Sunday, January 31, 2010

Top Luxury Cars - The Classic Lotus Elan

Produced between nineteen sixty two and nineteen seventy five, the Lotus Elan line-up consists of a two door coupe and two door roadster. The initial Elan models were introduced within this time frame and are now commonly known as the sixties Elans to distinct the cars from the later nineteen nineties models when the marque was reborn. The Lotus Elan follows the trend of the Lotus cars model names which begin with the letter L.

The Elan roadster was the first in the Elan family, a two seater convertible. A year later a hardtop variation was also introduced, as well as a coupe in nineteen sixty five. The Elan was very lightweight, composed of a fiberglass body and a steel chassis, fitted with a one point six litre twin cam engine. The car was also made available as a kit car, allowing the purchaser to build the car. The Elan model succeeded the Lotus Elite, a car which was well styled but was criticized for its price and reliability (or lack of it).

Five years after the initial lunch of the Elan the Elan +2 was debuted. The new variation was fitted with two extra seats, heightening passenger experience and appealing to the family market. The wheel based had to be increased to allow for the additional two seats. The +2 variation is noted for its great styling, sensibleness yet great performance. The Elan was ceased in nineteen seventy three, and the +2 two years later in nineteen seventy five. Just over five thousand of the +2 models were produced, with less than a third still around today. The Elan +2 has become popular among classic car enthusiast and collectors due to its favorable characteristics.
Classic Cars For Sale has Lotus cars for sale.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Webbed

Top Luxury Cars - Why Are Viper Car Alarms So Popular?

There is little doubt that Viper Car Alarms by DEI are the most popular car security alarms in the world. There are many reasons for this. You may possibly remember a time when a car alarm was not a commonly seen accessory on a car. You would only expect to see an aftermarket car alarm system on an expensive sports car pictured in the pages of your favorite car magazine. But considering the way things are today, the car security alarm has become very common place.

It makes good sense to invest in a good professional quality car security system to protect your new car or truck. New vehicles are simply too expensive for us to go the risk of having them easily stolen. No alarm system can prevent a thief who is bound and determined to drive away with your ride. But a Viper car alarm, when installed correctly will certainly prohibit theft by all but a truly experienced thief. The Viper car alarm does its job by protecting your vehicle when it is well out of sight. The newer technology provided by Viper allows the vehicle actually to communicate directly with you via its tw-way remote control. This type of two-way communication is one of the latest advances in the industry used by Viper. It is commonly used on Viper's end car alarms and remote start systems. You can find good comparisons and car alarm reviews right on the web.

This is a great option, especially so if the owner lives or works in an urban area. In urban areas it is not uncommon to hear car alarms sounding intermittently during the day. The sound is so common today that many hearers don't even look up anymore. This of course makes two-way communication and the ability to monitor your vehicle's security from a distance a great benefit. Another factor that adds to the popularity of Viper car alarms is the fact that the manufacturer provides a wide array of electronic accessories to aid in integrating your alarm into you vehicle's electrical system.

Viper makes a few models that combine the car security alarm with a remote start system. This is a very attractive component to add to any vehicle. Along with the available installation accessories, these combination alarm and remote start systems provide addition ways of immobilizing the vehicle to help prevent any would be theft from driving away with your vehicle..

Unless you are electronically inclined and experienced with automobile electronics, it probably s a good idea to have your Viper car alarm professionally installed. You can purchase Viper car alarms on the web and then arrange for your local car electronics store for installation. In most cases, buying online will enable you to save on the overall cost even after installation when compared with a local purchase.
About the Author
Author has been involved with online retailing of home and mobile electronics for over a decade. For more information on these subjects visit http://www.audio-n-more.com

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010 pictures


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2010

Top Luxury Cars - The Pontiac G8 Sedan


The Pontiac brand is headed toward oblivion, but that doesn't mean that its flagship G8 sedan will bite the dust - at least completely. General Motors has announced that the G8, which is made by the company's Holden operation in Australia, will live on in the form of a Chevrolet model, likely the Caprice. Yes, authentic full sized rear wheel drive motoring is alive and well thanks to a recent reversal made by GM management.

Short Lifespan For The Pontiac G8
Introduced as a 2008 model, the Pontiac G8 has proven to be one of the most exciting big sedans sold by GM this generation. Seating five passengers and powered by a beefy V8 engine, the G8 has been compared with the BMW 5-Series in a number of categories including speed, handling, braking and comfort. All this while being priced tens of thousands of dollars less than its German competitor.

When GM announced that Pontiac would bite the dust, it also canceled importing the G8 from Australia where the car is sold as the Holden Commodore. This decision was made despite an outcry from GM faithful who still wanted to see the car sold in North America either as a Buick or Chevrolet model. Indeed, the sedan is sold in some markets as the Chevrolet Lumina, bringing the right car to those markets which crave a powerful full sized sedan.

Keeping Bob Lutz On
Bob Lutz, who has been the product lead for GM for most of the past decade, was recently asked by management to delay his pending retirement scheduled for year end. As part of that move, Lutz has been given the authority to decide the fate of several current, pending and future models including the G8. Lutz decided that the G8 would become the Chevrolet Caprice, slotting just above the Impala as Chevrolet's new flagship sedan. Likely, the Impala will continue to lead in sales, with the all new Caprice sold as more of a niche vehicle.

The Chevrolet Caprice could be quickly readied for sale once a new nose is designed for the sedan. That move could be completed within months, bringing the Holden model to North American Chevrolet showrooms before the year is out. Thus, along with all of the other 2010 Chevrolet models the Caprice may once again be offered to Chevy faithful.

