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The all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe
The BMW 2 Series Coupe was introduced in early 2014 as a replacment for the 1 Series Coupe. It’s based on the latest 1 Series hatchback but slightly stretched to create a sportier coupe bodystyle. Rather than thinking of it as a fancy 1 Series, though, BMW wants you to imagine it as a rival to cars like the Audi TT, Volkswagen Scirocco and Toyota GT 86.
The engine line-up is borrowed from the 1 Series, including a flagship 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo in the M235i, which boasts 322bhp. The majority of UK sales will consist of the 220d model, though, which gets a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
The legendary 1968 BMW 2002 ‘passes the torch’ to the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Discover all-new 2014 BMW X4
The new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The look & feel is similar with BMW X6
The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the BMW X4 – with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) – to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4.
The new BMW X4 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–5.0* l/100 km [34.0–54.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–130* g/km) blends the hallmark features of the successful BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe, and introduces the unique Sports Activity Coupe concept to the premium mid-size segment.
Its dynamic pedigree is underlined by a wide range of cutting-edge high-performance engines, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an exclusive spread of standard equipment features such as variable sport steering, Performance Control and a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.
In keeping with the vivacious character of the new BMW X4, customers can choose from three petrol engines and a trio of diesel units from the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, whose output ranges from 135 kW/184 hp to 230 kW/313 hp. All the engines meet the EU6 exhaust gas standard.
The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the state-of-the-art engines offers a promise of superb performance married with exceptionally low fuel consumption. For example, the flagship petrol unit in the BMW X4 xDrive35i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 10.7/6.9/8.3 l/100 km [26.4/40.9/34.0 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193 g/km) develops an outstanding 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The BMW X4 xDrive35i requires just 5.5 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).
And an equally impressive performer in terms of power delivery and CO2 efficiency is the BMW X4 xDrive35d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.7/5.5/6.0 l/100 km [42.2/51.4/47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 157 g/km). Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine generates 230 kW/313 hp and peak torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft).
The BMW X4 xDrive35d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. The new-generation 2.0-litre diesel engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.8–5.4*/5.1–4.8*/5.4–5.0* l/100 km [48.7–52.3/55.4–58.9/52.3–56.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 141–131* g/km) with eight-speed Steptronic transmission also sets the benchmark when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Its four-cylinder unit produces 140 kW/190 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
The new BMW X4 Media Gallery
2014 BMW X4 | Source BMW, please read more.
BMW’s history in 1 minute
BMW became an automobile manufacturer in 1929 when it purchased Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, which, at the time, built Austin Sevens under licence under the Dixi marque. BMW’s team of engineers progressively developed their cars from small Seven-based cars into six-cylinder luxury cars and, in 1936, began production of the BMW 328 sports car. Aircraft engines, motorcycles, and automobiles would be BMW’s main products until World War II. During the war, against the wishes of its director Franz Josef Popp, BMW concentrated on aircraft engine production, with motorcycles as a side line and automobile manufacture stopped altogether.
After the war, BMW survived by making pots, pans, and bicycles until 1948, when it restarted motorcycle production. Meanwhile, BMW’s factory in Eisenach fell in the Soviet occupation zone and the Soviets restarted production of pre-war BMW motorcycles and automobiles there. This continued until 1955, after which they concentrated on cars based on pre-war DKW designs. BMW began building cars in Bavaria in 1952 with the BMW 501 luxury saloon. Sales of their luxury saloons were too small to be profitable, so BMW supplemented this with building Isettas under licence. Slow sales of luxury cars and small profit margins from microcars caused the BMW board to consider selling the operation to Daimler-Benz. However, Herbert Quandt was convinced to purchase a controlling interest in BMW and to invest in its future.
Quandt’s investment, along with profits from the BMW 700, brought about the BMW New Class and BMW New Six. These new products, along with the absorption of Hans Glas GmbH, gave BMW a sure footing on which to expand. BMW grew in strength, eventually acquiring the Rover Group (most of which was later divested), and the license to build automobiles under the Rolls-Royce marque.
Follow the evolution of the Ultimate Driving Machine through 10 decades of iconic design.
New Fiat 500L Global Advertising Campaign “Mirage”
The FIAT Brand to Debut New Fiat 500L Global Advertising Campaign “Mirage” Featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs
FIAT Brand North America will launch a new global advertising campaign featuring entertainment powerhouse Sean “Diddy” Combs this week entitled “Mirage.” The advertising campaign, which debuts across television beginning on Thursday, February 13, introduces the new Fiat 500L tagline, “Unbelievably Big.”
In the new commercial, two guys, lost and desperate in the desert, witness two Fiat 500Ls pass by, one with “Diddy” inside, who calls out to them, but they dismiss him as a mirage.
The pair ultimately stumbles upon a desert oasis where an unbelievable party hosted by REVOLT is in full gear. “Diddy” greets them and encouragingly says, “Welcome to the soiree.” However, the pair rejects his invitation to the party, attributing the whole thing again as a mirage, after pointing specifically to the Fiat 500L, believing that “FIAT doesn’t make a four-door car.”
The commercial challenges the notion that the FIAT brand only makes small cars. Further highlighted by the tagline “Unbelievably Big,” the Fiat 500L expands the FIAT showroom, offering the consumer with additional choices that best meets their needs.
Source Fiat, please read more.
Winter in USA: ‘Winter needs a hero’ by Nissan
The 2014 Nissan Rogue comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that some reviewers say offers adequate power and decent acceleration. However, others write that the 2014 Rogue could use a bit more power. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and receives criticism from reviewers, who say that while it performs better at faster speeds, it can be excessively noisy, and it transmits vibrations into the cabin. While critics aren’t fond of the CVT, many note that it helps the Rouge earn excellent fuel economy for the class.
Nissan says it expects the Rogue to get up to 26/33 mpg city/highway. When it comes to the Rogue’s handling, some reviewers say that you can get better driving dynamics with a competitor like the Ford Escape. However, they say the Rogue offers a more comfortable ride than rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. Test drivers like the Rouge’s strong brakes and say its steering is well-weighted, but numb.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue is the one of the few compact SUVs that seats up to seven when equipped with an available third-row seat.
The Nissan Rogue’s front seats get high marks from reviewers who say its zero-gravity technology reduces fatigue and maintains comfort. Still, critics say the optional third row is too small for most adults and children, and some write that buyers in need of a third row should consider a midsize SUV like the Nissan Pathfinder. (view more)
Watch the 2014 Nissan Rogue take on winter, including some menacing snowmen. Winter needs a hero. Learn more about the new Nissan Rogue at Nissan.ca
Cadillac Introduces 2015 ATS Coupe
Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.
Cadillac’s first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio. Did you remember the Cadillac ATS ?
Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe’s driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac’s lightest and most agile models ever – and the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. The 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 percent more torque, taking it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). This gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i.
Greater torque means greater pulling power, for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, and helps the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.
The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork. The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the sedan. It is also the first production model to wear Cadillac’s revised crest.
The engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and available 3.6L V-6. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The award-winning 3.6L V-6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).
At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 5400 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.
Source, please read more.
