Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label 4.4 litre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4.4 litre. Show all posts

Thursday, 23 February 2017

Hexagon Classics offers a rare Ferrari at it's next auction, the 1975 365 GT4 BB.

  • Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon is pleased to offer for sale one of the ultimate ‘Berlinetta Boxer’ Ferraris
  • Beautiful 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB is one of just 58 cars ever brought to the UK and is also considered the lightest and purest of the breed
  • The subject of an extensive and sympathetic restoration, it is presented in Rosso Chiaro paintwork with Nero leather
  • Right-hand-drive car has covered 43,570 miles from new and comes with full Ferrari Classiche certification
  • For more information, please visit http://hexagonclassics.com/
Hexagon Classics is delighted to offer for sale one of the most revered ‘Berlinetta Boxer’ Ferraris – an immaculate 365 GT4 BB, one of just 58 cars brought to the UK.
Launched at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, the range-topping 365 GT4 BB was Ferrari’s first road-going model with a mid-mounted flat-12 cylinder engine, a layout inspired by Ferrari’s three-litre F1 cars. 
Gaining the nickname ‘Boxer’ because of its opposing piston design, the 4,390 cc engine produced 380hp and featured four Weber twin-choke carburettors. Released in late 1973 a total of 387 cars were built until the
512 BB replacement arrived in 1976.

The 365 GT4 BB is regarded as the original and purest of all the Berlinetta Boxer models. It features eye-catching styling treatments such as triple rear lights and 'pea-shooter'-style exhaust pipes, marking it out from the later 512 BB models, which remained in production until 1984.
Together with its relatively short production run and the fact it was much lighter than 512 BB-badged cars, the 365 GT4 BB is regarded as the most valuable and sought-after of the entire Boxer family, making it a must-have in any Ferrari enthusiast’s car collection.
Originally supplied new in 1975 through Maranello Concessionaires, Surrey, chassis number 18153 is perhaps one of the finest Boxers currently on sale anywhere in the world.
It has benefitted from an extensive yet sympathetic restoration with works carried out by a leading Ferrari marque specialist and no limitations placed on cost. The entire interior is original and very well preserved.
Presented in Rosso Chiaro paintwork with Nero leather and having covered 43,570 miles from new, this 365 GT4 BB also comes with full Ferrari Classiche certification, two sets of keys, all original handbooks, original cased tool kit and a very extensive sheaf of service invoices and receipts.
Hexagon Classics Chairman Paul Michaels said: “The 365 GT4 BB is rightly regarded as one of the ultimate boxer-engined Ferraris. It’s the supercar that kick-started a long Maranello love affair with the flat 12-cylinder engine, which continued through the years with the 512 BB, 512 BBi, Testarossa, 512TR and finally the 512MM.
“The purest of them all, the 365 GT4 BB deserves a place in any classic car enthusiast’s collection and the example we are privileged to have on sale right now is outstanding. It has been treated to one of the most extensive, money-no-object restorations I’ve ever seen – but the work has not come at the expense of originality, with an interior that exhibits the most wonderful patina.
“Opportunities to own a car like this don’t come up very often, particularly not a rare right-hand-drive car of which only 58 came to the UK. Move quick is all I will say – this won’t hang around long.”
This Ferrari 365 GT4 BB is available to view now at Hexagon Classics’ flagship showroom in north London.
- ENDS -
Sam Hardy, Influence Associates
Tel: +44 (0) 2072 879 610
Mob: +44 (0) 7815 863 968

Notes to editors:
Hexagon
Hexagon has had one careful owner for over 50 years. Paul Michaels, Hexagon Chairman, started the business in 1963. From a small mews in north London, Hexagon quickly built a reputation for being passionate about road and racing cars.

It became the official dealer of some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Lotus and Reliant, not to mention London’s leading BMW dealer for over 45 years.

During that time, Hexagon also committed to car racing. It began racing D-Type Jaguars, Formula 5000 and during its most adventurous period, entered into F1 in 1973/74, with John Watson driving a Brabham BT44 to its best finish of 4th in Austria and picking up six points for the season.

Racing, with a particular emphasis on history, remains a passion, evidenced by the purchase of a 1987 Porsche 962, raced twice at Le Mans finishing 4TH and 8th respectively. But as the classic market continues to prosper and diversify into the more modern classic models, Paul and his team – lead by Jonathan Franklin – is harnessing its experience to bring the very best the market has to offer.

