Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Watch Bridgestone test its new tires for the Jaguar XJ220 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

There’s a company based in the United Kingdom by the name of Don Law Racing that specializes in replacement parts for the Jaguar XJ220.

Late last year, the company teamed up with Bridgestone to develop a new set of tires for the car using all the advancements that have been made in tire technology since the XJ220 bowed out of production more than two decades ago.

Bridgestone worked with the original Jaguar engineers and test drivers responsible for the XJ220, and it used a pre-production chassis—chassis #004, to be exact—for testing purposes. Here we have a glimpse of what the testing involved.

The resulting tires measure 255/45ZR17 for the front and a massive 345/55/ZR18 out back. Unfortunately, we don’t have any performance numbers so can’t tell you if the new tires have helped make the XJ220 any quicker.

Interestingly, for a car from the 1990s whose production numbered less than 300 units, it’s surprising that Bridgestone isn’t the only company that’s developed new tires for the XJ220. Last year we also saw Jaguar’s own classic car department Jaguar Classic team up with Pirelli to develop a tire for the car. We’re sure the few hundred owners out there will be happy with having a choice next time they require some new rubber.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108436_watch-bridgestone-test-its-new-tires-for-the-jaguar-xj220

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mountain Wheels: Range Rover Sport blends futuristic class and roaring performance (review) - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport SUV is a bit more modern for 2017, benefiting from an update that brings some extra active-safety tech and a new infotainment system. The only change you’ll be able to spot from the outside, however, is a new range of 19 available colors provided by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division.

Range Rover hasn’t yet provided photos of the 2017 Sport’s interior, but the biggest change is a larger, 10.2-inch touchscreen to replace the previous model’s 8.0-inch screen. The software behind the touchscreen, called InControl Touch Pro and already in some Jaguar Land Rover products, is also new to the Sport, and Land Rover says it’s easier to use than before and enables pinch and swipe functions. An All-Terrain Info Center that displays off-road information like vehicle geometry and wheel placement is new, too. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not on the menu, although the new system does support integration for more smartphone apps.

The Range Rover Sport already offered several active-safety features as options, but the equipment packages have been rejiggered for 2017 to accommodate some fresh features. Lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, and rear park-distance control are now standard on all models. An optional Drive Pack adds blind-spot monitoring and a new system called the Intelligent Speed Limiter, which can read speed-limit signs and restrict the car from going over the limit (reassuringly, the system can be turned off). A Drive Pro Pack adds a few more systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot assist that can intervene with steering corrections if the driver attempts to change lanes while a vehicle is detected in the Range Rover’s blind spot.

For those Range Rover owners who tow, there’s also a new system called Advanced Tow Assist that is said to make it easier to reverse with a trailer. Similar to Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the Range Rover’s system displays a rear camera view of the trailer and allows the driver to indicate the intended direction of the trailer by twisting the rotary knob for the Terrain Response system. The car takes control over the steering wheel and directs the trailer while the driver maintains control of the throttle and the brake.

which in the U.S. comprise a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, a 3.0-liter supercharged gasoline V-6, and a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 with either 510 horsepower in the Supercharged model or 550 horsepower in the high-performance SVR. Pricing for the base gas V-6 model rises $800, to $66,645, and more detailed pricing info for the rest of the range should be available closer to the 2017 Sport’s on-sale date later this year.

source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/range-rover-sport-gets-updated-infotainment-new-safety-tech-for-2017/

by Joseph Capparella

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2018 BMW 5-Series video preview - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Look hard. You'll need to focus to spot the differences between the new BMW 5-Series and the old BMW 5-Series.

The 2017 BMW 5-Series saves most of its heavy lifting for all the things you can't see: we're talking carbon fiber construction, better tech, and even a plug-in hybrid version coming.

Will it be enough to take on the new Mercedes-Benz E Class?

For starters, BMW is keeping its V-8 for high-performance versions—an M Series model and an M5 on the way. The 5-Series starts with a 248 horsepower 2-liter turbo-4 and moves up to a 335-hp 3-liter turbo-6. It's still rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive will be available on most models—even  the high-performance versions.

