BY JAKE HOLMES, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARPIX AND THE MANUFACTURER
July 2008

Already the design elements create this impression and increase the aerodynamics as well. The front- and rear spoiler reduce the buoyant forces of the HAMANN 6-series which has a significant effect on the car´s handling and agility. This is also achieved with an additional pair of side skirts which significantly calms the air flow between both axles. The roof- and rear spoiler also ensure the necessary surface pressure on the asphalt. Mainly on country roads with winding sections, the HAMANN-aerodynamic package unfolds its strengths and generates pure enjoyment of driving.

At HAMANN-Motorsport, the individual wishes of our customers are also top of the list. This has been taken into account when designing the tuning package for the BMW 6-series. Due to the large interest in different optical programmes, our designers developed another aerodynamics package called EDITION RACE. This turns the BMW in an impressive sports car, as it consequently emphasizes the broadening components. New front wings, 4-part wing broadenings in the back and enormous side skirts transform the BMW 6-series into an automobile which looks like a race car from the German Touring Car Masters or other touring car championships.

But there is even more to the HAMANN sport tuning elements under the bonnet. When developing the 6-series programme, our technicians rather concentrated on evolution instead of revolution. Basically, the sport limousine has a good motorisation, therefore we put a special focus on the performance enhancement for the 630i, 650i and the diesel 635d. Adapting the motor management with up to 21 hp more and the powerful torque increase can be felt immediately when accelerating. Moreover, HAMANN customers can look forward to the Vmax abolition. This enables the 650i to boost the maximum speed from 250 to 270 km/h.

The HAMANN sport exhaust system renders an earthy and impressive sound. The stainless steel muffler with its four round tail pipes can be optically perked up with metal catalysts, sport fan manifolds and a middle pipe set.

The rim programme is also impressive in terms of dimension and diversity. No matter if you are looking for something sporty, elegant or noble – HAMANN offers varying wheel-designs and sizes. The designation HM EVO reveals a one-piece wheel with 20 inches. Its modern style is underlined with its black-lacquered varnish, diamond-grinded hub star and a discreet recess. Five extended and vaulted triple spokes display the optical and technical finesse. The recommended front wheel-tyre combination is 8,5Jx20 inches with tyres measuring 245/35ZR20 and 10,5Jx20 inches with 285/30ZR20 tyres in the back.

One of the technical highlights of the offered tuning programme is the 21-inch model called HM EVO “FORGED”. Manufactured in forge technology, it is extremely light and improves the handling, acceleration and braking characteristics by its reduced unsuspended masses. The front wheel-tyre combination is offered in 9,0Jx21 inches with tyres measuring 255/30ZR21 and 10,5Jx21 inches with tyres measuring 295/25ZR21 in the back. Prices starting at 7,620 euros.

HAMANN recommends high performance tyres type S1 EVO from its technology partner HANKOOK.

The extended product programme of HAMMAN´s sport accessories includes progressively coiled chassis springs for lowering the chassis, a height adjustable coil-overs and a sport braking system. HAMANN tunes the interior with a 3-spoke sport steering wheel with an air-bag, a black instrumental dial with a scale up to 300 km/h as well as matching pedals, leg rests and hand brake handles made of aluminium.

* World’s first Night Vision system with individual pedestrian recognition
* World’s first production car with front side view camera
* First BMW Saloon with speed-related Integral Active Steering
* First BMW with Lane Change Warning
* BMW 7 Series to feature EfficientDynamics for class-leading CO2 emissions and fuel consumption

The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics, combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.

The flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body too. All three engines produce more power yet use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace.

The BMW 730d sets a new benchmark in terms of drivetrain performance. The new all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. Its effortless real world driving smoothness comes courtesy of a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm.

The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any previous BMW 7 Series and it is also the most economical 7 Series ever. Its 192g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, while no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 153mph top speed.

To put the BMW 730d’s competitive advantage in context this luxurious vehicle records near identical fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the Mercedes C320CDi – a car that is two market segments below the 7 Series and is smaller and lighter than the BMW.