Lastly, if the Caprice returns as planned it could also mean the return of the El Camino, a sport truck based on the Holden Ute platform. That model was slated for Pontiac as the G8 ST, but was canceled earlier in the year when GM was mulling Pontiac's future.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Honda CRX exhaust and Ford Focus exhaust.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Chevrolet car photo


Chevrolet picture wallpaperChevrolet picture wallpaper

Chevrolet car photoChevrolet car photo

Peugeot 308 cc pictures and wallpapers

Peugeot 308 cc pictures and wallpapers



Peugeot 308 cc pictures and wallpapers

Peugeot 308 cc pictures and wallpapers

Peugeot 308 cc pictures and wallpapers

Peugeot 407 Silhouette concept




Peugeot 407


Peugeot 407

Peugeot 407

Peugeot 407

Peugeot 407

Peugeot 4007 SUV





Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV




Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV




Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV




Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV A new Sport Pack option is being introduced on the popular 4007 SUV to enhance the ‘entry model’ SE for customers wanting an enhanced presence on the roads. The 4007 SE Irmscher Sport Pack includes Aero Star Design 19” alloy wheels on Pirelli 235/45 x R19 tyres, a body-coloured rear roof spoiler, front lower spoiler and twin tailpipe finishers - all available for £600. Purchased individually they would total £2,950. The Sport Park items are available on 4007 SE models in four metallic colors; Pearl Black, Arctic Silver, Pilbara Grey and Istria Blue. Irmscher have worked with Peugeot successfully with styling projects on the 207 GTi THP 175, 107 Sport XS and 407 Sport XS.



Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV The Sport XS package adds: five-seat configuration with special black leather upholstery, a full exterior Sport styling kit and 18” alloy wheels, chrome side bars, wing mirror covers, door handles and a twin tail pipe extension. Body colored front lower and rear roof spoilers completes the distinctive exterior. Bluetooth hands free telephone facility is also a standard feature of 4007 Sport XS.



Peugeot 4007 SUV

Peugeot 4007 SUV With the increasing European demand for 4X4 vehicles, the quickest way for companies like Peugeot to satisfy the demand is sharing platforms. This is the Peugeot 4007, based on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Peugeot and Mitsubishi will be collaborating together on off-road vehicles as Mitsubishi has a pretty good track record with the Pajero/Shogun and the Outlander.


Peugeot 408





Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408




Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408




Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408




Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408 Peugeot was doing great launching beautifully design cars which accentuates French Sexiness until this came along. It seems the designers have taken the wide & large grille thing way to far and damn the next generation 408's front fascia to look like a sucker fish. The rear has hints of the Astra too.The headlamp looks sharp & fine but the front bumper has Kia Optima/Lotze influence in it. According to Autoexpress the radical design of the 408 was meant to rival that of Mondeo's & Insignia. They added that sportiness is the theme for this generation.



Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408 rom what we can see the 408 looks production ready, begging the possibility of a Geneva Motor Show debut in March. On the other hand it would be a surprise to see an all-new model since the 407 just received a minor facelift in 2008. Regardless, the current 407 range has an assortment of engines ranging from a 114hp (85kW) 1.8-litre petrol to 1.6 HDi turbo diesels to the 2.7 HDi V6 making 201hp (150kW) and a sweet 440Nm of torque.



Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408 n a package that seems to be inspired by upmarket models such as Audi’s A5, the new 408 also shows how a fresh emphasis on sporty design will shape future Peugeot models. The 408, which comes hot on the heels of the RCZ Coupe, borrows inspiration from the recent 908 RC Concept. The car also has a wedge-like profile and a neat rear wing. Inside, you’ll be awestruck at the big step forward in quality and technology. The head-up display seen on the new 3008 is set to be included. Under the skin is an all-new chassis, based on that which underpins Citroen’s latest C5. Hydropneumatic suspension and adaptive headlamps are also expected. The car is expected to be offered in a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Due to appear in 2011 is a diesel-electric hybrid model that promises low emissions.




Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408


The New 4 X 4 from Skoda Yeti




The 'compact' 4 x 4 mart is already a tough place for automobile manufacturers to compete. The Honda CR-V, Ford Kuga and Toyota Rav 4 hit all successfully amalgamated rugged 4x4 driving with the looks and driving experience that recent drivers want.

But the Skoda Yeti isn't overshadowed by it's more established competition. Starting at meet £13,750 (GBP) for the entry level 1.2. petrol turbocharged model, the Yeti is significantly cheaper than it's rivals. The 1.2 petrol and 1.8 petrol versions offer a smooth and civilised drive... something that Skoda were no doubt stabbing to get right targeting this fickle market.

In it's diesel format the top-spec Skoda Yeti is 4WD 2.0 TDI which comes with a whopping 170BHP, for this performance you'll be looking to pay at small £21,500. However the cheaper 110 BHP engine offers an elegant intend and actually feels smoother than the 140BHP engine.

The Skoda cleverly engages it's 4 rotate intend grouping automatically when the automobile senses that condition warrant the extra traction and manouevrability of a 4x4. In early tests this automatic switching worked effortlessly and provided a safe and comfortable intend in all conditions.

The Yeti really scores some field points over it's rivals with a wide variety of options designed to process the flexibility and functionality of the vehicle. The 3 rear way fold downbound to process case space or can be distant completely to free up room for long journeys and driving holidays.

For those that like the look of the automobile and it's performance but don't requirement the additional performance of a 4x4 there is also an option for 2 rotate drive. The 2 rotate intend versions also offer better render frugalness than their 4wd counterpart.

For those that requirement more room than a accepted estate but don't want to opt for a 4 x 4, a longstanding favourite of UK agency users is the Nissan Qashai which effortlessly blends estate driving with a raised utility strikingness to process visibility for drivers. The Qashqai also offers greater render frugalness and performance than a Yeti or any of the other 4x4's listed.

RW Goldaline writes about a sort of issues facing agency users. She also writes regularly for tech blogs and you can view more of her work at Sony KDL a website sacred to the directive arrange of LCD TVs from Sony

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RW_Goldaline


The Chevrolet Captiva



A flashback of a agency environs a decennium back and then comparing the same with the underway scenario module let you wonder how the four wheelers, especially cars, hit multiplied in alarming numbers. New cars introduced in Bharat over the years hit ever drawn tending from automobile connoisseurs and the automobile lover is every tempted to buy more though he/she may already hit digit or three or more or may not modify hit the parking space! Amid the newborn cars in India, the Chevrolet Captiva LT or the Captiva LTZ is worth mentioning.


These cars by GM module automatically grab your tending on the roads with their exquisite exterior looks. Before you buy a Chevrolet Captiva, check the Captiva toll as this factor differs from municipality to city. Go for a effort intend so that you are full satisfied with the performance level. To confirm the Captiva price, you can visit your nearest Chevrolet showroom or browse finished the web. Viewing the features, technical specifications and reading user comments and reviews module further support you take the decision.

