Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Video & Photos: Roewe 550 Receives 5 Stars in Chinese-NCAP Crash Tests


Here you can see video of the Roewe 550 being tested in front of journalists and photographers. Within one minute and 14 seconds, you see the Roewe 550 smashed up in three different tests, with a normal speed and slow-motion shot of each impact.


The SAIC Roewe 550 has received a five-star crash rating from the Chinese arm of the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP). C-NCAP, in conjunction with the China Automotive Technology and Research Center in Tianjin, China, gave the rating on six-star scale.


This ties the mark for the safest rated Chinese car. The Chinese-made Chery A3 and a car by Hongqi have also been awarded the ranking. Foreign autos Mercedes-Benz C200, produced by a joint venture called Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive, and the FAW-Volkswagen Bora have also received rankings at that level, according to an English-language newspaper in China.


Such dramatic increases leads one to speculate on the integrity of the tests. Still, over thirty percent of models tested in 2008 got two- or three-star rankings, according to the China Daily. The China Daily is a state-run newspaper in the People's Republic of China.



C-NCAP tested 28 cars this year, in four batches of seven models. The safety rankings have drastically improved over the last two years, with 46 percent of vehicles receiving a five-star rating in 2008. That is an increase of 10 percent on 2007 figures, and a 38 percent increase over 2006.



The Roewe 550 is based on the Rover 75, using a chassis with reduced length.
via:World Car Fans

SHO-time for 2010 Ford Taurus Spy


Could it be? Right in the midst of my own personal search for a mint Gen 1 (1989-1991) Taurus SHO comes pictoral proof that Ford may be resurrecting the Super High Output model. What we have here is one of many images published by Jalopnik showing the "SHO" moniker in its traditional font on the passenger side dash of a 2010 Ford Taurus.
Read All Article



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Branew_ Nissan 370Z Tuning Package


At the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that runs from January 9 to 11, Japanese tuning firm Branew will launch a complete performance package for the freshly revealed Nissan 370Z.


Branew's tasty exterior kit that will also be available in carbon-fiber, consists of a front spoiler, side steps, rear spoiler and a rear wing. The sport coupe's looks are complemented by a set of multispoke alloys that will be offered in various sizes.


Performance-wise, Branew has developed a new sports exhaust system and reprogrammed the 3.7-liter V6's ECU. In terms of handling, the Japanese tuner has upgraded the 370Z's brake system and added a new sport suspension kit. Further details will be released with the car's debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.
Source: carscoop





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Monday, December 29, 2008

Spied: New 2011 Porsche Cayenne Interior


Looking at the spy shot of the interior one can see a major update coming within the interior with simililarities to its bigger brother car the Panamera which means lots more buttons and a shift lifter positioned higher for better driving comfort.

To see a picture of the Porsche Panamera interior and the similarities click here. The Cayenne itself does not appear to have as much as a slope in with the new control unit as the Panamera does.


The exterior of the Cayenne was refreshed not too long ago and from these camouflaged photos it appears that the next Cayenne will receive new integrated LED lights below the current positioning of the headlights units. LED lighting is already found on the new Porsche 911. Overall this upgraded Cayenne is shaping up to be a more exciting model from Porsche and it is giving drivers more features that they want such as the LED lights and the more efficient layout of interior controls just to name a few.


Surrounding the shift lifter on both sides are a plethora of buttons for the driver, which should include window controls, lock controls, and controls for the navigation unit just to name a few. Controls for the dual climate buttons appear to be positioned underneath the navigation unit. Above the shift lever there appears to be a MMI like control knob although we cannot confirm this addition. It would though seem likely since the Audi Q7 features this piece of technology already. Overall the positioning of the controls gives the interior a more sexy, sporty, and streamlined look.
Source: luxvelocity.typepad.




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2009 Honda Insight Leaked Brochure Includes Sporty Modulo Version


2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan The brochure that was uploaded on the Honda enthusiast site called Temple of Vtec also reveals a picture of the Insight Modulo. For those wondering, Modulo is the name Honda gives to jazzed-up versions of factory-designed cars. The accessorized Insight pictured above features a sporty bodykit with a front spoiler that incorporates an extra set of (fog?) lights, side skirts, a rear apron and larger alloy wheels. Finally, we also learn from the leaked brochure that the JDM Insight will be offered in three trim levels, G, L and LS.

