| 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster Has Sleeker Lines, Twin-Turbo and 7-Speed
If the outgoing BMW Z4 Roadster had too many strangely bisecting lines, flamed surfaces, and, well, just too much of BMW's Chris Bangle for your taste, you might find the streamlined 2009 model more attractive. Wider, lower and a whopping 5.8 in. longer, the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster receives a slew of mechanical modifications that make it sportier and easier to live with. Plus, there's that new retractable hardtop that folds in 20 seconds. Until the inevitable M version rolls out, the 2009 Z4 Roadster can be ordered with two powerplants, both of which offer significantly more brawn than the 215- and 255-hp mills found in the '08 model. The base sDrive30i now has a 3.0-liter inline Six that churns 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. And that helps it shoot to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds when equipped with a manual transmission.
Shuanghuan Wins Case Against BMW, Will Continue to Sell CEO SUV in
There, BMW stood in their way. The Bavarian automaker claimed that Shuanghuan's CEO SUV was a blatant copy of BMW's popular X5 SUV. A German court sided with BMW and forbid Shuanghuan from selling CEOs in Germany. Undeterred, the company swore to appeal the decision and, in the meantime, moved on to Italy and France. BMW followed, filing the same case in Italian courts. On December 10, the Italians have sided with Shuanghuan, agreeing that, despite the similarities when viewed from the side, the CEO is not a clone of the X5 and therefore does not infringe on BMW's patent. "We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5," said Viviana Martinelli, spokeswoman for Milan-based Martin Motors, which is Shuanghuan's European distributor. "We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling." .
F1 : 2008 Jerez - Mid December test - BMW Sauber - Monday report
Today the BMW Sauber F1 Team had two interim cars in Jerez for testing duties, with both are based on the 2008 chassis and featuring some 2009 regulations' body work.In addition, Christian Klien's car was fitted with BMW's own KERS device. Klein and Nick Heidfeld evaluated different set-up options in preparation for the 2009 season."We also did some tyre testing to learn more about the potential of the new slick tyres", said Heidfeld.Around lunch time Nick Heidfeld's car stopped out on the track when the telemetry data indicated a mechanical problem. After a precautionary engine change he was able resume his testing programme.Klien's F108B ran without any noteworthy problems. Completing 94 laps, he tried different configurations of the KERS system.What comes next:The last test session of 2008 will continue in Jerez for two more days.
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