BMW 7 Series

The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series offers, according to BMW, a brand-new interpretation of style, luxury and driving experience – and we belive they are right. Design of the new BMW 7 Series was tuned down a bit, standing for natural presence, superior sportiness and precise elegance. The features of the car are authentically visualised through its modern, progressive look, with a brand-new range of engines ensuring BMW EfficientDynamics of the highest standard.  Lightweight engineering and innovative suspension technology ensure dynamic driving qualities quite unique in the luxury class. Driver assistance systems and comfort functions exclusive to BMW set the foundation for a truly fascinating driving experience.

The all-new suspension optimising both driving dynamics and, in particular, motoring comfort: First BMW Saloon with doublearmfront axle, integral V rear axle exclusive to BMW, front and rear axles made largely of aluminium. The main design theme characterising the new BMW 7 Series is the harmonious combination of elegance and sportiness. Apart from the car’s long wheelbase, the long and sleek engine compartment lid, and the short overhang at the front, the passenger compartment moved further to the rear and the low, sleek roofline emphasis and, indeed, highlight the dynamic proportions of the new BMW 7 Series. The unusually dynamic and stretched lines of the car are therefore a clear testimony to superior sportiness and at the same time convey a powerful impression of precise elegance. The balanced harmony of these features comes out particularly clearly in the side-line of the car.

The new BMW 7 Series is entering the market with a V8 and a straight-six gasoline engine both featuring Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection as well as the first representative of a new generation of six-cylinder diesel engines, followed by the 12 cylinder engine. Benefiting from these drive units and the wide range of engine technologies serving to enhance the all-round standard of efficiency to an even higher level, the various modelsin the BMW 7 Series, following the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, now also offer truly outstanding performance, fuel economy and emission management data in their respective segments. The eight-cylinder developing maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm in the BMW 750i, for example, is the most efficient engine in its performance class and the only engine of its kind worldwide with the turbochargers fitted in the V-space between the two rows of cylinders. Engine: from 3L R6 
Horsepower: from 245 bhp / PS 
Top Speed: from 152 mph (245 km/h) 
Peak torque: from 450 Nm (333 lb ft) 
Acceleration: from 0-60 mph in 7.0 sec (0-100 km/h in 7.2) 
Retail Price: starting at 50,000 pounds (70,000 euros or 80,000 dollars MRSP)

Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S

The new 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera (model code 997) comes in two power versions with engines varying in size: the “basic" 911 Carrera displacing 3.6 litres and developing maximum output of 325 bhp, and the 911 Carrera S displacing 3.8 litres and with maximum output of 355 bhp. The new 3.8-litre flat-six develops its maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft), accelerating the Carrera S in 4.8 seconds from 0 – 100 km/h and ensuring a top speed of 293 km/h or 182 mph. To cope with the extra power and performance of the new Carrera S, both 911 Coupés now come with a new six-speed manual gearbox able to convey even higher torque while reducing weight and shortening gearshift travel. Tiptronic S with an optimised gearshift program and even better shift quality is available as an alternative to this new six-speed manual gearbox. With the emergency wheel so far fitted on the bulkhead now being dropped and the bulkhead crossbar redesigned, Porsche's engineers had the opportunity to consistently update and modify the shape and configuration of the luggage compartment, which capacity is up by 5 litres to 135 litres.

Rack-and-pinion steering with variable transmission ratio The new 911 Carrera comes for the first time with rack-and-pinion steering featuring a variable transmission ratio responding even more smoothly and precisely to the driver's commands and thus enhancing the car's agility particularly on winding roads and in sharp bends. Handling in town is improved above all in parking manoeuvres and when turning, thanks to the far more spontaneous response of the steering particularly in such a situation. Powerful body with a new waistline In its design, the new Porsche 911 consistently continues the existing model line with all its features. With evolutionary restyling from front to rear, the new 911 Carrera is however even more dynamic than before, although the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S differ from one another on some fine but significant points. The wider track and the slimmer, more accentuated waistline, for example, make the new model even more powerful and athletic in its look – and, of course, a lot more powerful and athletic to drive. Further striking features of the car's evolutionary design are the new headlights with separate additional headlights in the front section, the fenders and wheel arches accentuated even more strongly than before and the new double-arm rearview mirrors. The new 911 Carrera comes on new, even larger light-alloy wheels:18-inch wheels in new five-spoke design and measuring 8J x 18 at the front and 10J x 18 at the rear are standard.

PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management is available as an option on the 911 Carrera and comes as standard on the 911 Carrera S. PASM combines two suspensions in one, a sporting and comfortable set-up for long distances and a very dynamic configuration for performance driving. Compared with the standard suspension of the Carrera, PASM suspension lowers the entire car by 10 millimetres or 0.39". The normal set-up provides a more comfortable damper setting changing gradually to a sporting mode as soon as the driver adopts a more dynamic style of motoring. Particularly on long trips on the motorway the car's occupants will enjoy a far higher standard of comfort, PASM absorbing minor and medium bumps on the surface much better and more smoothly than the standard suspension. By contrast, the sports set-up activates a harder damper control map for a very agile and dynamic style of motoring, the features and qualities thus provided being quite comparable to those of an all-out sports suspension. Minimisation of body roll ensures fast lap times confirmed by numerous measurements at the German race track Nuerrburgring, where the sporting set-up serves to cut an average of 5 seconds off lap times compared with the standard suspension and 20 seconds compared to the old 911 - well, at least if your name is Walter Roehrl, the legendary Porsche test driver.

Engine: 3.6L Flat-6 (Carrera) /  3.8L Flat-6 (Carrera S)
Horsepower: 325 (Carrera) / 355 (Carrera S) bhp / PS 
Top Speed: 177 mph / 285 km/h (Carrera), 182 mph / 293 km/h (Carrera S)
Peak torque: 400 Nm (295 lb ft) 
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 4.8 (4.6) sec / 0-100 km/h in 5.0 (4.8)
Retail Price: starting at 60,000 pounds (80,000 euros or 80,000 dollars MRSP)

 

Ferrari F430 and F430 Spider

Ferrari unveiled the new F430 to the public at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2004 and the F430 Spider in Geneva Motor Show in spring 2005 - both cars are said to be sold out until 2007. Ferrari’s presence at the Paris Mondial de l’Automobile 2004 came at an important moment for the company in what has been an extraordinary year in terms of sporting achievements. The important news was that Ferrari won the Formula 1 Constructors’ World title for the sixth consecutive year and the Formula 1 Drivers’ World title for the fifth consecutive year, courtesy of Ferrari racing driver Michael Schumacher. Ferrari has achieved these results thanks to its enormous, ongoing commitment to R&D, allowing continuous technological transfer from Formula 1 to road cars. And this technological innovations provide another leap forward with the new F430, setting new benchmarks in the sports car industry.

The Ferrari F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari’s extraordinary achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena predecessor, to a whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations directly derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters. Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel-mounted switch (better known to the Formula 1 Scuderia’s drivers as “manettino”), which manages the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics for 5 different driving styles from "ice" to "race". The F430 Spider’s sinuous lines, designed by Pininfarina, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team. The F430 Spider’s shape is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced nolder which is integrated into the end of the engine cover, new bigger rear air intakes that emphasize the car’s muscular stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser of competition derivation.

The main characteristics of the new F430 are its light, compact 4,300 cc 90° V8 engine, which punches out 490 hp to achieve a specific output of 114 hp/litre, also providing the new Ferrari berlinetta with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.8 kg/hp (dry weight). The engine itself is attractively set below a glass cover. Other optional top features are: a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs for optimal efficiency under extreme use as well as a Formula 1-derived gearbox that cuts gear shifting times down to 150 milliseconds allowing the driver to make the very most of this truly high performance car: 0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds flat, a top speed in excess of 196 mph. This all comes with an aerodynamic design that embodies the very latest competition technologies, specifically the flat underbody and large rear diffuser to increase downforce. 

Engine: F430: 4.3L V8 / F430 Spider: 4.3L V8
Horsepower:  490 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 196 / 193 mph (316 / 310 km/h)
Peak torque: 465 Nm (342 lb ft)
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 3.8 / 3.9 sec  (0-100 km/h in 4.0 /4.1 sec) 
Retail Price: starting at 120,000 pounds (150,000 euros or 190,000 dollars MRSP)

 

Rolls-Royce Phantom Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Ghost’s more dynamic nature. While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues – the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail – Ghost exudes an informal aura. "Simplicity is the hardest design principle to follow”, comments Ian Cameron, Chief Designer of Rolls-Royce.

Ghost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. The natural beauty of the veneers in Ghost is brought to life by the skill of dedicated craftsmen and women. The natural burrs and grains are chosen for their intricacy and interest: veneer specialists choose only the finest logs from which these very thin cross sections are taken. Only veneer from one tree is used in any car. This ensures not only that the grain matches throughout the interior, but that each area ages and colours at the same pace. The parts are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection and a mirror-like shine.

Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp – enough to propel Ghost from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of power is immediate and extremely smooth. Power is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox. What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, replacing the more common rev counter. The new powertrain delivers this performance while emitting just 317g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is 20.8 mpg / 13.6 l/100km. 
  Engine: 6.6L V12 
Horsepower: 563 bhp / PS 
Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) 
Peak torque: 780 Nm (575 lb ft) 
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.7 sec (0-100 km/h in 4.9 sec) 
Retail Price: starting at 195,000 pounds (215,000 euros or 245,000 dollars MRSP)
 

Lamborghini Gallardo and Gallardo Sypder

In line with  the tradition and heritage of Lamborghini, Automobili Lamborghini decided to baptize their latest model with the name of a fighting bull’s breed: the Gallardo (pronounced: ga-ya-do). The Lamborghini Gallardo is the offspring of the Murcielago, and for about half the price you can still have the fun of driving a Lamborghini. Designed to redefine its segment as the best high performance sports car and driving behaviour that fits its driver in every situation. The Gallardo is the synthesis of a true sports car that can be used on an every day basis. The result is a compact (length 4.3 m) 2-seater high performance car (maximum speed well over 300 km/h), that can be driven with pleasure both on race tracks and on long distance journeys on country and city roads. The layout has been conceived to reach the high performance targets, on the basis of the sports-oriented concept for which Lamborghini is well known.

The basic characteristics of the Gallardo layout are:
- mid-rear mounted engine, with the gearbox behind the engine
- permanent four-wheel drive system
- independent double wishbone suspension system
- aluminium space frame
- low centre gravity
- weight distribution 42% front, 58% rear
- two front mounted water radiators and one side mounted oil cooler
- wheelbase 2.560 m, front track 1.622 m, rear track 1.592 m
- total length 4.300 m, width 1.900 m, height 1.165.

The Lamborghini V10 cylinder DOHC four valve V90 5 liter, 520 Hp, 510 Nm, is the concept solution for the high performance Gallardo. Instead of the more classical choice of a V72, an angle of 90 degrees was preferred in order to limit the height of the engine with advantages in the car layout (e.g. lower engine bonnet and better rear view) and in the lowering of the centre of gravity (i.e. better car dynamic characteristics). Even firing intervals (that ensure the smoothness of the engine) are guaranteed by the adoption of crankpins incorporating an 18-degree offset. A dry sump lubrication system not only achieves the correct lubrication even in extreme dynamic conditions, but also permits the centre of gravity to be lowered further. The torque output is optimised in the full rpm range. In order to achieve such an objective, the charge efficiency was increased at various speeds by a precise utilization of gas dynamic effects that take place in the intake and exhaust system.  Engine: 5.0L V10
Horsepower:  520 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 195 mph / 315 km/h
Peak torque: 510 Nm (477 lb ft)
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 3.9 sec  (0-100km/h in 4.0)
Retail Price: starting at 120,000 pounds (150,000 euros or 180,000 dollars MRSP)
 

Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur

The major difference between the Bentley Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur are the doors: the former has two as a Grand Tourer in the best tradition and the latter has four doors as a fully fledged sedan with a large boot. The Bentley Continental GT still is a four-seater and it was the first real new Bentley since Bentley separated from Rolls-Royce on January 1, 2003. This is because this car is an excellent marriage of heritage and innovation and the fastest four seat car in the world. Two numbers seem to say it all: it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h 4.8 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h). And on top of this Bentley won the Le Mans 24 hour race in France on Sunday 15th June 2003 with the Bentley Speed 8. This has been the sixth time that Bentley has won the world’s greatest motor race and the first time Bentley has had a win since 1973. This victory has been important for Bentley as a brand, as it was the victories of the Bentley Boys in the 1930s that gave Bentley its image. The Bentley has always been a driver car, whereas the Rolls always had the image of a chauffeur-driven car.

Bentley, which won the Luxury Briefing Award for Excellence in autumn 2003, has done well under new chairman, Franz-Josef Paefgen who has been with the company since April 2002. Having been the chairman of Audi and the driving force behind the performance of Audi in recent years, he was also influential in making Audi win Le Mans in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Bentley is thriving now under the guidance of Paefgen with his racing experience and as he puts quality first, the market launch of the Bentley Continental GT was delayed to spring 2004. However, it looks like this delay will have been worthwhile as the top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) is pushing the Continental GT into the stratosphere of much more expensive cars. The heart of the Continental GT is its 5998 cc, four camshaft, 48-valve, twin turbocharged W12 engine. It can now be revealed that its power output, hitherto quoted as 'in excess of 500 bhp', is in fact 560 bhp (560 PS or 411 kW) at 6100 rpm. Maximum torque is 650 Nm (479 lb ft) which may sound an impressive enough number in isolation but its true significance only becomes apparent when you learn that it is generated at just 1600 rpm. Typically, a performance car engine will force the driver to wait until it is spinning at between 3-5000 rpm before it will deliver maximum thrust. No other car in production makes its torque so instantly accessible and this is important as Bentley always meant torque, since 1919.

