There are roughly 150 new car models on the market today, many of them only narrowly distinguishable from each other. The sedans are flame-surfaced affairs with elongated roof-lines, and even the sporty coupes rely on huge grilles to trumpet
Since its introduction for the 1978, the BMW 7-Series has remained true to its original character. The Bavarian Motor Works flagship car’s has represented the best of what the 99 year old company has to offer. The flagship saloon continues to remain the obvious choice for drivers looking for a car with advanced technology, top of the line luxury, unmatched handling and advanced technology. The latest model marks the sixth generation in the BMW 7-Series timeline.
2016 BMW 7-Series
For 2016 BMW has entirely revamped the 7-series range by blending comfort, style, dynamic ability and cutting edge technology in equal measure to create a must have luxury saloon. The car has also lost some weight, thanks to the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Complementing the light but rigid architecture is a host of the latest six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
First generation BMW 7-Series launched in 1978
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2016 7-Series has been well executed to reflect the car’s position in BMW’s automotive catalogue. Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7-Series is offered in two body variants. The long-wheelbase version of the 7-series is the largest series-produced car BMW has ever built. Both body variants display familiar BMW proportions, characterised by a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase and a set-back passenger compartment. A smoothly downward-sloping roofline adds a hint of sportiness.
Laser headlamps
The front is dominated by BMW’s signature kidney grill, with Active Stream which improves the car’s aerodynamics. The redesigned headlamps now blend with the grill and also feature the familiar BMW twin circular headlights is levelled off at its upper and lower edges. The BMW is the first luxury saloon to offer optional laser lights, which offer better illumination of the road compared to standard headlamps.
L-Shaped rear LED lights
The profile of the 2016 7-series is dominated by outward curving surfaces and a double swage line. The ‘Air Breathers’ located at the front side panel a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors.
Air Breather
The double swage line extends into the upper contour of the body and the light strips of the rear lights. All the light sources for the tail lights feature LED technology, with both L-shaped light units connected by a chrome bar that extends the full width of the rear end. The 2016 BMW 7-Series rides on standard 18- or 19-inch light allow wheels.
Aggressive and head-turning front design
Performance
The 2016 7-Series is available with a host diesel and petrol six in-line engines with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The entry level 7-series, the 730Ld and 730d are powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. Output for the power unit is rated at 195 kW (265 hp) while torque is pegged at 620 Nm. Paired to the engine is an eight speed automatic Steptronic transmission.
One of the 6-cylinder engines on offer
The mid-spec of the 7-series range is dominated by the 740i and 740e plug-in hybrid model. The 740i and 740Li models feature six-cylinder in-line units. Output for both cars is rated at 240 kW (326 hp). Torque remains at 406 Nm. The 740e plug-in hybrid is available in three variants; the 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive (all-wheel-drive).
Side mirrors with integrated 360 degree camera
Under the bonnet of the 740e is a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Combined output for the electric drive and 2.0-litre engine is 240kW (326 hp). Torque is pegged at 400 Nm. Fuel consumption for the 740e is rated at 2-litres per 100 kilometers. The 740e can also be driven for 40 kilometers on electric charge alone.
The more powerful top of the line 750i xDrive and BMW 750Li xDrive models feature a 4.4-litre V8 power plant with an output of 330 kW (450 hp) while the wheels are kept spinning by 650 Nm of torque. The 750i is also paired with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Visible hallmark BMW design attributes
Dynamism
With its double-joint front axle, five-link rear axle and Electric Power Steering, the 2016 BMW 7-Series rewards the driver with great handling characteristics. The inclusion of a 2-axle self-levelling air suspension system as standard makes a further contribution to the superb ride comfort. The car height level control can be adjusted manually, allowing the vehicle's ride height to be raised by up to 20mm when driving along a rough stretch of road. At speeds above approximately 35km/h, the car height level control automatically reverts to its standard setting. When BMW 7-Series SPORT mode is activated the ride height automatically drops by 10mm when travelling at high speed.
BMW Display Key
Special key
The BMW 7-Series comes as standard with a Display Key. The unique key displays various vehicle information on its display. The Display Key also allows owners to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without anyone at the wheel. The driver initiates the car's progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using Display Key. While the car is carrying out the semi-automated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.
Offering the best in BMW luxury
Interior
Opening the doors of the 2016 BMW 7-Series reveals a striking, luxurious and sophisticated interior. The hallmark of BMW’s interior is the iDrive system which now integrates gesture control. By making specific hand movements in the vicinity of the centre console - where a 3D sensor registers them - commonly used infotainment system functions can be controlled very intuitively and conveniently.
