Saturday, October 13, 2012

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS, 2012

 
 
 
 
  • Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS, 2012

The Porsche AG is widening the top end of its Carrera model line and pairing up each of the two 911 Carrera GTS with an all-wheel drive twin. That means that the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet will combine the 408 hp (300 kW) top of the range engine of the Carrera GTS family with the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Driving dynamics are not the only source of attraction. Economics are as well. Thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance the new all-wheel 911s consume no more than the equivalent Carrera 4S version, the Coupé remains at 11.0 l/100 km (25.7 mpg imp.) and the Cabriolet at 11.2 l/100 km (25.2 mpg imp.) respectively based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Moreover both of them boast an even more comprehensive standard equipment package compared with the Carrera 4S models.

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. A wholesale revamping of the intake duct added 23 hp (17 kW), taking the power output to 408 hp (300 kW) at 7,300 rpm. The special aspiration system not only improves peak power output but flexibility and power development as well thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. 320 Newton metres kick in from as low as 1,500 rpm; the six-cylinder engine delivers its rated torque of 420 Nm in the broad engine speed range from 4,200 rpm and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system fitted as standard ensures a distinctly sporty sound. It invests the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS with an unmistakable acoustic signature and the rear view of its tail pipe with its unique black surface design lends it a unique character.
At full power the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed is available as an option if desired. The PDK shaves an additional 0.2 seconds respectively off the acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).

In the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS as well, PTM all-wheel drive stands for Porsche's typical driving pleasure with even more driving stability, traction and agile handling. The PTM achieves this by directing the optimal proportion of the engine torque to the front wheels via a multiple-plate clutch. What's more, just how single-mindedly the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is designed for driving dynamics is evident from the use of a standard limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear differential lock contributes to the driving dynamics of the electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.

Visually, the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS models with all-wheel drive differ in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive: In addition to the type name on the doors and rear lid, the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional reflective stripe between the taillights. What the Carrera GTS models have in common is the 911's wide body, otherwise reserved for the all-wheel version of the 911s, and the rear axle track width that goes with it. In numerous other details as well the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. For example, they run on 19 inch RS Spyder wheels in black with central locking and gloss-lathed rim flanges fitted with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear axle.

Additional visual features include the Sport-Design front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Driver and passenger are accommodated on sports seats. Typical of the GTS, the emphatically sporty black Alcantara covering on centre panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid and extension are offered as standard in addition to a range of leather upholstery options.

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé, including country-specific equipment and VAT at 19 per cent, is offered in Germany at a price of 111,956 euro, the Cabriolet costs 122,071 euro. Both models will be on sale in Germany from July 2011.
Read More

Audi A8 L Security, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
  •  Audi A8 L Security, 2012

The Audi is introducing a new, exclusive model - the Audi A8 L Security. The long-wheelbase high-security version of the A8 meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles, with a host of special security features available in addition to its heavy armoring. At sales launch Audi will offer the W12 engine, with another unit to follow in 2012. Both engines combine superior power with high efficiency.

Body
At 5.27 meters (17.29 ft) in length, the Audi A8 L Security is a large, representative luxury sedan, hardly distinguishable to the eye from the production version. The LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions, lend a striking expression to its front. They are part of the standard package in the Audi A8 L Security W12.

When developing the basic design for the A8 model line, Audi engineers already had the high-security version in mind from the very outset. The result is a totally integrated concept far superior to any retrofit solution currently available on the market. All of the major components were analyzed with regard to their deformation properties, giving the Audi A8 L Security an excellent crash performance that is also mindful of the other party involved.

The armored sedan's custom security modifications are performed by hand in a small, well-guarded workshop - on a production floor with specially secured doors, where the use of cellular phones is strictly prohibited. The basis for the high-security car is a previously modified aluminum production body constructed at the Neckarsulm plant as per the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle. Specially trained technicians put in roughly 450 hours of work to incorporate the security features - in the uncompromisingly high quality Audi is known for. When this stage of the process is complete, the car returns to the factory for final assembly.

