The interior and exterior custom fitting options, an integral part of the standard equipment package for the BMW M Performance series, reflect the performance potential of the latest M series from BMW. The framework details are specific for a car designed to deal with the requirements of dynamic, high performance driving.

On the frontal side, the M135i stands out through its large bonnets, necessary to fulfill the cooling demands of the high-performance, six-cylinder engine, the auxiliary components and over-sized breaks. The competitive nature of the car can be seen in the 3D flaps on the external bonnets, a detail inspired from motorsports. These bonnets take the place of the fog lamps in the BMW 3-door 1 Series. They are also separated by metallic Ferric Grey horizontal bars – a detail that sets apart the BMW M Performance series.

The car’s side profile is emphasized through BMW Individual Shadow Line metallic elements, rear-view mirror caps in a Ferric Grey hue and 18 inch rims made from a light alloy and sporting a double-spoke design. The rear bar, which has a metallic Dark Shadow finish on its bottom side, includes the two exhaust pipes.

The interior designs include upholstery exclusively from Hexagon and Alcantara fabrics, an M leather steering wheel with multifunctional commands and distinctive blue stitching, Anthracite color BMW Individual roof upholstery, interior Aluminium Hexagon equipment featuring distinctive Estoril blue or shiny black stripes, leather gear shift and hand brake, M driver leg support and red tachometer and speedometer.

The BMW M135i features a six-cylinder in-line engine that uses the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The tech package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, variable VALVETRONIC valve control and variable shaft control with Double VANOS cams. The 3.0 liter engine supplies a maximum power of 253 kW / 320 HP at 5800 RPM.

The BMW M135i goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, with an average fuel consumption of 8.0 l/100 km. The propulsion system was created exclusively for the compact BMW M Performance model and features a custom cooling system, M Performance Control and engine noise adjustment, but also a manual six-step transmission, with dry crankcase lubrication. An automatic eight-step sport transmission is optionally available, with gearshift levers on the steering wheel.

Furthermore, the M135i is considered the perfect combination of agility and precision due to the M suspension control.

The BMW M Performance model comes with an M Sport brake system and standard, M model, 18-inch, light alloy rims.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

BMW M135i – SPORTS BY ANY STANDARD

The SUV’s transmission (to all its 4 wheels) is provided by an automatic gearbox with a double clutch, with an adjustable ground clearance. Being part of Volkswagen Group, the technical part used to create Urus SUV (4.99 m length) is the same with the one that would be used for the future VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.

The Lamborghini Urus’s cabin (having 4 individuals’ seats) abounds in carbon fibers insertions. But we cannot say the same about its’ esthetic looks.

Urus will be sold as “every day car”, having a low carbon emission, space for four persons and luggage’s too. The model has a 4.9 m length, 1.6 m width, full permanent wheel drive, adjustable length front spoiler  and 24 inches rims.

Inside the carbon fibers interior there are more touchscreens, fours spacious leather seats, the main purpose being to maintain car’s weight. Despite being longer and wider than other SUVs such us BMW X6, Lamborghini sustains that Urus is lighter. Until now, we don’t know any technical references about the engine.

As usually, the name of Urus has been taken from a bull. This bull was famous for its weight. As we can see it’s a logical choice for Lamborghini SUV.

Stephan Winkelmann, CEO at Lamborghini, said that they hope for 3000 models sold/year. He also stated the company did not decide to produce it or not. “If you get to a new domain, you have to stay faithful to your basic values, in our case, extreme and italian”.

So, Lamborghini get next to other supercars producers, as Bentley and Maseratti, who recently have extended on SUV segment, being inspired by the success that Porsche had it with Cayenne, created in 2002. Nowadays, Cayenne generates half Porsche’s receipts, the producer of 911 sport cars.

Regarding the price, this will be placed between Gallardo and Aventador models, so between 200.000 and 250.000 $.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

URUS-THE NEW SUV CONCEPT FROM LAMBORGHINI

However, although electric vehicles have now become part of the mainstream, there’s still been a limited uptake of people actually owning them.

One of the main reasons for this is concern about the limited range that you can drive an electric vehicle before you need to recharge the battery. Another reason is the expense of buying an electric vehicle over the cost of a conventional car.

And even with encouragement to go electric from governments around the world in the form of financial credits for those individuals who want to buy electric vehicles, it still hasn’t made enough of a difference to the initial price on most electric cars.

However, things look likely to change in the UK with the arrival of two new Renault electric vehicles. The Fluence will have a starting price of around £17,500 ($28,000) and is set to be available from the spring.