Power-packed with a range of the stylish features, the striking Chevrolet Captiva is a luxury to own. The Captiva toll (ex-showroom) in municipality is Rs. 18,37,768 and compared to other brands, it is reasonable. It has every the essentialities to attain it the preferred choice by many amongst the newborn cars in India. The sturdy exterior looks, improvised embody design, hot wheels and more hit sparked up anticipation in the market, enticing automobile buyers to go for a effort drive.

Once you ride the car, you module fall in fuck with it, and module end up buying it! In the SUV automobile segment, General Motors is playing the first fiddle with the introduction of its Chevrolet Captiva in the variants of Chevrolet Captiva LT and the Captiva LTZ. Both diesel variants come with almost kindred features with the latter carrying some extra advantages. While the Chevrolet Captiva LT has a manually handled 5-speed gearbox, the Captiva LTZ comes with the semiautomatic sending standard, facilitating easy and quiet movement into high gear. This is due to the carbon-fiber touchable used in the transmission, enabling you go from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.7 secs. The foppish bold look and a commanding dynamical position attain the Captiva worth buying.

The exterior features of the Chevrolet Captiva with its large 6-spoke alloy wheels and tubeless tyres, satin silver finish bumpers, cylindrical prism type headlamps, diode signal lamps, turn signal repeaters, plate entranceway handles, etc. attain it look grand. Further, the interiors speak intensity with ergonomically designed dashboard, flexi-type seating, frequence controls, dual front airbags, and more. Power-driven by a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged diesel engine incorporating VCDi render injection technology, you savor a solidified 148 bhp engine power.

The variable geometry turbocharger is electrically controlled, which maintains the speed perfectly whether you are dynamical in the route or the city. The load capacity is awesome; the Chevrolet Captiva is ever stable on the agency no concern the load as it rides on a self-leveling independent suspension.

About the Author

Tina Sharma is a freelance automotive expert which provides detailed account on captiva price, stylish cars in India, newborn cars in India, Chevrolet Cars and useful tips for Indian Cars.

The Ferrari F430 Spider



What was intended to be a unique revision of the 1999 360 Modena, the Ferrari F430 Spider ended up existence a defence alone prowess form. Another spotless dream female of Pininfarina's, The F430 Spider is a sleek, crowning of the line in a crowning of the class, registering one of the best reviewed new cars in the V-8 collection of sports cars.

Her smooth still muscular body inclose is more than just combing to the eyes, it was specifically designed using land of the art, knock your socks off, computer assisted imaging programs that are only used by the F-1 team. Not a single discourse of action direction or pace attitude was overlooked, and the results defence broad above the rest.

Starting out with what were supposed to be impalpable adjustments in processing what was already thoughtful a refined piece of machinery, the impalpable was lost as the F430 took on a personality every her own. Her new broad finish stainless tailpipes stare downbound at the competition as her 483 horses and 343 pounds per foot of torque leave her competition staring at her hindquarters.

What seems like a small 20% increase in the Modena's original 3.6 liters of cubic capacity coupled with the larger move rumbling V-8 and the new and reinforced 4 valve cylinder heads adds up to an additional 91 horses and 67 pounds per foot of torque. For the mathematically challenged like myself that every adds up to a roaring 0-60 in just under 4 seconds and an enhanced crowning pace of 193 miles per hours. Quite a step 20% crapper provide.

The Ferrari F430 Spider was ceremoniously undraped to enthusiasts and critics alike at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, under a cacophony of winkle bulbs and of instruction a significance of breathlessness that matched an undescribed anticipation to get her out on the open highway.

The F430 Spider came with a new and reinforced wind deflection system, a lowercase reworking provided a functionally revised redeemable top, and of instruction the updated and more-than-ready-to-show-you-what-it's-all-about instrument binnacle shone like a pharos from exclusive the vehicle. Tiny info created an obvious evidence most the newest member of the Pininfarina family, right downbound to the embossed driver's side analyse mirror shell telling curious onlookers that of instruction this is an original F430.

With a sleeker central tunnel and electronic differentials that screamed of creative innovation, everything from the basic lines and eye pleasing corners of the automobile to the traction and direction improvement aimed for every types of roadway conditions oozed out over the Ferrari F430 Spider's sudden explosion onto the automobile scene.

Of course, onlookers marveled at the steering wheel mounted well intellection out original organisation of the commutator alter allows for hurried and easy ordered up of the car's adjustment features. The body shape underwent extensive testing to display an every out hard to improve upon organisation that includes such features as a pronounced molder that is handsomely integrated in the engine cover, which is delicately covered in glass, gift it the appearance of a casing just for the heart of the beast. The larger rear intakes pronounce the vehicle's muscular heart, belying its flowing pose. The rear framework cleverly incorporates a diffuser of broad class, land of the prowess competitive nature. Derived from the best in racing, the 430 Spider is a conglomerate of broad tech features that smooth into one easy to handle broad test version of Pininfarina's instance tested action cars. Unlike innumerable equal models and redesign hot shots, the F430 Spider comes to the floor without redundancy.

At 177.6 inches in length and 75.7 inches wide, the F350 spider came with more lick for its filler than every of her predecessors. The mollycoddler that gracefully meets both intakes handsomely and effectively drives the F430 toward the connector as she picks up speed, proving that functionality doesn't have to land anything other than beautiful. The intakes themselves are course a postscript of the 1961 dream run in the F-1 Championship. Inspired by practice still reflecting a modern era of intensity, the power of these pure designs is a bit overwhelming in their strength and subtlety.

Just like every procreation of Ferrari super creations, the F430 Spider has had every discourse of performance, call and function considered, perfected, and reconsidered to display what only the Ferrari study could produce. This $200,000 dream organisation is untouchable by most standards but carries her grace just like the rest of the Ferrari family. Critics fresh condemned Ferrari for their Hellenic move to original design, encouraging them to step outside the box. What these critics don't realize is that the Hellenic move to original organisation is exactly what creates the Ferrari family, and to deviate from it would be blasphemous to the Ferrari principles.

