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    Unique – and now More Exceptional than Ever: The New BMW X6 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-01-2012 09:09 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
    Article Preview

    The BMW X6 is the world's first ever Sports Activity Coupé, still a unique combination of sporty dynamics and supreme versatility and with further enhanced appeal from spring 2012. Selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive automobiles. Its exceptional standing and ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, combing the athletic and elegant lines of a coupé with the supremacy of a BMW X model, and the fascinating driving experience provided by powerful petrol and diesel engines fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive, including Dynamic Performance Control.
    Since its market launch, more than 150,000 of the Sporty Activity Coupé were sold within approximately three years. This far exceeded the original plans. And the continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on the worldwide automobile markets is impressive confirmation of the unusual vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupé.


    Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option.

    Precisely modified details in the front view give the new BMW X6 an appearance characterised by exclusive athleticism and supremacy. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasises the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out especially conspicuously within the vehicle front section. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and stable road-holding of the new BMW X6.

    Unique – and now more exceptional than ever: the new BMW X6.

    As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be fitted optionally with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front. In the new BMW X6 M50d and BMW X6 M, adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard.


    With its newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear section of the new BMW X6 also features more intense styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasises both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.

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    “Fast n’ Loud”: BMW Announces M3 Coupé Pure Edition II in ‘Individual’ Paint Finishes 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 25-01-2012 02:55 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • Limited production run of 50 units, exclusively for the Australian market
    • Design enhancements focus on sporty highlights of the M3 Coupé
    • Additional exclusive M specific design elements
    • Additional sports-oriented specification as standard
    • Select BMW Individual paint finishes as standard
    Following overwhelming demand for the first M3 Pure Edition, BMW has announced details of a ‘Pure Edition II’ for the M3 Coupé in Australia. This exclusive release offers additional features over and above the original M3 Pure as well as providing access to a large range of attention-grabbing paint finishes straight from the ‘BMW Individual’ colour pallet.

    All 100 units of the first M3 Pure Edition were snapped up in record time which saw M3 Coupé sales in Australia increase by almost 10% in 2011.
    The M3 Coupé Pure Edition II offers the same distinctive design enhancements as the original model, which include highlights such as 19” M Double-spoke light alloy wheels finished exclusively in Black High-Gloss with 245/35 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R 19 tyres at the rear, bonnet air intake in Black High-Gloss, BMW Individual kidney grille in Dark Chrome, BMW Individual side gills in Dark Chrome and BMW Individual exhaust tips in Dark Chrome.

    Differentiating the Pure Edition II from the original M3 Pure is a multitude of attention grabbing colours from BMW Individual. The selection includes Fire Orange, first seen on the limited edition M3 GTS, Dakar Yellow II, Laguna Seca, Sepang Bronze, and Imola Red. Offered as part of the package costs, the Individual paint finishes alone represent as much as $10,000 in added-value.

    Completing the ‘Edition II’ exclusive features are BMW Individual handbrake lever with “M Power” stitching and door sill finishers with M3 chequered flag inlay.
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    SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 55 AMG Pricing Announced 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 21-01-2012 01:18 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    Following on from the successful introduction of the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (which saw SLK sales lift 18% in 2011 in a segment that was down 21%), Mercedes- Benz Australia has announced pricing for additional models in the SLK Roadster range with the addition of the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the SLK 55 AMG.


    SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY
    The SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY has a Manufacturers Recommended List Price (MRLP) of $91,900 which represents a reduction of $9,325 over the previous equivalent model the “SLK 300 ‘AMG Sports package’ “end of series model run.

    The SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY MRLP is also $640 lower than the previous series SLK 200 Manual.


    The SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY gains additional items over the SLK200 BlueEFFICIENCY with steering wheel shift paddles, memory package for seats and steering wheel, mirror package, COMAND online, Intelligent Light System and alternate 17 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels.


    With 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque and a mid 6.6 second dash to 100 kph the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY benefits from the higher Luxury Car Tax threshold combined 7.0L/100km rating the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and a responsible 163g CO2/km.


    SLK 55 AMG
    The eagerly awaited SLK 55 AMG brings to Australia the new AMG M152 E55 naturally aspirated V8 that delivers 310kW of power and 540Nm of torque. The powerful V8 engine utilises cylinder shut off and AMG Cylinder Management which delivers an almost 30% fuel consumption reduction over its less powerful predecessor. With a combined fuel figure of 8.5L/100km and a remarkable 197g CO2/km makes the new SLK 55 AMG the lowest emission V8 Roadster in Australia regardless of price.