Its unrivalled contacts and reach across the world means that if the car you want is not in stock, it will know where and who to go to get it. And no car is offered to customers until a full and detailed inspection is undertaken.

Hexagon Classics focuses all types of classic car.
From the rarest and most collectable marques in the world to collectable air-cooled Porsches. Hexagon Classics usually has over 40 Porsche models in stock at any one time. From the 356, through to the best of the 911s – the 930, 964, 993, 996, and the 997. And extending to one of Paul’s personal favourites and one he believes is under-rated, the 928 GT.

Given that Porsche was one of the marques Hexagon sold new, it’s entirely possible that one day the same car will re-enter stock as a classic.

Hexagon’s partnership with Lotus marks a return to new cars, but with the Lotus’ heritage steeped in racing and some iconic road-going models, it’s a move that fits in with the ethos of the brand.

Tuesday, 20 December 2016

USA - The fastest ever 5-Series from BMW, the M550i xDrive hits US SHores early next year.

  • The Fastest 5 Series to date – 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.
  • BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology engine delivering 456 horsepower* and 480 lb-ft* of torque.
  • BMW M specially tuned chassis deliver even sharper steering responses.
  • BMW xDrive with rear-wheel bias allow sportiness and everyday practicality.
BMW announced today, a first ever BMW M Performance version of the world’s most successful business sedan. The first ever BMW M550i xDrive will take the spot as the top of the line performance vehicle in the current BMW 5 Series line-up. 
Boasting a mighty M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology engine developing 456 hp* and 480 lb-ft*, the abundant torque reserves and high-revving characteristics serve up to an outstanding blend of performance and uncompromised everyday usability.
Adding to this state-of-the-art engine are BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias and a bespoke M Performance chassis set-up, help create the fastest and most agile BMW 5 Series to date.
 The first ever 2018 BMW M550i xDrive will be available at U.S. dealerships in spring 2017 with pricing announced closer to market launch.
M Performance engine merges power with efficiency.
The first ever BMW M550i xDrive is also the first M Performance model to be powered by a specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine. 
This V8 unit is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and features a High Precision Injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve lift and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing control. 

