BMW reportedly working on a spiritual successor of the M1

MBW

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M1, BMW released the Homage concept at the event Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d'Este in April 2008 created by Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaro who drew inspiration from the M1 and the BMW turbo, debuting many technical advancements. This development sparked off speculations on BMW's interest in developing a flagship sportscar or supercar to join the club of the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis.

All this while BMW has denied the existence or the development of a M1 successor. However according to reports on German publication Auto Bild and Automobilwoche, work is on for a spiritual successor that could take its public bow in 2016.

Auto Bild says the sequel to the iconic BMW supercar will feature a lightweight body made using materials such as plastic, aluminum, magnesium and titanium. These efforts will lead to a weight of around 1,250 kg for the performance car.

A turbocharged V8 engine producing 590-650bhp is expected to provide firepower, enabling it to hit a top speed of 330 km/h. In spite of such thrilling performance figures, the 2016 BMW M1 will not be a gas guzzler thanks to fuel saving technologies such as the engine start-stop system and regenerative braking that convert kinetic energy of rolling wheels into electric charge.

None of this information is verified, but we are keeping our eyes open for test mules, leaks or announcements.

Expect the proposed M1 comeback model to be priced at not less than $316,925 (1.16 million UAE Dirhams).

[Source - Automobilwoche.de]

Alfa Romeo 4C project reportedly ahead of schedule

British publication Autocar has revealed that Alfa Romeo's baby sports car previewed by the 4C concept may arrive ahead of schedule. The production model may be unveiled in summer of 2013, several months ahead of schedule. The 4C was originally slated to arrive at the Detroit Motor Show in early 2014.

The Autocar report adds that Alfa Romeo has retained the carbon fiber body seen on the concept, contrary to the claims made by Fiat's Engineering chief, Mauro Pierallini, that a less expensive fiberglass reinforced plastic body was under consideration. Weighing about 850kg, the 4C project is the most important product in the relaunch of the Alfa Romeo brand.

 The production 4C will be powered by a 1.8-liter turbo petrol engine, built using light weight aluminum that delivers close to 300bhp. This is the same unit that will be shoe-horned into the upcoming Dodge Dart SRT4 and the Alfa Romeo Spider albeit in a different state of tune.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a two-seat, rear-wheel drive coupe that is about 4 meters long and sports a wheelbase of 2.4 meters. The materials and technology used in the making of the Alfa Romeo 4C are inherited from the bigger Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
[Source - Autocar.co.uk]

Mercedes SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition promotional released

Mercedes has published a fresh promotional video for the SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition that was first announced in 2011. The special edition marks the 45th anniversary of the collaboration between Mercedes and its performance division AMG.

The Mercedes SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition is appropriately limited to 45 units and features exclusive additions and fitments such as the designo magno graphite paint and the trim on the mirror and spoilers made using carbon fiber. Other additions include an engine cover made using aluminum/carbon fiber, a sports exhaust system and AMG wheels finished in titanium grey.
The interior is upholstered with leather seats, pedals that are made using alloy, and a matte carbon fiber trim. An individually numbered plaque sits on the central console. Gadget freaks will love the upmarket Bang Olufsen music system and the COMAND infotainment system that provides internet access and the 'Airscarf' seats.

 The SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition is not just show and no go! There's a bomb under the bonnet in the form of a 6-liter V12 engine that produces a mammoth 621bhp and 1,000Nm.

 The vehicle is driven through an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission. 0-100kph is complete in 4 seconds and it accelerates on to an electronically-limited maximum speed of 250kph.

Arabian Automobiles Launches Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programme

Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) announced a new addition to its Infiniti sales offering with the launch of the Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned vehicle programme (ICPO). Vehicles covered under the programme will be the Infiniti G Sedan, G Coupe and G Convertible, Infiniti M, Infiniti EX, Infiniti FX and Infiniti QX 56.