This is far cheaper than the other family eco cars UK consumers can choose from at the moment. The Nissan Leaf starts at £26,000 and the Vauxhall Ampera – the UK version of the Chevvy Volt – will retail at £30,000. However, hybrids like Honda’s Insight are more reasonably priced, with a base level price of around £17,000.

The Renault Zoe will arrive in UK showrooms in the autumn and be priced at an even lower £14,000 ($22,000).

The reason that Renault has managed to reduce prices so drastically is because it has changed the ownership model. Purchasers will own the car itself, but lease the battery pack from Renault. Costs for leasing the battery will be around £1,000 a year, but it means that the residual value of the car will not depreciate so quickly, as the battery will never need replacing by the owner.

It will be interesting to see if these reduced prices make going electric any more appealing to the British consumers. The concern about range limitations still remains.

More planet friendly cars arrive in the UK

1. TATA Nano – 2,500$

TATA Nano represents the cheapest car in the world. TATA’s main idea was to build a low-cost vehicle, able to transport safely a family to India. The result was a 3 m length car and almost 1.5 m width, powered by a 2 cylinders gas engine who gives life to 33 HP. Nano can reach over 100 km/h, but for the passengers safety the recommended speed is 70 km/h. The basic model is not equipped with airbags, radio, AC and not even safety elements.

2. Chery QQ – 4,780$

Chery QQ comes all the way from China being available in more equipping models. But this is possible only in China, as the car, like many other models from this top, doesn’t fulfill safety and pollution standards from Europe and USA. Also, Chery is in process with General Motors, QQ being almost identical to Chevrolet Sparck – the traditional Matiz.

3. Suzuki Maruti 800 – 4,994$

Before releasing Nano, Maruti 800 was the cheapest car from India. And it was the best-selling of the 80’s – 90’s. Maruti 800 has 37HP and can reach a 120km/h top speed.

4. Geely MR – 5,500$

As the price grows, the options multiply and the space gets bigger too. MR has even AC, CD player and pliant rear seats.

5. Geely HQ SRV – 5,780$

The Chinese builder says that HQ SRV is a luxury car. It is true that it has a more elaborated dashboard, some options and some safety elements for doors.

6. Chery A1 – 7,394$

Sold as A1 in China and Kimo in Russia, the car has a 1.3 l engine that produces 83 HP, AC and a quite generous trunk. Some models can be equipped with CD player and USB port.

7. TATA Indica – 8,894$

Indica is being equipped with AC, glasses stand, digital watch and interior lamps for reading. And in what concerns safety, it is equipped with frontal airbags and ABS.

8. Hyundai  I10 – 9,096$

The first Hyundai that is going to be sold in India, having frontal airbags, ABS, folding rear seats, AC  and digital mileage. I10 is powered by a 1.1l last model engine which gives power to 68 cp. Moreover, for the first time we can talk about electro-mechanical steering.

9. Fiat Palio – 9,242$

The Torino builder offers a large range of Palio in India. The basic model includes AC, power windows and power locks. Palio’s heart is diesel.

10.  Dacia Logan – 9,477$ (6,400 euros)

Any other description for Dacia Logan is in vain. It showed us its reliability and capacities, and the price/quality/good performances ratio is well known.

TOP 10 CHEAPEST CARS IN THE WORLD

       1. BUGATTI VEYRON GRAND SPORT VITESSE

Not less than 8l V 16, Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse can reach a 429 km/h speed. The 1200 HP make possible the acceleration from 0 to 100 in only 2.2 seconds.  In the same time, the price for this car is equivalent with its possibilities, being sold for 2.400.000 million dollars.

2.  SSC ULTIMATE AERO

Less expensive than no1, SSC Ultimate Aero is being sold for 1 million dollars. The 6.2l V8 has “only” 1183 HP, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and reaches the top speed of 412 km/h.

3. KOENINGSEGG CCX

Powered by a 4.7 l V8, 806 HP,  reaches 100 km/h in only 3.2 seconds and gets to 412 km/h. That’s why CCX costs 2.050.000 million dollars.

       4. SALEEN S7 TWIN-TURBO

The engineers from Saleen hid under  the S7 Twin Turbo’s hood a 7l V7 and a “stud” of 750 HP. Sold for 585.000 dollars, the car that gets spot no. 4 in our top accelerates from 0 to 100 seconds in only 2.8 seconds and can reach 399 km/h.

       5. MCLAREN F1

The V12 from McLaren has a more than suggestive and representative name, F1. The performances are equivalents the expectations, so the supercar reaches not less than 387 km/h, gets from 0 to 100 km/H in 3.2 seconds and if you lift up the hood, you can find there a 6l V12 and 627 HP. And because it’s a McLaren, it costs between 4.0000.000 and 5 million.