The Audi A8 L Security has been officially certified by a German-government ballistics testing facility in Munich for compliance with the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard (tested as per BRV 2009 guidelines). The abbreviation BRV stands for Bullet Resistant Vehicles. The car's resistance to explosions was tested as per ERV 2010 guidelines (ERV = Explosion Resistant Vehicles). Class VR 7 ballistic protection imposes the strictest standards on civilian high-security sedans. The sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell must withstand firing with NATO hard-core ammunition. In certain areas, the armoring on the Audi A8 L Security even complies with the criteria for class VR 9 and VR 10.

Integrated as a unitized component of the body, the high-security sedan's safety cell features a convergence of extremely tough, resistant materials - hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. Overlapping protective materials at the joints provide the utmost level of security throughout the occupant cell. The interior armoring weighs approximately 720 kilograms (1,587.33 lb).

The aluminum side sills have solid steel sections built in. These provide increased protection against explosive weapons - an area that has seen a marked stiffening of requirements in recent years. Made of an innovative aluminum alloy, the car's armored floor serves the same purpose. The Audi A8 L Security is capable of withstanding an attack with a military hand grenade.

Even an explosive charge defined from the test program does not pose a lethal threat to passengers, as demonstrated by measurements taken during testing on dummies.

The side windows, windshield and rear window are all made of special glass with a polycarbonate coating in the inside to prevent spalling. Optional electromechanical window openers operate the side windows, allowing them to be lowered nearly all the way. The excess weight of the windows amounts to just over 300 kilograms (661.39 lb). A closing assist feature comes standard for the doors - which weigh an additional 360 kilograms (793.66 lb) altogether. A door-stop function holds each door open in any desired position.

A key area in the Audi A8 L Security is the "communication box" in the luggage compartment. In addition to the control units for the vehicle and communications electronics, it holds the optional components that further enhance the passengers' safety, along with the additional battery. The heavily armored communication box is novel in another way: It has comparatively light ceramic doors, and its frames are made of aluminum. Customers can also request special protection for the battery and the fuel tank.

A standard two-way communication system allows passengers in the Audi A8 L Security to communicate with the outside world when the windows are closed. The system makes use of a speaker in the single-frame grille as well as microphones for the cabin and exterior.

Despite the high level of security it offers, the Audi A8 L Security is a relatively light armored car. As is always the case in an Audi, the lightweight design plays a central role here. Outfitted with the W12 engine, the Audi A8 L Security is the lightest vehicle among its peers.

High-security features
For Audi A8 L Security customers, a multitude of special options are available for enhanced security. Among these is the emergency exit system, a technology patented by Audi. When the driver or rear passenger presses a tamperproof switch and pulls one of the inside door handles, pyrotechnical separating screws in the hinges detach the door from the body. The door can then be knocked out with a slight push.

Other security feature is the fire extinguisher system, which is activated via heat sensors or by pushing a button. The extinguishing agent flows from two canisters installed in the luggage compartment through two tubes running along the underfloor. Nozzles spray the agent into the wheel arches, onto the underfloor, onto the tank, and into the engine compartment.

The emergency fresh-air system operates with two oxygen cartridges housed in the protected area. At the push of a button, the system supplies fresh breathing air to the interior via vents in the roof lining. The supply lasts long enough for the car to pass through a danger zone or get out of a danger zone it is currently in. The system works by generating positive pressure in the vehicle interior to prevent toxic gases from penetrating the cabin. Yet another option is what Audi calls security start - a feature that allows the driver to start the engine remotely via a radio signal.

Numerous additional solutions round out the offering: a smoke extractor for the passenger compartment, an LED signaling system for convoy travel, flashing lights, a siren, a preparation for professional mobile radio systems, a flag holder, a permanently installed telephone, an accident data recorder, an additional rearview camera and a heated windshield plus partially heated side windows. Going beyond all of this, Audi will also ensure customers' special requests are taken care of an individual basis.

Interior
The interior of the Audi A8 L Security is captivating, with its spacious design and workmanship on a craftsman's level. The comfort on board is first class - the standard package includes a four-zone climate control system with an ionizer to freshen the air, electric rear blinds, the sonorous Bose surround sound system and a TV tuner. In the rear are two individual, seats with power adjustment. Also featuring a versatile adjustment range, the front comfort seats offer heating as well as optional massage and ventilation functions. In addition, the Audi A8 L W12 Security comes with a standard full-leather package.