Cockpit
The various gestures serve, for instance, to adjust the audio volume, control the 3D view display and accept or reject incoming phone calls. The standard multifunctional instrument display with a 12.3-inch display area alters the graphics and colour scheme used for the cockpit gauges to match the mode selected with the Driving Performance Control switch.
BMW 7-Series self park feature
The standard four-zone automatic air-conditioning features a separate touch sensitive control console in the rear. An Executive Lounge Seating offers top notch comfort for rear passengers. The option features seats with backrests which can recline to an angle of up to 42.5 degrees. To offer the passenger in the rear even greater legroom, the front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 90mm and its backrest tilted all the way forward.
Control with hand gestures
For a completely unobstructed view to the front, the head restraint can be folded down as well. An electrically operated fold-out footrest can also be found on the back of the front passenger seat. The rear-seat entertainment system screen can be electrically adjusted to the ideal viewing angle for the rear passenger's current seat position. A removable tablet with a screen diagonal of 7 inches, which can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle.
Rear seating
An optional Ambient Air package releases a fragrance into the 7-series’ interior. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted from the air conditioning system. The interior can also be livened up at night thanks to the Sky Lounge Panoramic glass roof, which uses the light emitted by LED modules to create the magical effect of a starlit sky. A similar system is found in vehicles from Rolls Royce, a BMW sub-brand. A powerful 16-speaker 1,400 Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system fills the each part of the interior with sound.
Striking, luxurious, advanced and stylish
Conclusion
The 2016 BMW 7-Series’ offers an improved blend of technology, performance, luxury and comfort. The luxury saloon is certainly the best one BMW has ever made in the 7-series’ 37-year history. However, in improving the 7-Series BMW has still managed to ensure it remains the prime luxury saloon for people who love to drive and also to be driven in. Prices start at $81,300 (Kshs 8.3 million) in the United States.
McLaren’s legendary prowess in sports car design and technology has remained at an upbeat ever since the company was founded in the 1960’s. The catalogue of achievements for the British company has some of the world’s most recognizable speed machines from the McLaren P1, the SLR-McLaren, F1 and of course the Formula One cars, which have graced numerous racing tracks across the world. The most important chapter in the fifty plus car company occurred in 2009 when it premiered the McLaren MP4-12C. Four years later and McLaren has launched the spiritual successor to the MP4-12C, the 570S Coupe. The new sports car is the first model launched under McLaren’s new three tier model range featuring the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series range. The McLaren 570S Coupe is tailor made to be usable, striking and exhilarating. This is achieved in part by a powerful V8, lightweight chassis and the body’s aerodynamic design. At the same time the 570S offers a comfortable and easy to use experience to all occupants.
McLaren 570S Coupe
Design The design of the McLaren 570S Coupe features a design cue borrowed from precious models in the company’s portfolio. Key design features include elegant shapes on the surface, dihedral doors and a concave rear window. Clean, sweeping lines, and an uncluttered exterior have a clear focus on the way air flows over the sculpted panels, channelling air around the tightly packaged windows or in some areas, through the bodywork. The front bumper on the 570S has a pronounced point which divides the air moving above and below the car. At the back the fenders, engine cover, exhaust and splitter merge to give the 570S a head turning look. At the bottom of the bumper is an integrated fixed spoiler designed for an optimised balance of drag and downforce. The 570S features LED lighting as standard both for the front and rear lights. Underneath the skin of the sports car is a carbon fibre chassis deigned to offer strong support to all components while ensuring that the total weight of the car remains in check. Pirelli dressed 19-inch front and 20-inch light lightweight forged rims conceal the standard carbon ceramic disc brakes, which are designed to offer great stopping performance.
Dihedral doors for easier access to the interior
Performance Behind the 570S striking rear lights is the beating heart of the sports car featuring a displacement of 3.8 litres and eight cylinders. Output for the engine is rated at 419kW (562hp) and 600Nm of toque. Connected to the power plant is a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG). 0 to 100km/h is dealt with in 3.2 seconds while top speed is rated at 328km/h. The impressive numbers are accompanied by a pocked friendly fuel consumption rating of 10.7 litres/100km. the soundtrack from the V8 orchestra is delivered to the world via two exhaust pipes located at each end of the rear. The 570S suspension system features independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-roll bars. The suspension together with the electro-hydraulic steering reward the driver with great handling and driving feel. The driver can also adjust the damper settings of the car for a sportier feel.