6.  GUMPERT APOLLO

This car’s acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in only 2.7 seconds it’s being possible with a 4.2 l V8 and 512 HP. It reaches 354 km/h and costs 400.000 dollars.

7. ASCARI A10

This model is no lower than the others and comes equipped with a 5l V8 and 625 HP. The top speed is 354 km/h and reaches 100km/h in only 3.8 seconds. Still, the price of this imposing car is bigger than no6, being 650.000 dollars.

8. FERRARI ENZO

The Enzo revives a place in our top due to its 6l V12 engine, 660 HP, a top speed of 349 km/h and due to an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,6 seconds. The price is representative for those from Ferrari, the model being sold with 1.000.000 dollars.

       9. JAGUAR XJ 220

We haven’t forgotten the Jaguar, presenting you the XJ 220 model. This model comes equipped with a 3.5l V6 and 602 HP, which can reach 100 km/h in 3,6 seconds and a top speed of 346 km/h. Because power is money, the Jaguar XJ 220 can be purchased for 500.000 dollars.

10. PAGANI ZONDA F

Last but not least in our top is Pagani. They present us Zonda F, a model powered by a 3.5l V6 and 602 HP. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is realized in 3.6 seconds and the top speed is 346 km/h. As you expected, the price is being probably a classy one, 694.000 dollars.

Because they reach extraordinary performances these cars are the 10 fastest cars in the world.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

TOP 10 FASTEST CARS IN THE WORLD

Patience: The most important factor for people to understand about the process of car shipping is that this industry is not like posting a letter. Pick-up and delivery dates are estimates at best. Problems such as breakdowns, traffic, and weather all contribute to delays. A lot of patience and forward planning is required

Finding the right Transporter: Always research companies before committing to car shipper. Websites such as Uship allow you to view prospective transporters feedback and reputation, so you can ensure the transporter you pick is safe and highly recommended.

Car Shipping Method: Open or Closed: 
Open trailers are either partially or fully exposed to the elements. There are many types of open trailers, ranging from small carriers to the large 11 car carriers that you frequently see on the motorway. Closed trailers are protected from the elements, and your vehicle is basically shipped in a mobile garage, however, this is an expensive option.

Check to see if you are properly insured: 
Your car should be insured against all the usual things by the car delivery company. Everything relating to the car shipment should be in writing. It is likely that your personal car insurance policy may cover your vehicle in transit.

Before Pick-up

Steps to prepare your Car for Shipping

- Clean your car thoroughly even if will be shipped on an open trailer. You want to be able to note any chips, dings, nicks or other cosmetic damage accurately.

- Don’t fill up the fuel tank; keep it low, in between 1/8th to 1/4th of a tank as this saves quite a bit of weight which the auto transporters appreciate.

- Always transport convertibles with the top up and secured.

- Make sure the battery is charged, that the tires are properly inflated and top off all of the fluids on the vehicle.

Do a Thorough Vehicle Inspection: Note its condition in order to ensure any claims of vehicle damage are accurate and can be ensured, make a complete report of any pre-existing damage your vehicle may have. You may want to go as far as taking pictures (and dating them) of the vehicle prior to shipping it.

Vehicle Pick-up

Releasing Your Car: Do the Paperwork. Be sure to receive an original inspection report. This report provides pick-up and delivery information, the car’s current mileage, and most importantly documents the condition of your car at time of pick-up-pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc. Keep this report and use it when you receive your vehicle.

Vehicle Delivery

Be On Time: 
Make sure you are on time to meet the driver and that your meeting spot is clearly defined and easy to get to for both parties. Remember the size and maneuvering restrictions of the truck.

Accepting The Car: What to Look For On Delivery.
When your car arrives, make sure that you do a complete inspection of the vehicle with the copy of the original inspection report. Look for any damage that was not noted in the original report.

These are just a few tips to remember that helped me when I had my car shipped, and I hope they can help you!

How to ship your car international, stress free

The problem is that people don’t always remember to take care of their tyres – apart from when the car goes in for a service. The best solution is to make a tyre check a regular part of your car maintenance routine – just as you check the oil and water on a regular basis.

All cars also need their tyres at the right pressure in order to obtain the best fuel economy. This applies to fuel-efficient cars like hybrid cars like a Toyota Prius or a Honda CR-Z as much as to conventionally fueled cars. Driving with the right pressure in your tyres reduces rolling resistance that the engine or hybrid power train has to work against in order to move the car.