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
Despite Honda's attempts to keep a tight lid on any information concerning the new Insight hybrid sedan, a set of scans from the official Japanese market model (JDM) brochure have been leaked online, two weeks before the car's worldwide premiere at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Honda had released a three-quarter front shot of the production version but the brochure scans give us our first glimpse of the 2009 Insight's more conservatively styled rear-end along with the hybrid's interior which remains for the most part unchanged compared to the Paris Show Insight Concept.

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
Another site called 'Insightman' posted a more detailed article with plenty of data sourced from an unnamed Japanese car magazine that supposedly gathered the information from a product preview meeting for Honda dealers in Japan. We've included the 'spec-sheet' of the JDM Insight below, but since it's unofficial info from an unnamed source, we wouldn't take it too seriously.

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
As for the information that Honda has verified up until now, the production Insight will be equipped with a mild hybrid powertrain developed from the one found in the Civic IMA, combining an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. The Insight will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2009 with U.S. prices said to start from around $18,000 to $19,000.

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan

more detail. ...



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Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Star in Race-Inspired Super Bowl Ads


Hyundai will air its first two television advertisements for the new 2010 Genesis Coupe during the Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. The two distinct 30-second spots will see race driver Rhys Millen getting behind the wheel of the 306HP Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6. Millen will navigate the rear-wheel drive sports car around the 2.54-mile, 12-turn race track at Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia to show off the Genesis Coupe's capabilities.
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Lexus LF-A Supercar Still Alive Despite Cost Cuts


What is expected to end up happening is that the 500hp Lexus will be built to a limited number of only 500 examples. Whether that includes the cabriolet or not remains to be seen.


Toyota is really serious about bringing to market the Lexus LF-A sports car by 2011. This despite the current economic situation, especially pronounced in the financial services and automobile manufacturing sectors. The company is holding firm on its commitment to Formula One as well, even though "to keep it up at the current level [of spending] is extremely difficult", according to CEO Katsuaki Watanabe. Rival Honda recently pulled the plug on its NSX as well as its F1 programme.


Earlier this year the LF-A teased crowds at the Nurburgring 24 hours and more recently at Toyota's Motorsport Festival at the Fuji Speedway. A small number of LF-A prototypes are rumoured to be on a short list to compete at various racing championships once again in 2009.
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Lotec released 2009 Sirius sketches


The name of Lotec you are probably familiar: It is a small German preparer who beyond his work on tuning the cars made of the mark to the star, has also embarked on many projects more ambitious. There had been the single C1000, 850-horsepower supercar built at the request of a wealthy emir. Lotec had also dwelt on a Ferrari Testarossa with the key to a monster of 780 horses.


Christmas is not likely to arrive late this year: SSC Aero, Gumpert Apollo or even the amazing Danish Zenvo ST1, means of locomotion supersonic no shortage at this time of Eve. This is just an old sea serpent appears to join the party.


Finally, Lotec became known delirious with Sirius, a supercar whose drawing (rather heavy) dates back to 1992 and who intends to display more than 1,200 horses to a top speed of over 400 km / h.


And to get back to days at a time when more than one thousand of horses is no longer a sufficient means to distinguish itself, provides a new Lotec Sirius for the year 2009. Obviously, it is still at the stage of photoshop but there is no doubt that his claims should be up to its predecessor.
Source: leblogauto



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Official: Jaguar XF Diesel S details have emerged

2010 Jaguar XF Diesel
Jaguar has introduced a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine for the European market 2010 XF that will be offered with outputs of 240 HP and 275HP in S form. The dual turbocharged 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesels are a direct development of the 207 HP 2.7-liter AJ V6 that was jointly engineered with the PSA Peugeot-Citroen group. Both units are matched to Jaguar's six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission. In standard form, the 3.0 V6 diesel produces 240 HP (16 percent more than the 2.7 V6) allowing the XF to go from 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 149mph (240 km/h).


On the outside, the Diesel S XF is distinguished by a set of newly designed 19-inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet 'S' badging.

Along with the presentation of the new diesel-powered models, Jaguar said that it has also performed 'significant trim and specification changes' that include the introduction of a new luxurious Portfolio version.


The more powerful XF Diesel S that delivers an output of 275HP and a massive 600Nm (443 lbs-ft) of torque, accelerates from 0-60mph (96 km/h) in just 5.9 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the 2.7-litre model, while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 155mph (250 km/h). The XF Diesel S has a combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg UK or 35mpg US – an improvement on the 2.7-litre diesel of 12 percent – and a CO2 emissions rating of 179g/km.