Moving inside, the 5-Series adopts a raft of tech features including a new iDrive system with touchscreen, self-driving tech for traffic, a driver-focused cockpit and even a parking assistant that parks the car without you inside.

Safety features are a big push too with adaptive cruise control, head-up display and surround view cameras all available.

There's a long list of 5-Series to come, but we already know that BMW will offer a plug-in hybrid version dubbed the 530e iPerformance that can go 14 miles on electricity alone. It's the first "i" performance model, so we'll have to wait to see just how sporty that car is.

We know that the 5-Series is a little lighter than the outgoing version and roughly the same size.

We'll know shortly how it drives—BMW isn't waiting long to bring this new version to our shores. It should go on sale in the spring and will start at just over $52,000 for a 530i model with the 540i xDrive coming in at nearly $60,000.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108262_2018-bmw-5-series-video-preview

by Aaron Cole

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi: What’s new for 2017 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

After a dearth of new product that ended up stretching for years, Audi has rebounded with most of its models either being redesigned or updated for 2017.

Among the redesigned models are core offerings such as the A4 and Q7 as well as the more niche options such as the R8 supercar.

What’s lacking are fuel-efficient options. Because of the diesel scandal, all of the previous TDI models are no longer on offer and Audi doesn’t have multiple electrified offerings to match rivals.

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll currently find in Audi showrooms:

2017 Audi A3:

Revised exterior styling.

More powerful 2.0-liter inline-4 replaces 1.8-liter inline-4 in front-wheel-drive models.

Front-wheel-drive models receive new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Updated infotainment system added and digital instrument cluster now available.

New colors and wheel patterns added.

Includes A3 e-tron Sportback and S3.

RS 3 model being introduced for 2018.

2017 Audi A4:

Redesigned model introduced for 2017.

Includes A4 Allroad wagon.

Front-wheel-drive and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission fitted as standard.

All-wheel drive with 6-speed manual available.

Standard engine is 2.0-liter inline-4.

Fuel-efficient A4 Ultra available.

Digital instrument cluster, color head-up display and 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system available.

S4 model being introduced for 2018.

2017 Audi A5:

No change.

Redesigned model being introduced for 2018.

2017 Audi A6:

Minor tweaks to bumpers and expanded color palette.

LED ambient light package added to interior options.

Includes Competition model with extra features including Sport differential.

Includes S6.

2017 Audi A7:

Minor tweaks to bumpers and expanded color palette.

LED ambient light package added to interior options.

Includes Competition model with extra features including Sport differential.

Includes S7 and RS 7.

RS 7 gets new Performance model with extra power and standard carbon-ceramic brakes.

2017 Audi A8:

Not offered for 2017.

Redesigned model expected to be introduced for 2018.

2017 Audi Q3:

New Sport Plus Package for Prestige trim.

2017 Audi Q5:

No changes.

Redesigned model being introduced for 2018.

2017 Audi Q7:

Redesigned model introduced for 2017.

Powertrain is 3.0-liter V-6.

Equipped as standard with 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential.

Equipped with standard power tailgate with programmable opening height adjustment.

Equipped with standard two-panel panoramic sunroof.

Includes available air suspension and four-wheel-steering system.

Other available features include digital instrument cluster, color head-up display, variety of active traffic safety features, night vision mode that detects people and large animals, and 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds.

2017 Audi TT:

Standard rearview camera and power-folding, auto-dimming, heated exterior side mirrors.

Available technology package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

TT RS model added for 2017.

TT RS powered by 2.5-liter inline-5, paired with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

TT RS available as coupe and convertible.

2017 Audi R8:

Redesigned model introduced for 2017.

Includes V-10, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, all fitted as standard.

Includes standard digital instrument cluster with performance configuration showing g-force graph, power and torque output, and shift light indicator.

Includes standard and more potent Plus models.

Plus model comes with carbon-ceramic brakes; carbon fiber rear diffuser, front lip spoiler, exterior mirror housings and fixed rear wing spoiler; and racing-style bucket seats.