    The SLK 55 AMG can be further customised with a limited range of SLK-Class options - however the most popular is expected to be the AMG Handling Package that includes composite front brakes, AMG Performance suspension and AMG rear-axle differential lock for $8,825. The SLK 55 AMG despite being very fully equipped and being a brand new model has a MRLP of $155,000 which is a reduction of $24,360 over its less powerful predecessor.
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    BMW Australia Reveals New 3 Series Entry Models Ahead of Market Launch 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 20-01-2012 08:16 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • BMW 320i and 318d now available to Australian customers from March production
    • New four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol 320i now tops the class in pace and efficiency
    • New entry price-point for the BMW 3 Series range starting from $56,400
    BMW Australia has bolstered its highly acclaimed new BMW 3 Series range, today announcing the introduction of two new entry models: the 320i and 318d.

    The two new variants are available for customer order from March production and complete an all turbo-charged engine line-up for BMW’s iconic sixth-generation compact sports sedan ahead of the model’s highly anticipated Australian market launch in February.

    BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the combination of powerful yet economical engines, a high standard specification and the lower entry-price-point makes the 3 Series a standout in its competitive class.
    “We have built substantially more value into the standard specification of this new car,” said Mr Horton.
    “It’s been hailed overseas as the best in its class both in terms of value and performance and we expect Australian customers to agree,” he said

    Pricing for the BMW 3 Series range now starts at $56,400 for the all new 318d which features a four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing 105kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. The 318d accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.5l/100km.

    The starting point for the petrol line-up is the new BMW 320i featuring BMW’s much-lauded new TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine producing 135 kW and 270Nm of torque. The 320i comes standard with a new 8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission (with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The result is class-leading acceleration and performance with the new 320i sprinting to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds. At the same time, the 320i also boasts class-leading fuel economy of just 6.2l/100km.
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    Audi Adds a V8 Spyder to its Performance Car Line-Up 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:52 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • New R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro completes local R8 Spyder line-up
    • V8 engine with 316 kW, quattro all-wheel drive standard
    • Lightweight and quiet cloth top with electrohydraulic drive
    Audi Australia is adding a new variant to its R8 high-performance sports car lineup. Hot on the heels of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro comes an additional variant – this time with a 4.2-litre V8 engine.

    The R8 Spyder’s 4.2-litre FSI produces 316 kW and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or R tronic sequential manual gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard.

    Available only by special customer order, the first Australian vehicles will arrive in mid-2012, with a Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $300,400 (6-speed manual) and $316,400 (R tronic). The R8 Spyder 4.2 will feature a similarly high level of equipment that can be found on the corresponding R8 4.2 Coupe.
    These include the following highlights:
    • 19-inch 5-twin spoke design alloy wheels
    • Audi magnetic ride
    • Audi parking system advance with rear view camera
    • Metallic paint
    • Xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights
    • Sport seats upholstered in Alcantara leather
    • Wind breaker
    Superior power: the engine
    The free-breathing 4.2 FSI is a high-performance engine such as can be found in racing. It delivers an experience that enthralls all of the senses – with spontaneous, voracious throttle response, easy revving, hefty torque, prodigious power and sonorous, voluminous ‚music‘ from the engine.

    The V8 accelerates the R8 Spyder from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and on up to a top speed of 300 km/h. Both values apply for the manual transmission and for the R tronic. At Audi, dynamics also always means efficiency. The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro with the R tronic consumes on average 13.5 litres of fuel per 100 km. Fuel consumption with the manual transmission is 14.4 litres per 100 km. A recuperation system that recovers energy during braking is standard. The forced oil pump of the dry sump lubrication system features various suction and discharge stages for load- dependent operation.
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    MINI Confirms Pricing for its Wayward Twins – The New MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:47 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    And then there were two! MINI’s radical new two-seater line up is now complete, with the MINI Roadster joining its helmet-headed hardtop twin down-under.


    MINI Australia today announced pricing for the MINI Roadster starting from $45,500 for the Cooper S model and $55,100 for the range-topping John Cooper Works variant. Pricing for the drop-tops represents a premium of just $2,510 and $2,500 over their respective Coupé siblings.


    MINI Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz said the MINI Roadster and MINI Coupe are unique characters with distinct appeal.