On request Audi will install the "relaxation seat" - a widely adjustable right-hand rear seat with a power-adjustable footrest, heating and massage. Also available is a full-length center console with large storage compartments, complemented by the rear seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch displays. Optional features such as a folding table, a refrigerator and a parking heater make the time spent in the car even more pleasant.

Assistance and multimedia systems
For the high-security version of the A8 L, Audi offers virtually the entire gamut of advanced technologies available for the production version. The standard MMI Navigation plus system works with a large hard disk, a high-resolution eight-inch monitor and a fast 3D graphics processor. Its groundbreaking feature, however, is the touchpad - the MMI touch. It gives the driver intuitive control of many functions. The navigation destination, for example, can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad with a finger.

MMI navigation plus is tightly integrated with the assistance and safety systems in the Audi A8 L Security. It reads the road ahead and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and the optional adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. With their increased intelligence, these systems can recognize complex scenarios and predictively support the driver.

The Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences in many cases. The Audi A8 L Security comes equipped with the pre sense basic version of the system, combined with the pre sense rear feature, which is coupled with the Audi side assist lane-changing system. Other optional systems enhance safety and comfort even further. These include Audi pre sense front as a component of ACC stop & go, night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians and Audi lane assist, which detects boundary lines on the roadway.

A standard high-end feature is park assistance plus with Audi Top View - a system consisting of four cameras mounted on the car to monitor its surroundings. A computer compiles images from the cameras and presents them in various views on the onboard monitor. The Cornerview function gives the driver a glimpse of traffic crossing in front of the sedan - a practical aid when maneuvering through narrow exits, for example.

Audi also offers many attractive multimedia modules. The Audi A8 L Security is outfitted with the Bluetooth car phone online as standard.

A complete, fast connection to the Internet is established via an integrated UMTS module, and a partnership with Google endows the car with innovative, intelligent functions. Passengers can connect their mobile terminal devices to a WLAN hotspot. For discreet telephoning, separate telephone handsets are available as an option.

Drivetrain
Audi is launching the new Audi A8 L Security with a superb engine - the W12. The direct-injected gasoline engine owes its name to the W-shaped layout of its cylinders - four rows of three cylinders each, merged into two banks. From a displacement of 6.3 liters, the compact, lightweight W12 pumps out 368 kW (500 hp) of power and 625 Nm (460.98 lb-ft) of torque, with the latter readily available at 4,750 rpm.

The W12 is captivating, with its smooth running performance, its subtle, musical sound and its power. It accelerates the Audi A8 L Security from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds. In consideration of the tires, top speed is limited to 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The high-security sedan consumes just 13.5 liters of fuel on average per 100 km (17.42 US mpg) - by far the lowest figure among its direct competitors (performance and consumption figures are preliminary). Compared with the predecessor model generating 331 kW (450 hp), fuel consumption has dropped by 3.0 liters per 100 kilometers - that's an improvement of 18 percent.

In the coming year, Audi will offer a second engine version, which will combine outstanding pulling power with surprising efficiency. Its average consumption of 10 to 11 liters per 100 km (23.52 to 21.38 US mpg) will earn it a best-in-class ranking in terms of fuel efficiency.

In both engine variants, power is transmitted via an eight-speed tiptronic featuring a large overall gear spread. Its control system is electronic, operated with an elegant selector lever or rocker switches at the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system conducts the power from the engine to all four wheels. In the standard configuration, the sporty drive is emphasized at the rear; if the situation calls for it, the drive system redirects a majority of the torque input to the axle with the better traction.

Chassis
The Audi A8 L Security provides luxurious ride comfort. Audi developed its chassis, brake system and electronic control systems specifically for the increased weight; in the wheel control arms, for example, the tensile strengths, materials and wall thickness have all been recalibrated. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is integrated in the Audi drive select system, which enables fine-tuning of a number of parameters. The optional dynamic steering rounds out the range on offer.

The high-security sedan is fitted with standard 19-inch forged wheels featuring a semipolished, two-tone finish. The specially sized 255/720 tires have a high load index of 117. Synthetic rings on the rims allow the vehicle to continue traveling at speeds up to 80 km/h (49.71 mph) even after a malfunction has occurred.

