:arrow: Here is the new Vectra
New Asta Cabrio
Quote:
Here are some of the first pictures revealing the Astra Coupe Cabriolet underway with the roof down. This is the car that Vauxhall hopes will steal sales from the Peugeot 307CC and Renault Megane CC, and when it goes on sale shortly after the Astra, Ford's Focus CC. As revealed in earlier spyshots, the Astra CC differs from its competition in having a three-piece steel folding roof as opposed to a two-piece unit. This is said to allow quicker stowing of the roof and a lighter overall weight. Close examination of the profile shots - note how far forward the driver sits in the cabin - also reveals that the Astra should be a true four-seater, which could give it an edge over the competition. Rear shots also reveal slightly raised sections on the solid boot running to the rear headrests, ala classic Thunderbird convertibles - there is also evidence here that the Astra will employ pop-up roll over bars.
To remain competitive with the Peugeot, Renault and Ford, the Vauxhall will have to weigh in between £17,000 and £21,000. Also, it's a safe bet that Vauxhall will want to join the current trend toward diesel engine variants, with the company's 150bhp 1.9CDTi being an obvious choice. Expect the entry level petrol to be a 1.8-litre unit, with a high performance 2.0-litre turbo topping the range.
And now some more interesting news
Quote:
BMW M5 Touring
Here is the first solid evidence that BMW has given the green light to what will potentially be the fastest estate car on the planet. That distinctive nose and those M5 alloys would have raised our suspicions, but it is the menacing quad exhaust pipes that mark this BMW Touring out as an ‘M-car’, the ultimate in performance BMWs. It’s a welcome but hardly surprising development, as BMW would have been unlikely to sit still whilst Audi and Mercedes Benz dominated the super-estate market with their 444bhp RS6 Quattro Avant and 476bhp E55 AMG estate. As towering as those V8 powerhouses are, BMW brings no less than 507bhp to the game, courtesy of the sensational V10 powerplant that already resides under the bonnet of the M5 saloon, a car that goes on sale here in a couple of month’s time.
A BMW GB spokesman has told 4Car that no decision has been taken on production of an M5 Touring, but coyly added that if such a car were to go into left-hand drive production “we would be asking for a right-hand drive version. After all, more Touring M5s of the previous generation have been sold overall than saloon versions.” There has never been a right-hand drive version of the M5 Touring, but BMW “would love to have one for the UK.” 4Car believes there’d be a long list of willing customers who’d be as intrigued as we are at the notion of an estate capable of carrying a family (with dog) at up to 205mph (without electronic restriction). Inspired. Mad, but inspired...