BMW and Audi drive in their convertibles

Not content with competing head-on in the luxury segment with their mainstream models, the popular German trio of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are also joining the party of the super-rich populace with their range of ultra luxury models. If you remember, Daimler launched the facelifted Maybach and Audi took the wraps off the R8 V10 supercar in the not too distant past.



So, when both BMW and Audi launched their top-end roadsters in India on exactly the same date, the 25th of March 2011, they were just trying to spoil each other's party and divert the attention of the media and the public. Now, that's competition at its absolute best. 

BMW launched the 6 Series convertible in a snazzy event held in Udaipur, the City of Palaces. Powered by a V8 engine that churns out over 400 HP, the 6 Series is both fast and seductive. Being a brand-new model in BMW's line-up and coming here close on the heels of its international launch, the 6 Series convertible is priced at 95 Lakh Rupees. I guess its only a matter of time before BMW expands the 6 Series lineup with the Coupe and the 'M' variants.



Audi, on the other hand, launched the R8 Spyder in Mumbai with an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.45 Crore. This is already the third variant of the car to be offered in India after the R8 V8 and the R8 V10 hardtops. Powered by a V10 engine sourced from Lamborghini, the R8 Spyder churns out over 500 HP to literally bowl us off our feet with its acceleration and speed.



Both these cars, with their gorgeous looks, monstrous power, insane speed, ultra luxurious interiors, open-top fun and a hefty price tag have just added to the miseries of the super-rich, who are already spoilt for choices.

Pics Source: Team-BHP (www.team-bhp.com)

BMW 530i 2010 review

BMW 530i 2010 review

By Budi Mulyadi

In the model is expected to drive up to the market at year-end 2010 model. The next generation of models of BMW 5 Series luxury sports sedan will be characterized by a complete redesign and changes in the form of a luxury sedan seems a more conservative style. This was a very dynamic model, and can be comfortable that machine.

According to the sources of the BMW, it is expected to include the 530i model the next generation of wire guidance system used in aircraft. BMW will use the typical mechanical connection between the front wheels and steering wheel. If any problem in the system, the use of the car in the ratio 15:01, and thus operation of the vehicle did not stop at any time. The final effect after using this system is that in addition to speed, the driver can be used in the same small degree of routing inputs to deal with the car, and even in turns.

And additional features that are expected to be included in the model 2010 530i be adapted to the head beams, brake lights, run the tires, climate control, and dynamic control drive, steering and cruise the latest surveillance system to monitor tire pressure system and iDrive advanced.

President of the beam in the adjustment in the car and will consist of units that will take place bi-xenon for lighting the road in the curve. It will stop lights illuminate when they are applying more pressure on the brakes.

This car comes in various colors and patterns of power. Complement the outside of the vehicle interior region attracts customers because they are designed using innovative technology. The luxury sports car feature all the amenities needed for sports sedans next generation.

It will form the next generation of signals use a lot of the design of the stock 7 - series BMW iDrive with one of the most noticeable.

Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire was introduced for the 1995 model year as the compact car to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the Chevrolet Cavalier, though General Motors did not change the Cavalier name. Also during this time, the J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards. The Sunfire could be purchased as a sedan, coupe, or convertible. All three types came in the standard SE trim level. An upscale GT trim level was available on the coupe and convertible. The GT trim level came standard with the 2.3 liter (LD2) in 1995 or the 2.4 liter LD9 engine (1996–2002), 16-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and a more aggressive looking front fascia. The GT trim level was dropped after the 2002 model year. Originally the convertible was only in the SE trim level until the 1999 model year where it became only available in the GT trim. The convertible was discontinued after the year 2000. The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts, once in 2000 and once again in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of the overall production run in 2005 and a few cars were sold in 2006. Sunfires were built in Lordstown, Ohio (until 2004, before retooling to build the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit/G5 models) and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The convertible models were built in Lansing, Michigan. Production of the Sunfire ended on June 22, 2005, but a few "2006 models" were sold that year. Over 36,000 Sunfires were sold in the US and 33,724 units were sold in Canada in 2004, each for approximately US$11,500. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for 2007.



The IIHS gives the Sunfire a Poor rating in its frontal crash test.

2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (coupe):

Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars

Frontal Passenger: 4/5 stars

Side Driver: 1/5 stars

Side Rear Passenger: 2/5 stars

Rollover: 4/5 stars

2002 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (sedan):[4]

Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars

Frontal Passenger: 4/5 stars

Side Driver: 1/5 stars

Side Rear Passenger: 3/5 stars

Rollover: 4/5 stars




Engine Detail
* 1995 – 2.3 L (138 cu in) Quad 4(RPO: LD2) I4, 150 hp (116 kW) and 150 lb·ft (203 N·m)
* 1995–1997 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 I4, 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 lb·ft (176 N·m)
* 1998–2002 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 I4, 115 hp (86 kW) and 135 lb·ft (183 N·m)
* 1996–2002 – 2.4 L (146 cu in) Twin Cam (RPO: LD9) I4, 150 hp (112 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m)
* 2002–2005 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) Ecotec I4, 140 hp (104 kW) and 150 lb·ft (203 N·m)

The base model had the 2.2 L engine from 1995 until 2002. The GT trim level had an optional, much more powerful 2.3 L Quad 4 engine in 1995, which was replaced by the 2.4 L LD9 engine in 1996. The 2.3 and 2.4 liter engines were optional in the 2 and 4 door SE trim level. In 2003, both the 2.2 L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec engine, and would be the only powertrain available for the remainder of production. The Ecotec engine was also an option for the 2002 model year.