2013 BMW i3: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Repossessed Cars For Sale - Would You Like to Find Best Repossessed Cars For Dirt Cheap Prices?

If you are looking to buy cheap used cars and if you are on a tight budget then the best option for you is to go for repossessed cars. If you are tired of hunting your favorite luxury vehicle at an affordable price in your locality then you need to read this article carefully. Here you will find the cost effective way to search the best quality and brand new repossessed luxury vehicles at just the fraction of their original prices. Read further to know the best service online which can provide you all this information at the comfort of your home.

We all want a bargain when it comes to buy used luxury cars. Because of the weak economy and increasing prices of fuel, it is becoming extremely hard for common man to buy latest luxury cars. But there is a way to overcome this problem. You can now find the cheapest repossessed luxury vehicles at online car auctions.

These auctions provide you the best opportunity to find your dream cars like Mercedes, Ferrari, BMW, Cadillac, Acura, etc. They are usually in a good condition and are of less than a year old. These vehicles are often sold at government auctions at huge discounts. These are government seized vehicles which are generally seized by the government due to variety of reasons like bank frauds, inability to pay bank loans and mortgages, illegal activities, etc.

Everyday thousands of brand new luxury vehicles are seized by the government across the country. The government have to spend countless hours of time and huge money on maintaining these repossessed cars. Plus they occupy thousands of acres of government properties which can be used for other development purposes. This is the reason why government sells these brand new vehicles at auctions everyday in different parts of country.

There are few reliable government car auction websites available online which provides all the information about all the ongoing auctions everyday. When you join these websites after paying a small one time fee, you can find unlimited luxury repo cars which are being sold across different states in the country everyday. Plus you can bid on any car available in any part of country from the comfort of your home.

The biggest advantage of these websites is very few people know about the existence of these sites. This is the reason why you stand a very good chance to win any auction and get your favorite car at the fraction of its original price.

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

Jr. drives No.3!

WELCOME, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Through a joint effort between Richard Childress Racing, JR Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Wrangler®, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will pay tribute to his father’s upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame by driving the No. 3 Wrangler® Chevrolet Impala in the July 2 Subway Jalapeno 250 powered by NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

The announcement and car unveiling was made today at JR Motorsports and to the fans at Dale Earnhardt Inc., both in Mooresville, N.C. In attendance were Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Kelley Earnhardt of JR Motorsports, Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler® marketing. The No. 3 Wrangler® Chevrolet Impala is an RCR entry but built and prepared by JR Motorsports.

“This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my Dad, and it’s pretty cool that it’s a collaborative effort between JR Motorsports, RCR and DEI,” said Earnhardt Jr. “The Wrangler car is definitely in the top-10 of coolest cars that have ever been on the race track. A lot of people identify with it, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side, similar to the ‘Wrangler Jean Machine’ scheme of the 80s. I think it will be worth seeing, and I’m looking forward to driving it at Daytona.”

The combination of Earnhardt Jr., DEI and RCR has a very brief yet shining history on the track together. In their one and only race together, Earnhardt drove the No. 3 Chevrolet to victory in the February 2002 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. That car, with just the one race to its credit, is on display at the RCR Museum in Welcome, N.C.

“Bringing this group of people and these organizations together is the best way I can think of to honor Dale Earnhardt’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Childress. “Dale means so much to all of us, as well as his fans across the country and throughout the world. We created a special piece of history together in 2002 and, with Wrangler back on board the No. 3 Chevrolet at Daytona, we look to make some more history in July. I know the fans will love it as much as we all will.”

In support of the program, an array of licensed product will be available to fans from die-cast cars to apparel and select novelty items. Merchandise will highlight both Dale Earnhardt original Wrangler® car and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s current paint scheme. Fans can find the products at www.nascar.com, trackside or through each of the represented team stores.

