet the environmental challenge. The solution is mass-marketed zero-emission mobility on a global scale."
Nissan’s latest EV, the Leaf, will go into production for the Japanese, United States and European markets starting in 2010 and will be followed by an electric version of the NV200 commercial van shortly thereafter.
The German tuning house speedART has just revealed a new performance package for Porsche’s newest four door sports car, the Panamera Turbo. The speedART kit consists of a series of slight aerodynamic modifications to the Panamera’s exterior and a free flowing exhaust system underneath that takes the new Porsche’s tone and turns it up a notch transforming the Porsche four seater sport sedan into a true screaming super car. The body kit is made up of a more aggressive chin spoiler and a set of lower hanging side skirts that make the turbocharged Porsche look as if it were scraping along the pavement. Although the new stainless steel exhaust only adds an additional 20 HP and 15 lb-ft of torque thanks to an increased diameter and a pair of high flow sport catalysts, the high performance pluming goes a long way towards making the Panamera into a beast of a different nature.
Considering Bob Lutz’s recent challenge to take on any and all four door sports car competitors with a Cadillac CTS-V, it got us thinking about what four wheeled machine would be the perfect choice to bring to the Monticello Motor Club on October 29. At first we figured that a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with its Audi R8 super car like handling might be able to keep up with the supercharged Cadillac sedan, but whereas the EVO X is only packing about 300 HP, the CTS-V is putting down a total of 556 HP. The next obvious choice would be a twin turbocharged V8 powered Porsche Panamera, however those aren’t scheduled to arrive until next year.
That is when it hit us, what would be better than a 1000 HP all wheel drive Bugatti super car to take on the bad boy from Cadillac. While this rendering displays a GT spec Galiber ready for the grid at Le Mans with its oversized rear wing and quad turbocharged 16 cylinder engine poking through the openings in the hood, the standard Bugatti super sedan will make use of the same 8.0 Liter W16 that powers its big brother the Veyron. Although it might be harder to get your hands on a Galiber than Naomi Campbell’s backside, it just might be the perfect street legal four door to take on GM’s Vice Chairman, that is as long as the straightaways are long enough.
You would think that a car of this stature would not be subjected to this kind of harsh treatment.
Normally, destroying a Rolls-Royce Phantom is tantamount to an act of lunacy. But when you’re testing for the rigidity and sturdiness of an armored Phantom, ensuring that the armor is as good as advertised is more important than any price tag a car commands.
Mutec, a German coach builder that knows their way around armored cars, recently performed a ballistics test on an armored Phantom. We have to admit, it was kind of difficult to see such a luxurious – and expensive – vehicle end up like a shooting arcade game.
But then again, there’s no price tag for safety, right?
The Japanese automaker Toyota has just launched an all new rear wheel drive luxury sedan for its home market called the Mark X. Built on the same platform as the Lexus GS, the new four door is powered by a choice of two engines, the first being a 2.5 Liter V6 that delivers a maximum output of 203 HP and is 15% more efficient than government regulations require as well as a powerful 3.5 Liter V6 that puts down a total of 318 HP. No matter which power plant you choose, both engines can be mated to Toyota’s gas sipping ECT six speed automatic transmission complete with sporty paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The Mark X is good for a 0 to 60 MPH sprint of about 8.3 seconds and will return an average of 49.2 MPG.
For 2010, the Toyota Mark X features a widened front bumper opening, a sporty mesh grill, wraparound taillights and very thick C pillar giving the car a very muscular appearance. Keeping with the Mark X’s luxurious theme, the upscale sedan offers a spacious interior for up to five passengers and driver amenities like an ergonomic leather wrapped steering wheel and motorized lumbar support that combine quality and precision evoking a feeling of pure driving pleasure.
The Mark X is also loaded with high tech gadgets like an adaptive radar based cruise control system, equipped with a brake-control function that can maintain a fixed distance from the car in front, adaptive front lighting system, hill start assist control, HDD navigation system with map on demand and a digital T.V. tuner as well as the automaker’s intelligent parking assist system.