A tire pressure monitoring system that continuously checks the settings is also part of the standard equipment. Audi offers a full-size spare tire as an option.

The Audi A8 L Security W12 will be ready for delivery in late summer of 2011. An additional engine will follow in 2012. Audi supports its customers with an extensive range of services and a special training course for drivers and owners.
Read More

Friday, October 12, 2012

Lotus Evora GX Racecar, 2013

 
 
 
 
 
  •  Lotus Evora GX Racecar, 2013

Hot off the back of unleashing the Evora GTC racer, Lotus Racing engineers have been honing the Lotus Evora GX to meet the requirements of North America's legendary sports car series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

Late in the 2012 season the Evora will race under the Rolex Series' GT rules as GX rules begin in 2013. With the Lotus Evora GX, the driving experience is even more pure, and the beefy body kit is even more aggressive.

McMahon Raceworks with Condor Motorsport have placed an order for their Lotus Evora GX, and the team led by David McMahon with Armando Trentini as lead driver and consultant, will enter the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

Like the GTC, carbon-fibre doors, roof and engine cover have replaced the SMC and RTM composite panels of the previous evolution GT4 Enduro, and Plexiglass replaces the polycarbonate windows in order to trim yet more weight off what is already a very light car. At 1,150kg, it tips the scales at just 10kg over the weight of the GTC model, despite being fitted with the much thicker US-spec roll cage

There are aerodynamic changes too, with a new front splitter and front bumper, and the standard Rolex Series rear wing which, along with the car's wide wheels and flared arches, give it very mean stance. To meet other series requirements, ABS and traction control have been removed, putting more emphasis on driver skill.

There's also a new fuel filler system, Continental tyres, and yellow headlamps in order to tick all the race series specific boxes. The 4-litre V6 continues to pump out 440bhp and 440Nm of torque, linked to an XTRAC six-speed sequential paddle-shift. The GX is priced at $335,000.00 and will be built to order.
Read More

Opel Astra OPC, 2013

 
 
 
  •  Opel Astra OPC, 2013

The new Opel Astra GTC is being given a sharper edge: at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, its high performance OPC version (Opel Performance Center) has its world premiere. From spring 2012, the new car crowns Opel's the racy compact coupé offer. The Opel Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine, with 206 kW/280 hp output and maximum torque of 400 Nm. This power house ensures that the Astra OPC can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra been so fast.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine ensures that the Astra OPC is now the most powerful member of Opel's compact segment. Both the induction tract and the exhaust system were optimized to get the most out of the engine. The high-performance chassis was also adapted to the power plant. In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop ("Nordschleife") of the Nürburgring race track in Germany. All OPC cars are tested in the "Green Hell" - the nickname given by the British racing driver Jackie Stewart to this part of the track. Not just driving dynamics are pushed to the limit on the world famous race track. No OPC model can be sold to the customer without first passing a 10,000 kilometer endurance test on the Nürburgring. That is equivalent to 180,000 kilometers of driving in normal conditions. Under these extreme conditions the durability of new components can be guaranteed.

High Performance: FlexRide chassis, HiPerStruts and Brembo brakes
The Opel Astra OPC chassis is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) of the Astra GTC is the decisive ingredient.

The standard mode puts the vehicle in a high comfort setting, while the special sport mode adds a notable extra in agility. The OPC setting places drivers in a third dimension: steering is more direct, the gas pedal speaks clearly and the chassis turns on to maximum handling.

However, the OPC model goes one major step further: it has been fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle. This gives the OPC even more stability and better handling, in other words the car has more grip when exiting bends at high speeds - even in wet conditions. "We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers - not just on the Nürburgring," the motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhock, explains. The high performance brake system on the front axle made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure.

Aggressive Design: High Performance Astra Flexes Its Muscles
The exclusive body work of the Opel Astra OPC is an expression of pure passion for power and speed. The Astra GTC with its racy edge has so far been the most emotional expression of Opel's design language but the OPC version flexes its muscles. The OPC is given extra sportiness with a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. 20" forged alloy wheels are available and give the Astra OPC a bold appearance.