“Dale’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is truly a special honor for the Earnhardt Family as well as for all of Dale’s fans,” said Teresa Earnhardt. “Dale was a competitor, but he was also a person who loved the fans and worked hard to connect with the people who supported him through his career. Wrangler was one of Dale’s first sponsors and it’s great to connect back with those early years, where it all started for Dale as he drove his way into the Hall of Fame.”

Wrangler® has a long history with all parties involved, and is the first apparel brand to have significant involvement in NASCAR, beginning in the 1980s when Dale Earnhardt was featured in the brand’s “One Tough Customer” marketing campaign. Wrangler® was the primary sponsor of Dale Earnhardt and the famed yellow-and-blue “Wrangler® Jean Machine” from 1981 to 1987. After a couple race team changes in the early 1980s including a brief 1981 stint with Richard Childress, Earnhardt moved back to Richard Childress Racing in 1984, bringing the brand with him as his primary sponsor. In 1998, the brand became one of the first corporate sponsors to sign up with Dale in his new role of team owner of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

The Wrangler®-Earnhardt legacy continued in 2004 with a relationship between a second generation Earnhardt and a “New Generation of Wrangler®” – Earnhardt Jr. signed on as the endorsee for the Wrangler Jeans Co.TM line of new fits and styles of jeans and apparel. This longstanding relationship continues today with Earnhardt Jr. starring in the current brand marketing campaign.

“For Wrangler, this yellow-and-blue paint scheme signifies a lot of our brand history, marketing and persona from the 1980s,” said Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler® marketing. “It’s truly a piece of our history that will be on the track July 2 and it makes it that much more meaningful that it’s not only Dale Earnhardt’s son who will be driving it, but also the brand’s current partner and friend – Dale Jr.”

As part of Earnhardt Jr.’s tribute to his father, Wrangler® is also launching a consumer promotion offering racing fans a way to honor their own fathers with the chance to win a trip to Daytona Beach to meet Earnhardt Jr. and watch him drive the yellow-and-blue racecar. The winner will be announced on Friday, June 18, in time for Father’s Day. Fans can get more information, view the official rules and enter by visiting www.wranglersalutetodad.com beginning April 30.

Jr. drives No.3!

2009 Hyundai Genesis - Hyundai's First Luxury Car

Introduction:Every year car enthusiasts and automotive journalists head over to local car premiers and conventions where all the renown automakers release their precious babies for the masses to gawk at and do the "ooh-ah" over and over, it's like taking a kid to the candy store, but this 2009 is unlike any other.

Our favorite lineup of first-class luxury sedans for 2009, of course, features all-time favorites like the Lexus GS, the Infiniti M, and the Chrysler 300, but right beside these there's a unique, unidentified luxury Sedan that has been grabbing everyone's attention.

And Pontiac, BMW, or Mercedes are not responsible for this one; it comes from an unexpected source. But you'll probably never guess who that unexpected source is, after all you know your luxury Sedans and you know who makes them. I won't leave you in suspense any longer but surely in utter shock, the mystery automaker is none other than the Korean automaker itself, Hyundai.

That's right, Hyundai fiercely joins the Luxury Sedan business this 2009 via the release of the Genesis; its first 8-cylinder rear-drive luxury sedan. So for 2009 proud Hyundai dealerships eagerly await to represent the Genesis this upcoming summer.

Interestingly enough Genesis is a synonym for "beginning" which in this case is totally appropriate and entirely suggestive that this is merely the beginning for luxury sedans from Hyundai, the world is eager to find out what Korean engineers can offer so let's take a look at what the Genesis promises.

Performance Specs:Engines and transmissions:Unquestionably a lot of luxury-vehicle enthusiasts are unconvinced that Hyundai is actually up for the challenge. But if Japanese automakers like Lexus and Infiniti have gained an incredible reputation, likewise Korean company, Hyundai endeavors a similar path.

And certainly Hyundai is off with a good start; after all it immediately broke barriers as soon as it made the decision to release the Genesis with the choice of an 8-cylinder engine.