Plus model can be ordered as Exclusive Edition special edition model fitted with laser headlights (high beam only) and limited to 25 units.

Includes R8 Spyder body style.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108337_audi-whats-new-for-2017

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City- 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT receives new look, more power - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The tamer GT and GT S models of Mercedes-AMG’s sports car range have come in for an update. The updated cars were shown for the first time on Monday at the 2017 Detroit auto show and will be available later in the year, as 2018 models.

The changes are subtle and bring the GT and GT S into line with the more hardcore GT C and GT R, especially in terms of looks. The cars adopt the pronounced “Panamericana” grille that made its debut on the GT3 race car; the grille features vertical slats inspired by the design used on the 1952 SL Panamericana race car, from which it derives its name, and is set to become a defining element of AMG’s more dynamic models.

Other tweaks include the new front bumper that emphasizes the car's width, making it visually sit lower to the road. There also larger intakes and all models adopt the GT R’s vertical louvers located in the bottom of the front bumper, which can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second.

During normal driving situations with no increased cooling demand, the louvers are closed for reduced drag and the air is directed at the underbody, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air demand is particularly high do the louvers open to allow the maximum cooling air flow to the radiators. The engine oil cooler on all models has also been moved from the front to the wheel arches.

There’s more power, too. Both stick with the familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 but the GT now has 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque and the GT S has 515 hp and 494 lb-ft. For the GT, that’s an extra 13 hp and 22 lb-ft and for the GT S that’s an extra 12 hp and 15 lb-ft.

Performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and top speed of 189 mph for the GT, and corresponding figures of 3.7 seconds and 193 mph for the GT S.

There aren’t any changes in the cabin, although there are some extra trim options. One of these is the AMG Interior Night package that adds a special trim for the steering wheel and black accents. AMG is also offering a new smartphone app called AMG Track Pace. The app is designed for the Apple iPhone and connects to the car by Wi-Fi. The vehicle then sends a host of data to the app in real-time, such as speed, gear, steering angle, time, position and acceleration. The camera on the iPhone can also be used to record any action.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108259_2018-mercedes-amg-gt-receives-new-look-more-power

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -2017 Jaguar F-Type British Design Edition review: We take the V6 for a spin - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar’s F-Type is arguably one of the prettiest cars of the 21st century, and the 2017 model does nothing to mess with the winning exterior design. The top-dog supercharged, V8-powered F-Type SVR and R might be faster and sound cooler, but there is nothing wrong with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. It might not snarl like the V8, but it snaps and crackles enough to remind you that you’re in a cool Jag coupe. With the V6, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two different modes in the dynamic exhaust setting, but with it in loud mode, you might hear some more snapping and popping.

The eight-speed shifts well in automatic mode and is lightning-quick when tapping the paddles. While I’m normally not a big fan of using paddle shifters with a torque converter-based automatic, I actually found myself having a lot of fun.

Tall people will struggle to get comfortable in the interior, but it is well appointed –- leather wraps nearly every surface, and this model has blue accent stitching throughout. The seats are well bolstered but aren’t too hard to get in and out of.

Despite its tight interior and $93K price tag, buying one of these Jags is something you won’t regret ... selling it might be. Like an E-Type, it’ll likely be a car you look back on parting with and wonder why you decided to let the thing go. Unlike the E-Type, the F-Type shouldn't leave you stranded.

source: http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2017-jaguar-f-type-british-design-edition-review-we-take-v6-spin

by Wesley Wren

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW previews next-gen interior complete with hologram technology - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW is currently leading the way when it comes to in-car technology with its Gesture Control system that debuted on the 2016 7-Series. The system allows you to make basic commands by simply waving a finger.

At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, BMW showed an evolved version of the system called AirTouch, which acts more like the screen of your smartphone—but without requiring you to actually make contact with any surface. The commands are simply made in the air and various sensors pick up what your hand is doing.

On Wednesday, at the 2017 CES, BMW previewed an even more advanced gesture control system called HoloActive Touch. The system was previewed in the i Inside Future concept, which is essentially a showcase of what BMW thinks is possible for car interiors in a world where driving is optional.