In the UK, pricing of the new XF 3.0-litre diesel model starts from £33,900 while the new 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at £36,900. These new Jaguar XF models will be available in Europe from March 2009.
via:carscoop




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Poll results are in!


The poll results are finally in after 1 and half years. The poll asked how your whole experience with the blog was and to rate it.

Out of the 370 people to took part, more than half (60%) had clicked the "Brilliant" button which is good news for me and the blog. 19% of our readers said their experience was "Good", 8% said it was "Average" and 3% said it was "Poor". Surprisingly, 8% of readers said their experience of the whole site was "Very Poor".

Cars Of The Future® Blog was designed to be easy to navigate around, understand and see. Unlike other online car sites/e-zine's, the cool blue background mated to the grey text means that the text written is clear and you won't have to strain your eyes too much nor will it blind you.

If you were the 8% who said they had a very poor overall experience with the blog, please voice your opinions and thoughts so the blog can be improved.

Thank you to those who took part in the poll.

Regards

New Car: 2009 Jaguar XF S (MY'10)


Although the XF went on sale earlier on this year, Jaguar has given it a slight tweak and introduced a new diesel engine.

The Jaguar XF’s new engine is a development of the 2.7-litre AJ V6 that was jointly engineered with PSA and also powers the Land Rover Discovery.

Capacity has increased to 3.0 litres, and power is up by 33%, from 207bhp to 272bhp. Torque increases to 420lb ft from 320lb ft, a 66% hike. That makes the new unit more torquey than any of its rivals apart from the BMW 535d.

The new engine means that the Jaguar XF S, as the new diesel model will be called when it arrives in dealerships in March 2009, can hit 60mph in 5.9sec, 1.8sec faster than the old 2.7-litre diesel. The car’s CO2 emissions fall from 199g/km to 179g/km whilst returning upto 42mpg.

Jaguar’s engineers have upgraded the engine’s forced induction system. Up to 2800rpm the larger of the two turbos does all the work, at which point the smaller unit kicks in. Jaguar claims that this system improves efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.

Along with the 272bhp engine, there will also be a 237bhp version with the same fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, although that model’s 0-60mph time is increased to 6.7sec.
The new diesel Jaguar XF S gets 20-inch wheels and a boot lid lip spoiler to help distinguish it from the regular XF.

Jaguar is also adding a Portfolio model to the XF range, which will get a similar treatment to the XK and XF Portfolios; expect bespoke interior trim and colours, including lots of leather, and exterior tweaks such as polished aluminium wing vents.

Jaguar will also upgrade its petrol V8s in 2009, kicking off with a new 5.0 litre engine that’s due to be unveiled in the XFR super-saloon at next month’s Detroit motorshow. Equipped with a supercharger, this engine produces 503bhp.

Press Release:

THE NEW JAGUAR XF DIESEL S:

“The new XF V6 Diesel S – combining superb performance and excellent fuel economy - sets the pace with acceleration from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, a maximum speed of 155mph, yet delivers an average fuel consumption of 42mpg and CO2 emissions of 179g/km: Truly the best of both worlds!”

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

THE NEW XF DIESEL S – In Brief:

• The most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar diesel ever

• New 275PS high-performance XF Diesel S featuring Jaguar’s new AJ-V6D Gen III S 3.0-litre diesel engine delivers a massive 600Nm of torque

• 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds, 50-70mph in just 3.2 seconds, a maximum speed of 155mph and yet combined fuel economy of just 42.0mpg – 12 percent better than the acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine

• Emits just 179g/km – a 10 percent reduction in CO2. Conforms to EU5 emission regulations using conventional exhaust after-treatment

• 33 percent more powerful and 61 percent more torque from 1500rpm than the 2.7-litre V6 diesel

“With CO2 emissions of 179g/km, 42mpg average fuel economy and 0-60mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds, this is another great example of Jaguar delivering unrivalled performance while at the same time taking the level of refinement in diesel engines to a whole new level.”

Mick Mohan, Jaguar Programmes Director.

When it was introduced last year, the XF was recognised as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance. Now, the new XF Diesel S takes this driving experience to new levels, shifting the balance even further towards dynamic performance while still retaining the XF’s core values as a refined and luxurious sports saloon.