This technology adds up to an output of 456 hp* at 5,500 rpm* and peak torque of 480 lb‑ft* from just 1,800 rpm* propelling the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The all-new BMW M Performance 5 Series Sedan sends all its power via a specially tuned Steptronic Sport 8-speed transmission, playing a key role in the dynamics of the BMW M550i xDrive. 
The M Performance configuration of the shift modes has been tailored to the characteristics of the V8 engine, for even faster engagement across the entire rev range. 
The 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission can also be operated using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the shifter in the center console.
BMW intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system in the BMW M550i xDrive splits drive power between all four wheels as the situation demands – intelligently and with a rear-wheel bias. 
BMW xDrive is key to delivering two fundamental elements of the trademark M Performance driving experience under all conditions: increased driving performance and extremely precise handling. 
The Adaptive M Sport suspension lowers ride height by 10 millimeters and is paired to either the standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Cerium Grey metallic matte or the optional** 20-inch M light-alloy wheels (in an exclusive design, also painted in the Cerium Grey metallic matte finish).
* Preliminary figures
** Scheduled to be available later in 2017.
In addition, the power steering with M-specific responses in SPORT and SPORT+ modes serves to highlight the crisp handling and precise driving characteristics of the all-new BMW 5 Series. Steering commands deliver the driver the necessary feedback when powering along on twisty roads maximizing the driving experience. 
The performance-enhancing specification of the BMW M550i xDrive is completed to perfection by the M Sport brakes with brake calipers in Blue metallic and M badging, which combine outstanding stopping power with excellent feel.
M Performance equipment.
The exterior of the first ever BMW M550i xDrive boldly expresses the sedan’s dynamic performance capabilities. The M aerodynamic kit, including an M rear spoiler on the trunk lid, accentuates the sporty lines and at the same time, it optimizes the airflow guiding the air around and over the car. 
The exterior mirror caps, the kidney grille frame, the special M Performance design accents on the front air intake and the two Air Breathers on the front fenders, exclusively feature Cerium Grey metallic finish, while the high-gloss Shadow Line trim around the windows gives added impact to this sport sedan’s undeniably dynamic appearance. 
An M sports exhaust system – with exclusive tailpipes in Black chrome are responsible for producing the unmistakable and exciting BMW M roar.
Additional elements include illuminated door sills bearing the “M550i xDrive” inscription. 
Standard Multi-contour seats are upholstered in Black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching (Nappa Leather optionally available), the latest version of the M sports steering wheel, M design floor mats and pedals made from aluminum highlight the sporty exclusivity that is a hallmark of all BMW M Performance Automobiles.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Featured across the all-new BMW 5 Series line-up, the BMW M550i xDrive also offers a wide choice of assistance systems. These include the optionally available Active Driving Assistant Plus, including Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Evasion Aid and Active Lane Keeping Assistant now featuring extended functionality.
BMW Connected – Forging an even closer link between man, machine and the outside world.
The latest generation of the BMW 5 Series enables close-knit connectivity between the driver, vehicle and outside world thanks to BMW Connected. This new system links up devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets, as well as the vehicle’s navigation system, via the BMW servers. 
This technology is capable of identifying driving patterns as well as personal preferences, turning it into a de facto personal mobility manager that helps users to overcome with ease the increasingly complex challenges of day-to-day mobility. 
Before the journey has even started, BMW Connected automatically factors in Advanced Real Time Traffic Information (ARTTI) for route-planning purposes, and recommends departing earlier if a detour has deemed necessary due to traffic hold-ups. 
BMW Connected uses the vehicle’s location as the basis for calculating the route in the usual way but it also considers the BMW driver’s location for its calculations too.
The new system also merges the functions and services of the familiar BMW Remote App and BMW Connected App. 
Now, users are able to access products such as ParkNow for digitized reservation and payment of parking spaces or use On-Street Parking Information to identify the areas of a town where drivers are most likely to find an available parking spot. 
The system provides the driver the information via the 10.25” iDrive Display. The optional Remote Control Parking system allows the driver to maneuver the BMW 5 Series Sedan into even the tightest spaces from outside the vehicle with the help of the BMW Display Key. 
Once the car has been parked, BMW Connected helps to guide users to their final destination on foot.
Sportiness and everyday usability.
The BMW M Performance Automobiles are exclusive products from BMW M GmbH positioned between the top-of-the-range BMW core models and the BMW M models built for maximum performance. 
“We develop the BMW M Performance Automobiles for customers who are seeking very sporty driving characteristics yet do not wish to sacrifice any of their BMW’s everyday practicality,” explains Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. 
“The experience and expertise garnered by BMW M in the world of motor sport and the development of high-performance sports cars are also channeled into the development of our BMW M Performance Automobiles. The sales success clearly demonstrates that we are on the right track. 
When you take a look at the BMW AG model portfolio, you will notice that not every model series includes a BMW M Performance Automobile. We will expand our product range wisely and close any gaps in the line-up strategically.”
The M Performance portfolio currently comprises of the BMW M240i Coupe, BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, BMW M240i Convertible, BMW M240i xDrive Convertible, BMW X4 M40i xDrive and BMW M760i xDrive.

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Noble lets outside companies design and build it's new lightweight Advanced Tubular Chassis Structure.

Global steel and engineering business, Liberty House Group, part of the GFG Alliance, has been commissioned by Leicester-based sports car manufacturer Noble to provide the advanced steel tubular chassis structure for the iconic M600 British supercar.
Two of Liberty’s businesses – Hub Le Bas and Liberty Pressing Solutions – are collaborating to deliver a number of 100% custom built chassis to Noble’s exacting requirements.
In order to meet the precise requirements of the Noble M600, Hub Le Bas, a leading UK stockholder and national distributor of steel tube and other related steel products, is providing steel tubes in four different grades: stainless, electric resistance welded, structural hollow sections and cold drawn seamless. These are then further engineered in-house using the company’s latest state-of-the-art tube laser cutting machines.