Of course the base powertrain on the Genesis is constituted by a 6-cylinder, 3.8 liter DOHC engine that utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) in order to increase the power spread. But even with the most basic powertrain, the Genesis will achieve up to 290 horsepower and 264 pounds per foot of torque.

Expectedly, the Genesis with 6-cylinder engine features an Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission complete with overdrive and a lock-up torque converter that works hard in order to enhance its fuel economy on the highway.

As for the upgraded powertrain features, well it's more than you'd expect from a newly released luxury sedan from Hyundai. In fact it has outdone the Acura which comes with a 6-cylinder, 3.7-liter SOHC VTEC engine.

Thanks to that 8-cylinder, 4.6 liters DOHC engine you can achieve anywhere between 368 to 375 horsepower, depending on whether you fill up your baby with premium or regular fuel. Clearly it has simply defeated the Lexus GS V8 Sedan as well as the other competing V8 Sedans such as the 300 from Chrysler, the G8 from Pontiac and the Infiniti M when it comes to horsepower.

And in order to take on the whopping horsepower that the V8 trim produces, the Genesis features an improved ZF 6-speed transmission.

Suspension:

The ASD suspension that the Genesis supports is what the leading luxury vehicles in the market from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes support as well.

The Genesis' front suspension is composed of an independent 5-link design with SACHS ASD; gas shock absorbers; coil springs; and 25mm anti-roll bar. Meanwhile the rear suspension is an independent 5-link design as well with SACHS ASD; gas shock absorbers; coil springs; and an 18 mm anti roll bar for the V8 trim and a 17 mm anti-roll bar.

Steering:Lexus and Infiniti owners will find the Genesis to be quite familiar when it comes to steering. It's remarkably compliant thanks to electro-hydraulic assist and a rack-and-pinion steering power with engine-RPM-sensing.

Fuel Economy:

Perhaps the soaring gas prices might discourage you from an 8-cylinder vehicle but the Genesis delivers a comparable fuel economy to that of sporty Coupes like the Nissan Altima. The Genesis' EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined and as for the V8 you can expect 17mpg city/25 mpg highway.

Interior Design:Without nameplates, and badges the Hyundai Genesis may as well be sold at the price that top-line luxury vehicles like Lexus and Infiniti go for, but Hyundai is unique in the sense that it offers comparable luxury for a lower rate. There is simply no doubt that the Genesis is prepared and equipped with top-notch accents.

The dashboard is harmonized by Woodgrain and leather interior accents complete with a center console that includes copious climate controls such as heater and air filters. In addition to climate controls, the audio controls are what top it off on account of corresponding driver-friendly attributes that it features. Convenience features like cruise control and cupholders are a given and you can surely expect an entire selection of driver-friendly attributes that you may as well find in a Lexus.

For instance, the instrument panel's white-on-black electroluminescent gauges that share an immense resemblance to the top-quality look that you may find in a Lexus.

The Genesis is just like any other luxury sedan complete with a delicate leathered interior and of course the best technology. Listening to all of your favorite music won't be a hassle; after all you can simply connect your iPod and blast your favorite music thanks to that Logic7 Lexicon discrete sound system.

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

Car Dealers - Buying a Luxury Car 2010

You've reached that time in your life where you are grown up, successful and rich so what's next? Even if you aren't all of these things, one can dream about how all that extra cash might be spent. For those of you that can identify with the first line of this article, why not consider a trip to some car dealers? A luxury car would be a very sound investment. Not only will it give you much joy, but it will show others how successful you really are, and we all know that there's no point in working hard if you don't have anything to show for it at the end, don't we?

Car Dealers - Buying a Luxury Car 2010

The Mercedes Benz S-Class saloon or the BMW 7 series saloon might be a good starting off points. They are both generally considered brilliant cars all round, and have buckets of style to go with that. Both of these cars look achingly stylish in black and either provides a very classy way to show off.