HoloActive Touch combines the previous AirTouch system with a hologram display. The display, which normally presents a series of virtual menu options, is generated just above the center console by clever use of reflections. With it, the driver can control typical vehicle functions such as the climate system, communication, infotainment and navigation.

The driver can enter commands by interacting with the hologram display using hand movements. A camera detects the hand movements and registers the position of fingertips, in particular. As soon as a fingertip makes contact with one of the virtual menu options, a pulse is emitted and the relevant action is activated. BMW says the driver even perceives tactile feedback via ultrasound, so that he or she will know an action has been made.

The i Inside Future concept also integrates a new connectivity feature called the Open Mobility Cloud. This feature offers digital services designed for a world of self-driving cars. One such feature will provide access to wide-ranging information about places or buildings along the given route. The information can be selected using augmented gesture control, where all the driver has to do is point at a particular building. Another feature is online shopping, with some retailers, such as Amazon, even prepared to make en-route deliveries.

In addition to this, the concept features voice-controlled digital assistant, similar to what’s already found on PCs and smartphones. BMW’s digital assistant is based on Microsoft’s Cortana technology. This means that the voice-controlled capabilities already offered by Cortana could in future also be available on board a BMW. Possible functions could be restaurant recommendations and table reservations, as well as appointment reminders.

Another technology presented by BMW at CES is the Connected Window. This is a large, interactive digital screen in your home that connects with the Open Mobility Cloud. It’s part of BMW’s holistic view for connected technology, from the car to the smartphone to the home.

With the Connected Window, a user can fully plan their trip, once again using gesture control. For example, the user could make or check appointments, access the latest traffic info, and then plan routes accordingly.

BMW also used CES to announce plans for the testing of a self-driving system on public roads later in the year, using 7-Series-based prototypes. The self-driving system will make its debut in a production model, code-named the iNext, due in 2021.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1107839_bmw-previews-next-gen-interior-complete-with-hologram-technology#image=100587597

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mountain Wheels: Range Rover Sport blends futuristic class and roaring performance (review) - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

With the increasing drama on the ski slopes, I’m not necessarily suggesting that hitting your favorite hills inside the safety of a new Range Rover Sport might be the best solution — even if you did happen to catch the promotional campaign demonstrating the car in action as a mode of downhill conveyance.

Well, maybe. And you couldn’t pick a classier or more solid mix of precision, intriguing design and low-key showboating material, an SUV that blends capability, winter mobility and a package that’s a step ahead of much of the competition. Until you head to Aspen and discover nine of them parked on the same block.

The refreshed Sport takes the gargantuan wallop that is Land Rover’s top-of-the-line Range Rover model and tweaks the proportions and the looks to create something a little less imposing, more in line with the smaller and more svelte members of the LR/RR family like the Evoque or the new Discovery models.

With a floating roofline and blacked-out windows and window frames, super-gigantic wheels and toughened-up tweaks to its trim and body lines, Sport is a little less old-school in its presentation than the statement-making Range Rover (though that big and broad machine may have saved little old David Spade’s life in an accident earlier this week).

And Sport indeed lives up to its name, with or without a frighteningly powerful engine under the hood. I got the Jaguar-Land Rover family’s 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 in mine, and its 340 horsepower did a fine job of hurtling the British vehicle up the passes with all the speed you’ll ever need. A diesel option is also available.

More menacingly, the Sport can also be ordered with the F-Type sports car’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, creating an awful 510 horsepower; the fantasy league, 162 MPH-worthy Range Rover Sport SVR comes with 550 horsepower and sounds like one of the absolute scariest things this side of an AMG-tuned Mercedes G-wagen.

I say this because Sport, despite its more tarmac-focused design than the full-size, does not necessarily take on the same motoring spirit of, say, the new Jaguar F-Pace. Sport is still a chunky 4,700-plus pounds and steering is not particularly light at all — an effect exacerbated to some degree by unbelievably large 22-inch wheels (a $3,000 option) and a set of oversized, day-old four-season tires.