The impressive performance of the 730d is, in part, possible due to third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, incorporating piezo injectors, that operates at a peak pressure of 1,800 bar. This system ensures a near perfect combustion process. Weighing 185kgs the new six-cylinder diesel engine is also 5kgs lighter than its predecessor.

The BMW 750i and 750Li are the range flagships. The new 4,395cc V8 engine from the recently launched X6, featuring twin-turbochargers and high-precision direct injection technology, produces 407hp from 5,500rpm to 6,400rpm; impressive figures that are backed up by an equally stunning 600Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm. Such breathtaking performance sees the BMW 750i accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption on the combined cycle is 24.8mpg, while CO2 emissions equate to 266g/km.

The all-aluminium V8 engine powering the 750i and 750Li also features its own world first - twin-turbochargers and catalysts that are placed within the V-space of the engine block. This not only optimises packaging but the reduction in manifold length and larger cross sections mean the engine breathes better for enhanced performance. Double-VANOS variable valve technology and high-precision direct injection technology further aid engine performance to the degree that all the innovations combine to offer a V8 engine that has an equivalent output of a traditional 12-cylinder unit.

Aimed at customers who prefer the characteristics of a petrol-powered BMW six-cylinder engine, the BMW 740i and 740Li are also offered. Using an internationally-acclaimed 2,979cc powerplant, the BMW 740i musters 326hp and 450Nm of torque for rapid yet serene performance. The twin-turbocharged engine features high-precision direct injection and Double-VANOS variable valve technology to achieve optimum performance. The car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the 740Li) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The 3.0-litre BMW 740i and 740Li post combined fuel consumption figures of 28.5mpg and 28.2mpg respectively, while returning emissions figures of 232g/km and 235g/km.

All BMW 7 Series models come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Three versions are planned for the launch (730d, 740i e 750i) with the following details:

750i: petrol V8 Twin Turbo and direct injection (High Precision Injection)
Power: 300 kW/407 CV a 5.500–6.400 revs/min.
Max. torque: 600 Nm a 1.750–4.500 revs/min.
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.2 s (Li: 5.3 s)
Max. speed: 250 km/h
Average consumption: 11.4 l/100 km (Li: 11.4 l/100 km)
EU CO2 emissions: 266 g/km (Li: 266 g/km)

It has been responsible for some of the most iconic cars in recent history and last night Norfolk-based Lotus unveiled another classic of the future - its first new model in 13 years.

Only known as Eagle, its project name, until the official debut at the British Motor Show next Tuesday, the car is already on the waiting lists of high profile collectors including top Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey.

It is the Hethel-based company’s first all-new car since the iconic Elise in 1995 and as the only mid-engined - where the engine sits between the rear and the front axles - four-seater sportscar in production it is one of the most eagerly anticipated projects on the market.

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in CEO Mike Kimberley’s five year strategic business plan launched in October 2006 to propel Lotus forward.

It is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers reported it was considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Styled in-house by Lotus Design the leather cockpit-like surroundings feature high-tech controls.

A spokesman for Lotus said: “The Project Eagle’s sleek, sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar whilst belying its internal space.”

Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.

As well as being sold in a two plus two configuration, with rear seats designed for children or small adults on short journeys, the car will also be available as a purely two-seater, with the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage.

Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultrahigh performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2,000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year, it is creating a real stir with a number of celebrity enthusiasts, including Mr Dempsey, star of Enchanted and Grey’s Anatomy, on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago.

“We are currently working at broadening appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive five-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.”

Russell Carr, head of design, said: “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still.

“Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character.

“However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”

Lotus has not yet named the price of the new model but it has previously been reported as expected to sell for between £45,000 and £ 48,000.

Meanwhile work is also under way on the top-secret replacement for the company’s hugely successful Esprit model which is expected to retail around the £80,000 mark

This month will see the debut of the Lightning GT electric sports car at the British Motor Show on July 23. The nano-titanate battery pack will provide 740-HP and a 0-60 sprint in just four seconds. Those batteries have also been spaced around the car to give it a 48/52 weight balance, which could theoretically give it the kind of handling to match its looks.