Heads will turn and grant you nods of approval, which is certainly better than the reactions you get for driving a gaudy sports car, no matter what that Ferrari car dealer says! As stylish as these cars are however, to the untrained eye they do appear to look relatively normal. If you are looking to turn all the heads on the street then why not go for something a little more expensive and showy?

Car dealers that stock cars of this calibre are rare, but for the money that you could potentially spend they should be extremely easy to find. One such car is the Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe. It is ridiculously big and extravagant when it comes to style. It's a definite advertisement of wealth and status that hardly anyone can easily afford, but a perfect way to celebrate your wealth.

To the poorer readers of this article that would need a mortgage to buy one of these, we all might just have to be content with looking for now and keeping our fingers crossed for the lottery!

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

The Diesel Cars 2010

Of late and in the next few years to come, there have and there will be a slew of diesel variants of cars from almost all auto majors entering India. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki all plan to bring in diesel versions of their new cars into the Indian market.

The Indian car buyer has changed his way of thinking. The present-generation buyer does not really break his head thinking of the high maintenance cost and pricing while opting for the diesel car. Technology has improved, the fuel efficiency has also shown a significant change and the changes apply to diesel cars as well. One does not have to think too hard. It has become unnecessary now and belongs to the yesteryears. Diesel cars have their own marketplace within the Indian market.

Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class in diesel, BMW's diesel models, the Hyundai Sonata Transform diesel, all indicate the growing diesel car trend. Then, we also have the diesel variant of the Maruti Suzuki SX4 which will soon grace the Indian roads. A look at the actual sales figures reveal that luxury car makers like BMW, Mercedes and Audi sell more diesel variants compared to their petrol counterparts. The Toyota Fortuner with the diesel heart entered India only to push out the Honda CR-V petrol variant that was ruling the SUV segment till then.

Toyota is one car maker that sells around 99 per cent of its cars as diesel variants. The advanced diesel technology can deliver the power and torque figures that everyone likes like no other. 65 per cent of the models, Swift and DZire that India's largest selling auto maker Maruti Suzuki sells are diesel variants. Tata, M&M, GM, Hyundai and Ford are also increasing production of their diesel models. Tata Motors' Indica and Indigo, M&M's Logan, GM's Optra and Chevy Cruze and Hyundai's Verna have been experiencing a rise in sales of diesel variants in the recent months.

Diesel prices in India are 30 per cent lower than gasoline. The demand for efficient diesel variants, has therefore, grown even stronger. Fortunately, Indian car makers too have a distinct advantage here. They have been coming up with more and more new models with diesel engines and have succeeded in meeting the demand. It is now time for the global OEMs to work harder in the ever growing Indian market. It is not too difficult to build world-class diesel cars within Indian cost structures if they want to be successful. If 5 years ago India exported 130,000 passenger cars, today, the number has increased drastically. Thanks to the advanced diesel technologies and the rising demand.

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

Land Cruiser Automotif Car

Toyota Offoroad Car

BMW India Launches 535i, 523i & 530d, 525d: New 5 Series Petrol & Diesel Variants

The new BMW 5 Series was unveiled today at the exclusive BMW pavilion which has been specially constructed for the launch in India. The new BMW 5 Series is available in two petrol variants – 535i and 523i and two diesel variants – 530d and 525d and can be ordered at BMW dealerships across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, "The 5 Series is the core model in our product portfolio. Each generation of the BMW 5 Series has been a winner and has played a major role in the company's success around the world. And we intend to keep it that way in India. You can imagine what high expectations we have of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan: It has to live up to its highly successful predecessor both in terms of innovative technology and sales achievements."

"Splendid design, flawless workmanship, driver orientation with ideally placed instruments and intuitive operation, the new BMW 5 Series embodies a formula to captivate the senses. The new BMW 5 Series is everything a BMW sedan is meant to be: aesthetic, dynamic and efficient." Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India further added.

