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Every day we launch new products, cosmetics, food, beverages, furniture, a thousand kinds of things, and cars, of course. Each product launch preparations is subject to the smallest detail, but probably very few at the end we had the privilege of attending in Cabot San Lucas paradise in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. The scenario chosen was very refined resort Las Venetians al Paradise, worthy of all stars for its facilities and service. BMW people hardly have found a place that fit like this at the highest level of the car to be presented, the spectacular 650i Convertible.

We had already seen a preview of the BMW 650i Convertible in the most recent Los Angeles Auto Show, where the most renowned experts described it as irresistible. The all-new convertible is part of the third generation of cars from the German manufacturer of Class 6 and is known for its lines of modern design, luxury without limits and superlatively attractive overall appearance.

Wasted power, thanks to its 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct injection precision and two twin-turbo. There are 400 horses and 450 pounds per square foot of torque, mated to a transmission that can be 8-speed automatic or manual 6. With both transmissions lightning acceleration is, in fact we see on the road to San José del Cabot to La Paz, that such a fireball goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed electronically limited at 155 mph. Until then we do not, but we were close.

The truth is that you have to do with performance, the 650i Convertible gives everything and consequently one may mistakenly think that was all that interested the people at BMW who took the task of developing it. False, because it also features developed as measures of BMW Efficient Dynamics, which help reduce fuel consumption and emissions of harmful gases.

It gave me a pleasant surprise its steering system on axles, rack and pinion power and support at the front, which just gets better driving conditions because it seems that the wheelbase reduced as speed increases and the lengthened when passes more slowly.
For everything else, the BMW 650i Convertible does not lack anything, who knows suddenly a little more room for legs in the rear seats to be actually a four-seat convertible. Luxuries, attachments, sophistication, detail, luxurious finishes, and everything is in this car. The price starts at $ 90.500 and in terms of consumption we are talking about 24 mpg on the highway.

Another element in the SLK for comfort when dealing with homelessness is the AIRSCARF. Here, with the touch of a button, you get a stream of warm air that surrounds the neck gently and shoulders to protect this area from the cold. Integrated into the seats, AIRSCARF set the desired temperature according to the speed at which the vehicle moves.

But the main novelty in the roof of the SLK 350 is the Magic Sky Control option. With it, you can regulate to a greater or lesser extent the passage of light in the polycarbonate roof. Mercedes-Benz has achieved this effect by introducing a chemical film between two layers of glass ceiling; the movement of tiny particles in the film (nanoparticles) is controlled electronically. Translation: a touch of a button located in the rearview mirror and the roof is darker tint to block out the light strong, another touch and stain disappears.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 is part of a segment in which, although not many opponents, rivals all have some special appeal. Its competitors are the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Porsche Boaster. While the Boaster belongs to a race more sports, with the Z4 and TT continues the perennial battle that carry these brands in the luxury class.

The initial price of the SLK 350 is $ 54.175 (plus $ 875 which is shipping). There are different packages available and the Premium Package ($ 2.590), Sport Package ($ 2,500), Trim Package ($ 990), Multimedia Package ($ 2,150) and Lighting Package ($ 1.070).

The changes made to the Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 third generation are not radical, but very successful. The brand has once again shown who is an expert in taking the elements that define and reinterpret them in a contemporary way. As a result, the new SLK 350 is a sleek, sophisticated car, with superb design and a magnificent performance. In our test, we are lovers of fun and sporting sensations it provides, without sacrificing convenience and ease of use. The new SLK 350 is a car that feels very Mercedes-Benz, which guarantees comfort and style, and most importantly, the strong backing of its German technology. I predict great success.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 2012 is the third generation of a roadster has always conquered hearts. This is the kind of car where the emotional connection is basic when making a purchase. Mercedes to ensure this connection is based on the classic formula: attractive design and excellent performance. However, when it comes to improving a car since its launch in 1996 has been able to sell over 500,000 units worldwide in a very small segment, the brand has to set the bar higher and higher.

The SLK 350 comes with a new 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection delivers 302 hp at 6500 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine boasts the perfect arrangement of its V6 60 degrees, thanks to which is more balanced.
The transmission is also new, seven-speed automatic, and is complemented with handles at the wheel for a more interactive experience.

The new engine and transmission are coupled to wonder, when he stepped on the accelerator, you feel how the engine reacts fiercely but also a gradual and smooth, vibration out of place. Without being an extreme sport, the SLK 350 can achieve 0 to 60 mph in an estimated time of 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Its fuel consumption in city and highway is 20 / 29 mpg respectively.

This car is capable of providing entertainment for almost any driver, or you can enjoy a crisp, sportsmanship without needing to know a very angry push or super stiff suspensions. This helps considerably safety and assistance systems, such as the Dynamic Handling Package (optional) that allows for greater cornering stability in dynamic handling, braking and accurate to the subject of the seats. As standard, the SLK includes eight air bags.