Distinguished by 20 inch wheels, aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet ‘S’ badging, the car that defines Jaguar sporting luxury is even better for the 2010 model year, with a stunning new high-performance diesel. Powered by a 275PS engine, the Diesel S gives the XF outstanding levels of performance, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the excellent 2.7-litre model. In-gear acceleration is equally impressive, with a 50-70mph time of just 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Featuring parallel sequential turbochargers to help deliver the high levels of power and torque seamlessly and with effortless flexibility, this engine is perfectly matched to Jaguar’s sophisticated six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission.

“The new parallel sequential turbocharger system on our new V6 diesel delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs. It’s a power unit that offers superb flexibility and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions, while building on the refinement that has become a trademark of our Jaguar diesel engines.” Ron Lee, Group Chief Engineer, Powertrain.

There is an equally impressive 240PS version of the new 3.0-litre engine available too, which produces 16 percent more power and a 15 percent increase in torque over the 2.7-litre diesel, allowing the XF to reach 60mph in 6.7 seconds. Its 50-70mph time of just 3.7 seconds is only fractionally slower than the 275PS Diesel S model. Maximum speed is 149mph. And like the 275PS engine, these great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the 2.7-litre diesel of over 10 percent – and a CO2 emissions rating of only 179g/km.

There are also significant trim and specification changes – including many new features – and the introduction of a new Portfolio derivative as part of the core range. For Jaguar and the new 2010 model year XF, the high-performance diesel has truly arrived. Pricing for the 2010 model year diesels – which will carry a premium over the current 2.7 – will be announced shortly.

The acclaimed XF 2.7 Diesel has won several accolades, including in the UK What Car magazine’s ‘Diesel Car of the Year’ and ‘Car of the Year’, What Diesel magazine’s ‘Diesel Car of the Year’ and the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ Best Diesel of 2008. Additionally, the XJ 2.7-litre Diesel was also named Britain’s greenest luxury car in the Environmental Transport Association’s 2008 Car Buyers Guide for the second year running.

THE NEW AJ-V6D GEN III ENGINE - IN DETAIL:

Drawing on the experience gained in designing the original, acclaimed 2.7-litre engine, the new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesels demonstrate that it is possible to deliver improved performance, while reducing CO2 emissions and fuel economy. In the XF, the new engine produces 10 percent less CO2 than the 2.7-litre, while power has increased by 33 percent in Diesel S guise. As well as tackling CO2, the new 3.0-litre engines meet the forthcoming EU5 regulations, due to come into force at the start of 2011. And these great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption in both models of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the 2.7-litre engine of 12 percent.

Twin-turbos – maximum efficiency, instant response:

A key feature of the new engine is the unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to deliver unrivalled response and best-in-class torque – an impressive 61 percent more than the 2.7-litre diesel from 1500rpm – while packing a huge punch at higher engine speeds. For most day-to-day driving, including motorway cruising, a responsive, variable-geometry primary turbocharger does all the work, while the smaller, fixed-geometry, secondary turbo is dormant, saving energy and improving efficiency. When the engine revs climb above 2800rpm, the secondary turbo is brought on line within 300 milliseconds, smoothly and seamlessly boosting the engine output with no discernible turbo-lag or power-step.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To alleviate this, valves under the control of the engine management system isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required.

Some twin-turbo systems rely on a smaller turbo for primary use, only using a larger turbo when higher power is required. Though effective, this has the disadvantage of raised exhaust pressure and increased pumping losses. The Jaguar system uses a larger, variable-geometry turbocharger more of the time, which not only reduces pumping losses, but also improves fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Jaguar engineers particularly focused on the issue of turbocharger ‘lag’ at low engine speeds. The new AJ-V6D Gen III 3.0-litre diesels significantly out-perform their rivals by delivering 500Nm of torque in only 500 milliseconds from idle.

Third-generation common-rail:

A new common-rail fuel-injection system delivers up to five injections on each cycle at a pressure of 2000bar. Each injector tip is perforated by seven holes through which finely atomised fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. The high-pressure injection increases power, improves economy and reduces both CO2 and particulate emissions. New, third-generation high-speed piezo injectors allow up to five precise injection events during each combustion cycle, minimising engine combustion noise. Piezo crystal ‘packs’ operate each injector by expanding when an electric current is passed through them. They react virtually instantaneously but can make a distinctive click when fired, which can add to diesel engine noise at idle. The crystals in Jaguar’s new injectors are fitted nearer the tip, meaning they are mounted deeper inside the engine providing better sound insulation and quieter operation.