Interior Opening the sports car’s distinct dihedral doors reveals a luxurious and spacious interior. The space in the car has been created to ensure superb outward visibility and enhanced interior space for occupants both in terms of seating position and stowage space. The seats offer electric height adjustment with six-way adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the passenger. A comfort entry / exit feature is also available to provide the maximum amount of room to enter or exit the car, by moving the seat to its lowest and most rearward position and retracting the electric steering column, when the car is switched off.
Striking and spacious interior
Interior components and switchgear are ergonomically designed and finished to the highest standard further enhancing the feel of quality and craftsmanship throughout the cabin. Rotary switches, buttons and steering wheel mounted stalks are all tactile to touch, while a seven-inch touchscreen is intuitive and the one of the most advanced infotainment system to feature in a McLaren. The 'floating' screen is not connected to the lower transmission tunnel giving enhanced access to the stowage space and cup holders below the dashboard. It is also mounted in portrait view, rather than the more conventional landscape, bringing the occupants closer to the centreline of the car to further optimise response and agility. Air conditioning is controlled via the screen reducing the amount of switchgear and controls in the cabin. The touchscreen also controls the various multimedia functions of the McLaren 570S. Sound from the infotainment system is channelled to all corners of the interior via an eight speaker system or an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
A rear styled by the principle of aerodynamics
Conclusion The 570S Coupe is an iconic example of how McLaren uniquely designs, develops and builds its cars. Although a tamer machine compared to its P1 and F1 forefathers, the McLaren 570S still carries the forefather’s renowned DNA of great performance, thrilling drive and of course striking design. The McLaren 570S pricing starts at £143,250 in the UK.
The Chevrolet Camaro always been one of the most preferred cars for the young (and not so young) speed freaks and thrill seekers alike. You know, the type of folks who value the rumble and thrust of a small-block V8 and sleek styling as much as would-be Kenyan celebrity values a photo op on one of our local dailies. Starting out in the late 1960s as an answer to Ford's Mustang, the original Chevrolet Camaro could be brought in coupe or convertible form and with V8 power.
6th generation Chevrolet Camaro
Forty years and six generations later, the concept really hasn't changed, as the latest Chevrolet Camaro also can be specified as either a coupe or convertible form and, you guessed it, a rumbling V8 powerhouse. The sixth generation Camaro brings with it a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range.
First gen Camaro
Looks
The design of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is defined by an athletic-looking sculptured exterior, which is complemented by modern fittings. The front of the Camaro is defined a cross-car grille/headlamp opening, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The front design gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face.
Outgoing Camaro in Z28 trim
The muscle car also displays a new, nearly fastback profile, which flows into the pronounced flanks of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance. The dual rear light design blends with the horizontal line of the rear bumper. All models share a more pronounced, sculpted roof panel that improves the structural rigidity of the roof for greater refinement.
Poised and aggressive face
Performance
Behind the grille/headlamp opening is a choice of six different powertrain combinations. The entry level engine is 2.0 litreV6 unit with an output of 205 kW (275 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. The mid spec 3.6 litre V6 unit has an output of 250 kW (335 hp) and 385 Nm of torque. The most powerful Camaro SS is adorned with a 6.2 litre V8 power unit, with an output of 339 kW (455 hp) and 617 Nm of torque.
A fast back coupe inspired profile
All engines are paired with either a six speed manual or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. The soundtrack from both the 3.6 litre and 6.2 litre units are delivered to the outside world by a dual-mode exhaust. The exhaust features electronic valves, which allow drivers to personalize can personalize the exhaust sound, from a ‘stealth’ mode to the most aggressive ‘track’ mode.
Driver focused interior
Interior
Like the exterior, the interior is completely new yet instantly recognizable. The instrument panel still retains the dual-binnacle-styling. The driver focused centre console and stack features easy to reach controls. An electronic parking brake replaces the previous mechanical parking brake handle. The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be
Sporty dimensions inspired by the first gen model
configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features. A LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, offers 24 different colors as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. The redesign seats offer plenty of comfort to both the driver and front passenger.
Striking rear with twin LED rear lights
Conclusion
The sixth Chevrolet Camaro is more modern and advanced compared to its first generation great grandparent. However, just like its forefather the latest Camaro still has the tire-spinning performance and a reasonable base price. With the muscle car segment featuring numerous players, the Camaro is placing its bets on ruling the segment on its refined design, performance and character. General Motors is yet to confirm if the latest Chevrolet Camaro will be available for the RHD market.
