After the first official images that have surfaced the internet this morning, BMW revealed the official informations about the 2009 3-Series facelift that will make its world debut this autumn at the Paris Auto Show.
Specific design modifications, a further refined interior design, the new generation of the optional operating concept BMW iDrive, new services provided by BMW ConnectedDrive, a revised range of engines and innovations in the areas of drive technology, safety and comfort make both the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring more attractive than ever before.
The 330d is powered by a 3.0 litre all-aluminium engine with common rail injection that delivers 245 bhp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 520 Nm is available from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. The new BMW 330d accelerates in 6.1 seconds from zero to 60 mph, its maxi-mum speed is electronically cut off at 155 mph.
With five petrol engines and five diesel engines, the new BMW 3 Series offers the most extensive range in its segment. When it comes to both petrol and diesel power units, customers have the choice of four 4-cylinder and three 6-cylinder engines. The output range extends from 143 bhp in the 4-cylinder models BMW 318i and BMW 318d to a 306 bhp in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW 335i. All engines are available for both the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the Touring model, and all are combined with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics measures in the environment of the engine, as suits the specific model configuration. Each of the ten engine types thus has a more favourable relationship between driving dynamics and economy as compared to competitor vehicles of similar output.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Opel is introducing its third body type to the 2009 Insigna line-up, a wagon. Known as the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, this wagon is an important car for Opel considering the popularity of wagons in Europe. While this will be considered a lager family car in Europe, it would be consider a mid-sized wagon in the U.S. There is no confirmation yet that this model will also make the trip to these shores when its sedan sibling replaces the Saturn Aura possibly in 2010.
There are nine total engines expected for the Insigna family. Choices include five gasoline — naturally aspired and turbo charged four cylinders as well as naturally aspired V6s. Also expected are four turbo-diesels. Power over the entire range should be from 110 to 260 hp. The wagon will also get the same optional all-wheel drive system as the rest of the Insignia line.
The Sports Tourer is expected to make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show in October, and it should be in European showrooms along the sedan and hatchback variations by early 2009.
Press release after the jump.
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What?! Jaguar is going to ruin the the XF’s beautiful lines with a wagon?
Yup, and it makes sense too.
While many U.S. consumers see the the station wagon body as some form of castration, much of the rest of the world has embraced the functionality of the “estate” body. This is especially present in England, and since that’s Jaguar’s home turf, the XF is a likely candidate to replace the departing X-Type wagon.
Jag will show off the XF wagon at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September to gauge the public’s reaction. To sweeten the deal a little more, the car that will be at the show will likely have the 510 hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8 from the XFR. In that form, this wagon can take on the likes of the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring.
As reported last month, Honda was ready to slap a an ultra-hot "S" badge on a diesel European Accord (Acura TSX in the U.S.) Now we got to see this extra-hot oil burner in person at the Geneva Motor show.
The 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel engine makes 177 hp. This represents a 29 hp increase over the standard European Accord, but it’s still 24 hp shy of the standard gas-powered TSX (193 hp less than the TSX V6). In fact the TSX is rumored to get the diesel engine from Accord Type S in the future, but the Acura version may make more power.
Regardless of the low power, the look is quite striking. The Type S gets subtile additions like new lower bumper sections, front chin spoiler, sill extensions, smoke chrome finished grille. It will be available in either White Pearl or Basque Red exterior color. Sales across Europe will begin this summer.
Press release after the jump.
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Even Alfa Romeo’s everyday sedans are breathtaking. At the Geneva Motor Show Alfa will present a refreshed version of its BMW 3-Series competitor: the 159 mid-sized sedan and wagon.
Both models have an availabe 1.75-liter TBi engine that delivers 200 HP from 4750 to 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1400 rpm. The 159 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and can hit a top speed of 146 mph. There is also an optional 2.0-liter 170 HP JTDM diesel engine
The sedan versions is offered in the TI sporting version, featuring lowered geometry, bigger tires, 19-inch alloy wheels, sideskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers. So, a very determined-looking car with a decidedly “ground-hugging” look. Inside, the TI environment is recognizable from the shaped sports seats in perforated leather with the Alfa Romeo logo stitched in red, plus the steering wheel with sports grip and the gear knob covered in leather with red stitching.
Press release after the jump.
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Renault announced today a new limited edition Laguna. Available for Expression and Carminat version, the new Laguna Black Edition adds a price of only 200 euro to a standard model.
Black Edition adds: GT Look Pack (front bumper, black headlamp masks, tinted rear lights), Comfort Pack (Renault hands-free card, rear parking proximity sensor), metallic paint (Pearlescent Black, Ardoise Grey, Eclipse Grey or Platine Grey) and 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels.
Prices in France start from €25,800 for the dCi 110 saloon version (add €1,200 for the estate version) and the offer is especially expected to appeal to private owners drawn by its reassuring ride and inherent qualities. Customers, meanwhile, are likely to prefer the dCi 130-powered for €27,350. Available only with the dCi 110, Renault Laguna Carminat Black Edition starts at €26,500. It incorporates integrated Carminat CD Bluetooth® navigation as standard for an additional cost of just €700. There is no need to convert the price into dollars because Renault doesn’t sell to the U.S.
Press release after the jump.
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BMW likes to spread its technology around. If its going to perfect the driving experience of the 3-Series with the M3, then it likes to do it over the full line. So far we can get our hands on the coupe, sedan and convertible in "M" form, but what about the version that can take the kids and dog along on the Autobahn?
We expect BMW to spread the M3 joy over to the wagon soon, but that’s not good enough for designer Jon Sibal. He’s taken elements from the current M3 and applied them to the wagon body. For good measure he’s also added plenty of aftermarket kit parts too (AC Schnitzer front lip and roof wing lowered KW suspension, Black Series BBS RE Magnesium, etc.)
Although we usually favor coupes, if we found ourselves needing a few child seats, this may just be our preferred family-sized rocket.
The latest tuning kit for the Audi RS6 Avant comes from DKR Tuning, a company who recently unveiled its customized Porsche 997 Turbo. The new programme for the German vehicles features some ECU tweaking which boosts the engine from 580 to 660 hp and 750 Nm.
The top speed is also raised at 202 mph! In order to obtain these high speeds, a new H&R suspension kit is installed as well as the 20 inch Cargraphic RS alloy wheels. The tuner offers also new carbon-fiber accessories for the interior in order to give your car a special touch. Price of the kit: $2,000.
Laughter is sometimes the best remedy, even for a speeding ticket. Although the car in the speed camera shot is from Britain, the road is in Germany. So this was just a right-side driver having fun with the left-handed Germany. The owner of this
Audi A4 Avant must know the German system, because although the authorities have the license number, they also need a clear picture of the driver. According to the current "driver" pictures, the offender is about four foot tall, long pink hair and possibly on drugs.
Volvo is preparing the next generation V70 and V50, and according to AutoCar, they could be the first in a new generation of wagons to scrap the conventional long roof and low driving position for a more SUV-like higher roofline and driving position.
“Within Volvo we are re-examining the estate (wagon) car and many people are currently scratching their heads,” a senior Volvo manager told Autocar at the recent unveiling of the XC60. “We’d be interested in your opinions.”
Volvo will also replace the S60 in 2010 and the XC90 will get a major makeover (including a possible diesel hybrid drivetrain) in 2010 with a replacement coming in 2012.
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