2008 BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible Preview

BMW 6 Series fans and enthusiasts will be pleased with the new 2008 650i Coupe and 650i Convertible, since it now comes with the new six-speed Sports Automatic Transmission as well as the six-speed manual transmission.


On the exterior, you can expect the standards like bi-xenon dual round headlights. New color options come in the metallic paint colors of Deep Sea Blue and Space Gray, and other options like the new light-alloy rims give the buyer a chance to enhance the already sporty elegance of the new BMW 6 Series to their liking. Since other car markers have been taking notice of BMW’s style and then subsequently copying it, BMW has given the rear deck lid and spoiler lip a more concave design to give the rear a more distinctive and dynamic look. In the front, the trademark kidney grill has been widened and integrated more with the lower spoiler in order to visually widen the stance of the car.

Inside, look for the new Chrome Pearl Grey Design as a nice finish on some controls and instruments. New colors for trim and upholstery like Saddle Brown will be also be optional. If you don’t like the standard aluminum trim, you can opt for trim made of trained maple wood or dark birch wood for a more elegant look. You can also go with the optional Pearl exclusive leather and add leather to the armrests, door grab handles, and the center console. Standards are the electrically adjustable seats for both driver and passenger as well as the three spots for seat position memory on the driver’s seat.
Journalists have been carping about the iDrive and BMW continues to refine it. The newest iDrive Controller (introduced in the new X5) comes with six programmable memory keys, meaning direct access to your favorite presets, phone numbers, and other features.



Under the hood is the 4.8-liter V8 engine (360hp at 6,300rpm and 360lb-ft of torque at 3,400rpm) that takes you from 0-60 MPH in 5.3 seconds in the manual Coupe and 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds in the Convertible. However, for all of you speed demons out there, engine management will shut you off at a top speed of 155 mph in both models. Varioserv steering assistance helps to provide efficient steering support and assistance based on the driver’s needs.

The 6 Series Convertible also comes with the optional, at no extra charge, six-speed Sports Automatic Transmission if you don’t want the six-speed manual. With the Sports Automatic Transmission, you move the lever from drive to the left to activate the manual gearshift mode. This means you can then shift with the paddles on the steering wheel or with the gear selector level. Press the Sports button that is behind the gear selector lever, and the results will be an even faster gear shift change.

Going a little too fast into a turn? BMW ’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) can help by applying the brakes to individual wheels as needed or can intervene via the engine management system in order to counteract such instances of over- or under-steer in corners. Automatic Stability Control helps keep the car from spinning on looser or slippery ground, and the Cornering Brake Control and Brake Assist also help the DSC in steering emergencies. For less experienced manual drivers who are still a little nervous about starting on a hill, the Start-Off Assistant will help you start smoothly without the use of the handbrake. It will also keep you from rolling back.


Driving while sleepy and not staying in your lane? The new Lane Departure Warning system will let you know by vibrating the steering wheel if you veer out of your lane. Night Vision will sense people and animals via thermal imaging up to almost 1,000 feet down the road and then show you an image on the central Control Display. These safety features plus the active headrests help insure the safety of the driver and passengers.


Overall, look for the 650i Coupe and Convertible to carry on the BMW legacy of fine Grand Touring abilities and style, while also incorporating touches of luxury.


[source:http://www.roadfly.com/2008-bmw-650i-preview.html]

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A Step In The Right Direction

To view the all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is to view the future of the brand. We all know by now that the vaunted German brand has not been so vaunted over the years. Complex and unreliable electronics have taken some of the luster off of the three-pointed star, as Mercedes loyalists and new purchasers of the brand have faulted Mercedes’ quality and indifferent dealer network.

Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler and Head of the Mercedes Group, has made restoring the legendary quality of Mercedes-Benz his number one priority. Ensuring that purchasers get a first class sales and service experience is also a main priority. Time will tell if dealers have listened to Zetsche’s decree, but after driving the all-new 2008 C-Class, it’s quite clear that everyone on the design, engineering, and manufacturing teams have listened well.

Internally designated as the W 204, this fourth generation C-Class is easily the best C-Class ever, and ranks in build quality with top-of-the-line big brother S-Class. When compared to last year’s W 203 model, the new C-Class is far more rigid, significantly quieter, and more spacious inside.
The rigid body shell can be attributed to the extensive use of high strength and ultra high strength steel, found in 70% of the body structure. The rigid shell, combined with Mercedes’ “Agility Control” suspension, mean road manners are superb. Agility Control uses a hydro-mechanical selective damping system that achieves much of the handling prowess of Mercedes’ Active Body Control system without the system’s huge cost. Agility Control uses an internal strut valving system. When you are cruising along in a straight line, two valves are open within the strut to allow hydraulic shock absorber fluid to flow freely, resulting in a compliant ride. When spirited driving or an evasive maneuver is detected, one of those valves instantly closes to restrict the amount of shock fluid that can pass between the valves. The result is a stiffer suspension just in time to handle the demands of back-road driving. It’s a simple yet elegant solution to the dilemma facing all manufacturers trying to knock the undisputed leader in the entry luxury segment – the BMW 3 Series – off its lofty pedestal.

During the four hours I spent behind the wheel, everything worked as advertised. This car is fun to drive on country roads, but won’t rattle your teeth in the city. And you’ll also have more room to move around inside, as the new C-Class is larger than its predecessor on all dimensions.

The new C-Class comes in two models, Sport and Luxury. The “Luxury” model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission, first in its class, handles shifting duties. It’s a seamless, world-class transmission with imperceptible up and downshifts. Luxury models also feature the traditional “star” hood ornament, Burl walnut wood interior trim, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The overall look of the car is Benz traditional, which depending on your tastebuds, is either too traditional or just right.

For me, it’s too traditional, especially when compared to the “Sport” model. The Sport features the Coupe-style grille with integrated star, AMG-designed body styling, 17” staggered alloy wheels (18” optional), a lowered sport suspension, a sport braking system with “perforated” front rotors and special calipers, and dual exhausts with a special rear diffuser panel between the exhausts.

It’s a get down funky look that sets the tone of the character of Sport models. All Sport models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The big news is the availability of a six-speed manual tranny, should you wish to row the gears on your own. While I did not get a chance to test the manual, again, it draws the C-Class closer to the 3 Series. Aluminum or Birdseye maple wood trim, a three-spoke steering wheel, silver instrument cluster and rubber studded aluminum pedals highlight the Sport interior.
Road power in both models is impressive, particularly in passing situations at the top of the rev band. These cars can move out in a hurry.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the new C-Class is the price. Consider this: The new C-Class offers as additional standard equipment over last year’s already well-equipped model a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, 17” wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, and Mercedes COMAND Central Controller.

Prices for the new baby Benz start at just $31,975 - a real savings when comparing standard equipment to last year’s $29,650 base. And of all the reasonably priced options, you must opt for the Panorama Sunroof ($1,000). It features a full-roof glass panel with a front opening sunroof, and sliding privacy shades for both front and rear-seat passengers. With the panels retracted, the interior shines brightly under natural light. No squeaks or wind noise emanate from this well built option.

Hard drive navigation, a monster sound system and convenience and luxury packages are all reasonably priced. Even a full-tilt luxury model will find it hard to break $40 grand.
The new C-Class is a make or break car for the brand. If it succeeds,Mercedes-Benz will once again rise to the top of the status vehicle pyramid.