To mark the 75th anniversary of the BMW 328’s debut, the Bavarian automaker introduced the BMW 328 Hommage concept car at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. BMW has used the concours at Lake Como to introduce similar retro-themed show cars before, and this year’s effort is clearly aimed at the recapturing the racing heritage of the 328 2-seater that bowed in the 1930s.
Beneath the long hood is a 3.0-liter inline-6, mated to a sequential-shift gearbox that has a lever located high on the center console close to the steering wheel.
The car is sleek, with classic long hood, short rear deck proportions. The traditional twin kidney grille is made of aluminum and is flanked by single headlamps. The door cutouts are reminiscent of the BMW Z1 sports car, which had doors that would drop into the sills—in this case, there are no doors, just the low openings. The rear of the car features fairings that extend rearward from the seat-mounted roll hoops.
The 328 Hommage is a tidy 2-place roadster that features a cut-down asymmetric windshield, cutouts instead of doors, leather hood straps and black accents on the headlamps to mimic the x-pattern of tape that was often sported by competition machines back then. The large wheels are also equipped with knock-off hubs.
The five-passenger version is powered by one of two four-cylinder engines. The old 2.4-liter continues with an increased output of 190 hp, up from 175 hp. Fuel economy for the Santa Fe Sport measures 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, besting the new Toyota RAV4, 2012 Chevy Equinox and the 2013 Ford Escape.
The Santa Fe Sport also offers a high-output 2.0-liter turbo version of the engine, making 264 hp. Highway fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg.
Have US$76,895 to spare? For that coin, you can get in the brand new 2013 BMW640i Gran Coupe, which is the initial model of the Bavarian firm’s sports saloon that arrives in the U.S. showrooms early this summer.The 640i Gran Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine delivering 315hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft of peak torque on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Power channeled to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Hey thank you Trevor Franklin for keeping us update on Harley Davidson switchack 2012, this bike starts at 16,000.00 now you have to buy her one because she wants to ride and cruise too.
Harley-Davidson has just released details of its 2012 model range, which includes the new £13,499 Dyna Switchback – a custom convertible with removable hard panniers and screen.
The idea is to provide two bike from one chassis – a tasteful cruiser when naked and a competent ‘bagger’ with the two colour-matched panniers and screen in place. Harley claims both touring components can be removed in seconds and without the need for tools.
The Switchback is powered by the Twin Cam 103(1690cc) engine, previously used in the touring range and now replacing the Twin cam 96 (1584cc) lump of the Softail range, the exception being the Blackline model. The beauty of the bigger capacity 103 engine is it develops approximately 6% more torque for effortless (read smooth) drive and cruising.
The Dyna Switchback is due in UK dealers mid-September, 2011.
Other details for the new Switchback are:
ABS as standard
Revisions to the Dyna chassis of new 20mm front fork cartridges and tweaked steering geometry
Low-profile 130/70 x 18 front tyre for enhanced steering response
Tasteful 5-spoke wheels (18in front, 17in rear)
Full length footboards
Total pannier carrying weight of 13.62kg
17.8 litre tank
The 2012 Harley-Davidson lineup has been unveiled and features two new motorcycles: the switcback touring bike with quick-release windscreen and removable hard cases, and the V-Rod 10 Anniversary-out powertrain, inverted forks, and a tapered tail section.
The 2011 Rocker C, Cross Bone, Sprtster 1200 low, and Streer Glide Trike appear to have been discontinued.
For 2012, all Touring models are equipped with a Twin Cam 103 engine with Automatic Compression Release and an integrated oil cooler. All Touring models except the Ultra Limited have a new “tubeless” Chrome Lace Aluminum Wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair, and the 103 engine is also standard equipment on Softailss and most Dyna models.
Odds are, it would feel pretty good. No, much more than good. Euphoric. And since there are only 25 in the country, it’s going to feel awfully special, too. So test drive the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible at Cole European in Walnut Creek and experience it first-hand. We think you’ll agree. It’s much more than good. It’s euphoria, on wheels.
