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BMW’s NEW 3 Series

Issue 33 2012 3 Series

Welcome to Issue 33 folks and the key story out there right now is of course Germany’s new range of executive saloons. We have it covered. Both BMW’s new 3 and Audi’s S4 square up to do battle but also we have news on; Toyota at Le Mans, Saab’s last minute rescue, not to mention the funky new Mini Roadster replacement. It’s all in here so what are you waiting for?

Issue 33

“I Want To

Break Free”

They are one of the most recognized

divisions in the automotive industry and

over the decades have produced some

of the world’s most spectacular cars.

BMW’s M division defines the German

company and continues to put

competitors to shame. Cranking more

power out of already incredible

machines whilst improving overall

performance, it is hard to find a close

competitor. Mercedes-Benz’ AMG

branch would be seen as their closest

rival and as to who is better, is simply a

matter of opinion. Though AMG do have

one big crowning glory that the big bad

M does not. Merc allowed them to build

their own car.

The Mercedes SLS AMG was built

entirely by AMG and is an outstanding

supercar, but where as they have been

given the freedom, the M division has

not. M’s own product development chief

is crying out for BMW to allow them to

build a halo car. Something along the

lines of the BMW M1 Hommage we

imagine… However, BMW must first be

shown the numbers to prove this car a

viable business proposition. You can’t

really blame them, after all this game is

all about profit, but we do wish the

bosses would let the M division off the

leash.

Sexy 6The Mazda 6 has been a strong

source of sales for Mazda since its

launch. The saloon that claims to

have “the soul of a sports car” is well

priced and a pleasure to drive. Over

the next year or so the next

generation 6 will surface to do battle

along side the all-new Mondeo. The

new Mazda Tikeri Concept previews

to the worlds the Japanese

companies intentions.

Using Mazda’s new design language,

first to be seen in the CX-5 come

2012, the Takeri is a good looking

machine. Its bold stance in tandem

with muscular bulges make it quite a

handsome creature. Debuting at the

Tokyo motor show, the concept car is

driven by the new sky-active engine

in the form of a 2.2 litre turbodiesel.

The new block produces 173BHP

and 310lb-ft of torque.

TAKERI

The Topless Model

The American muscle wars are alive and well on the other side of the pond with Ford and

Chevrolet at each others throats. The two key protagonists being the Mustang and Camaro, each

are attempting to match each other punch for punch. The Camaro’s most brutish incarnation, the

ZL1, will now be offered in the headless variety.

The 6.2 litre LSA V8 engine will now be even more audible thanks to Chevy offering the ZL1 as a

convertible. Producing 580 rampant ponies and 556lb-ft of chassis twisting torque, the yanks

have had their work cut out to keep the car from falling into the “typical American handling”

category. This includes fitting a vast array of bracing under the chassis and across the engine.

The car goes on sale state-side early 2012.

“DAM YOU ENVIRONMENTALISTS!”

The Mazda RX-8 is fantastic looking machine with sleek coupe looks yet those

rear suicide reveal a cockpit for four. Its rotary engine provides ample torque and

the handling of the car is nothing to complain about either. Despite being such a

good car this is to be the final run of Mazda’s RX-8.

It is the environmentalists who claim yet another of our automotive heroes as

new emissions laws forbid the RX-8 to got on sale. This is the Spirit R and it will

make up the final 1,000 units to ever be produced. Only available in Japan, the

car sports a host of external upgrades including new lights, metallic rims and red

brake calipers. The car also receives reworked suspension and larger brakes.

Inside the cockpit is dominated by special Recaro seats bathed in black and red.

A sorrowful end to a brilliant machine.

I would not call myself a speed freak and so if you’re reading my last comment and currently think that I

deserve an ASBO, please reserve your judgement. There is no good reason for the speed limit to be

70MPH. Cars today have so many features to aid in preventing an accident that a limit set for cars in 1965 is

completely obsolete in 2011. Stopping distances for the average car is fantastic and almost half of what it

was in ’65. Also in the unfortunate event of a crash the motorcar today comes with more airbags than

children have balloons at birthday parties. Raising the limit to 80MPH is not only logical but a complete

necessity in an age where our lives are so busy.

It is about time the government realized that we are not all blithering idiots that aim for lamp posts and tress

whilst out driving. Yes, there are some people who should be taken off the road and put into straightjackets

but these people will always exist. On a long journey traveling an extra 10 miles every hour makes all the

difference.