Both the Alpina B7 and the Mercedes Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series are high performance luxury vehicles that will run you well over $100,000; however they are both beasts of very different natures. The Alpina B7 is an over the top replacement for BMW’s lack of a factory tuned 7 Series, and thanks to the high end tuners at Alpina the supercharged luxury limousine has as much grunt under the hood as there are luxuries on the inside. Although the B7 will light up the rear tires on command, the Black Series Benz is the true sports car of the two. Whereas the Alpina seats up to five occupants comfortably, the F1 Safety Car inspired CLK only has room for two, and thanks to one of the German automaker’s high performance 6.2 Liter V8 and razor sharp handling makes the Mercedes the ride of choice for enthusiast drives, while the Alpina is more than suited to shuttle around royalty in a more than exclusive 7 Series BMW.<
Previewed at the 2009 New York Auto Show as a prototype, the 2010 ZDX is entering the auto market as a main competitor for the BMW X6. It features dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. Sales will begin this winter and the ZDX will be offered in three distinct trim levels: the base ZDX, ZDX with the Technology Package and the top of the line ZDX with the Advanced Package. However prices have yet to be officially announced and are expected to be reveled sometime in the near future.
Under the hood, Acura will use a 3.7 Liter V6 that will put out 300 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque and will be mated to an all new 6 speed automatic transmission.
Designed to merge the emotional appeal of a sports coupe and all-season, all-surface versatility, the all-new ZDX breaks new barriers for Acura and for the luxury market. Its "Passionate Getaway" design honors the driver and passenger first, while also providing an impeccably finished luggage storage area that bests that of most luxury sedans. The rear seat area, with its abbreviated doors and door handles creatively integrated into the C-pillar, accommodates three additional passengers as required for occasional trips. But overall, the ZDX targets its mission as a 2-passenger personal escape vehicle with unmistakable Acura style.
The ZDX will be offered with a host of creature comforts and technological innovations, like: the panoramic glass roof with retractable sunshade, hand crafted leather interior, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity for cellular telephones, a power lift tailgate as well as a high powered stereo system that will play everything from CDs and iPods to AM/FM/XM radio signals, all standard.
For 2010 the Lincoln MKX is offering available all-wheel-drive, standard heated-and-cooled front seats and available heated rear seats. And for 2010, its 265-hp engine and six-speed automatic transmission have been extensively refined to increase fuel mileage. Prices for the MKX start at $38,345 for the FDW version and at $40,195 for the AWD version.
With its distinctive chrome grille, sophisticated flowing exterior lines, and broad, athletic stance, Lincoln MKX takes vehicle design to a whole new level. The interior features genuine wood, bright-nickel and chrome accents as well as a stylish, contemporary instrument panel. There’s also available ambient lighting in multiple color choices.
The Lincoln MKX features a 3.5L Duratec V6 engine that delivers a total of 265 hp and 250 lb. ft. of torque, and an impressive 25 mpg highway. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio. Short first and second gears provide impressive launch and acceleration, while the tall overdrive gears deliver seven percent better fuel economy than a four-speed automatic.
For 2010 Lincoln is offering a new package: Midnight Limited Edition Package that includes a unique body-color grille and Tuxedo Black Metallic paint offset by assertive 22-inch bright polished aluminum wheels.
Lincoln is offering the 2010 Navigator with safety and technology upgrades, but also with new standard equipment. The Navigator will be available in standard and L version, both offered in either 4x2 or 4x4 trim. Prices will range from $54,400 to $59,465.
Delivering 310 hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque, the 5.4L SOHC V8 engine on the 2010 Lincoln Navigator is flex fuel capable, which makes it powerful and versatile. You can fill up with E85 (a blend of ethanol and gasoline), regular gasoline, or any combination of the two. And its strength goes beyond the gas pumps. The Navigator 4x2 can tow up to 9,000 lbs. (8,700 lbs., 4x4) when properly equipped.
Punctuated by a striking chrome grille, the Navigator exudes confidence. Strong, assertive lines throughout its imposing body enhance its powerful exterior, while chrome accents add sheen to its already commanding presence. Inside the 2010 Lincoln Navigator you’ll find detailed craftsmanship throughout. From chrome door handles and the leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel to the stylish, rectangular gauges and flow-through console, Navigator is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside.
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