Mike: February 2008 Archives

BMW 320d Convertible BMW has announced additions to the 3 Series
convertible and 1 Series coupe ranges soon to be available in the UK.

Both the new BMW 320d Convertible and 125i Coupe will receive their
world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March - alongside an
EfficientDynamics concept car and a raft of other new models.

The German marquee recently unveiled the BMW M3 Convertible at the
high-performance end of the convertible market, and is following the
move with the 320d at the more frugal end.

Available in both SE and M Sport guises, the new 320d uses the same
1,995 cc engine from other 320d models in the 3 Series range to offer
177hp and 350Nm of torque.

It has a single-turbocharged two-litre diesel engine propels, which is
capable of zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of
139mph.

The car is also the most efficient of the BMW open-topped 3 Series,
delivering 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just
140g/km.

The 320d is priced at $76,000 on the road with the M Sport model
priced at $70,000 with both going on sale in March.

Furthermore, the BMW 1 Series Coupe range has been strengthened with
the addition of a fourth derivative.

The six-cylinder 125i joins the twin-turbo 135i M Sport, the
four-cylinder 120d, and the 123d that features the world's most
powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in a production car.

Generating 218hp from its 2,996 cc engine, the new 125i Coupe
accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and achieves a top speed
of 152mph.

The new 125i Coupe SE costs $47,000 on the road while the M Sport
derivative, with its 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and body
styling, costs $51,000

The Geneva Motor Show takes place in the Swiss city from March 6th.
See also: totallymotor.co.uk

New BMW CS grand tourer nears reality

• Set for launch in 2010
• Based on 7 Series
• Closely resembles Concept CS

This striking computer-generated image shows how BMW's new Gran
Turismo might look.

Based on the luxurious 7 Series, it should go on sale in 2010 and
closely resembles the Concept CS shown at Shanghai last year.

Dubbed the Gran Turismo (the final name has yet to be decided), the
car should boast many of the 7 Series' features and engines, and will
challenge the forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

The Gran Turismo is likely to be even longer than the 7 Series, and
will also lose a seat, giving occupants even more room.

BMW is hoping to attract buyers of both luxury saloons and sports
cars, thanks to the car's four-door design and coupe styling.