Do I feel 80MPH is an appropriate limit for motorways? Honestly, I think it would still be safe to go a bit

higher. But this is progress and as long as this change is brought in I am willing to compromise on my

proposed limit of 90MPH.

So there I was, at 70MPH on an empty motorway heading back from London. No roadworks, a

clear line of sight for a good distance and not a car in view. I did what you, your neighbor, your

mate down the pub and even your mother would have done. I put my foot down a little. Though I

shall not disclose how fast I was traveling, in fear of environmentalists complaining that a rare

breed of frog could have jumped into the road, but it was over 70MPH. I feel this was justified as it

was safe at that point to exceed the speed limit, yet had a machine caught me, the cogs and

lightbulbs would not have been so sympathetic. The government are currently in talks about raising

the national speed limit and my general reaction to this is “about bloody time!”

3 is the magic number

The 3 Series is as much a part of BMW as any one of the letters that

makes up its name. Providing high levels of sales for the brand and

a fantastically performing machine for the rest of us, the industry

would be unimaginable without it. The current 3 Series is quite a

machine and so its replacement has a lot of work to do to defend its

crown.

This is the 2012 BMW 3 Series, and first of all I would just like to say

WOW! What a looker! The cars powerful stance is backed up by

muscular bulges and hunches throughout the design. Engines range

from a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo to a mighty 3.0 litre inline-six with

300BHP. The new interior looks very slick and rounds off a complete

package that leaves us itching to get hold of the keys.

The car goes on sale with a wide range of engines in the UK this

RING-binder

2012 Audi S4

In the fashion world they say that a particular style never dies, it will come

back at some point. The cyclical nature of designs repeating themselves

appears also to be coming true in the motor industry. BMW’s new 5 Series

harks back to a much squarer shape of the past as opposed to the swooping

curves we have all become used to. This is also true in Audi’s new S4.

Taking the stocky stance of its 1990’s siblings, the all new S4 pulls off the

harsh lines rather well. We also quite like the new form factor for the daytime

running lights and subtle new bonnet creases. But beneath the uniform

bodywork is something to get all excited about. How does a supercharged 3.0

litre V6 engine sound? Marked up at

328BHP and paired with its Quattro drive

system, the new S4 just gets better and

better.

Can it tango with 3 Series? I guess we

shall just have to wait and see.

The people that make up tuning company Mopar are a little crazy, but obviously very

gifted as a byproduct. They would have to be after producing a masterpiece such as

the Dodge Viper ACR that currently holds the lap record at the Nürburgring. It’s time for

the SEMA show again and Mopar are turning up with this mean beast….

Named the Challenger SRT8 ACR, it shares the same racing aspirations as the Viper.

With matching paint and new 20 inch rims playing nice with the exterior, you would be a

fool to think that this special was just about visual appearance. A front splitter increases

downforce whilst upgraded suspension further aids the cars handling. Also a burly new

exhaust not only adds power but makes dam sure everyone can hear that rumbling V8

under the bonnet.

Dodge THIS!!!

Saab Saved

He has caught the ball, but it has slipped from his hands, yet he grasps it gain before hitting the ground, no

he has indeed fallen over with the ball. If Saab’s finical issues were to be described as a cricket fielder

catching the ball that would be it. The Swedish manufacturer has escaped the jaws of death yet again.

A few months ago they couldn’t afford to employ their employees but after some government help all looked

as if it might just work out rosy for Saab. However, multiple complications with Chinese investors led to the

company owing more money as the business looked to be going down faster than the Titanic. At last some

good news! Pang Da and Youngman are to buy Saab for 100 million euros from its owners. The deal is

waiting to be approved by the Chinese government.

It appears, at least for now, Saab clings to existence.

MINI + Tin-Opener = Roadster

They are everywhere! You just can’t get away from them! The rebirth of the Mini

was a success from day one and just like its predecessor; it has become a cult

classic. With the brand offering a wide range of models it appears Mini caters for

more than just the small family. Today the line-up grows by one as they introduce

the Roadster.

Based upon the Mini Coupe, the roadster takes Mini alfresco like never before.

Using a manual fabric roof to keep weight down the cars key focus is obviously

the driving experience. Just like the Coupe it lacks rear seats but does make up

for this with a generous boot. The active rear spoiler comes as standard and this

Mini comes with the option of four different engines including the range topping

211BHP twin turbo Cooper Works model.