The BMW 5 Series has significantly contributed to the success and image of BMW in India. BMW India has sold over 3600 units of the 5 Series in India since 2007.

The all India Ex-Showroom Prices in INR Are as Follows.
The new BMW 523i : 38,90,000
The new BMW 525d : 39,90,000
The new BMW 530d : 45,90,000

Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax (as applicable). The above ex-showroom prices are exclusive of sales tax / VAT applicable on sale to the customer. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice.

The 523i, 525d and 530d will be produced at the BMW Plant Chennai. The 535i will be available as a CBU (completely built-up unit) and will have an ex-showroom price of INR 58,00,000. The new BMW 5 Series will be available in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following metallic colours: Space Grey, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Havanna, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Milano Beige, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect.

Dakota leather is the standard upholstery for the new BMW 5 Series and is available in the following colour combinations: Oyster / Black, Black / Black, Vento Beige / Vento Beige, Oyster / Oyster dark and Cinnamon Brown / Black. The following interior trims are available: Fine-wood trim Ash Grain Brown and Fine-wood trim "Fine line" anthracite.

The new BMW 5 Series: Description in Brief:
The sixth generation of BMW’s immensely successful four-door stands out through modern aesthetics in design, conveys all of the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW and offers unparalleled luxury in the upper midrange segment.

The sophisticated aesthetics and dynamic looks of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are the result of perfectly balanced proportions. Again in the typical style of the brand, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan boasts of a long and contoured engine compartment lid, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline as well as the longest wheelbase in the segment. The charismatic flair of the upright front section and the BMW kidney grill inclined slightly forward from certain perspectives, the stylish elegance of the side view and the muscular sportiness of the rear end all come together in typical BMW design language to provide an outstanding look of style and supremacy.

Within the interior, horizontal surfaces and exciting lines create a truly generous and harmonious ambience. The clear structure of the cockpit enhances the high level of driver orientation, while the stylish, modern design of the interior is further refined by top-quality material and tastefully composed colour combinations.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is entering the market with the world’s first straight-six petrol engine with Twin Power Turbo, High Precision Injection and Valvetronic (225 kW/306 hp) in the BMW 535i as well as straight-six petrol engine in the BMW 523i (150 kW/204 hp). The latest generation of straight-six diesels featuring an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection develop 180 kW/245 hp in BMW 530d and 150 kW/204 hp in BMW 525d.

Eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the BMW 523i and the BMW 525d. Eight Speed Sports Automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel is standard feature on the BMW 535i and theBMW 530d . With its innovative gear set configuration, a unique level of inner efficiency and optimised weight, the eight-speed automatic transmission combines outstanding gearshift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest level.

The combination of a double track arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle ensures supreme driving dynamics and motoring comfort all in one. Further efficiency is provided by Electric Power Steering (EPS) including Servotronic as standard feature for the first time in the BMW 5 Series. The clearly structured cockpit and intuitive controls enhance Sheer Driving Pleasure in typical BMW style to an even higher level, at the same time underlining the sophisticated ambience within the passenger compartment of thenew BMW 5 Series. The driver-oriented cockpit in Black Panel technology, the multifunction steering wheel featured as standard, the two highly functional steering wheel columns, and the separation of driving and comfort functions further enhance the feeling of supremacy at the wheel.

Courtesy: BMW India

Tata Motors Launches New Indica Vista Drivetech4: New Generation Car in India

Tata Motors has launched an all-new Indica Vista range, the Indica Vista Drivetech4, with a host of new features and a thrilling driving experience, to take the encouraging market response to the company's new generation car to a new high.

The BS-4 compliant Indica Vista Drivetech4 has a specially designed Eurotech gearbox perfectly mated to the Vista Drivetech4 Quadrajet diesel and Safire petrol engines. It ensures higher torque at low RPMs, minimal vibration, precise gear shifting, longer engine life and cooled exhaust gas recirculation for lower emissions. All these together result in superior handling, exciting zip and a never-before driving experience. The same degree of refinement and driveability is also being offered on BS-3 engines.

