BMW i8 2015

The last time BMW built a dedicated sports car positioned above the Z4 (and before that, theZ3), it built the Z8. With power from the E39 M5’s V8 and styling heavily inspired by the classic 507 of the 1950s, the limited production Z8 was – and is, if the way they’ve held their value is any indication – highly coveted. Of course, that’s the whole idea behind a “halo car.”

However, the world has changed since production of the Z8 (and the automatic-transmission-equipped Alpina V8 Roadster that was based on it) ended about a decade ago. Retro styling and throaty naturally-aspirated engines are out; forward-looking design and smaller forced-induction engines and/or hybrid drive are in. So BMW, never one to like appearing to be behind the times, has incorporated all of those en vogue features in its new technological (if not performance and price) flagship, the 2015 i8.

Yes, we’ve been seeing the i8 making the rounds on the auto show circuit for a few years now, but that was just in concept form. Surely there was no way the production version would look as radical…was there? Well it turns out that’s pretty much exactly the case. The snout, with the brand’s iconic twin-nostril grille, is unmistakably BMW, but with some twists, like bright blue accents and a black band atop the hood that extends over the roof and onto the rear fascia. The black and blue extends onto the rocker panels, which each lie below a crypto-gullwing door. The flanks feature “floating” C-pillars, U-shaped taillights and, again, black and light blue trim. The basic shape doesn’t break much new ground, but the details are a significant departure from the norm.

Jaguar 2012 Performance

jaguar  
March will see the launch of the XKR-S, Jaguar convertible.

Powered by a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 405kW of power and 680 Nm of torque, the convertible version of the XKR-S is the manic performance coupe with a time of 0-100km / h in just 4.4 seconds.


Jaguar has opted for a soft top instead of a folding metal roof to save weight. The roof opens and closes in 18 seconds, and the overall impact on the vehicle's curb weight is only 42 kg. Jaguar says that despite the loss of its roof, the XKR-S is "the toughest cars in its class" thanks to its lightweight aluminum architecture.



In addition to reducing the roof, Jaguar has made ​​a number of adjustments to basis. The XKR-S coupe was revised front suspension and rear Jaguar claims "means greater agility, precision and control without sacrificing comfort."



He also receives a revised stability control, which "allows the enthusiast driver to operate safely handling exciting."

New Model 2012 Ferrari Performance cars

Ferrari

The radical FF four-seater, four-wheel drive comes in January, prices for a whopping $ 625,000, plus costs of road. Powered by a 6.3-liter, 486kW V12, the FF is designed to offer fans of the Prancing Horse in an alternative practice of hard-edged sports car brand.




Ferrari he describes as "a decisive break with the past" and states that the combination of more space, practicality and adds four-wheel drive will appeal to buyers who want to use your Ferrari every day.

Car of the Year 2012: BMW Performance

BMW

February is the manic rriving new M5 sedan. The lounge packs a new high-performance 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 412kW/680Nm and is only available with an automatic clutch seven-speed double.

The large sedan covers the 0-100km / h in just 4.4 seconds, and should be valued at approximately $ 240,000.


BMW will join the four-door "coupe" segment in mid-2012 with the new 6 Series Coupé Gran. It will compete with the likes of its German rivals and swoopy CLS Mercedes-Benz and Audi A7, when he arrives in the third quarter of 2012, to be with two doors, BMW 6-Series coupe and convertible models, with awaiting the start price of at least $ 175,000.




The coupe 6-Series Gran will be available in three trim levels: the 640i, which is powered by a 235kW/450Nm output turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the 650i, with a 330kW/650Nm twin-turbo V8, and the 640D, which is a twin-turbo six-cylinder 230kW/630Nm diesel production, but not yet confirmed for Australia.



The 6-Series two-door coupe and convertible will receive an aura of "M" model, the M6, in late 2012. Is expected to be powered by a V8 4.4-liter twin-turbo 412kW/680Nm pump.