I felt the car getting caught up in road ruts and had to keep a pretty heavy hand on the wheel. Traction was, however, no problem, and the car’s increasingly sophisticated terrain response system can be dialed into snow mode or popped into an instant-reacting dynamic mode to better handle your standard Summit County winter mix of dry pavement, icy patches, slush or fresh powder. It’s also fully sorted for serious off-road pounding, with an air suspension system (up to 10.9 inches of clearance) and infinite hill-descent and rock-crawling speed controls, for your invariable summertime scrambles above the tree line.

The futuristic terrain mode switchgear is just part of the car’s very elegant controls and interior, a shining cocoon of pillowy leather, sweeps of chrome, subtle instrumentation and even a bit of dark grey oak wood trim, one of many combinations of stylistic packages. Even the floor mats are brutally solid and chunky; the Sport also has a new multicolored interior lighting control system, for your purple-lit disco cruises to night skiing, I guess. And there’s a refrigerated four-can/bottle cooler in the center console, of course.

Many vehicles are taking Range Rover’s lead with a pistol grip-styled shiftgear that will leave you flummoxed until you learn to hold the buttons and the brake to put it in gear; do not try to back the car up with a door open to help navigate as you will receive more warning buzzers and displays than you could ever imagine.

Seating is tall and solid but still sporty and comfortable, and the second row is slightly elevated for a better view of the road. The old-fashioned armrests with their twirly adjustment knobs are a throwback feature; the rest of the cabin is as sculpted as a Swedish stereo store, though here it’s a 825-watt Meridian Premium audio system providing the symphonic overload.

Navigation is not quite the very new system found in the Jaguar SUV, but is still an improvement from previous systems and loads on four screens’ worth of 4×4 monitors, Range Rover apps and the ability to watch the road ahead using the bumper-mounted camera. Do not ever use that while driving at highways speeds, I will enthusiastically warn you.

A significant and entirely carpeted rear cargo space offers 27.7 cubic feet, or as much as 62.2 cubic feet behind the front row; an incredibly solid middle section of the rear seating drops down and allows for ski or snowboard bags when you still have two rear passengers.

source: http://www.summitdaily.com/news/mountain-wheels-range-rover-sport-blends-futuristic-class-and-roaring-performance-review/

by Andy Stonehouse

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes, Jaguar, Range Rover and BMW- Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Happy New Year - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Teaser for Mercedes-AMG hypercar, 2017 Consumer Electronics Show - Image via GTspirit

AMG is yet to confirm how many examples will be built, hinting only that the number will be between 200 and 300. The price is thought to be in the vicinity of 2.4 million euros with taxes (approximately $2.54 million).

Mercedes-Benz is currently at the 2017 Consumer Electronics show giving talks on upcoming technologies such as electric and self-driving cars, but tucked away in one the automaker’s presentations was this glimpse of the new hypercar being developed by Mercedes-AMG.

GTspirit managed to grab a shot, revealing interesting details like the car’s roof-mounted scoop, vertical stabilizer, engine cover vents, and streamlined body. It joins a previous teaser that provided a stylized look at the car’s profile.

The car is set for a debut in September at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show. Its arrival will help celebrate AMG’s 50th anniversary this year, and in keeping with this it may end up being called an R50. The first examples will be delivered in 2018, the same year the rival Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing collaboration, the AM-RB 001, is due.

Teaser for Mercedes-AMG hypercar, 2016 Paris auto show

The ace up AMG’s sleeve is the championship-winning powertrain from Mercedes AMG’s 2015 Formula One racer, which will power the car. We’re talking about the complete powertrain, from the turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 to the twin electric motor-generators to the rapid-discharge lithium-ion battery.

source; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108182_new-photo-of-mercedes-amg-hypercar-surfaces

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Chris Harris In The Aston Martin Vulcan Is The Best Part Of New Top Gear - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Chris Harris in the Aston Martin Vulcan is arguably the best thing to come out of new Top Gear. I can’t think of anything better.

