2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible Revealed

Now that the BMW4 Series coupe has been officially revealed, the German automaker has little reason to hide its convertible variant behind heavy camouflage.

Clearly in the final stages of testing, we can see the 4 Series convertible with very little covering its shell. Having seen the 4 Series coupe in all its glory, the convertible will offer very little surprises once it makes its official production debut.

The 4 Series convertible will use a hard top rather than a soft cloth top, following in the traditional footsteps of its 3 Series convertible predecessor. Powerplants lurking under the hood should be identical to the 4 Series coupe. MG

Source: AutoGuide

ROAD TEST: Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo.

Alpina has been building fettled BMWs for more than 40 years, and the B6 Bi-Turbo is its attempt at an M6 rival.

The car shares its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with the top-spec 6 Series, but has 532bhp and 730Nm – that’s 20bhp less power but 50Nm more torque.

This is all fed to the rear wheels to give 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds – a tenth down on the M6 – and a near-200mph top speed. The rush of in-gear acceleration is staggering, while a clever fuel shut-off system ensures each upshift is followed by a rumbling exhaust burble.

Bespoke springs and tuned damper settings broaden the scope of the standard 6’s dynamic ability. In Comfort mode the ride is more supple, but in Sport and Sport+ it feels even firmer and more focused. A 55kg lighter kerbweight adds an extra layer of agility to the B6’s fantastic all-round abilities.

When cruising, this car is a seriously accomplished GT; there’s space for four (just) and a generous 460-litre luggage area. The interior is hushed and rough motorway surfaces are serenely smoothed out.

Luxurious touches such as the dark purple dials and hand-stitched leather seats add a real sense of occasion inside. The best news, though, is that the B6 starts from £970 less than the BMW M6, at £92,850.

Stacking the cards even further in the Alpina’s favour is the fact that it’s more economical than its counterpart. The lower kerbweight and eight-speed auto box – the M6 has seven gears – allow for 30.1mpg. The 6 Series manages only 28.5mpg.Admittedly, you’ll have to do without the ‘M’ badge, but if you’re considering buying an M6, the Alpina is good enough to make you think twice.

VERDICT: Alpina may be a niche brand, but the B6 Bi-Turbo is by far the best 6 Series we’ve driven. Faster and more characterful than the M6, yet cheaper and more efficient, it strikes a fine balance between long-distance ability and sharp handling. As with the BMW, it comes as a coupe or drop-top, and it feels even more special inside. It’s the one we’d recommend. MG

Source: AutoExpress

FIRST DRIVE: Volkswagen Golf GTD

The Golf GTI's oil burning alter ego is back, and in Mk7 guise, the latest GTD is faster and more frugal than ever. But is this a case of always fun until someone loses an i?

What a difference a D makes. Not much of a difference at all, judging by the picture.

Visually, besides the badges, only different wheels and a chrome, rather than red strip, underscoring the grille, differentiate the GTD from the GTI. Inside, again, they’re almost identical, but the GTD’s sports seats are trimmed in a plainer tartan that does without the GTI’s Yuppie red infusion.

How do they compare for power and performance?

The petrol GTI’s 2.0-litre turbo four kicks out 217bhp and 258lb ft of torque, sufficient for 0-62mph in 6.5sec and a 152mph top end. Go for the optional performance pack (10bhp extra, torque stays the same) and you shave off 0.1 sec and add 3mph to the top speed.The diesel produces 184bhp (with no upgrade pack available, at least officially), but compensates with 280lb ft, so while its 142mph top speed and 7.5sec 62mph best won’t win any awards, it feels mightily rapid in the mid-range. It’s incredibly refined compared with earlier high power diesel Golfs, and even sounds like a proper hot hatch if you select the Sport button to engage some fake engine warblings. Predictably though, that typically narrow diesel powerband, where push runs out not long after 4000rpm, means the GTI impression isn’t entirely convincing. The GTD’s performance is useful, but never as invigorating as a GTI’s.The diesel engine adds 27kg to the kerbweight, almost all of it over the nose, but the handling remains excellent, provided you’re not expecting Megane Renaultsport tactility. The quick two-turns rack makes the GTD feel much more alert than its predecessor and you get the XDS+ system from the GTI, which pinches the inside front wheel to prevent wheelspin, and the inside rear to swivel the car into corners. Unfortunately, because you can’t get a Performance Pack upgrade, you can’t get the GTI’s optional mechanical limited slip differential, which actually pulls the car into the apex, the harder you plant your right foot. You won’t miss it if you spend your days shuttling between services on the M1, but you will if you also dabble in the odd trackday.

So which does VW expect to be more popular, the GTD or the GTi?

It’s no contest. This sector is massively dependent on fleet sales, and the CO2 and economy advantage of the diesel means it will outsell the petrol by two to one. Cleanest of the lot is the six-speed manual GTD at a staggering 67mpg and 109g/km, figures VW happily points out, match those of the 2007 104bhp Bluemotion Golf. A stick-shift GTI – no eco disaster itself - lags behind on 139g/km and 47mpg. Both cars are fractionally dirtier if you go for the optional DSG dual-clutch ‘box. We drove the GTD in both forms and preferred the light-shifting, more involving manual. In terms of list price, there’s almost nothing in it. A basic three-door GTD costs £25,285, and the equivalent GTi, £25,845.

Verdict

You'll have more fun in a GTI, thanks to the petrol engine’s character, and especially if you order the optional performance pack sadly not available on the GTD. But in 90% of driving situations the GTD is just as accomplished, looks just as good and will guzzle half as much fuel. And if you’re a company driver, it’s GTD all the way. Criticise the Golf for its predictability if you will, but the GTD is a fine car, and no hot hatch on the market is better in tune with the times. MG

Source: CAR Magazine

BMW 4-series M Sport spotted in public

The BMW 4-series Coupé M-Sport has been spotted testing on public roads near Munich. It marks the first time the M Sport's more aggressive front bumper has been seen undisguised.

The M Sport trim will sit at the top of the 4-series range until the M4
arrives. The four specifications offered on the 3-series saloon (SE, Sport, Modern and Luxury) are expected to feature on the 4-series aswell.

On the saloon, M Sport brings a 10mm drop in suspension on firmer springs and dampers. Furthermore, a more aggressive aesthetic is achieved through a unique bodykit and wheel designs. These changes will also distinguish the flagship 4-series from lesser models.

Previewed as a concept at the Detroit motor show, the 4-series will go on sale later this year, replacing the 3-series Coupé.
It’s clear from these images that although the large vents of the concept will appear on the M-Sport variant, the show car's full-width mesh insert and integrated tailpipes gives way to a more conventional design.

The concept’s razor sharp crease lines along the bodyside are clearly evident, although the door handle has moved above the strong line that runs from the front wing to the rear three-quarter panel.

The 4-series range will be launched with the Coupé, followed by aconvertible in 2014 and a four-door GranCoupe. Later that year the much-discussed M4 will finally appear, with a cabrio version in 2015.

Source: Autocar