Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In gear

Text Lisa Curtiss, Xavier Blois

We put BMW’s latest two-wheel offering to the test and round up the latest motoring news across Europe

Power boost
BMW launches new luxury diesel

BMW’s new 740d will be its most powerful diesel yet, with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine producing 225kW. The 2,993cc engine has an all aluminium crankcase and third generation common rail fuel injection system offering 600Nm of torque from 1,500rpm, enabling the car to achieve 0–100km/h in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 249km/h. The 740d achieves a respectable 14.4km/l on the combined cycle and 181g/km CO2 emissions.

This launch of the 740d coincides with the introduction of M Sport models to the BMW 7 Series. Features include 19in M Sport V-spoke style alloy wheels, M Aerodynamic body styling and high-gloss exterior trim, Sport seats, M Sport steering wheel, M Sport door sill inlays, brushed aluminium interior trim and anthracite headlining.

The 740d and M Sport will be available from September, with prices still to be announced.

Anything but abominable
Skoda introduces a new 4×4 model, the quirkily named Yeti

The Skoda Yeti will be hitting showrooms throughout Europe in the next few weeks.

It’s said to combine all the rugged strength of a traditional 4×4 with the practicality and reasonable running costs of a hatchback, and it will be primarily targeted at active families wanting versatility, interior space, off-road capability, price and frugality.

Families in particular will appreciate the Yeti’s Varioflex seating arrangement, which allows the seats to be moved backwards, forwards, reclined, rolled up completely or removed from the car. The ‘command’-style high driving position also gives excellent visibility of the road.

Engine-wise, there’s a choice of capable and frugal petrol and diesel engines. No consumption or CO2 figures were available at the time of going to press and there are currently no autos, although these are expected to be introduced from mid-2010.

Off-road, the combination of a Haldex clutch focusing power and torque where needed for the most traction, and a reasonable ground clearance of 180mm, means it’s more capable than most typical buyers would need. The off-road assist features are easily engaged at the touch of a single button, making this a versatile, practical family car. Price range expected to be between €18,000 and €24,000.

Fabulous 599
The first reviews are in for Ferrari’s latest supercar offering

Ferrari has just introduced a new 599 GTB Fiorano, claiming it has the sharpest driving experience of any front-engined V12 GT car on sale today. This most exquisite of supercars is now available with an HGTE package, which further enhances the excellent handling with improved steering feel, brake and throttle response, suspension and traction control settings.

The HGTE model features a revised front grille, new wheel design, exhaust tips and a bespoke interior with HGTE stitching on the seats. It has already received serious praise from the motoring press, being declared “Ferrari’s most complete supercar to date” and a “supercar named desire”.

Ferrari’s 599
GTB Fiorano
is exquisite

In the news…
F1 moves from Silverstone

Donington Park has been granted planning permission to continue work designed to bring the circuit and its facilities up to F1 standard, in time for next year’s grand prix. This follows rumours the circuit was behind in its preparations, resulting in F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirming the British Grand Prix would return to Silverstone if Donington Park was not ready by 2010.

Test Drive

Beauty and the beast

Xavier Blois opens the throttle on the new BMW K1300GT and discovers a roaring monster that provides a fast and comfortable ride

It only took a quick briefing from BMW to get me going on the new K1300GT. The first thing I noticed was there is no choke. In fact, electronics control almost everything on this bike, keeping the motor purring even in the cold.

Even though the bike’s substantial weight makes it more of a mama than a runway model, the sheer stability of the ride this solidity imposes is one of the most reassuring things about the K1300GT. Power is more than on tap from the big 1,300cc engine and, with four cylinders, its superb acceleration is extremely smooth.

With a suspension control you can change at the flick of a button – choosing between Comfort, Normal and Sport – everything on this bike is geared towards a quality ride for both the driver and passenger. The slightest discomfort, it would appear, can be sorted out instantly and seamlessly – there’s an adjustable double front visor, cruise control, adjustable xenons… the list goes on.

Click up the gears to around the 5,000 revs mark and the beauty becomes a real beast. A real WMD for your driving licence, the K1300GT brings you quickly into the realm of illegality, unless you happen to be driving on one of its native autobahn. Like a plant that suddenly turns carnivorous, you have the impression of a bit of genetic modification at work. Travelling at more than 200km/h, this bike’s heft and volume come into their own, with the massive 250kg making you feel safe – and very, very fast.

It was hard to give up this bike and return to my more pedestrian Suzuki 650, but all good things must come to an end, as they say. However, it’s definitely a case of once bitten, forever smitten… I’m saving up now I have something noble to aim for.

Leave a Reply