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s e i r e S W3 E N s ’ BMW
Issue 33
2012 3 Series
Issue 33 Welcome to Issue 33 folks and the key story out there right now is of course Germany’s new range of executive saloons. We have it covered. Both BMW’s new 3 and Audi’s S4 square up to do battle but also we have news on; Toyota at Le Mans, Saab’s last minute rescue, not to mention the funky new Mini Roadster replacement. It’s all in here so what are you waiting for?
“I Want To Break Free” They are one of the most recognized divisions in the automotive industry and
The Mercedes SLS AMG was built
over the decades have produced some
entirely by AMG and is an outstanding
of the world’s most spectacular cars.
supercar, but where as they have been
BMW’s M division defines the German
given the freedom, the M division has
company and continues to put
not. M’s own product development chief
competitors to shame. Cranking more
is crying out for BMW to allow them to
power out of already incredible
build a halo car. Something along the
machines whilst improving overall
lines of the BMW M1 Hommage we
performance, it is hard to find a close
imagine… However, BMW must first be
competitor. Mercedes-Benz’ AMG
shown the numbers to prove this car a
branch would be seen as their closest
viable business proposition. You can’t
rival and as to who is better, is simply a
really blame them, after all this game is
matter of opinion. Though AMG do have
all about profit, but we do wish the
one big crowning glory that the big bad
bosses would let the M division off the
M does not. Merc allowed them to build
leash.
their own car.
Sexy
6 The Mazda 6 has been a strong source of sales for Mazda since its launch. The saloon that claims to have “the soul of a sports car� is well priced and a pleasure to drive. Over the next year or so the next generation 6 will surface to do battle along side the all-new Mondeo. The new Mazda Tikeri Concept previews to the worlds the Japanese companies intentions.
TAKERI Using Mazda’s new design language, first to be seen in the CX-5 come 2012, the Takeri is a good looking machine. Its bold stance in tandem with muscular bulges make it quite a handsome creature. Debuting at the Tokyo motor show, the concept car is driven by the new sky-active engine in the form of a 2.2 litre turbodiesel. The new block produces 173BHP and 310lb-ft of torque.
The Topless Model
The American muscle wars are alive and well on the other side of the pond with Ford and Chevrolet at each others throats. The two key protagonists being the Mustang and Camaro, each are attempting to match each other punch for punch. The Camaro’s most brutish incarnation, the ZL1, will now be offered in the headless variety. The 6.2 litre LSA V8 engine will now be even more audible thanks to Chevy offering the ZL1 as a convertible. Producing 580 rampant ponies and 556lb-ft of chassis twisting torque, the yanks have had their work cut out to keep the car from falling into the “typical American handling” category. This includes fitting a vast array of bracing under the chassis and across the engine. The car goes on sale state-side early 2012.
The Mazda RX-8 is fantastic looking machine with sleek coupe looks yet those rear suicide reveal a cockpit for four. Its rotary engine provides ample torque and the handling of the car is nothing to complain about either. Despite being such a good car this is to be the final run of Mazda’s RX-8. It is the environmentalists who claim yet another of our automotive heroes as new emissions laws forbid the RX-8 to got on sale. This is the Spirit R and it will make up the final 1,000 units to ever be produced. Only available in Japan, the car sports a host of external upgrades including new lights, metallic rims and red brake calipers. The car also receives reworked suspension and larger brakes. Inside the cockpit is dominated by special Recaro seats bathed in black and red. A sorrowful end to a brilliant machine.
“DAM YOU ENVIRONMENTALISTS!”
So there I was, at 70MPH on an empty motorway heading back from London. No roadworks, a clear line of sight for a good distance and not a car in view. I did what you, your neighbor, your mate down the pub and even your mother would have done. I put my foot down a little. Though I shall not disclose how fast I was traveling, in fear of environmentalists complaining that a rare breed of frog could have jumped into the road, but it was over 70MPH. I feel this was justified as it was safe at that point to exceed the speed limit, yet had a machine caught me, the cogs and lightbulbs would not have been so sympathetic. The government are currently in talks about raising the national speed limit and my general reaction to this is “about bloody time!”
