BMW's rich history of roadsters is about continue with the new BMW Z4. The two-seater has been systematically designed for maximum agility, thrilling dynamism, plus supremely precise steering characteristics with instantaneous response. Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW Z4 has grown in length by 85 millimetres to 4,324 millimetres, is 74 millimetres wider (now 1,864 millimetres) and 13 millimetres taller (1,304 millimetres). The body structure and chassis mountings both have remarkably high rigidity, while the new design of the front and rear axles gives the car a far sportier edge at the same time as guaranteeing high levels of comfort. 50 : 50 weight distribution are further contributory factors in the intoxicating dynamism of the new BMW Z4. BMW Z4 will be launched in March 2019 with a choice of three model variants, including a BMW M Performance option. The new BMW Z4 M40i is powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine delivering 250 kW/340 hp. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive20i take to the stage with four-cylinder units producing outputs of 190 kW/258 hp and 145 kW/197 hp respectively.
In July, Volkswagen unveiled the new Passat at its world premiere in Potsdam. Just recently the eighth generation of this best-selling car celebrated its trade show debut as one of the highlights at the Paris Motor Show. And already the story continues: in the middle of November the new Passat is being launched initially in Germany; and the very next week the pan-European launch begins. Further international markets and the right-hand-drive versions will follow step-by-step from 2015. Everything in this car is new. Its design, technologies, engines and possibilities. The Passat sets new standards with an unladen weight that has been reduced by up to 85 kg and its fuel economy figures that have been improved by up to 20 per cent. For the first time there will also be a version with a hybrid plug-in drive system: the Passat GTE. 22 million units produced. The launch of the eighth generation Passat marks the debut of the latest version of a global bestseller. When all derivatives are included, nearly 22 million units have been built. In 2013 alone, over 1.1 million people chose to buy a model from this series.
Last year, on average, somewhere in the world a Passat, or a Magotan in China, was sold every 29 seconds. That鈥檚 two Passat cars a minute, 126 an hour and more than 3,000 a day. Every day. The Passat from Volkswagen is the Group鈥檚 most successful model. The new Passat鈥檚 design combines stylish clarity with a high degree of power. A design that is not simply fashionable but is contemporary. A design that is not whimsical but is expressive. A design in which every line has a purpose. A design that will leave a mark on its era. The new Passat was created based on the modular transverse matrix - thanks to this platform, its proportions were made to be significantly more dynamic (including lower body, longer wheelbase and larger wheels) and its overall package was improved. While preserving all of its functional virtues, the Passat has gained noticeably in presence, exclusivity and dynamism. Even at night the Passat has an unmistakable look due to its newly developed LED headlights (standard on 鈥楬ighline鈥?models and above) and standard LED rear lights. In the new Passat, Volkswagen has created saloon and estate cars that cross over into a higher class.
As the most successful European business car, the Passat represents a new type of business class - a transition car between the mid- and premium classes and between the B and C segments. Analogous to the expressive exterior is an interior that has been developed with the aesthetics, clarity and high value to match the sophisticated overall concept of the eighth-generation Passat. New assistance, infotainment and convenience systems make individual mobility more sustainable, interconnected and communicative; they also play an active role in the driving process and make it even safer. The Passat has advanced to become a vehicle whose technologies move beyond segment boundaries. The new Passat will be available with 10 direct injection turbocharged engines (petrol / TSI and diesel / TDI) that cover a power range from 88 kW / 120 PS to 206 kW / 280 PS. All of the drive systems are new aboard the Passat. The engines鈥?fuel consumption levels, and therefore their CO2 emissions as well, have been reduced by as much as 20 per cent.
All versions are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. A dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is available as an option for all engine versions, and it is standard with the top engine. For the first time, the range will include a model with a plug-in hybrid drive system (115-kW TSI plus 85-kW electric motor and externally chargeable battery): the Passat GTE. With a system power of 160 kW / 218 PS, it is the most powerful plug-in hybrid from Volkswagen to date. This Passat can be driven as a zero-emissions vehicle over a range of up to 50 km with all-electric power. The petrol engines begin at a power output of 92 kW / 125 PS. Three equipment lines. As in the previous model, Volkswagen will be launching the new Passat on the market in three equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Even the Passat Trendline is packed with features: 16-inch wheels with 215 tyres and LED rear lights add character to the exterior. While interior features include a front centre armrest with storage compartment and height adjustment for the front seats.