Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In gear

Lisa Curtiss takes a look at two sleek new sportsters for spring, plus Renaultsport’s latest tiny tearaway

Speedy Spyder

Porsche’s latest Boxster is quick out of the blocks

Bolder, more powerful and sportier than ever: this is what Porsche says about the third model in its Boxster range. The Boxster Spyder has been developed to offer Porsche aficionados an up-to-date purist roadster successor to the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s. Lightweight construction, enhanced steering and driving dynamics, performance boost and modifications to the chassis promise a honed and rewarding drive. In a recent test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, it lapped a remarkable seven seconds faster than sister model the Boxster S.

Leader of the track

Lexus releases Nürburgring-inspired LFA

Fresh on the heels of the latest, fastest and rather fantastic IS-F is the ultimate Lexus – a limited Nürburgring edition of the LFA supercar, launched just in time to mark the LFA’s entry in this month’s world-famous Nürburgring 24 Hours race.

Just 50 models will be built with this unique performance package, aimed at those seeking a full on-track performance and, of course, those wanting to pose. New aero features such as a fixed rear wing give greater downforce, power has been boosted to 562bhp, shift times have been slashed, there’s a 0-100kph of just 3.7 seconds and overall dynamic handling is significantly enhanced.

Those customers wishing to try out their new toy on the track can take advantage of individual driving instruction on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring’s chief instructors, and also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.

True blue

Twingo goes Gordini

The hallowed Renaultsport stable’s latest development is the limited edition Twingo Gordini 133; a stylish titch that really packs a punch. In keeping with its famous racing Gordini predecessors, it comes in bright blue with twin white racing stripes and Gordini logo embellishment throughout. Based on the performance package of the acclaimed Renaultsport 133, the Gordini boasts the same sporty handling and chassis set-up.

May diary

Dates to look out for this month

1-2 WTCC, Marrakech, Morocco
7-9 F1 Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain
7-9 Le Mans Series, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
13-15 German GT Championship, Nürburgring, Germany
13-16 F1 Monaco Grand Prix
28-30 F1 Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul, Turkey
30-1 Jun WRC, Vodafone Rally de Portugal

TESTDRIVE BMW 5 SERIES

Lisa Curtiss takes the first car in BMW’s new 5-series for a spin

BMW is busy rolling out its new 5-series, and the first temptress is the Gran Turismo – designed for those wanting versatility, space and pace, plus a generous helping of limo-like luxury behind a BMW badge. Indeed, all of the attractions that infamous footballer’s chariot of choice, the X5, offers, minus its rather unfortunate, not to mention alarming, propensity to induce abuse from every eco warrior you happen to pootle past.

So, the GT is a covert, low-slung SUV then. Well, kind of. To put it more pleasantly, it’s a BMW combining the interior space and luxury of a 7-series with the practicality, head and loadspace of an X5 or 5-series Touring.

For starters, it strangely adopts the upright, SUV-like ‘semi-command’ driving position, and then matches the X5’s headroom. But conversely it’s as long as the 7-series that it shares engines and luxury features with, and is sportingly low-slung. A veritable wildebeest of a car, but versatile nevertheless.

Viewed gleaming at the airport prior to the test, it’s a decent enough-looking car – assuming you like the new 5-series’ distinctive long, sniffy snout. You can choose between a two or three rear-seat format. The boot has a handy two-piece tailgate that opens hatch-style for tall, high loads, or saloon-style to keep those inside cocooned from the elements. At 440 litres rising to a generous 1,700 litres with the rear seats down, it is cavernous enough both for luggage and essential but awkward items such as golf clubs and skis. Overall, there’s clear evidence of 7-series luxury, and the cabin is an honestly comfortable place to be.

As with any BMW, the best bits come from below the bonnet, and despite the GT’s hefty weight and length, all three engines tested (3.0-litre turbodiesel, straight-six 3.0-litre, and V8 4.4-litre petrol) proved gutsy and rewarding, making light work of the rough, mountainous terrain we were set to tackle. Dynamically sharp and with decent grip, the GT is more agile than you would expect and, even when pushed hard, doesn’t ever feel like a load lugger.

Info

BMW New 5
Series Gran
Turismo 530d

Price
from €40,000
Engine
2993cc, 245bhp
Transmission
8-speed auto
0-100km/h
6.9 secs
Top speed
239km/h
CO2 emissions
173g/km
MPG
6.5l/100km

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