And not many gearboxes are capable of handling the extraordinary torque loadings that the Continental GT engine is able to produce and none so far fitted to a luxury coupé has had the benefit of six gears. The new ZF gearbox is the most advanced of its kind in the world, offering not only six ratios but also the ability to lock up its torque converter in every gear, providing effectively manual gear changes via either the gear lever or steering wheel paddles. The all-wheel drive system employs a central Torsen (TORque SENsing) differential and a free differential on each of the front and rear axles. The front and centre differentials have individual cooling radiators. Bentley's engineers decided to divide the drive equally between the front and rear axles, giving a conventional 50:50 torque split. This is the combination that was found to be best at providing not simply the safety demanded of a car with this performance potential, but also the most favourable handling response. This is in combination with a self-levelling air suspension, which adapts to weight, surface and speed: the suspension is programmed to lower the Continental GT by 15 mm, a bit more than half an inch, at 100 mph (161 km/h).

Engine: Continental GT: 6L W12 / Continental Flying Spur: 6L W12 
Horsepower:  560 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 198 / 196 mph (318 / 315 km/h)
Peak torque: 650 Nm (479 lb ft)
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 4.7 / 5.1 sec.  (0-100km/h in 4.8 ./  5.2 sec.)

Retail Price: starting at 120,000 pounds (170,000 euros or 170,000 dollars MRSP)

Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and Volante

Sales started in spring 2004 in Europe and the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe will officially arrive in North American showrooms in summer 2004, followed by the convertible version, the Volante, at the end of the year. The future of Aston Martin is epitomized by the all-new DB9, a 2+2 seater sports car that sets new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of agility, V12 power, smoothness, beautiful design and hand craftsmanship. Using a radical new aluminium-bonded body frame, the DB9 is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced sports cars in the world. It is powered by the latest version of Aston Martin’s 6.0-litre V12, producing 450 bhp and a top speed of 186 mph. Yet the DB9, replacing the DB7, is significant well beyond being a class-leading sports car. It is the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin. It is the first car to be hand-made at Aston Martin’s new state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, England, where all future Aston Martin models will be developed and built.

The Aston Martin DB9 Coupe is started with a glass start button in the middle of the stylish dashboard. All body panels are either aluminium or lightweight composites with magnesium being used on the steering column and inner door frames. Even the gear selector paddles are made from magnesium alloy. The total weight is 1710 kgs, extremely light for a V12-powered prestige 2+2 seater sports car with every imaginable luxury feature. This has a hugely beneficial effect on performance. Top speed of the manual is 186 mph and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration takes just 4.9 seconds. Other technologically radical features include a ZF ’drive-by-wire’ six-speed automatic gearbox that dispenses with a traditional gear lever. Instead, the drive, park, neutral and reverse controls are selected by buttons. Touchtronic manual mode enables the driver to change gear using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The automatic gearchange has been tuned to provide the perfect balance between super-fast operation and comfortably smooth shifts. A conventional six-speed manual gearbox will also be offered. The agility of the car is boosted by the perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This has been achieved partly by putting the gearbox at the rear and is called transaxle powertrain.

The ’swan wing’ doors are unique and will become one of the car’s trademarks. They open out and up (by 12 degrees) making for easier access, especially for the driver’s feet into the footwell. This also improves clearance for the driver’s (or passenger’s) head between side glass and roof, further easing access. The 12-degree angle also means there is less chance of the doors scuffing high pavements. As they are angled, the doors are easier to close: they shut partly under their own weight, rather than relying on the driver having to slam them. Beyond 20 degrees opening angle, there is also infinite door checking. This means that the door will stop and hold at whatever position the driver (or passenger) chooses. The door handles feature LEDs that illuminate when the car is unlocked, allowing the handles to be located easily in the dark. The exterior handles lie flush with the door, to improve appearance and aerodynamics. The new DB9 has enjoyed the most thorough testing programme of any new Aston Martin model. Ninety-three prototypes were built and tested in locations as diverse as Nardo in Italy, Death Valley in the USA, and inside the Arctic Circle in Sweden, as well as in laboratories around the world.

Engine: 6 L V12
Horsepower:  450 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 186 mph / 298 km/h
Peak torque: 568 Nm (420 lb ft)
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 4.7 sec  (0-100km/h in 4.9)

Retail Price: starting from 110,000 pounds (160,000 euros or 210,000 dollars MRSP)