The ready tube components are subsequently delivered to Liberty Pressing Solutions, one of UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of pressed components, assemblies and vehicle chassis. The business, which specialises in bespoke chassis production and assemblies for niche and luxury vehicles, then hand-builds the steel structures for the Noble M600 cars to the client’s specification.
This latest announcement reaffirms Liberty’s commitment to combine its overall expertise in the steel sector with the specialist knowledge and engineering skill required to deliver high-end engineering solutions.
Chief Executive of Liberty Industries Group, Douglas Dawson said: “We’re proud to be working with Noble, for which high quality and the ability to serve each customer as an individual is paramount. The appointment is also a testament to Liberty’s commitment to quality, attention to detail and ability to provide supercar customers with a solution that helps them excel in their own markets.
“We have a wide ranging set of skills and expertise throughout our group and work hard to deliver enhanced solutions for new and existing clients. We will also continue to build our vision for an integrated engineering business that offers advanced engineering products year-on-year.”
Speaking about the appointment of Liberty Industries Group, Peter Boutwood, Managing Director and designer at Noble, said:“As a manufacturer of supercars renowned for their handling and performance, we at Noble Automotive have always concentrated on design.
“The bedrock of an “analogue” car (one that does not take advantage of computer led driver assistance) is the chassis. This vital and exacting piece of the manufacturing process is the foundation of a great handling car. Therefore it is absolutely paramount that the chassis is manufactured with skill and attention to detail. Finding people who share our philosophy for meticulous detail and precise engineering was not an easy task, so we are delighted to have Liberty on board.”
The £230,000 Noble M600 is a 650bhp V8 twin turbo supercar hand-built in England by a small team of craftsmen. Designed to offer a more rewarding driving experience, the Noble M600 boasts a super lightweight full carbon body and interior. Weighing in at just under 1200kg giving the M600 an impressive power to weight ratio of 558bhp per tonne and a top speed of circa 225mph.

Thursday, 28 July 2016

USA - BMW launches a US only M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition model, boasting 190mph and awesome power.

The BMW M Division has developed the exclusive, 50 units produced for the US only, BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition. 
The high performance business sedan, featuring the unique paint color Pure Metal Silver has an increased power output of 600 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft.The BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition ranks among the most powerful automobiles in the model history of the BMW brand. 
This model comes as standard with an M dual clutch transmission featuring Drivelogic enabling sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The 2016 BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition is available from $130,900 plus $995 Destination and Handling starting August 2016.

M Power: Performance and Handling.
At the heart of the BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition,sits a 4.4 liter, high reving V8 BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine. 
An increase in boost pressure and targeted modifications to the engine raises the car’s performance vs. the production model by 40 hp to 600 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has increased by 16 lb-ft.
On the BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition, the standard Competiton Package has been enhanced to include 20-inch forged wheels amplifying the perfectly executed balance between performance output and handling. 
The Competition Package includes a lowering of the vehicle by 0.4 inches and a firmer setup of the spring damper systems and stabilizers. In combination, the specific control setting for the Active M differential fitted as standard on all BMW M5 models ensures ideal traction. 
The steering system with an M specific Servotronic function comes with a more direct control map, providing the driver with precise response and enhancing the car’s agility when turning into corners. 
In addition, the M Dynamic Mode of the stability control system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) has been specifically aligned to sporty handling characteristics unique to this special edition model. 
Typical M driving dynamics guarantee ideal handling and performance on the racetrack as well as in everyday traffic. Standard M Carbon Ceramic Brakes provide additional stopping power.
M Driver’s Package.
The standard M Driver’s Package includes a unique 1-day high performance driving school which has been tailored to driving BMW M vehicles through various exercises on a racetrack to explore the limits of the vehicle in a controlled environment. 
The driving school is available at the BMW Performance Center East (South Carolina) or West (California). Additionally, the M Driver’s Package increases the vehicle’s top speed from 155 mph to 190 mph. 
Pure Metal Silver: A unique BMW Individual Paint.
The BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition sporty character comes to light even when the engine is not roaring. 
An exclusive body color Pure Metal Silver, consistent of a unique BMW Individual paint layerring process embelishes this limited edition. 
Due to the unique application process, creating a special light dark effect, Pure Metal Silver is BMW Individuals most exclusive paint job available. It’s silk skin and high metal brillance reflect light more intesly than any other color. 
Responsible for this unique metal gleam is the combination of a special effect pigment with a water base paint system. Hundreds of thousands of ultra thin aluminum flakes guarantee a uniform and gleaming surface. Painting a vehicle in this color is extremly delicate and requires a lot of detailed hand work. 
The vehicle is completely removed from the regular production processes and the surface of the car is checked three times until the surface is 100 percent perfect. After the paint preparation the chassis is carefully examined where any uneven elements are smoothened by hand. 
To achieve the Pure Metal Silver look the chassis needs a glossy and smooth surface utilizing a Glacier Silver Metal base coat. One more surface check is completed prior to the application of the final coating. After cleaning the vehcile with compressed air, Pure Metal Silver is applied. 
The finishing specialist polishes and examines the vehicle one last time by hand before the chassis leaves Plant Dingolfing’s paint shop.The combination of perfect craftsmanship and computer controlled manufacturing guarantees the high quality and exclusive look of the limited edition BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver.
The 20-inch M light alloy wheels with performance tires (265/35 R20 at the front, 295/30 R20 at the rear) highlight the car’s outstanding handling characteristics. An M Performance Exhaust with carbon bezel as well as the black M Performance Kidney grill enhance the sporty appeal of this unique edition
The character of a Limited Edition:
The interior. The interior features full leather Merino with contrast stiching and aluminum interior trim embelished with the Pure Metal Silver M5 1/50 bage highlighting the unique and limited character of this special edition
Inside the BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition both driver and passenger sit in M multifunctional seats, the comprehensive electric adjustment options guarantee a perfect balance between comfort and sporty lateral support.
Premium standard equipment includes: BMW Head-Up Display, BMW Driving Assistant, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Navigation System, Comfort Access Keyless Entry and Adaptive Full LED Lights amongst others. 
Technical specifications.


BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition
Body

Number of doors/seats

4/5
Length/Width/Height (EU unladen)
mm
4910/1891/1457
Wheelbase
mm
2964
Track front/rear
mm
1627/1582
Turning circle
M
12.6
Tank capacity
appr l
80
Cooling system incl. heating
l
18.5
Engine oil
l
8.4
Weight, unladen, to DIN/EU
kg
1870/1260
Max. load to DIN
kg
540
Max. perm. weight, overall
kg
2410
Max perm trailer load unbraked/braked
kg
2000/750
Perm roof load/trail download
kg
100/90
Luggage capacity
l
520
Air resistance
cd x A
0.33 x 2.40



Engine
Config/no. of cyls./valves

V8/4
Engine technology

M TwinPower Turbo technology with cylinder bank comprehensive manifold, twin-scroll twin turbochargers, High Precision direct injection, Valvetronic and double VANOS
Capacity
cc
4395
Stroke/bore
mm
88.3/89.0
Compression ratio
:1
10.0
Fuel grade

ROZ 98 (min. ROZ 95)
Max output
hp
600
at
min–1
6250
Max torque
lb-ft
516
at
min–1
1500–6000




Electrical system
Battery/installation
Ah/–
105/luggage comp
Alternator
A/W
210/2926




Driving dynamics and safety
Suspension, front

Double-joint spring strut axle with M specific elastokinematics, small, negative steering roll radius, anti-dive
Suspension, rear

Integral-V multi-arm axle with M specific elastokinematics, spatial suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive
Brakes, front

Six-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes in compound construction (ventilated)
Diameter
mm
400 x 36
Brakes, rear

Single-piston floating-calliper disc brakes in compound construction (ventilated)
Diameter
mm
396 x 24
Driving stability systems

Standard: DSC incl. ABS, ASC and MDM (M Dynamic Mode), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Dry Braking function, Start-Off Assistant, Dynamic Damper Control, Active M Differential, networked with Integrated Chassis Management (ICM)
Safety features

Standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats with belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter integrated in the front seats, crash-activated head restraints at the front, crash sensors, Tire Defect Indicator
Steering

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with M specific Servotronic function
Overall steering transmission
:1
18.0
Tires front/rear

265/35 R20 / 295/30 R20
Wheels front/rear

9 J x 19 LM / 10.0 J x 19 LM

Transmission
Type

Seven-speed M double clutch transmission with Drivelogic
Gear ratios                          I
:1
4.806
                                                II
:1
2.593
                                                III
:1
1.701
                                                IV
:1
1.277
                                                V
:1
1.000
                                                VI
:1
0.844
                                                VII
:1
0.671
                                                R
:1
4.172
Final drive
:1
3.150

Performance
Power-to-weight ratio
kg/kW
4.2
Output per liter
hp/l
134
Acceleration 0–60 mph
s
3.9
Top speed
mph
190