New BMW 7 Series

BMW has released the details of their flagship model, the new BMW 7 Series, which offers superb, luxury and refined motoring, yet providing excellent fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, for a car of this size, using BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies.

The new 7 Series has had external styling changes with new Adaptive LED headlights enhancing its visual appeal, plus occupant comfort has been improved by new suspension and other interior refinements.

There is an EU6 compliant BMW Diesel model with BluePerformance offered and for the first time on a 7 Series, BMW ActiveHybrid power is also available. The instrument panel has also been updated providing access to the latest in BMW’s ConnectedDrive technology.  

New model range

2012 Infiniti FX

Infiniti has made key enhancements to their top-selling model as the FX design is taken to fresh heights with an expressive new look plus new alloy wheels and paint choices.

The 2012 Infiniti FX range also comes at unchanged 2011 prices, starting from £46,750 on-the-road for the luxury FX37 GT model, and just £90 more for the V6 diesel equivalent.

The car’s sporting appeal is reinforced on GT and GT Premium derivatives with a new five double-spoke design of 20-inch wheel with S versions keeping their distinctive 21-inch wheels. There is more choice with the latest exterior paint colour, Iridium Blue and it is Infiniti’s newest Scratch Shield finish available exclusively on the FX, with Graphite Shadow also now available.

The Infiniti FX range for 2012 is made up of four grades.

• The FX37 GT (£46,750 OTR) is the complete luxury package powered by Infiniti’s 3.7-litre petrol V6 and offering 316bhp (320PS).
• The entry FX30d gets the same luxury features but with a lower CO2 (238g/km) from its 3.0-litre V6 diesel of 235bhp (238PS). Despite its high performance the FX30d GT (£46,840) offers 31.4mpg on the combined cycle.
• S versions are more sporting and come with Rear Active Steering (except FX37) and Continuous Damping Control, among other changes. The S versions are set apart by their 21-inch alloy wheels, smoked headlights, red S badging and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip. The FX37 S has an on-the-road price of £48,850 and the FX30d S diesel £48,940.
• Premium versions of both the GT and the S are one of the most comprehensively equipped cars in their class.  Their vehicle specification majors on innovative technology with standard equipment including advanced navigation and entertainment systems, along with a safety features such as Lane Departure Prevention. Both petrol and diesel V6s are available in Premium guise, along with the 385bhp (390PS) 5.0-litre V8 of the FX50 performance flagship, available in S Premium guise only.

Every FX is also equipped with Infiniti’s intelligent torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system plus a 7-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission. The car comes with solid magnesium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel of every model demonstrating both the FX’s manufacturing integrity and its sporting performance personality.

2012 Volkswagen Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco range is being refreshed for the new model year, helping to ensure that this compact coupe stays at the top of customers’ wish-lists. If you are thinking of leasing a new Volkswagen Scirocco then don’t forget to make sure it is the new model, as you may end up being disappointed.

The Scirocco’s award-winning dynamic characteristics remain unchanged however a price drop makes the entry-level model even better value, while the new R Line specification brings a more dramatic look inside and out.

Every model in the Volkswagen Scirocco range now comes with RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, including the entry-level Scirocco, the price of which drops by between £420 and £600, depending on the engine.  Also now standard are a multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch ‘Long Beach’ alloys, while ACC Adaptive Chassis Control is now optional.

If you move up to the GT trim, luxurious Nappa leather upholstery is now standard, along with heated front seats, plus ACC, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights, heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back and 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels.

The new R Line builds on the GT specification, but adds a dramatic bodykit, with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels, while inside you get Nappa leather R Line sports seats, an R Line wheel and chrome pedal covers. The Scirocco R offers the same exciting performance as before, thanks to its 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, while RNS 315 satellite navigation and Nappa leather upholstery are now also standard.

2012 Nissan GT-R

Nissan is adding a new “Track Pack” to its superfast Nissan GT-R for the 2102 model year, for those drivers who want an extra edge on the race track, yet still keeping the car road legal.

The Track Pack offers you lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloys with gloss black painted centres, additional cooling ducts for the front and rear brakes, revised spring ratings, with the dampers still being adjustable for normal road usage.

Recaro seats

Internally you get Recaro front seats trimmed with blue bolsters with an innovative high-grip material to keep the driver in place when cornering and braking hard. The rear seats have been removed to save weight and the spectacular 550PS power offers a 0-62mph of 2.7 seconds. The Nissan GT-R Track Pack edition can be ordered at any of the 21 Nissan High Performance Centres around the UK and first deliveries are expected in March 2012.

Remote control Caterham R500

Well you can have one but only in a scale model complete with remote control and the BBC Top Gear’s “The Stig” behind the wheel. The full size version of the Caterham Superlight R500 featured on BBC Top Gear last year and recorded one of the fastest ever laps plus winning the show’s coveted “Car of the Year” award for 2008.

 The 1:16 scale model with full function radio control could be an ideal present for Xmas for anyone over the age of eight and is available in two colours – the famous white and red stripe, plus the yellow and black combination. Both are on separate radio frequencies thereby allowing you to race each other.

Priced at £19.50 the remote controlled Caterham 500 is available exclusively at Marks and Spencer stores nationwide.