I would not call myself a speed freak and so if you’re reading my last comment and currently think that I deserve an ASBO, please reserve your judgement. There is no good reason for the speed limit to be 70MPH. Cars today have so many features to aid in preventing an accident that a limit set for cars in 1965 is completely obsolete in 2011. Stopping distances for the average car is fantastic and almost half of what it was in ’65. Also in the unfortunate event of a crash the motorcar today comes with more airbags than children have balloons at birthday parties. Raising the limit to 80MPH is not only logical but a complete necessity in an age where our lives are so busy. It is about time the government realized that we are not all blithering idiots that aim for lamp posts and tress whilst out driving. Yes, there are some people who should be taken off the road and put into straightjackets but these people will always exist. On a long journey traveling an extra 10 miles every hour makes all the difference. Do I feel 80MPH is an appropriate limit for motorways? Honestly, I think it would still be safe to go a bit higher. But this is progress and as long as this change is brought in I am willing to compromise on my proposed limit of 90MPH.
3 is the magic number
The 3 Series is as much a part of BMW as any one of the letters that makes up its name. Providing high levels of sales for the brand and a fantastically performing machine for the rest of us, the industry would be unimaginable without it. The current 3 Series is quite a machine and so its replacement has a lot of work to do to defend its crown. This is the 2012 BMW 3 Series, and first of all I would just like to say WOW! What a looker! The cars powerful stance is backed up by muscular bulges and hunches throughout the design. Engines range from a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo to a mighty 3.0 litre inline-six with 300BHP. The new interior looks very slick and rounds off a complete package that leaves us itching to get hold of the keys. The car goes on sale with a wide range of engines in the UK this
RING-binder
2012 Audi S4
In the fashion world they say that a particular style never dies, it will come back at some point. The cyclical nature of designs repeating themselves appears also to be coming true in the motor industry. BMW’s new 5 Series harks back to a much squarer shape of the past as opposed to the swooping curves we have all become used to. This is also true in Audi’s new S4.
Taking the stocky stance of its 1990’s siblings, the all new S4 pulls off the harsh lines rather well. We also quite like the new form factor for the daytime running lights and subtle new bonnet creases. But beneath the uniform bodywork is something to get all excited about. How does a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine sound? Marked up at 328BHP and paired with its Quattro drive system, the new S4 just gets better and better.
Can it tango with 3 Series? I guess we shall just have to wait and see.
The people that make up tuning company Mopar are a little crazy, but obviously very gifted as a byproduct. They would have to be after producing a masterpiece such as the Dodge Viper ACR that currently holds the lap record at the Nürburgring. It’s time for the SEMA show again and Mopar are turning up with this mean beast…. Named the Challenger SRT8 ACR, it shares the same racing aspirations as the Viper. With matching paint and new 20 inch rims playing nice with the exterior, you would be a fool to think that this special was just about visual appearance. A front splitter increases downforce whilst upgraded suspension further aids the cars handling. Also a burly new exhaust not only adds power but makes dam sure everyone can hear that rumbling V8 under the bonnet.
Dodge THIS!!!
Saab Saved
He has caught the ball, but it has slipped from his hands, yet he grasps it gain before hitting the ground, no he has indeed fallen over with the ball. If Saab’s finical issues were to be described as a cricket fielder catching the ball that would be it. The Swedish manufacturer has escaped the jaws of death yet again. A few months ago they couldn’t afford to employ their employees but after some government help all looked as if it might just work out rosy for Saab. However, multiple complications with Chinese investors led to the company owing more money as the business looked to be going down faster than the Titanic. At last some good news! Pang Da and Youngman are to buy Saab for 100 million euros from its owners. The deal is waiting to be approved by the Chinese government. It appears, at least for now, Saab clings to existence.
MINI + Tin-Opener = Roadster
They are everywhere! You just can’t get away from them! The rebirth of the Mini was a success from day one and just like its predecessor; it has become a cult classic. With the brand offering a wide range of models it appears Mini caters for more than just the small family. Today the line-up grows by one as they introduce the Roadster. Based upon the Mini Coupe, the roadster takes Mini alfresco like never before. Using a manual fabric roof to keep weight down the cars key focus is obviously the driving experience. Just like the Coupe it lacks rear seats but does make up for this with a generous boot. The active rear spoiler comes as standard and this Mini comes with the option of four different engines including the range topping 211BHP twin turbo Cooper Works model.