The other new features include a 4-spoke tilt-adjustable steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat enabling customised driving positions. The flexible 60:40 flip and fold rear seat lends added space for multiple needs. The fully integrated 2-DIN stereo system with Blue 5 and USB port enhance entertainment and communication convenience. Dual airbags (driver and passenger) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) make it one of the safest cars on Indian roads.

The Indica Vista Drivetech4 series, though in the premium B segment, has been competitively priced, starting respectively from Rs.3.57 lakhs for the Safire petrol range and from Rs. 4.4 lakhs for the Quadrajet diesel range (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The range has been launched with an exciting contest – available at www.surpriseyourself.in – to spot that only feature the Vista Drivetech4 shares with the Indica, and win a Vista free.

The Indica Vista, Tata Motors’ all-new second generation car introduced in August 2008, has won the Jury Award at the Business Standard Motoring Car Of The Year Awards and was recognised as the Best Value for Money Car at the UTVi Autocar Awards.

Courtesy: Tata Motors India

Mitsubissi Sport Car Galery

The 2010 Luxurious Lincoln Town Car

The feature that makes the V8 engine Lincoln Town Car historical is that it is the only car ever to receive five star ratings in all safety categories from the US Department of Transportation. This unique vehicle has all the comfort of any luxury car with the added luxury of knowing that its 4.6 liter V8 engine with 239 horsepower is also the safest vehicle on the road.

Despite its horsepower and size, the 2010 Lincoln Town car is as economical as any large vehicle can be, yielding 16 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg in highway travel. It is the most popular choice of limo companies who want to offer the most comfort and elegance to their clientele while providing power and maneuverability to its drivers.

With the added acclamation of safety by the Department of Transportation, insurance costs will also see a reduction for the company's bottom line profits.

Whether in the market for a personal vehicle or for commercial purposes, the Lincoln Town Car is an option to be seriously considered for several reasons. It has the appearance that competes with cars in its category, the comfort you would expect from a luxury vehicle, and the performance that will compete with others of its size, all factors that compute to value.

Besides increasing fuel efficiency as well as sufficiency, its multi-point fuel injection system delivers a more equalized fuel mass to each cylinder while contributing to cleaner emissions that are so important in today's ecologically conscious world.

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

Citroen Automotif Car

Ferari Sport Car

New Toyota Car

New Honda Car

New Mercedes-Benz SLK300 Wallpaper

New MINI Countryman Details And Gallery - More popular in Europe

Earlier we posted up three leaked images of the MINI Countryman ; now BMW has released full information and a complete gallery of the MINI brand’s fourth model. The Countryman crossover is MINI’s first four-door and first four-wheel drive vehicle – ALL4 all-wheel drive is an option. But don’t worry, the brand’s famed “go-kart feeling” is retained, BMW claims.

A choice of three petrol and two diesel engines are available, all Euro 5 compliant. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the Cooper S combines fully variable valve management (Valvetronic) with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection for the first time, making 184 bhp and 240 Nm (260 Nm on overboost). 0-100 km/h is done in 7.6 seconds while top speed is 215 km/h. The 122 bhp/160 Nm naturally aspirated engine in the Cooper is good for 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a 190 km/h top speed. The entry level MINI One Countryman comes with an uninspiring 98 bhp and 153 Nm – vital stats are 12.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a 175 km/h top speed.

More popular in Europe will be the Cooper D, its variable turbine geometry equipped commonrail turbodiesel pushing out 112 bhp and a stout 270 Nm. 0-100 km/h in 10.9 sec and top speed of 180 km/h looks plain on paper, but real world performance should be great, as is the 22.7 km/l fuel consumption. Also available is the One D, with 90 bhp/215 Nm.