The F430's grace on the eyes translates equally to grace on the road way. With the sleeker and more aerodynamic suspension, the finely tuned body design, and the tending to every possible functional detail, the F340 glides over the roadway with an ease that is reminiscent to sailing on cloud rough skylines. A driver crapper feel his possess pulse throb through his chest as he cranks her over for the first time, the pulsing of the engine practically begs for attention. Her desire for heat winkle pace crapper predominate the driver's, and in fact crapper discourage those who have never felt the power of broad collection F-1 rumbles underneath their fingertips.

As is genuine to the Ferrari legacy and good name, with each new unveiling, there module be cars ahead of the F340 that module create an equal stir. But the F340 module fight to be unforgotten, and in fact module readily invoke herself into one of those legendary classics that screamed onto the broad action automobile scene and refused to kibosh screaming ever since. She module be a perpetual revel and take her rightful place among the queens of the speedway, her pulsating thrum module echo for generations to concupiscence after, learn from, and bitterness along the way.

About the Author

Saulius Narunas works for sport-cars.org where you crapper also read most Cars

Safety Over Beauty for Volvo Cars



Volvo cars aren't flashy. Some may even feature it's boring. Though the cars aren't as cubic as they used to be, in terms of design, they are not as foppish as the Italians, not as posh as some of the arts Cars, not as powerful as the Americans and not as numerous as the Japanese and Korean Cars. But why do you conceive that after so many years, Volvo automobile sales hit been steady, even in the Bridgend area? Why is it that Volvo automobile sale hit throughout the eld maintained its percentages so well? What makes Volvo such a steady brand when it comes to automobiles and not as volatile as its American Counterparts.

Safety. When it comes to the most important aspect of owning an automobile, Volvo leads the way. Volvo cars are safe. After all, they were the company who first came up with seat belts, opposing locking brakes, air bags, and the computerized black box that consistently monitors all the interior processes of the car. A Volvo or SUV is top of nous for couples with newborns and hit the budget to purchase a car. A Volvo is the automobile you would poverty when attractive your spouse and your children on a road trip. It is the family automobile when it comes to country because a Volvo will intend you safely from point A to point B.

If you are in Wales, modify by a Volvo dealership in Bridgend and hit a go wager at the newborn models available. They hit become sleeker and less cubic but ease are the safest rides available. Even the classic Volvo Station Wagon series has had a major stimulate and now is more SUV looking that vegetation panel station wagon, supermarket friendly. Their sedans hit also a better appeal to the male mart and they hit been gaining connector on the coupe mart as well, adding some zing with the speed but ease being innocuous to drive.

Volvo automobiles hit been around for almost 60 eld and it has created a status mart for those who prioritized country over beauty and looks. Volvo has now made headways into the automobile mart by modernizing its design without sacrificing safety. It is ease the automobile of pick for people who like to play it innocuous when sport a car. Volvo Cars are here to stay, evolve, and acquire more connector in its own niche.

At last! Great aggregation about Volvo Car sales Bridgend is available here. If you are in and around Bridgend area, you crapper contact Bridgend Volvo specialists to assist you in buying or servicing volvo cars.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Magill


Friday, January 29, 2010

First Drive: Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley Continental Supersports

In the superluxe world, we're used to this maneuver: add a few horsepower, shave a tenth or two, sew in a few extra threads, name your exclusive new interior color something like "Algerian Beet" and voilà, a 50-percent price premium for three-percent more car. On the surface, the Bentley Continental Supersports is a GTC Speed that has gone on The Biggest Loser, Extreme Makeover, and Alter Eco. But you know what they say about the proof and the pudding, so the question is whether the Supersports is a nameplate special or a genuinely higher evolution of the baller's favorite steed. We spent a day in the wilds of New Jersey and upstate New York, along with a few hours at Monticello Raceway to find out. Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to the first Continental you can feel.

Think of the Bentley Continental Supersports as Usain Bolt: both are hypothetically too big to perform as they do, but they do it anyway.

The Continental GT is not a sports car. Nor is the Continental Supersports. Nevertheless, both Bentleys do things that only sports cars can do, and the Supersports does some of them more quickly – like 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. The difference is in how they do it. In our review of the GTC Speed, we wrote that it achieves these feats by taking the goddess of physics hostage, forcing her to obey. Bentley should be commended for engineering a 5,182-pound beast to perform such feats at all, but it remains an act of coercion.

In the GTC Speed, though, the driver is separated from all that imperative violence by multiple layers of sound deadening, carpeting, wood and leather. If you really pay attention, you can catch a soupcon of the brute force wizardry being conducted somewhere in the Bentley's deathly hallows, but why would you? There are 1,100 distracting watts of Naim audio to command the ears and a woman named Katerina or Genevieve or Summer in the front seat to command everything else.




The Supersports, on the other hand, requests your attention. Why? While the conversion to being a high-po ethanol coupe does involve more electro-mechanical magic, it's primarily achieved the old fashioned way: less weight and more power.

A 243-pound reduction from a 5,000-pound car isn't much – 4.86 percent, to be exact – but the Supersports drops weight in the right places. Unsprung mass has been reduced by 66 pounds with the addition of carbon-ceramic brakes and lightweight wheels, while the chassis gives up 20 pounds and the elimination of the rear seats, replacement of the wood with carbon fiber trim and the fitment of those carbon fiber seats nixes nearly 160 pounds. But a strict diet isn't the only regime Bentley put the Supersports on.

Output is up to 621 horsepower at 6,000 rpm – another 21 hp over the GTC Speed – thanks to an increase in boost pressure, with torque goosed (or would that be 'swanned') from 553 foot-pounds to 590 ft-lb at 2,250 rpm, making this "extreme Bentley" the most powerful model to wear The Flying B. Your new corn-fed top speed: 204 miles per hour. An even better stat: you can get from 50 to 70 mph in 2.1 seconds. Worry not, cellulosic stocks will work as well if you're concerned about things like, oh, world hunger.



Speaking of which, let's throw our bingo chip down right now on the second biggest story of this car: E85. (Yes, that means we're actually playing bingo.) This is the first Bentley with flex-fuel capacity, the first arrow in what is meant to be a quiver full of eco-friendly Bentleys by 2012 (or at least less eco-injurious).