This is the first Japanese Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Sales offering in the UAE, and only Infiniti cars that meet a defined quality standard will be certified for Pre-Owned status. The vehicle must be less than five years old, with less than 80,000 kms on the odometer, have a clean title and pass a comprehensive 145-point inspection. Every Certified Pre-Owned Infiniti will include:

145-point inspection

1 year/25,000 km Gold exclusive warranty

24×7 roadside assistance

3 complimentary oil changes

20% discount card

'This announcement today moves the pre-owned vehicle market in the UAE another step further on,' commented Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles. 'We are the first retailer to have a Japanese Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Sales offering and quality assurance programme. For customers considering a used vehicle purchase, this programme moves the pre-owned vehicle purchase process much closer to that of buying a new car, and protects the purchase with a one year extendable warranty.

Mercedes-Benz SLC, begins its testing program

Spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the first evidence of a baby SLS AMG at the Nurburgring race track in Germany. Revealed as the Mercedes SLC by the brand's design chief Gorden Wagener in a recent interview, it will share the SLS AMG's platform but a distinct personality is promised.
Mercedes engineers are testing the mechanical package of the SLC on a crudely bodied mule that uses the SLS's body work. The initial observations are the wheelbase is noticeably shorter, the front overhang is lesser, and the camouflage on the front and rear sections are rumored to conceal aerodynamic and cooling fitments.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT used for illustrative purpose
Motor Authority has reported that the baby SLS will be a rear wheel drive car which is AMG's second project where it seen playing a bigger role. A 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine could be offered on the range topping variant while the entry-level variant could be driven by a V6 engine. The V8 engine is expected to put out not less than 500bhp.
To keep the SLC's prices from being ambitious, engineers could cut costs by dropping the gullwing doors seen on the bigger SLS and using aluminium extensively instead of the more expensive carbon fiber, in its construction. The slightly retro look of the car may however not be quelled.
As this the first instance of the car testing out in the real world, one cannot expect the Mercedes Benz SLC on the market before 2014. An additional variant in the form of the convertible may join the SLC lineup in 2015.
[Source - MotorAuthority.com]

2012 Infiniti FX50 S | Road Test

There might not be any official figures to prove it but most of you might dismiss the Infiniti FX50 S as a woman’s car, I did too but then I must admit, this is the most fun SUV I have ever driven. So, if you are a woman and you are driving this car, please tell the men what they are missing. Everything about the FX is too chic, too stylish and too classy and I think that’s why most men prefer to stay away from it. It doesn’t gel well with the macho image we men want our SUVs to exude.

The FX50 S is a head turner; there is simply no doubt about it. The FX received a styling upgrade for 2012 that includes a revised front end a few tweaks to the overall styling and newly designed alloy wheels. Its elegantly curved lines skilfully conceal its SUV proportions and the coupe-like roof makes the car look lower and sleeker. To be honest, it looks more like a blown up coupe and certainly goes like one. The distinctive front-end, long bonnet and the fastback styled roofline look very unusual compared to the current crop of crossovers available in the market. During its unveiling back in 2003, Infiniti said that the design was a blend of an SUV lower body with an old school GT car upper body and there is no denying that they were spot on with their creation.

Infinity has toned up the interior extensively to bring the FX up to the levels of its elder brothers and the competitors. Premium quality leather, wood and plastics adorn the surfaces. A 11-speaker Bose Premium Sound System comes standard on all variants and the FX50 S gets a 9.3GB on-board music storage system. A 360-degree around view monitoring system is also standard on the FX50 S and optional on the FX35.
Even though the layout of the buttons is a bit confusing and takes time to get used to, the feel is nothing short of exemplary. Every available superlative can be used to describe the interior and there is absolutely nothing that I found lacking. All the latest creature comforts are present in the Infiniti FX50 S and you also get adaptive cruise control that works brilliantly on our highways.

Because of its sloping roofline, the FX is not so generous for those sitting in the rear. Decent sized adults will have issues entering and exiting this car and then there is the headroom, or the lack of it. If you are expecting to ferry taller than average adults on a regular basis, the FX is simply not the car for you. This is more of a 2+2 rather than a four seater.
The FX is available with a V6 as well as a V8 engine. The FX35 sports a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 303bhp at 6,800rpm and 355Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. The test car – FX50 S – had a 5-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 390bhp at 6,500rpm and 500Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. This engine has been around since 2004 and is the same motor found in the Nissan Patrol, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Armada and the Nissan Titan. A highly tuned version of this engine also finds its way on to the Nissan GT-R GT1 racing car. This engine has variable vale timing and the intake manifold directs air through different paths at different engine speeds to boost low-end torque or unleash high-end horsepower.