All versions come with a six-speed manual as standard. Petrol variants can be had with a six-speed Steptronic auto with steering shift paddles.

The optional permanent ALL4 all-wheel drive employs an electrohydraulic differential that sends up to 50 per cent power to the rear wheels in normal conditions, and up to 100 per cent under extreme conditions. The suspension is made up of front McPherson struts and forged track control arms to reduce torque steer and rear multi-link units. All versions can be had with sports suspension that lowers ride height by 10mm. The steering is an EPS system with Servotronic. BMW says that a range of John Cooper Works Performance Components will be available.

Inside, MINI highlights the Center Rail, an illuminated platform that runs the length of the cabin, allowing occupants to personalise their own space by clipping on holders, bins and armrests, besides plugging in audio or communication devices. The Center Rail ends after the front seats if you specify the three-seat rear bench (at no extra cost, four seats are standard).

And how big is the Countryman exactly? It measures 4,097mm, almost 400mm longer than a MINI hatchback while the wheelbase is 2,595mm, about the length of a C-segment saloon’s. Boot volume is 350 litres, expandable to 1,170 litres by folding the rear seats.

Volkswagen Set For Podium Clean Sweep - top three positions in the 2010 Dakar

Volkswagen looks set to make a clean sweep of the top three positions in the 2010 Dakar, as the “World’s Toughest Race” enters its final stage from San Rafael to Buenos Aires, the finish point. In the overall lead after 13 stages is VW’s former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, but he’s only leading teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah by just two minutes and 48 seconds. American Mark Miller looks to have secured the final podium spot – he is over 31 minutes behind Sainz but almost two hours ahead of Stephane Peterhansel, the highest placed X-Raid BMW driver in fourth.

The penultimate stage was won by nine-time Dakar winner Peterhansel. With that, the Frenchman has won four stages in this year’s race, extending his record of stage victories to 55. The relatively smooth and fast wrap up stage will start today evening in South America.

New Edition Models Of BMW For CNY 2010

BMW is offering a total of 7 limited edition models for the upcoming Chinese New Year Celebrations. Four are from the 3-Series range and three are from the 5-Series range. You can check them out this weekend at the CNY@BMW dealership event at all BMW dealerships. I’ll be going to the one closest to my home – Auto Bavaria Sg Besi, to snap some live photos.

The E90 range consists of the BMW 320i Lifestyle Edition, the BMW 320i Performance Edition, the BMW 320d Performance Edition and the BMW 325i Performance Edition. Each Performance Edition variant of limited to 48 units each. I don’t really have much info on the Lifestyle Edition at this point.

You basically get BMW Performance accent strips and a black front grille for a sportier look. On the inside, you get BMW Performance gear levers which are wrapped with Alcantara and Walkanappa leather with a chrome strip on top, and a BMW Performance handbrake grip in Alcantara leather. Finally, there’s a set of aluminium pedals and footrest.

New Mazda5 Previewed - forced to wear the new look

New Mazda5 Previewed

This is a case of when, not if. With the entire Mazda range adopting the big smiley corporate face, it was only a matter of time before the Mazda5 (Premacy in some markets) was forced to wear the new look. Like what you see?
The new Mazda5 will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Embracing “dynamic and elegant Nagare design”, it emits about 15 per cent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” system, a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine (paired with a six-speed manual for Europe) plus other measures. The Hiroshima based carmaker also claims a more comfortable ride, perhaps by retuning the suspension.
Mazda says that the 5 is the first production model to fully adopt its Nagare design language. Besides the Mazda3 style front end, there are other familiar Mazda cues such as the sculpted wheelarches, but the MPV’s flanks get wavy lines only seen on Mazda’s concepts prior to this. Nagare means flow in Japanese, and there’s certainly plenty of flow in the shape of the new 5. Inside, the dashboard design mimics the 3 and is more driver centric now.