Luxury Car Design 2012: January 2011

Bentley GTZ Zagato Review

Bentley GTZ Zagato

“By preparing our engines at an early stage for these “On a well-to-wheel basis, such fuels can deliver a consistently high net CO2 reduction of up to 90 per cent. “It is our conviction that renewable fuels, in particular second-generation bio-fuels, have strong potential,” said Dr Paefgen. With bio-fuel engines, the initial rollout will begin next year and the entire range should become compatible by 2012. “Bentley does not believe that short-term measures are an appropriate answer to these global issues, and is basing its strategy on a long-term vision.” Before the all-new powertrain arrives next decade, efficiency improvements will, according to Bentley, be achieved through the application of innovative technology to its eight and 12-cylinder engines, including “enhanced engine management, and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well as through weight reduction”.

Zagato2010 Bentley GTZ center image“We will set a benchmark in our segment of the industry by making every engine capable of running on renewable fuels, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency throughout our fleet. “This is a major step in the history of Bentley, reflecting the increasing expectation from our customers around the world for performance motoring with fuel-efficient engines,” said Dr Paefgen. In a speech delivered at the Geneva motor show, Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen said the strategy would be based on three stages: reducing average emissions across its eight and 12-cylinder petrol engine range by at least 15 per cent by 2012; introducing an all-new powertrain by 2012 that will deliver a 40 per cent improvement in fuel economy “while maintaining current levels of performance”; and offering bio-ethanol-compatible engines, the first of which should be available next year. BENTLEY Motors outlined a new environmental strategy for the Volkswagen-owned British luxury brand last week, promising to reduce emissions and fuel consumption – but taking no radical steps towards reducing its reliance on large internal combustion engines.

Bentley GTZ Zagato

The New BMW 5 Series highlights

BMW 5 Series (2011)

A 240-hp 528i and xDrive all wheel drive versions are due later this year. The entire 2010 BMW 5-Series comes in four-door sedan or wagon body styles. Sedan trims include the 528i, 535i, and 550i. A performance-oriented M5 trim is also available. Later in the year, a Grand Touring version similar to the BMW X6 will appear.

The BMW 5-Series is the most athletic driver’s car, providing luxury and comfort to 5 adults and capably built for a solitary drive down a red carpet road. As coming from the royal family, the interiors are best of its class with a appropriate price tag. Its a perfect combo of immense technology designed with class and comfort. Well-equipped, a 5-Series can also cost thousands more than some very competent rivals.

But if you buy a car for the sheer joy of driving it, this may be the best suitable car one could find. The 550i Gran Turismo is a sedan, SUV, and Grand Touring coupe redesigned into one outstanding package The 5-Series requires premium fuel and is fuel efficient for a large car built for driving excitement. Powered by a 400-hp twin-turbo V-8 mated, loaded with features, such as the all-new fourth-gen iDrive. The New 5 Series highlights prime features like Turbo compressor, 2,979 cc 3.0 liters in-line 6 front engine with 84.0 mm bore, 89.6 mm stroke, 10.2 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder N54/3.0, Premium unleaded fuel 91 and petrol, Gasoline direct injection fuel system and 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank.

BMW 5 Series (2011)

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series (2011) Interior

BMW 5 Series interior

BMW 5 Series (2011)

The BMW M3 GTR on the road

BMW M3 GTR

In February 2001 BMW presented a pure-bred sportscar for road use – the BMW M3 GTR powered by a V8 engine. This car, which is racing from victory to victory in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), is built by BMW M from January 2002. The flexible production facilities of BMW Individual permit the production of a small series. Road licensing is possible.

By using carbon fiber body parts and by completely foregoing any comfort equipment, the two-seater M3 GTR is a car for true purists. An empty weight of approx. 1350 kilograms has been achieved. The 4.0 litre V8 engine with a cylinder bank angle of 90 degrees resembles the race version featuring in excess of 450 hp. Due to the necessary adaptations regarding emissions and noise levels the road version still generates more than 258 kW (350 hp).

The M3 GTR road version is kept technically as close as possible to the racing version. Apart from the extremely light V8 engine this includes dry sump lubrication, a 6-speed gearbox, a two-disc sports clutch and the variable M differential lock. For weight reduction purposes the roof, the rear spoiler as well as the front and rear aprons are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic – just like in the race version. Additional cooling slits in the bonnet ensure the high-performance The extended front and rear apron as well as the rear spoiler optimize the aerodynamics of the M3 GTR.

BMW M3 GTR

BMW M3 GTR

NEW BMW M3 GTR

BMW M3 GTR Engine

New Toyota Sequoia

Toyota Sequoia

The Tire Pressure Monitoring Standard safety items include an advanced airbag system (with new knee airbags), new daytime running lights and LATCH. The vehicle is covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty. Reliability of the new model has been cited as above average by Consumer Reports.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Make note the Sequoia model (years 2008 through 2010) were recalled during the whole Toyota fiasco. There is also Bluetooth and climate controls on the steering wheel as well as a towing package. The Sequoia does not swallow its passengers up; seating is secured and stable so don’t be intimidated by the vehicle size. Stylish But Comfortable Results: In terms of old school SUVs like the 4Runner and Pathfinder, the Sequoia has definitely “cleaned up” the most by offering a plush ride more on the level of what can be found in a Lexus or a new Lincoln. The third row, usually best for small children, is actually a comfortable experience, too.

Only the Lincoln MKT has come close to the refinement found on the Sequoia’s second row. Aside of the DVD player, those traveling in the back have heated captain’s chairs and access to climate control. I would agree. The marketing tagline for this giant ride is that second-row passengers get first-class treatment.

At $49,140, this is the crème-de-la-crème ride with a power sliding rear window, backup camera with a 3.5-inch display built into the rear view mirror, the DVD system and laser cruise control. I drove a 2010 Toyota Sequoia in the Platinum Edition with the bigger 381-horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine. With three editions, passengers are lulled by modern conveniences not found on the SUVs of years ago, such as a wireless headphone DVD system, laser cruise control and leather seating for up to eight. Little luxuries can be assumed for all trims, including power seating, a moonroof and a roof rack. The 3-row Sequoia is an upscale large SUV choice when a regular rugged 4WD just won’t do.