This Bentley is Battle Cat. You know, the green guy He Man used to ride.
At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, company CEO Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen spoke of the strategy to make the entire fleet capable of running on renewable fuels. Typical of a high-zoot Volkswagen endeavor, the W12 heart has been thoroughly engineered for the task. The dictate was that no matter the ratio of gasoline to biofuel, the car would maintain its peak horsepower and torque numbers, and the corrosive aspects of biofuels couldn't be allowed to eat the engine. That meant changes to the entire fuel management system, twin variable-flow fuel pumps, new valve coatings and valve seat materials, new spark plugs and new O-rings, seals, gaskets and pipes. The overlord is a fuel quality sensor that detects the gas-to-ethanol mix and automatically adjusts engine mapping based on the content of each. To note: European Supersports deliveries are fitted with the FlexFuel engine now, while North American models need regulatory approval, which should make them available by the end of summer.

All that oomph makes the Supersports a heavy breather, the bi-turbo W12 needing 10 percent more airflow to remain cool. That's the reason for the exterior redesign up front, with the lateral intakes feeding intercoolers and the hood vents extracting hot air from above. Another upshot: the changes create more downforce in front.



But let's take that concept of 'down in front' to the cabin. As we all know, it's the details that define the superior product – and even more detailed details that make this year's superior product better than last. By that standard, the Supersports is noticeably better, the sum of its changes having recast the entire tone of the Continental GT, which is itself better than almost everything else out there.

Flood the optical nerves with padded carbon seats, Alcantara, leather and carbon trim, and the brain's signal processing center immediately switches to its "Sports Car" setting. A simple viewing also ushers in the thrill of trying to simultaneously process pole and antipole: the cabin is as spartan as it is luxurious, clinical as it is inviting, hard as it is soft.

The leather-trimmed carbon fiber seats have fixed seat cushions and clamshell rear panels that can adjust fore and aft. This is the first Bentley to wear Alcantara inside, and a smaller diamond-quilt pattern makes its return after a long absence. The steering wheel is lined in soft-touch leather so that your fingers are always sending you the signal, "Remember, we're here on business." It's a cabin good for all-day comfort on the eyes, the body and the driving soul.



And perhaps you noticed that missing rear seat. In its place is a luggage shelf topped by a hollow carbon tube that keeps parcels where they belong when things get all brake-y. Just under that luggage shelf is less sound deadening than in other Continental models, and a retuned exhaust. When you start the car, it sounds like a proper sports car.

The other GT variants cannot be heard in most circumstances, and even when they can, they sound like a chorus of butlers humming. Granted, it's a bunch of big, rugby playing butlers that still have a bit of imperial about them. But it's guys humming.

The Supersports doesn't hum like that. The Supersport rumbles. If you could call it a hum at all, it would be the hum of a Vulcan. Sitting on top of Vesuvius. Courting a Valkyrie.

That left us one thing to do: find out what happens when Vesuvius blows. It was not hard, it did not take long and it was Earth shattering.



The Supersports remains a devout Bentley, so its low-speed performance should already be well known. Ambling around town won't raise anyone's heartbeat but those of the people watching you. As far as the car's effort is concerned, the urban hike is like using an aircraft carrier as the Staten Island Ferry.

If you want to have it all, the Bentley Supersports is probably it.
Get it into its element, though, and improved reflexes join the boons of extra power and lighter weight. The re-engineered steering and suspension use lighter components, tweaked dampers, anti-roll bar geometry and stiffer bushes. The Continuous Damping Control software helps body control, additionally aided by the coupe being ten millimeters lower than the GT Speed in front and 15 millimeters lower in back.

That lower rear is also wider, with the rear track upped by two inches. As well, more power heads that way in the car's default setting, with a 60 percent rear bias on the all-wheel-drive system improving the ability to throttle steer. Getting it all where it should be is the new six-speed "Quickshift" transmission, which cuts shift times by 50 percent in part by cutting fuel and ignition, which speeds mechanical actuation. It also double downshifts and rev matches when descending gears. Finally, the updated Electronic Stability Control allows more leeway when you're on it hard, with a higher tolerance for slip angles, and it reinstates power and torque more quickly after an intervention.



The result is animal. Not just any animal – this is Battle Cat. You know, the green guy He-Man used to ride. Has the saddle and everything. And a much nicer color. But it is muscle, it is speed and it is ferocious.

Steering load-up and turn-in happens quickly, and precise wheel placement is a cinch after the first couple of corners. At high speed, only G-forces and cornering speed – not body roll – can help you judge how aggressively you've taken a turn compared to your previous run. Bentleys have never been slow to go, but the Supersports goes even faster thanks to more power and its commitment to downshifting.

Let the car shift for you, and now it isn't a big GT looking around for the right ratios to haul itself from apex to apex; it's a double-downshifting, throttle-steering monster with bags of grip that can't wait to get back to a high-revving sprint. Take control of the ZF box via the column-mounted stalks and gain a few tenths and a cranium full of sound by downshifting even earlier – you'll do anything to get out of a turn more quickly so you can hear it roar down a back straight.

Which brings us to what, for us, is the biggest story of this car: emotion. It isn't only that you're doing things in a 2.5-ton Bentley, it's that you can feel and hear and sense the doing of it, and it's all being done in the right way: less weight, less heard from the doodads, more engineering, more power, more grip.



It's a luxury coupe that covers a huge amount of ground in all kinds of ways, and for proof, consider the fact a Bentley press drive for it was held at a race track. Sure, a 599 and a Lamborghini Murciélago are more dramatic; they are also louder, smaller, more frenetic, much more expensive and only slightly faster, and in the case of the Ferrari, maybe not as pretty. A Porsche 911 has finer reflexes, but less luxury and much less gravitas. An Aston Martin might be just as much fun, but isn't nearly as fast or as practical. A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG might have the Supersports matched for curb and visceral appeal, but it's tiny inside, a tad harsh... and it simply isn't a Bentley.

It's not like we want to say this, it's that we aren't sure there's any other choice: if you want to have it all, the Bentley Supersports is probably it. And we only say "probably" on the off chance there's a car out there we don't know about at this end of the spectrum that has the speed, space, smoothness, suppleness and sound to beat it. Maybe in a cave somewhere. If Bentley would just fix that center console screen and software, then we'd really have nothing to complain about.