On our way driving through the twisting roads in the Smoky Mountains, the car proved to be the best friend of the asphalt adhere to behave at every turn and very stable even at high speeds. We really enjoyed the handling thanks to its quick response in every situation and its communicative steering. We are particularly surprised by the ease with which drives the SLK 350, which slides like silk.

One of the prides of the SLK is its retractable hardtop, which is now displayed or collected in 20 seconds (2 seconds faster than the previous generation). Of note is the silence that has made Mercedes-Benz in the cabin when driving in the open air, even at high speed. This feature reaches its peak with AIRCAP system; an automatic wind deflector creates a flow of air inside that helps reduce noise and turbulence. Optionally, the AIRGUIDE offers two Plexiglas panels located behind the seats also act as wind deflectors and can be adjusted separately for driver and passenger.

According to BMW insider Scott27, the Munich-based automaker is looking to revive the BMW Z3, the popular roadster that proved to be very successful among BMW fans.

As always, take these rumors with a grain of salt while we’re digging around for confirmation from other sources. Here is what the BMW insider has to say:

The new roadster strategy included a Z2, but while the Z2 was originally part of the F20 modular matrix expansion, BMW has now downsized the car onto another cost-effective platform – the UKL matrix, the modular structure that will accommodate the next MINI and the BMW FWD family. The decision was made to allow BMW to have an entry level roadster as part of its new FWD family which will be under the designation of the BMW 1er. The BMW 1er Sport hatch which will be seen this week will accommodate strive badges to distinguish the RWD from the FWD 1er models.

Now the proposal is seen as a BMW Z1 which will allow BMW to share the Z1 Roadster with the next generation MINI Coupe/Roadster/Spider. The new MINI Coupe and Roadster are very short lifecycle cars. The idea is for the Z1 Roadster to sustain the small Roadster segment whilst a new MINI Coupe and Roadster will arrive in the second half of the decade. The direction the next MINI Coupe and Roadster take will depend on the reaction to the new car which will break cover in a few weeks time. The car could take on a more individual appearance from the next MINI.

Z1 will allow the BMW 1er FWD family to offer a variety of cars to customers who are expected to migrate from other brands to BMW. The company recently held workshops in cities in Germany where they did a survey on the FWD City Compact and the FWD GT. Subjects chosen were not BMW customers but from other brands, and found the two cars different and very appealing. The Compact was very well received as was the GT which was tested amongst current owners of euro- mini MPV’s.

With the movement of the Z2 to the UKL matrix, but under a newer design guise to bring it into contention with the other UKL cars, the original Z2 proposal will now move upwards to effectively replace the Z4 as the premium entry roadster market which is proposed as a BMW Z3, the resurrection of the 1995-2002 first modern BMW Roadster. Given that the segment grows not only in markets but also in dimensions, the Z3 allows for the Z4 to take another surge up market and retain its current appearance with a folding hard-top as the Z5. Effectively in what the Z2 was – RWD, soft-top, compact and additional Coupe will now be the Z3 if BMW’s executives get their way?

Spy photos of the upcoming, 2-seat MINI Cooper Coupe have been leaked onto the internet…by MINI!

In a trend that is becoming far too common in the automotive world of late, the BMW-owned brand has released photos showing the car undergoing testing, partially obscured by a camouflage wrap.

First revealed as a show car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, it’s clear from the photos that the production Coupe remains faithful to the concept’s “helmet roof” design and three-box silhouette, despite the fact that it is a hatchback. It will also be the only model in the company’s line-up available only as a 2-seater, although it is built on the same platform and shares an identical wheelbase with the standard MINI Cooper Hardtop.

While it will be a few more months before the car is revealed in all of its glory at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, along with the photos MINI has revealed the major mechanical specifications of the Coupe, which largely mirror those of the other small cars in the company’s lineup. Three versions will be available: Cooper Coupe, Cooper S Coupe and John Cooper Works Coupe, featuring 1.6-liter normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines with outputs of 121 hp, 181 hp and 208 hp respectively. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard, while six-speed automatics will be optional on the Coupe and S Coupe.

Pricing and fuel economy information has not been released, but both numbers will likely be a little higher than those of the Hardtop, which starts at $20,100 and gets 37 mph highway.

BMW Group has had a great start in the new financial year. We generated record earnings and sold more cars than ever in the first quarter.

The strong growth in sales volume and the strict implementation of the Strategy Group’s Number ONE was key factors behind our successful performance, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of BMW AG, on Wednesday in Munich.

The brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce achieved new record sales volume in the first three months of the year. Other factors that contributed to the large increase in profits in the automotive segment, including a combination of the high-value sales, improved efficiency and attractive sales prices. The first-quarter earnings increased 34.7% with an amount of EUR 14.373 million (2010: 10.672 million Euros).

The EBIT increased to Euro 1.708 million (2010: 291 million Euros) and achieved an EBIT margin of 11.9% in the premium car segment. Earnings before taxes rose to EUR 1.605 million (2010: 220 million Euros). Free cash flow in the automobile segment increased to 1.624 million Euros (2010: negative cash flow of 306 million Euros).