#2 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible – A blend of off-road abilities and open sky exquisiteness

Land Rovers are known for their iconic capability of taming the untamed wilderness. The list of such wilderness tamers is comprised of the Defender, the Discover and the mighty Ranger Rover. However, the same can’t be said for the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. This particular baby Range Rover has been designed to tackle more of the urban jungle.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible 

The Evoque is easily maneuverable in tight confines and quite pleasant on the highway. For the last four years the Evoque has been on sale as a four-door or two-door model. Starting from next year an all-new option is joining the Evoque family; the all-new Convertible.

Four door Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains the elegant design proportions of the five-door and coupe derivatives with its acoustically-lined fabric roof open or closed. Interior volume and luggage capacity have been maximized for cargo versatility regardless of the roof's position.

Design lines from the Evoque coupe are retained

Looks

Gerry McGovern’s team have retained the bold and progressive exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque with the convertible roof system open or closed. A sophisticated fabric roof with tension-bow architecture creates a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design of the vehicle, while the Z-fold mechanism folds into the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance.

New frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the roof is stowed. A dynamic front grille with enlarged geometric mesh area, vent surrounds and a selection of six alloy wheel designs and finishes, ranging from 18- to 20-inches adds further design differentiation between convertible and fixed-roof models.

With the roof up

Whether optioned with Halogen, Xenon or LED headlamps, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with LED tail lamps and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs) as standard. For additional visual impact, both front and rear DRLs are automatically illuminated when the ignition is activated.

Despite appearing identical to Range Rover Evoque coupe from bottom up to the waistline, the bodywork behind the front doors has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the stowed roof mechanism. The roof lowers in just 18 seconds and rises in 21 seconds when the roof button on the center console is pressed. It also allows all four windows to be simultaneously raised or lowered for maximum convenience.

Profile with the roof down 

Once the roof is lowered, discreet hinged panels located at the rear of the interior fold flush to conceal the mechanism, ensuring the vehicle's contemporary lines are retained for a clean and uncluttered appearance. A Roll-over Protection Device (RPD) features a deployable roll-over protection system hidden in the rear quarter panel. The RPD is designed to automatically deploy two aluminum bars in 90 milliseconds in the unlikely event of a roll-over situation, to create a potential protection space for occupants.

A little different form the standard Evoque Coupe and four door

The upper portions of the rear fenders have been carefully redesigned to seamlessly integrate with packaging requirements of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, while an all-new boot and rear spoiler have been engineered to compliment the design. The rear spoiler houses the LED stoplight and optimizes aerodynamics, while the innovative boot hinge mechanism allows for a larger opening, allowing for easy storage and removal of items.

Off-road qualities with open top enjoyment 

Performance

Behind the dark meshed front grill is a 2.0-litre heart, pumping out 178 kW (240 hp) and 340 Nm of torque. The output accelerates the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. A ZF 9-speed transmission features nine closely staggered ratios for excellent acceleration to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Luxurious cockpit 

When the ignition is activated, the rotary gear-shift controller with its tactile knurled metal finish rises from the center console. The driver can opt to leave the transmission in automatic mode, allowing the Adaptive Shift Strategy to intelligently anticipate driver behavior. Alternatively, gears can be manually selected via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shift interface for ultimate control.

Aggressive front 

Drivetrain

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with a variety of standard Land Rover off-road technologies, including the proven Terrain Response system. Terrain Response tailors steering, throttle, transmission, center-coupling and braking/stability response to the terrain via four driver-selectable settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts; and Sand. Standard on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Hill Descent Control (HDC) is designed to assist the driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes by maintaining a constant speed and applying braking separately to each wheel. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards as it pulls away on an incline while Gradient Release Control (GRC) is designed to prevent the vehicle accelerating too quickly on a steep incline if the driver inadvertently releases the brake.

Luxurious interior 

Interior

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible features a spacious and contemporary four-seat interior defined by luxury materials and soft-touch surfaces. The strikingly minimalist dashboard architecture contrasts the bold horizontal sweep of the instrument panel with the dynamic vertical rake of the center console. All Range Rover Evoque Convertible models feature fixed twin rear seats, with a central bolster, and revised quarter trim speakers. Ambient lighting subtly enhances the premium feel of the interior in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible especially at night.

Rear seating

The infotainment system consists of a 10.2-inch capacitive touch-screen with a Solid State Disc (SSD) for faster response times. The screen also doubles up as a control for climate control, telephone and reserve camera. The standard 380W Meridian Digital Sound System features 10 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer delivering exceptional definition. For the ultimate in-car technology experience HSE Dynamic models are also available with a premium 12-speaker, 660W surround-sound Meridian audio system, including dual-channel subwoofer and amplifier with advanced digital processing for outstanding sound quality.

Rear storage space

Conclusion

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible presents a lucrative alternative to what is currently available in the compact crossover segment. The Evoque Convertible’s open top feel and its ability to tackle terrain that might undermine most convertible sports car’s makes it a must have kit for fun and pure enjoyment. Land Rover has also done a great job in ensuring the renowned Evoque design characteristics have remained untouched. Pricing starts at £47500 in the United Kingdom.

#1 2016 BMW 7-series – Refined, Revamped, Restyled and Advanced

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 570S Coupe – Exhilarating, striking and iconic

 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.