More cinematic and juiced up with tasteful entertainment, the Harris-Vulcan Top Gear film expands on his usual schtick. It’s better than the usual Harris. When I was promised Chris Harris On Cars but with the production budget of Top Gear, this is exactly what I should have imagined.

A film that captures Harris’ raw reactions behind the wheel of the Vulcan, and captures the gorgeous lines and details of a timeless car design, and somehow captures the demonic nostril-flaring noise of the Vulcan’s V12, and the beautiful architecture of one of the most beautiful circuits in the world at Yas Marina, is quite possibly the best of the newest season of Top Gear, and solidly within the ranks of the best of any Top Gear car reviews.

And then you throw in an Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. Mmmmmmmm.

They’ve kept the proper Chris, so let’s hope they use him in this capacity again. And again.

source: http://jalopnik.com/chris-harris-in-the-aston-martin-vulcan-is-the-best-par-1789584132

by Justin T Westbrook

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar I-Pace concept previews electric SUV coming in 2018 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Just prior to the 2016 Los Angeles auto show, Jaguar unveiled the I-Pace concept, an all-electric crossover SUV that elbows in on Tesla [NSDQ:TSLA] Model X territory.

The I-Pace concept is a precursor to a production model, which is promised for the second half of 2018, likely as a 2019 model. Test mules are already running around Europe.

It all starts with a 90-kilowatt-hour battery—the same size as found in the Model X 90D—that will deliver 220 miles of electric range. A pair of 200-horsepower electric motors, one on each axle, provide 400 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, as well as all-wheel-drive capability.

The structure of the I-Pace is not related to that of the F-Pace, the first SUV in the brand's history. Instead, it's a new dedicated electric vehicle architecture, and Jaguar says that allowed its designers and engineers to tear up the rule book on vehicle layout. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located under the floor of the cabin.

According to Jaguar, the design was inspired by the C-X75 mid-engine supercar concept that never resulted in a production car. The lack of an engine and transmission tunnel allowed Jaguar designers to move the cabin forward, increase interior space, lengthen the wheelbase, and shorten the overhangs relative to a vehicle with a conventional driveline. The vehicle has mid-size crossover proportions, with a length of 184.2 inches and a long wheelbase of 117.72 inches.

In addition to the cab-forward design, the I-Pace features a steeply angled windshield, the maw-like corporate grille, the brand's characteristic haunches over the wheels, and large 23-inch wheels. Aerodynamic considerations such as shaved door handles create a fairly slippery 0.29 coefficient of drag.

Jaguar calls the I-Pace a performance SUV and claims the electric powertrain makes it capable of a 4.0-second 0 to 60 mph run. The suspension, as well as a low center of gravity from the battery placement, should make it handle. Jaguar says the I-Pace's center of gravity sits 4.7 inches lower than that of a conventional crossover.

The suspension features double wishbone front and an integral link rear design. The integral link is a multi-link design that allows engineers to tune both the longitudinal and lateral stiffness. It is used in the XE and F-Pace.

Inside, the I-Pace has slim bucket seats, a central touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, burl wood trim, and a Meridian sound system. A panoramic sunroof features a lozenge-like pattern during the day and LEDs that illuminate the patterned glass at night for a unique visual effect. Without a transmission tunnel, the center console has a spacious 8 liters of storage space. The rear cargo hold has 18.7 cubic feet of space.

We spoke to Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum and asked how close the I-Pace is to production ready. He said it is 95 percent of the way there. Things that may change include the wheel size, the addition of folding rear seats, and the interior trims (especially the seat fabric).

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1107253_jaguar-i-pace-concept-previews-electric-suv-coming-in-2018#image=100581282

by Kirk Bell

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi, BMW thefts soar as gangs target luxury cars - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Deb Hallmark, pictured with her son Hamish, moved after her house was burgled twice and her car was stolen. Picture Norm Oorloff

THEFTS of expensive Audi cars have skyrocketed more than 430 per cent, as organised crime gangs increasingly target luxury vehicles.

Alarming new figures reveal one in every 167 cars on Victorian roads is taken by a thief, amid a 50 per cent overall rise in vehicle thefts compared with five years ago.