For much of its history, Bentleys have shielded occupants from the action by placing scads of cloth, leather, hide and wood between the driver and the din and the dynamics. And that was the point – that's why you bought a Bentley. So while the Continental GT is a fantastic coupe, it isn't visceral. The Supersports, though, is a fantastic coupe that is.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ferrari F430 Spider Wallpaper


Ferrari F430 Spider Wallpaper

Ferrari F430 WallpaperFerrari F430 Wallpaper

Ferrari F430Ferrari F430

5 Cars With Weird Designs



There are some cars that crapper verify your breath absent with their resistless looks. On the other hand, there exist some cars with designs that are rattling mundane and ordinary, while some automobile designs crapper amaze you with their oddities and unusualness. Here is the list of 5 cars with unearthly designs:

1. Mercedes-Benz Count Trossi SSK

Luxury automobile maker Mercedes-Benz has named this \"Count Trossi\" SSK after the \"aristocratic\" European race-car driver Count Carlo Felice Trossi. This automobile actually has a rattling smart set of wheels, despite having 'weird automobile design'. This automobile had been extremely flourishing in the Le Mans, Monaco, and the Mille Miglia.

There are only quaternary original models of the Count Trossi SSK in the world and each is a 'holy grail' among automobile collectors. Recently digit model from 1929 sold for US$7.4 million!

2. Peugeot Honey-B

The Peugeot Honey-B same its namesake looks pretty much same a bounteous honey bee on wheels! It seems same a Peugeot automobile designer must have got stung by a honeybee digit period and he decided to eternize his 'honeybee experience' and came up with this strange car.

Like bees, it is aerodynamic, but different bees, it is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) supercharged by gas render cells. This Honey-B boasts of seats with techno-cool hydraulic arms that help various planned adjustments which effectuation they pull automatically to your preferred position once you're seated!

3. Hondo Puyo

The Honda Puyo crapper be termed as the \"Weird-great Puyo\". The little information we institute on this 'weirdo' automobile tells us that this is a construct automobile which runs on gas fuel. Unlike the fuel-cell supercharged Honda FCX, the Puyo prides on \"no sharp edges\" and is covered in fleecy polymer so that it crapper ingest light collisions. If you are thinking to mate this, you have to use a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

4. Nissan Moon Buggy

Fueled by imagination, designer Robert Hoffmann drew up this Nissan Moon Buggy construct for an auto magazine. This unearthly automobile is rattling implausible to go into production. This strange Nissan Moon Buggy has been inspired by the Lunar Modules.

The automobile has oversize side wheels that are supposed to provide more efficiency in maneuverability. Not only that, when it reaches high speeds, Ailerons are deployed for increased aerodynamics, Ailerons are commonly institute on fixed-wing aircraft!

To be honest, the automobile looks same a cross between an alien and an iPod.

5. Nissan Pivo 2

Who says no automobile designers organisation cars for gals? The Nissan Pivo 2 is just not a 'girlie-girlie' automobile construct but a rattling urbane digit in that! It is supercharged by advanced compact lithium-ion batteries and features a unequalled rotating cabin, which effectuation no reverse gear is required! The quaternary wheels are supercharged by electric engine and crapper invoke finished 90 degrees to allow the Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward. The Pivo 2 looks as if it has come from the Pixar Studio!

To read more interesting automobile articles, visit Carazoo.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=V_Divya



The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover



The prestigious Land Rover Range Rover brand has created a wealth sport utility container this year that proves the consort is focused on consistently out-doing itself - the Range Rover Supercharge. And Imagine Lifestyles has added one to our fast of wealth rental cars.

Land Rover has a reputation of both on and off-road prowess, a legend on four-wheels. For that reason, the Supercharge was crafted for clifflike off-roading, and to entice on the regular roadways as well. We hit always been impressed with Land Rover Range Rover as a brand, and hit invested in it many times.

Specs of the fivesome passenger Supercharge Range Rover include a 4.2-liter superchargedV8 engine capable of 400 horsepower. The V8 was an environmentally cordial option, the Supercharge ease has plenty of muscle, but consumes inferior render than a V10 or V12 would.

Two editions are available, the HSE and the Supercharge. The Range Rover HSE features a 4.4-liter V8 engine, capable of 305 horsepower. Both powerplants hit six-speed automatic transmissions with CommandShift manual shift mode, full-time four-wheel intend with Land Rover's acclaimed \"Terrain Response\" grouping and electronic air suspension. The only challenge is to find the most clifflike destination you crapper locate, and feel the container respond!

The HSE comes accepted with 19-inch impureness wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a power sunroof, heated leather seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a navigation system.

The Supercharged includes every of the accepted HSE amenities, and takes whatever of them a notch further. The legs on the Supercharge are exclusive 20-inch impureness wheels, interior leather and vegetation trim are upgraded, face way are both heated and cooled, four-zone climate curb and there is a rear seat entertainment system. One could effectively live inside.

With every that off-roading potential, safety is accounted for in every step of the design process. This is evident in the safety features, including figure airbags (it's a 5 passenger ride), electronic stability curb with rubbing curb and roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brushwood assist, face and rear atmosphere lights, tire pressure monitoring, and park assist. In other words, Range Rover has you covered as you roam the land.

We think the Range Rover Supercharge will attain a stunning and favourite constituent to our fast of exotic rental cars and wealth SUV rentals. To feature about our undergo attending Land Rover CherryHill, follow link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Safady


The Best Car Sound System



As someone that spends a aggregation of time in the car, you could possibly colligate to how essential it is to hit a enthusiastic audio grouping in your car. Whether you're traveling to work every period or you hap to be on the road quite often, null beats having enthusiastic speakers destructive the penalization keeping you entertained. Or if you constantly hit kids in the car, null beats turning up the volume and silencing their whining.

When you're discover driving through those long stretches of highway through the midwest, your good grouping is the exclusive thing keeping you sane. Whether its talk radio, sway music, hip-hop, pop, or country, your good grouping will entertain you from instruction to instruction for the years to come.

In order to achieve the calibre that you want in sound, you must first make sure that you hit a high calibre good grouping in your car. It doesn't matter whether you've got the top calibre CD, the best MP3 quality, or XM radio, if your good grouping isn't high quality, you will not be achieving the good calibre that you want. If you spend a aggregation of time in your car, it is most definitely worth investing in a high calibre audio grouping for your car.