Another new feature of the third-generation fuel-injection system is the metering mode. Traditional diesel common-rail fuel pumps oversupply the injectors, with the surplus being returned to the fuel tank. During this process, fuel temperature increases and cooling it again consumes considerable amounts of energy. In metering mode, the pump delivers fuel to the injectors only at the rate required. Consequentially, there is no rise in fuel temperature and no wasted energy.

Compact, light and clean:

The two cylinder heads, with four valves per cylinder, are made from aluminium and the cylinder block is made from compact graphite iron (CGI). The higher tensile strength of CGI makes it possible to cast a smaller block; some 80mm shorter than a conventional ‘grey’ cast iron equivalent. The new, water-cooled, exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), important for reducing pumping losses and emissions of NOX in a diesel engine, is more efficient and consumes less power than the 2.7-litre unit. The valves that allow exhaust gas into the system are located on the ‘hot side’ of the engine nearest the exhaust manifolds; these valves never cool while the engine is running, so there is no condensation of combustion deposits which occurs on engines fitted with ‘cold side’ valves, hence the EGR system always works at maximum efficiency. Since the EGR cooling is so effective, exhaust gasses can bypass the system and return to the exhaust pipes, allowing faster engine warm-up from start-up and reducing emissions still further.

EU5 emissions regulations have been achieved ahead of the 2011 legislative timetable using conventional diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). NOX levels are reduced at source through the combustion system design, the addition of the new common-rail injection system and the new EGR system with by-pass. As a result, specialised NOX exhaust after-treatment is unnecessary, avoiding a potential cost and the need to use additional precious metals in the exhaust system.

Remarkably quiet for a diesel:

The CGI cylinder block and new piezo injectors reduce combustion noise in the engine. Multiple, precise injections of fuel on the combustion stroke also reduce combustion noise and all engine covers including camshaft covers, front covers and the sump have been optimised to subdue radiated noise. Engine enclosures have been ribbed to minimise radiated noise and the sump pan is manufactured from sound deadening steel (SDS), comprising a polymer layer sandwiched between two layers of steel.

Internal friction, a major contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption, has been addressed by careful optimisation of the crankshaft, valves and pistons. All these features combine to make the new Jaguar AJ-V6D Gen III engines amongst the quietest premium diesels on the market.

A major step forward:

With its parallel sequential turbocharger system, third-generation common-rail fuel injection system and fully optimised EGR system, the new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel sets new class standards when it comes to power, response and refinement in the premium diesel segment.

“The new XF challenges the rules and redefines Jaguar sporting luxury. Our designers and engineers have worked together to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. It’s a simple but very effective philosophy and the result is great new products like the new 3.0-litre diesel XF.”

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

SEAT Exeo pricing announced (UK)


SEAT UK has announced pricing on it's Exeo sedan. The previous-generation Audi A4-based saloon is offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three engines, a 2.0 TDI turbo-diesel producing 143bhp or 170bhp, as well as a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol unit with 200PS. All engines are mated to a standard 6 speed manual gearbox.

Prices for the Exeo start from £17,740 for the entry-level 2.0 TDI S. Comparatively, a similarly powered Ford Mondeo sedan 2.0 TDCi 140 Edge starts from £18,449, though Ford does offer discounts.

All Exeos will come equipped with standard USB connectivity that allows MP3 music players to be used in-car, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual zone climate control, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, 4x electric windows, ESP, ABS, 6 airbags, volumetric alarm with tilt sensor and remote central locking.

Stepping up to the Exeo SE adds rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an acoustic windscreen to the standard features.

Exeo Sport buyers will benefit from the likes of sports suspension, sports seats and 18-inch alloys, while those who opt for the range-topping SE Lux will enjoy black leather upholstery and bi-xenon headlights with AFS among the standard kit. The Exeo goes on sale in April 2009.

Model, Engine, PS, Recommended On The Road Price:

S, 2.0 TDI, 143, £17,740.00

SE, 2.0 TDI, 143, £18,345.00

Sport, 2.0 TDI, 143, £19,230.00

SE Lux, 2.0 TDI, 143, £20,410.00

Sport, 2.0 TDI, 170, £20,160.00

SE Lux, 2.0 TDI, 170, £21,340.00

Sport, 2.0 TSI, 200, £19,410.00

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Photo Gallery: 2010 BMW Z4
























































For those of you who can't get enough of the 2010 BMW Z4, I have for you some PC wallpapers to enjoy. Resolution: 1024x768.