Tyre checking process

• Examine the tread on the tyres, having turned the steering fully to one side. Often the inner edge wears away first, so you need to check the whole surface area of each tyre, not just the outside.
• The tread minimum depth is 1.6 mm and there are tread wear indicators which are small blocks about 10mm long and 2 mm high, located within the central grooves on the tyre. If any of the treads are flush with the indicator blocks, then the tyre needs replacing.
• If your tyre treads are still ok, examine the tyre surface for signs of perishing and any cracks. Also look out for any objects stuck in the tyre that might be causing a slow puncture.
• Look at the sidewalls and make sure there are no abrasion marks. Using the flat of your hand, feel for any bulges, which are an indication of serious damage to the tyre structure.
• Also check around the valve for any signs of perishing or cracking, and make sure the valve caps are in place.

Obviously, you need to do these checks on all the tyres including the spare. Get in the discipline of doing this monthly from the very start of owning a car. Tyres can get damaged at any time, so it’s always worth doing.

How to check your tyres

Lighter captivating and powerful, the new R8 GT Spyder from Audi weighs just 1.640 kilograms. That’s 85 kilograms less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro.  Under the hood, Audi will place a 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP. This car will sprint from 0 to 100 km/s in 3.8 seconds and it reaches a top speed of 317 km/h.  The impressive V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

Because we’re talking about great performances, the engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper.

Audi R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes.  Because it has an additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick.

The suspension system includes aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels and the rack-and-pinion power steering.  The last Audi jewel sits on 19 inches wheels (with 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear) and it also has carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.  As the previous model, the car has rear-biased four-wheel-drive together with a standard-fit six-speed R tronic ‘box with launch control.

The prices for the new Audi R8 GT Spyder are not cheap at all- $210.000. That doesn’t include the $1,200 destination charge, taxes or optional equipment like carbon-ceramic brakes or Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Meet the Audi R8 GT Spyder

The character of the GT 86 comes to the fore. The special 17 inches alloy wheels feature the exclusive ‘86‘ piston logo, rear spoiler, LED daytime running lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and dual exhausts finished in chrome.

The perfect driving position it’s delivered by sport seats and styling details like carbon-effect trim, aviation-style rocker switches, lightweight aluminum pedals and critical driver touch-points of the steering wheel.

The engine has a 12.5 compression ratio and is square, with bore and stroke each one measuring 86.0 mm plus both indirect and direct injection, switching between them as needed. Two Aisin-supplied six-speed transmissions will be offered: a short-throw manual and a paddle-shifted automatic. The automatic will have Normal, Snow, and Sport modes. A limited-slip differential will be standard. Its offering will have “switchable vehicle-stability systems”, but we really hope that one of the positions is “off.”

Toyota GT 86 development engineer Yoshi Sasaki says: “The GT 86 is for those who are bored with cars that are too powerful with their turbo engines, have too much grip with their huge tires and four-wheel drive, cost too much and don’t let the driver do enough. A fun car is a car that you control.”

The new GT 86 it’s a two-plus-two, but Yoshi Sasaki says hopes the rear space will be used to carry track day wheels – it’s that sort of car.

With prices starting around £25,000, is now called GT 86.  If you drive one, you’ll want to own one.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The new Toyota GT 86. The ultra compact four-seater sport car.

The chassis of the newest Bugatti has been modified to allow the increase in power and torque and now sees improved driving dynamics, acceleration and breaking over the current Grand Sport. With a top speed of 410km/hr, this supercar accelerates 0-100km/hr in 2.6 seconds; to 200km/hr in 7.1 seconds and to 300km/hr in 16 seconds, from which it can brake completely in 7.9 seconds. The new convertible produces 1500Nm of torque. “Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible,” states the automaker’s President, Wolfgang Dürheimer.
For the all-carbon fiber Grand Sport Vitesse, Bugatti developed a new roof spoiler that cuts down on the wind noise and buffeting in the interior, an  important element considering the car is a convertible ( Bugatti also installed a windbreak that owners can stow away compactly in the luggage compartment).
The Vitesse is getting some transplanted aerodynamic components from SS, at the front with the larger air intakes between the radiator grille. It have a new bottom air vent that stretches sideways into the wheel housing and a refined front spoiler that has been designed in a similar way to the splitters used in motor racing. Also taken from the Super Sport, the new model has xenon headlights. At the back, Vitesse has double diffusor and a centrally positioned twin tailpipe.
Judging from what they’ve created, Bugatti should be more than proud with how the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse turned out.
Pricing of the Grand Sport Vitesse it will probably slot in somewhere between $2-3 million U.S.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. The world’s fastest road convertible.