High-tech Weight Saving Material in Seats
The interior of the new Astra has the typical OPC features such as a leather flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and a sporty dashboard. The driver and his co-pilot will be able to benefit from a new high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology that makes its debut in the compact sports coupe segment. The new front seats increase the sporty and dynamic driving experience while providing a lower seating position and enhanced side support.

OPC engineers used an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new high performance seat boasts up to 18 different settings. In addition, pneumatically adjustable cushions are available for the flanks of the performance seat. They fit around every body shape and give support from the side at the push of a button. Customers can choose from a fabric/morrocana combination and two other leather covers.

The first car manufacturer to offer high-performance seats certified by the independent healthy back experts, AGR ("Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V."), starting in 2003 with the Signum. The AGR only approves seats with its quality seal that meet its high ergonomic standards. In order to be honored with the AGR seal, the seat has to fulfill a list of ten criteria. They include four-way lordosis support and that the seatback contours adapt exactly to the natural curvature of the spine. The new Opel Astra OPC continues this tradition and brings the only AGR certified seat to the compact sports coupé segment.

OPC: Performance and pure passion
The Opel Performance Center (OPC), responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the brand's profile. It embodies a high level of emotionality and passion for striking design, top-class technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. The vehicles with "OPC" in the model name are positioned as the emotional spearheads of the respective model lines. Current OPC models include the Corsa, 141 kW/192 hp (154 kW/210 hp as Nürburgring-Edition) as well as the Insignia OPC, which is available as a four or five-door sedan and Sports Tourer. The 2.8 liter V6 turbo gasoline engine (239 kW/325 hp) is the most powerful Opel production engine in history. For the "Unlimited" version of the Insignia OPC, maximum speed goes up to 270 km/h (depending on trim and transmission variant).
Read More

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Concept, 2012

 
  •  Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Concept, 2012

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Ghost Six Senses concept, a highly-bespoke luxury model that encapsulates the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence.

Approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. And the sense of surprise and delight continues as guests encounter the lavish use of soft, sumptuous leathers, finest veneer detailing and special bespoke enhancements.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is the world's leading luxury goods manufacturer. And while the world of luxury presents many objects of desire that captivate one or more senses, it takes one of these hand-built cars to awaken all five.

Sight
Beautiful and elegant, a Rolls-Royce Ghost is a sign of impeccable taste, a luxury car that is instantly pleasing to the eye. Ghost Six Senses' pearlescent Carrara White finish complements new forged alloy wheels while eyes are immediately drawn to rich interior detailing upon entry through its coach doors. The deep lustre of the Walnut Burr veneer complete with diagonally-oriented, brown oak cross-banding, are designed to hint at the extraordinary power at the driver's disposal.

Sound
For more than 100 years the sound of silence has driven the Rolls-Royce brand. But 21st century Ghost and Phantom models also present an auditorium in which the most advanced systems can deliver music in the most impressive fashion. The concept audio system in Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses richly fills the spacious rear cabin thanks to its upgraded amplifier and the inclusion of 'exciter' speakers housed in the leather headlining that help raise the centre of sound closer to a passenger's ear.

Aroma
The finest interior materials create scents that are unique to Rolls-Royce. The rich aroma greeting Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses' occupants comes from the most supple natural soft grain leather in enveloping, hand-crafted seats, as well as in the car's leather headlining, with added hints of the woody spice in the walnut veneer.

Taste
Bathed in light from a panoramic sunroof, the rear cabin urges occupants to relax in style. For the ultimate taste experience the most refreshing chilled drinks or vintage champagne can be served from Ghost Six Senses' coolbox, in flutes featuring a delightful sound-wave etching.

Touch
From cool chrome and sumptuous leather to the finest veneers, a Rolls-Royce is the most tactile way to travel in ultra-luxury. Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses takes this concept further with the inclusion of natural grain leather for the first time. Deep pile lambswool rugs encourage occupants to submerge feet, while opening the boot effortlessly with remote opener, reveals a further lambswool lining to cosset luxury bespoke luggage.
Read More

Mini Bayswater, 2012

 
 
 
 
  • Mini Bayswater, 2012

The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design - blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre - halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill - Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.
Read More