It is essential to ready in mind that the best good grouping isn't one that can be the loudest. It is the one that can deliver the smoothest, purest sound. The more you pay, the better calibre you will receive. The higher calibre of good grouping will usually result in a higher calibre speaker that is able to handle the deeper bass and louder volumes without blowing them out. The cheaper systems tend to blow discover speakers such easier.

It is essential that you investigate the type of good grouping that you want in your vehicle. Only then can you truly obtain the good that you wish to have.

About the Author

Jeff is an avid article illustrator and business owner who enjoys writing about various topics in health, dating, entertainment, music, pets, and anything that he enjoys. You can visit one of his websites at Best Baby Toys where you can see about Baby Activity Toys.


The 2010 Dodge Charger



Whether you are looking for a kinsfolk Sedan that pleases each member of the kinsfolk or the Muscle Car of your fantasies, the Dodge Charger is all of this and more. Since its conception in 1965 the Charger has continuing to develop into the automobile you need and desire today and into the future.

If you liked the Dodge Chargers of the past, you will love the newest renditions. The new Charger replaces the Dodge Intrepid in the flooded filler sedan line and its interior is reminiscent of the now interrupted Magnum. What more crapper you ask of a automobile than to combine the features you liked in other lines with those you loved in the Charger of the past?

For 2010, you crapper opt from the base Charger SE, the SXT AWD, or the Charger RT AWD line or go for the gold with the Charger SRT8 RWD.

The 2010 Dodge Charger Model Specifications and overview include:

Charger SE-With its 2.7-Liter V6 DOHC 24-Valve MPI Engine and 4-Speed Automatic Transmission has plenty of power to get you where you are going while ease having an EPA mpg rating of 18 city/26 hwy. 4-wheel disc brakes, multi-stage front air bags and keyless entry grouping are meet a few of the features on this entry level Dodge Charger.

Charger SXT AWD-Has a 3.5-Liter V6 High-Output 24-Valve MPI Engine with a fun to ingest 5-Speed Automatic Transmission. All pace traction control is a enthusiastic feature of the SXT AWD. There is quite a taste more power under the hood on the SXT while ease rating a satisfying 17 city/23 hwy for mpg. Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Performance Brakes along with power-heated mirrors and the ever-popular power adjustable pedals combine to provide you more of the features you hit grown to love in a Charger.

Charger RT AWD-Combines the engine and transmission features of the SXT with Leather-Trimmed, Heated, and Power Front Seats making the interior seem bespoken designed. EPA mpg rating stays right up there with 16 city/23 hwy mpg. The Charger RT combines features found on the SXT, with steering wheel mounted frequence controls, and a 276-watt amplifier. Performance Exhaust and pace control are meet a few of the additions in the RT line.

Charger SRT8 RWD-With its 6.1-Liter V8 SRT HEMI® Engine races ahead of the competition and delivers the action you want. This engine performs at a whopping 425 hp @ 6000 rate and ease rates a decorous 13 city/19 hwy EPA mpg rating. The interior finish on the SRT8 upgrades to luxurious Leather-Trimmed Suede Accent seating. Aluminum SRT organisation wheels and All Season high action tires complete the sporty countenance owners are after. Rear shock absorbers help balance ride with action and the far play grouping and shapely in universal garage door person ready the SRT8 easy for all the drivers in the family.

The Dodge Charger warranty includes 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty along with its 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the variety of options available on the 2010 Dodge Charger combine to make it your automobile for today and the future.

Dan L is on the team that runs the automobile see engine website LemonFree. LemonFree has a beatific list of chargers for understanding from all across North America. If your in the mart for a new 2010 charger or and old one, provide LemonFree a try.

If you hit some discourse or comments please view my strikingness and send me an email.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Legal


Thursday, January 28, 2010

First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is

2011 BMW 335is

It's fair to say that few automobiles have ridden atop their segment for as long as the BMW 3 Series has managed. Admittedly, there have been occasional frights from other German automakers or the odd Asian upstart, but it's as if Munich's engineers long ago brokered some sweetheart deal with the devil, so total has been the range's dominance. All of which has made it particularly tough for U.S. enthusiasts, as we've seen seemingly dozens of tempting higher performance specials and intriguingly efficient offerings pop up over in Europe and elsewhere, yet these models never seem to make their way into U.S. showrooms. Forgive us, then, for being slightly giddy at the prospect of this 335is, the first North American exclusive 3 Series in, well... eons.

Based on the freshly facelifted sixth-generation 3 Series, the 2011 335is will be available in both coupe and folding hardtop convertible forms beginning this spring – but we just couldn't wait that long to get behind the wheel. Thankfully, BMW was kind enough to slip us the keys to a pre-production example on Portugal's Estoril raceway as a dessert course of sorts at the launch of their new 5 Series sedan. Follow the jump to read our full slate of impressions.

Interestingly, having just sat through a press conference detailing the many virtues of the 5 Series' new 3.0-liter N55 single-turbo inline six, we were a bit surprised to hear that the 335is harbors a newly developed iteration of the "old" twin-turbo N54. Surprised, yes, but not disheartened, as we'd still happily get out of bed for an N54-powered waterpick.

BMW is positioning the 335is as an appealing option for club racers – presumably those who can't afford an M3 – and for those who normally raid the aftermarket's parts bin. To that end, Bimmer's boffins haven't just fortified the boost and left the rest of the drivetrain package to fend for itself – they've fitted a higher-capacity cooling fan, mounted a supplementary radiator behind the left air intake and bungeed an oil cooler on the right side for good measure. To take advantage of the system's more robust cooling capabilities, a resculpted lower fascia with bigger inlets has also been specified. And although our prototype tester doesn't show it, by the time they reach dealerships, BMW promises that only models with the folding hardtop will receive foglamps – the coupe's will have been purged in favor of larger air openings.



Thanks to those upgrades in cooling and better breathing, BMW has been able to ratchet up the boost to 11.6 psi (up from 8.7 psi in the standard 335i). Thus, as tuned for duty in the 335is, the N54 rustles up 320 horsepower (+20) and 332 pound-feet of torque (+32) riding atop stiffer engine mounts, with the added party trick of an overboost mode that maxes out at 14.5 psi, delivering 370 lb-ft for up to seven seconds.