    “Although created from the same MINI DNA, these hot twins take Go-Kart driving thrills to a whole new level,” said Mr Bruesewitz.


    With maximum torque of 240 Nm available from as low down as 1,600 rpm (increasing to 260 Nm when using overboost function) and a power output of 135 kW, the 1.6-litre power plant in the Cooper S Roadster delivers an exhilarating driving experience.


    Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as TwinTurbo, direct injection and a fully variable valve control system, thrust is delivered efficiently with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 149 grams per kilometre allowing bragging rights as the most efficient engine in its class.


    The Cooper S Roadster completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds, accelerating up to a top speed of 227 km/h.

    Exhilaration steps up a gear with the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant of the MINI Roadster. With numerous technical features drawn directly from motorsport development including modifications to the cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, turbo and exhaust system, the JCW engine delivers 155 kW at 6,000 rpm and torque figures of 260 Nm from 1,850 – 5,600 rpm. Overboost increases this to 280 Nm 2,000 – 5,100 rpm.


    The MINI Roadster JCW offers impressive performance figures of 0-100 km/h of 6.5 seconds with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of169 grams per kilometre.
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    More Equipment, Same Price for MY12 207 CC 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:45 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Peugeot
    Article Preview

    Peugeot Automobiles Australia has given its baby 207 CC a refresh for 2012 adding more equipment and cosmetic changes to see in the New Year.


    The MY12 207 CC will now come with Bluetooth phone and a USB port, leather seat trim and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment for no extra cost.


    Also part of the 2012 refresh is a few cosmetic tweaks. The 207 CC now comes with the new corporate identification – the Lion badging – as well as black meter dials, a black interior roof colour and "Boyington" dashboard trim accents.

    Despite the extra equipment and styling changes, the 207 CC’s price remains unchanged from $33,490* for the 1.6L man and $35, 490* for the automatic.


    The 1.6-litre four cylinder engine produces 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The engine meets the strict Euro 5 emissions standards. The 1.6-litre turbo automatic is no longer available for 207 CC.
    The new features are in addition to the already comprehensive level of equipment on the207 CC which includes automatically folding steel roof, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic stability program, four airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist which applies more braking force in the event of sudden braking to increase the efficiency of your braking.

    Another safety feature is the automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of heaving braking to warn the cars behind.


    Despite its small exterior dimensions the 207 CC has plenty of room inside with a generous 187L of boot space with the seats up or 449L with the seats down.
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    Customer Demand Gives Volvo S60 Polestar the Green Light 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 17-01-2012 11:38 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Volvo
    Article Preview

    Due to unprecedented demand, Volvo Car Australia has launched a limited edition production version of the stunning S60 Performance Project concept that was revealed at last year’s Australian International Motor Show.


    Branded the ‘Volvo S60 Polestar’, just 50 limited edition models will be made available to Australian buyers.

    The Volvo S60 Polestar is based on Volvo’s S60 T6 R-Design and is the result of close collaboration between Volvo Car Australia and its performance partners, Polestar and Heico Sportiv.

    The engine software upgrade comes from Volvo's motorsport partner, Polestar, which has most recently raced the Volvo C30 in the Swedish Touring Car Championships.

    The S60 Polestar boasts 242 kW of power and a massive 480 Nm of torque, an increase of 18 kW and 40 Nm respectively over the standard S60 T6 R-Design. The result is a 0-100 km/h dash in 5.8 seconds (up from 6.1 seconds).
    Despite the increased performance, the S60 Polestar has the same fuel economy (10.2 l/100km) and CO2 emissions (243 g/km) as the Volvo S60 T6 R-Design.

    Tuning company, Heico Sportiv, provided the exclusive 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels in addition to its performance quad-exhaust system and bespoke rear air diffuser, both designed to further accentuate the S60 Polestar’s exhaust note.

    Each car will be individually numbered with a limited edition plaque located on the floating console to further reinforce the car's exclusivity.


    Compared to the dynamic chassis offered across Volvo’s S60 range, the S60 Polestar shares the S60 R-Design’s sports suspension, which includes monotube damping at the rear, 15 per cent stiffer springs and 20 per cent stiffer bushings. The ride height is lowered by 15mm for even better road dynamics.