The number of BMWs stolen has tripled during the same period.

Hooning highway bandits are using the expensive models to lead police on dangerous chases as young criminals pursue what police describe as a “fast and furious” gangster lifestyle.

Disturbingly, recent cases show car thefts are linked to aggravated burglaries, with brazen thieves willing to arm themselves and raid family homes to swipe keys.

Motorists in the suburbs north of Melbourne airport are among the most targeted by car crooks, followed by owners in ­Geelong and those near ­Cranbourne.

Stolen cars are being sold as scrap for a quick buck, as thieves team up with unscrupulous metal merchants who offer to pay cash, no questions asked.

National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council executive director Ray Carroll said thieves had been targeting Audis because they knew there was a spare key hidden in the glovebox.

“Audis became a particular target in Victoria in 2014-15 due to the now widely publicised valet key in the glove compartment issue,” Mr Carroll said.

 “That issue is now largely ­resolved, with Audi no longer putting the valet key in the glove compartment and through numerous ­notifications to owners to remove the valet key from existing vehicles.

“Nonetheless ... numbers of thefts have remained higher.”

Lower-priced cars are being stolen more frequently than high-end brands.

But Mr Carroll said: “There is evidence of an increasing tendency for some high-rate recidivist thieves to target luxury or performance cars.”

Deb Hallmark was so frightened criminals would return after raiding her house twice and stealing her BMW that she moved her family to another town — and just a few doors from a police station.

“I would sleep with a golf club next to my bed,” she said.

Berwick Motor Group general manager Mark Wright increased security after three cars were stolen in a ram raid.

“They’re brazen thieves and they’ve got no respect for anyone or anything,” he said.

Police have been calling on the Victorian Government to follow other states in banning cash-for-scrap practices amid fears interstate thieves would bring cars over state borders to sell here.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy promised in April to introduce new laws if his party won power.

The Andrews Government followed suit last month, finally announcing it would create new laws to crack down on the trade.

source; http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/audi-bmw-thefts-soar-as-gangs-target-luxury-cars/news-story/f4fa07724001e89357ca1e6ef8ed771c

by Andrea Hamblin

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW announces 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid model for U.S. - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW today showed its latest green model for the U.S., the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid. It's part of the newly redesigned 5-Series lineup.

The 530e is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which makes 180 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque, mated to an electric motor with 95 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque of its own. Total system output is 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and BMW says the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Rear and all-wheel drive will be offered.

A 9.2 kwh lithium-ion battery pack allows the motor to power the car on electricity alone or to aid the engine. The car comes with three eDrive driving modes: Auto, Max, and Battery Control. In Auto, the system blends the engine and motor to optimum effect and allows for all-electric driving up to 56 mph. In Max, all-electric driving extends to 87 mph, but the engine kicks in when drivers ask for more or use full throttle. Battery Control mode lets the driver choose the charge level and the system keeps the battery level constant or increases it. One purpose for this setting would be to increase the charge so city driving could be done using only the electric motor.

The battery pack can be charged in seven hours on a 120-volt outlet or three hours on a 240-volt outlet. It sits under the rear seat, so it doesn't interfere with the 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

BMW isn't quoting an all-electric driving range, or EPA MPGe or fuel economy ratings at this time.

The 530e gets some unique styling elements from other 5-Series models. On the outside, there are blue slats in the twin kidney grille, blue wheel hub covers, and “i” badges and “eDrive” emblems. Inside, the door sills have illuminated “eDrive” lettering, the aforementioned eDrive button sits on the center console, and BMW provides unique displays for the instrument cluster and center screen.

Otherwise, the new 530e will offer many of the technology and safety features from the new 5-Series, including the latest-generation iDrive control system with gesture control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, an Evasion Aid system to steer around dangerous obstacles, and lane keep assist, among others.

The BMW 530e iPerformance is due at dealers this spring as either a 2017 model.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1107861_bmw-announces-530e-iperformance-plug-in-hybrid-model-for-u-s

by Kirk Bell

http://www.boscheuropean.com