That bounty is funneled out to the rear wheels through the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), marking the first time that a twin-clutch gearbox has been offered in a non-M 3 Series. The same basic motor also appears in BMW's forthcoming Z4 sDrive35is, albeit conjuring up a sliver more power (335 hp/332 lb-ft.).



How will you spot a 335is on the street? Exterior changes include the updated head- and taillamps and restyled grilles that are shared with the rest of the 2011 3 Series range, but the 335is gets a few malefic telltales in the form of ferric gray 18-inch alloys, gloss black kidney surrounds and mirror caps, black window trim, a handful of special badges and most importantly, a pair of black chrome exhaust tips poking out 'neath a functional rear diffuser. BMW tells us that while the new exhaust system is less restrictive, they admit that by itself, it doesn't really do anything to further enhance the 335is' performance figures. No matter. What those charcoal pipes do accomplish is a heaping helping of aural engagement, sounding significantly huskier than a garden-variety 335i – even at tickover. Hearing the freer-breathing exhausts caroming around Estoril while standing in pit lane was enough to forgive the Portuguese day's unfortunate gray skies and oppressive dampness, and the added audio inside the car was an even more welcome treat.

Being holistic sorts, BMW has also firmed up the springy bits underneath to help deal with the 335i's added aggression. An off-the-rack M-suspension pack drops the ride height by 10 millimeters and stiffer shocks and springs have been substituted, all particularly welcome changes in light of the fact that we had only ever driven on the circuit once before – and that was the previous afternoon. Interestingly, at 13.7-inches up front and 13.2-inches out back, the brakes have been left alone, though we've never had reason to doubt the 335i's binders in the past.



BMW says that the upgraded engine hardware is good for 0-60 in as little as 5.0 seconds for a coupe paired to the DCT gearbox. Row the gears in the fixed-roof variant yourself and you're looking at a 5.1 seconds. The convertible is a tenth of a second slower, regardless of transmission choice. It's important to note that BMW has a history of underreporting engine power figures and being conservative with its performance estimates, and judging by the acceleration we felt under suboptimal traction conditions – and the fact that DCT cars will be equipped with launch control (something with which our prototypes were not yet equipped) – we're guessing that the 335is is actually capable of clipping 60 miles-per-hour about a half-second quicker than BMW is letting on. Regardless of whether you specify a fixed or folding roof, the 335is packs it in at 150 mph.

More important than raw numbers is the way the 335is feels and behaves, and in this regard, we've only whetted our appetites with a limited amount of laps at Estoril with both the DCT and manual (these prototypes were sadly not plated for street use). Even given our limited time and closed course conditions, we can tell you that we like what we see so far. The 3 Series has always had exemplary balance, and the 335is is no exception, only now it has significantly more power to lunge from the apexes. Out on the circuit, the surplus torque offered by the temporary overboost function allows one to gloss over most track virgin mistakes – braking too early (or too late), or taking a bad line through a corner, and even if you get it spot-on, you'll get there that much more rapidly thanks to the extra power. We're pleased to report that the DCT seems particularly well-suited to the 3 Series' character, and it's similarly fine work on the track, being quicker than the (still excellent) tripedalist setup, especially as it allows for both hands on the wheel at all times.



Speaking of the steering wheel, on the 335is, it's an M Sport piece, as is the shift knob and matching sport seats. Other model-specific frosting includes an anthracite headliner, stainless pedal pads and footrest, along with special badging calling out the model name on the dashboard, tachometer and door sills. Like all 335i coupes, this new model comes with a moonroof as standard fit, something sure to please sybarites but potentially aggravate those who don't want the extra weight and higher center-of-gravity on the racetrack. BMW promises us that it's considering making the roof a delete option, but opting out isn't likely to save any money.

Speaking of money, we note that when Autoblog first revealed the official specs and pricing of the 335is, many readers balked over the price tag: $50,525 for the fixed-roof and $59,075 for the drop-head, with both prices including destination charges. We won't argue that BMW's asking for premium dollars, nor will we debate that they can get jarringly expensive after visiting the options list. Even still, the 335is doesn't strike us as a bad deal when analyzing the rest of the 3 Series lineup.



Think of it this way: a 2010 M3 coupe starts at $58,400, to which you must add $875 for destination and a further $1,300 for gas guzzler taxes (a 2011 model has not yet been announced). Total cost? $60,575 – before options. Yes, the V8-powered M3 offers significantly more horsepower (414), but does so at a skyscraping 8,300 rpm and has a comparative dearth of torque – 295 vs. 332 pound-feet – and that's without considering the 335i's massive overboost. What's more, the 335is' full measure of twist is available from just 1,500 revs, while the M3's eight-pot needs to be spinning more than twice as fast at 3,900 rpm. Lest we forget, despite its carbon-fiber roof, it also weighs a smidge more.

Don't get us wrong – we love every inch of the M3's sniper-like precision – it remains a fantastic car and an unrivaled piece of trackday artillery. But out on the street, you really do have to rev the Mobil 1 out of the V8 in order for it to feel genuinely quick. That's not to say that doing so is a chore, but for many drivers, the high-revving soundtrack can get tiresome on a day-in, day-out basis and the M3's care and feeding aren't exactly cheap. The 335is offers club racer competence swathed in a more relaxed, more civilized package with comparable levels of real-world thrust – all while leaving a couple of vacations' worth of coin in your bank account.



On the other end of the spectrum, an unadorned 2011 335i coupe runs $43,525 (that's $42,650 plus $875 for postage and handling), meaning that it costs exactly $7,000 less, but that doesn't include the 335is' additional standard equipment like the $1,550 sport pack. By our count, the cost difference at that point is $5,450, an amount that strikes us as a distinctly fair tariff for the new model's additional performance and kit. (The convertible's pricing premium is admittedly rather harder to swallow, but the same tough math applies with the 328i and 335i).

The first wave of 335is convertibles is slated to hit U.S. dealers in March, with the coupes to follow in June. Here's hoping that enthusiasts line up to buy them – if only to give BMW executives a good reason to offer more high-po specials and foreign-market forbidden fruit in the States.

[Source: Autoblog]