Power is distributed to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifts and the ability to match revs while downshifting. Even though the rev-matching feature is a USP in itself, the gearbox feels a bit lethargic. I think the overall performance would have been a bit better if the gearbox would have been a bit quicker. The FX50 S has a permanent four-wheel drive that distributes power via an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. When cruising in a straight line, all the power is sent to the rear axle and 50 per cent of the power can be transferred to the front axle when required.
With a curb weight of 2,110 kilograms the Infiniti FX50 S has a slim waistline and with the V8 churning out high amounts of power and torque, this SUV goes like a hot sedan. With the bonnet, doors and most of the chassis constructed out of aluminium, there is no hint of SUV sluggishness. Throttle response is precise and if you toggle the settings for performance, the FX will give many sporty sedans a run for their money. Just to give you a hint at the FX’s sporty ability, its my duty to inform you that the FX is based on the same FM platform that underpins Nissan 370Z.

The instant you feather the throttle, the FX surges ahead as if it has been nudged in the back by a locomotive. The V8 is eager to propel the car without subtlety. Acceleration from a standstill is something that you will enjoy the most and the loud exhaust note similar to that of a muscle car with free flow pipes rather than that of a SUV. It seems to me that the engineers at Infinity mixed up the competitors for the FX. This car is more of a threat to high performance road cars than SUVs.
To go along with impressive performance, there is this corner defying handling. There is very minimal hint of body roll even when you push it around corners and that is because of the availability of adjustable suspension. On the centre tunnel you will find a switch that allows you to toggle the suspension setting between sport and comfort mode. There is a plenty of grip available on the massive 21-inch tyres through their large cross section. Even under heavy stress, the tyres barely squeal and stick to the road like glue.

I was very impressed with the FX’s performance and handling but not so impressed with the space. Even though it’s not a full size SUV and its styling compromises second-row space, it should have the ability to seat four in complete comfort, which it doesn’t. Pricing for the FX35 starts at AED 199,000 and goes up to AED 259,000 for the FX50 S, which makes it very competitive when compared to all the other players in the market. If only it wasn’t for the cramped second row, this would have been my first choice in the premium medium-sized SUV segment.
Specifications
Price: AED 259,000
Price range: AED 199,000 – AED 216,500 (FX35)
AED 259,000 (FX50)
Drivetrain
Engine: 5-litre V8
Layout: Front engine all wheel drive
Max power: 390bhp @ 6500rpm
Max torque: 500Nm @ 4400rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with downshift rev-matching
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4865
Width: 1925
Height: 1680
Wheelbase: 2885
Curb Weight: 2110kg
Fuel tank capacity: 90
Seating capacity: 4

BMW working on a 7-speed manual, trademarks M7 name

Two important developments have taken place at BMW this week, including one that could finally mark the entry of a high-performance luxury model from its Motorsport division.

Before we move on to that, it seems like BMW has invited itself to a party that Porsche started. A patent filing was leaked showing BMW working on a seven-speed manual transmission. The first take is like a regular mechanism that uses a clutch pedal while the second variant reveals a shift-by-wire mechanism that shifts gears using an electromechanical actuator.

An electromagnetic fluid inside a shifting module is relied upon to prevent drivers from damaging the gearbox by engaging the wrong gear. The viscosity of the fluid changes to stop the lever from engaging a shift.

Meanwhile at the product development central, talks have reopened of a performance variant using the 7 Series. Coincidentally, along with a handful of other new names, BMW has trademarked the M7 name without revealing intentions. It is usual for a company to protect unused but related names from being hijacked by rival car makers, but this move could have something more than what meets the eye.

The M7 is tentatively a direct competitor to the Mercedes S63 AMG and the Audi S8.

Over the past few days media reports have surfaced claiming that the CEO's of important markets for BMW are pushing the headquarters for approving the performance variant in the foreseeable future and that the sentiment of the board members are changing.