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    BMW Launches 3 Series Heritage Photo Competition 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-01-2012 05:02 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    BMW Australia is calling on BMW 3 Series enthusiasts to submit photos from the past of themselves together with their cars, in order to recreate those memories involving the new car.
    BMW Group Australia General Manager - Sales and Marketing , Tom Noble said 3 Series owners are fanatical about their cars and many are bound to have boxes of happy snaps from days of old.
    “We are sure our owners will have aged as gracefully as the BMW 3 Series and are excited to see how both our customers and our cars have evolved over the years”, said Noble.
    The competition is being run via the BMW Australia Facebook page and calls on entrants to submit photos of themselves together with their car – the older the better.
    Photography must be set in Australia as where possible the winning shot will be recreated at the original location.
    First prize not only includes the recreated photo but also one month’s use of the new BMW 3 Series together with a BMW Driver Training course under the tuition of ex racing Champion and Chief Driver Trainer Geoff Brabham.,
    Five runners up will receive photo recreations and products from BMW’s lifestyle collection.
    Entries close 30 March 2012 with the winners to be announced on 5 April.
    The new sixth generation BMW 3 Series launches in Australia in February making the competition winner one of the first people in the country to experience the new car.
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    The New Audi A6 allroad – the Avant for Any Kind of Road 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-01-2012 05:49 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Successful model completes the A6 model series
    • Advanced powertrain technology with turbocharging and direct fuel injection
    • Fuel consumption reduced by as much as 20 percent
    The first two generations of the allroad quattro were winners, and Audi hopes to build on this success with the third generation. Universally talented, the new A6 allroad quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant because when the asphalt ends, it just keeps on driving. Performance has improved and fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

    Body and exterior design
    The new A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall, making it a few millimetres bigger than the Avant. It follows the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle familiar from the sedan, with aluminum components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

    The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a distinctive, sporty road stance. It features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces and the roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and taillights. The xenon plus headlights can be combined with adaptive light, which ensures that the road is always well illuminated for the situation at hand.

    The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than that of the A6 Avant. Setting it apart are, in particular, the trim strips on the side sills, the more widely flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats. Stainless steel covers protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

    The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. Audi also offers a full paint finish in combination with the optional aluminum exterior package. The color Java Braun is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

    Interior and luggage compartment
    The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 metres. It features a lean, elegant design, intelligent ergonomics and superior workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. MMI comes as standard, as does the onboard computer with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

    Visual cues differentiating the A6 allroad quattro include the carpeting and the instrument panel, which are black throughout. Other refined details include the interior color Santos Brown and the optional aluminum inlays. The door sill trims are also made of aluminum and are emblazoned with “allroad.”
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    Volvo unveils new XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept in Detroit 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 12-01-2012 04:57 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volvo
    Article Preview

    • New benchmark in hybrid technology
    • Integrated Starter Generator
    • 2.3 l/100 km; 53g/km
    • Combined power output of 257 kW; 0 – 100 in 6.1 sec
    Volvo Car Corporation has unveiled its XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the North American International Auto Show, which features a new benchmark in hybrid technology.
    "No other manufacturer delivers fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable performance car with a total of 350 horsepower (257 kW)," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO, Volvo Car Corporation.


    "The beauty with this plug-in hybrid technology is that you can keep all the power and capacity of your present car, combined with an even better range," Stefan Jacoby said.

    "The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept gives you up to 35 miles all-electric range (56 km according to the U.S certification driving cycle). Or you can drive it as a super-efficient hybrid with a fuel economy of over 100 miles per gallon (2.3l/100 km) according to the European driving cycle."


    An electric motor producing 51 kW - combined with a 206 kW four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine - also gives the driver a muscular power plant packing a total of 257 kW.

    "The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept features an engine from our all-new, state of the art, four-cylinder engine family. Our new four-cylinder powertrains will get performance on today's six-cylinder level. At the same time, they will also give consumers better fuel economy than present four-cylinder engines," Stefan Jacoby said.

    Pure Hybrid Power - three cars in one
    The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.
    • In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor. The operational range is up to 45 km (European certification driving cycle NEDC) / 56 km (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle)with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic.
    • Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The petrol engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, the average fuel consumption rate is just 2.3 l/100 km with CO2 emissions just 53g/km. The car has a total operating range of up to 960 km.
    • In Power mode, the technology is optimised to create maximum possible power. The petrol engine with 206 kWand 380 Nm is combined with the electric motor with 51 kW and 200 Nm to deliver a total of 257 kW. The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
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