Rumor: BMW’s Z2 may be all wheel drive

Despite being deeply flawed by a few reasons, when it came out, BMW’s Z range, then represented by the Z3, was a Bavarian entry to the small relatively lightweight market of roadsters.

With the coming of the first generation Z4, some of that appeal was lost as the car grew in all aspects. Once that happened again with the second and current generation E89 BMW Z4, the original plot was lost.

2011 BMW Z4

Happily however, the performance oriented German company is plotting a return to the roots by 2014 within the launch of a smaller, lighter BMW Z2.

How light or small, I couldn’t wouldn’t say because BMW is still in the early stages of development with the Z2, but we do have some interesting things on it.

Rumor is going round, that the Bavarians have completely done away with the idea of making the BMW Z2 a front wheel drive car only. Sure, Renault can work wonders with FWD, but it’s not exactly for everybody.

2011 BMW Z4

Instead, BMW is now trying to decide between going for a rear wheel drive or an all wheel one for the baby roadster they will end up calling the 2014 Z2.

Rear wheel drive would be a key note speech in fighting the Mazda MX-5, but then again, all wheel drive does have its benefits out in the real world, even if the power isn’t exactly going to choke the rear wheels.

Speaking of which, powerplant choices will give you a pick between 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol or diesel engines.

2014 BMW Z2 render

We have no idea on what the diesels are going to be like or which versions BMW would use, but the petrol powered ones are going to range in power from around 170 or so horsepower onward to a more interesting sounding 270.

As for the diesels, it’s up to discussion, just like the all wheel drive system. A more modern unit would be faster and cleaner performing, while an older one will score top marks in pricing.

Also in the cost section of the business, the BMW Z2 will only be available as a soft top. That makes most sense since we’d be getting a lighter and more visceral car, a true hunkering back to the glory days of the roadster.

2014 BMW Z2 render

Which ever way the rumors go, and however reliable or not the sources Car Magazine went to for this information the BMW Z2 is going to happen and it is going to be something worth watching for in 2014.

Lupica G. 21 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.automotorblog.com/rumor-bmws-z2-may-be-all-wheel-drive/
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Renaultsport Megane Trophy scores personal best on Nurburgring

I know I know, so what if some crummy French hatchback improved upon it’s own time on the Nurburgring Nordschliefe, it doesn’t really mater right?

If you are able to look past the well aged preconceptions this sort of thing may entail, you will actually find that if the hottest Renaultsport Megane RS has a new record on the ‘Ring, it’s actually very important.

Renault Megane RS Trophy Nurburgring record

As important as setting a new absolute record around the Green Hell for all front wheel drive production models.

That’s exactly what the French did, using their recently launched Renaultsport Megane RS Trophy 265 setting a new best time of just under 8 minutes and 8 seconds.

Officially ranked at 8.07.97, this time is faster than the previous front wheel drive record holding Renault Megane R26.R by a pretty respectable 9 seconds.

Renault Megane RS Trophy Nurburgring record

It’s important to remind ourselves that what we’re dealing with is a front wheel drive hot hatch, a car that may pretty easily find a few brothers that look similar in your generic supermarket parking lot.

Behind the wheel, we find a man almost none of you have ever heard of because he’s “just” a development driver for Renault Sport, Laurent Hurgon.

There are two very important other things to mention about the Renault Megane RS Trophy grabbing the Nurburgring lap record and setting a more than respectable time in the process.

Renault Megane RS Trophy Nurburgring record

Firstly, this 8.07.97 time around the Nordschleife is actually faster than some “purer” performance cars out there like the BMW 1 M Sport Coupe, Audi TT-RS and even the Porsche Cayman.

And secondly, just like previous very hot Renault Meganes, the RS Trophy is the sort of car you only drive on weekends or special occasions. It may be fast and fun to drive, but it’s not really cut out to be a daily driver or have comfort in any significant amount.

Comfort and such things may be an issue, but as far as performance goes, the Renault Megane RS Trophy seems to cover all the basis. The Cup chassis is one of the finest you can have, the advanced limited slip differential contributes enormously to cornering speeds which can later on be scrubbed off by the fade free brakes.

Renault Megane RS Trophy Nurburgring record

Couple all these with the turbocharged engine and the 265 horsepower it has to offer and even though we are impressed, you can’t help but feel slightly ambivalent about the track time Renault achieved with their Megane RS Trophy around the Nurburgring.

Lupica G. 21 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.automotorblog.com/renaultsport-megane-trophy-scores-personal-best-on-nurburgring/
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2012 New Toyota Camry Solara

2012 New Toyota Camry Solara

noreply@blogger.com (frestea_) 21 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://otoloso.blogspot.com/2011/06/2012-new-toyota-camry-solara.html
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2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid Car

Hybrid Car Review of Honda Jazz Release 2011 car in your mind can be attributed to Toyota and Lexus cars. Honda Hybrid Rewing High has a VTEC engine, so that high torque engine can sync speed.Nothing gasoline engine at a new high with the launch of the Honda Jazz facelifted model.

Honda Hybrid fourth of corporate spending on display with the Jazz model electricity.Honda weakened slightly in decline in hybrid sales, but this is the latest release of the Honda Jazz Hybrid itself.

abdu 21 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://needsspeed.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-honda-jazz-hybrid-car.html
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2011 Honda Brio Hatcback

Honda will come in July and August production of Honda SIEL has contributed to the lack of supply auto parts.Honda SIEL produce in large part to deficiencies in India.This also means that the component suppliers in Japan could finally climbed out of the Earthquake and Tsunami crisis has led to the operation of Them . Honda's India as well, which greatly depends on the part of Japan will now be able to increase production and provide enough cars to customers.

abdu 21 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://needsspeed.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-honda-brio-hatcback.html
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