The batteries power four permanent magnet brushless motors, one at each wheel, which negates the need for a gearbox, axles, and transmission — or transmission troubles. Each wheel will also boast independent traction control and regenerative braking. Inside, the car gets all the mod-cons, including A/C, satnav, and leather.

The makers claim a 90-mile range on a ten-minute charge, and running costs will be at least five times less than a car that gets 50-mpg U.S. That is, of course, assuming the car actually makes it to market. If so, and it’s priced somewhere close to the Tesla, it should do well.

“It’s great that Harley-Davidson is creating a museum to celebrate an American icon,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a company that specializes in luxury car rental in Dallas TX.

The Harley-Davidson Museum will have many interactive exhibits, including one where patrons sit on a historic bike. Other exhibits feature Elvis Presley’s Harley and a hog once owned by stunt rider Evel Knievel.

Sturgeon, an avid collector and proprietor of a museum devoted to automotive toys in DFW understands what might attract Harley Davidson fans to visit the museum.

“Harley-Davidson has passionate and loyal customers because they make the experience of owing a Harley unforgettable for those lucky enough to do so. Opening a museum for Harley fans is a terrific way to celebrate a uniquely American motorcycle,” said the Fort Worth author and public speaker.

Milwaukee’s local NBC television affiliate TMJ4 interviewed James Fricke, the curatorial director of the new Harley-Davidson Museum.

“We know that this place is going to be a mecca for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and motorcycling fans, but I think we were successful in taking all of these amazing resources and stories and creating something that literally anyone who walks through the door could find something engaging here,” Fricke said in the TMJ4 interview.

The Harley-Davidson Museum is hosting a grand opening this weekend in Milwaukee. The ceremony kicks off at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 12. The museum will also feature a restaurant, a café and a retail store.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

“My anniversary cars were always the most powerful of the breed, and this car continues that tradition,” says Saleen.

Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 under the hood that gets help from the SMS Red Butterfly induction system and aluminum heads to lay down an impressive 720 horsepower and 667 pound-feet of torque. SMS also upgraded the stopping power with the addition of 15-inch six-piston cross-drilled front brakes and 12-inch cross-drilled brakes in the rear.

The unique LightBlade LED taillights wrap around the rear end of the car, and SMS helped give this concept a more aggressive look with carbon-fiber side splitters, two-piece billet-aluminum hood vents and the flashy Chromosome silver paint. Step inside and see a comfortable leather-wrapped interior and a six-speed manual.

What this means to you: This Mustang’s S7-competing numbers are a great way to celebrate 25 years in the business. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent

“The long product development cycle for cars has made it tough sledding for all of the American automakers, but they are making the transition to more fuel efficient cars. The Chevrolet Beat should sell very well to customers who are concerned about rising gas costs,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a DFW luxury car rental company.

The Chevrolet Beat was one of three non-hybrid concept cars that GM introduced at the New York International Auto Show in 2007.

In addition to the Beat, GM also showcased two other compact concept cars: the Groove and the Trax. Auto enthusiasts cast their votes for the best of the three concept cars on the official GM survey website.

So far, the Chevy Beat has been the favorite among survey participants with 885,000 votes, 46% of the total number of votes cast. It also got the nod from Wired Autotopia’s Chuck Squatrilia as a heart stopping Aveo in hot pants. Its highly chromed interior is wickedly cool, but we will have to see how much of it makes it into the production version of the Beat.

Originally, the Chevy Beat was going to be produced for sale in Europe and Asia only, but high US gas prices have prompted GM to offer the Beat in the American market.

The Chevrolet Beat is a two-door subcompact that gets an impressive 40 miles per gallon. The 1.2-liter supercharged engine promises to deliver fuel efficiency, decent acceleration, and a fun driving experience.

Sturgeon, who also owns a exotic car sharing club in Dallas TX and a business that provides fantasy sports car driving tours is impressed by GM’s innovation. “The Beat is going to be the most fuel-efficient car in GM’s line-up,” he says.

The Beat will not arrive at US dealerships for more than a year, but it should sharpen GM’s appeal to drivers feeling pinched at the pump.