Its April the 1st, and the motoring manufactures are quick off the mark with the following news..
BMW Force Injection Booster
BMW looks set to change the face of motoring with the introduction of a patented artificial G-force technology. BMW’s new Force Injection Booster simulates the effects of spirited driving, even when commuting at slower speeds, to create a thrilling ride. When activated at speeds under 20mph, the Force Injection Booster (FIB) works by extracting kinetic energy from the car’s engine and converting it into positive g-forces. These are then channelled directly at the driver and passengers through the air conditioning vents, while a mild electric current is delivered through the front seats, to simulate the same exhilarating feeling of driving at high speed*. This technology comes complete with the BMW AirNet®, the latest in hair protection technology, to ensure that occupant’s don’t have to compromise between personal style and driving performance. Professor Mika Notbetrü, Head of BMW Innovation, describes FIB technology as “Mind-blowingly unbelievable”. The Force Injection Booster will be available across the BMW range from 1 April, 2014.
Fancy a Cooper T?
Enhancing the company’s sustainability credentials, MINI’s scientists, engineers and product designers have unveiled the new MINI Cooper T – the world’s first vehicle to be powered by a tea-leaf biofuel composite.
This revolutionary new model, which is available in a variety of colours including ‘Chamomile Yellow’, ‘Red Bush’ and ‘Earl Grey’, is expected to cause a real stir in the motor industry when it’s served up later this month.
Capable of covering up to 40 miles on a single cup, Cooper T certainly isn’t what you’d call thirsty. It boasts all the standard features you would expect, such as VVT, ABS and DSC, but also benefits from DAT or Dunk Avoidance Technology. This ingenious filtration system stops peckish owners and opportunistic passersby from inserting biscuits into the MINI T’s fuel tank in order to moisten their snacks.
Head of Cooper T engineering, Dr. Ivana Kuppa, said, “This particular project has been brewing for years. Our extensive research has shown that the nation’s favourite drink is also an ideal biofuel. We already know good things come in small packages, but with Cooper T customers benefitting from up to 40 miles per cup, we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this car to market.”
MINI customers in the Gloucestershire area can get a first taste of the Cooper T at MINI Cotswold Gloucester on 1 April, where the vehicle will be displayed.
New C4 Cactus Arsenal
Making its debut ahead of the 2014/15 season, Citroën will produce a special Arsenal edition of the forthcoming C4 Cactus.
Limited to just 11 models and kitted out in the red, blue and gold shades of the Gunners’ iconic crest, the C4 Cactus Arsenal showcases new technology to help the Club’s most dedicated supporters follow their beloved team in comfort and style.
The integrated dashboard console will feature Citroën’s new Geo Organised Away-day Location, Information & Entertainment interface, or G.O.A.L.I.E. The touchscreen system is preloaded with all of Arsenal’s away fixtures, including directions to the matches, a database of pie and mash vendors and a music playlist of rousing football anthems to sing along to.
Head of Citroën UK’s Special Projects division, Joseph King commented; ‘We think Mr Wenger and the team will be delighted with this new special edition. As Official Automotive Partner to Arsenal, Citroën is always looking for new ways of celebrating our relationship. With the new fan-focused in-car technology, we think this model is pitch-perfect for the dedicated Arsenal supporter.’
Avina Jolie from Citroën France added, ‘On espère que tout le monde a reconnu que c’est une petite blague de notre part. Sinon, et si vous parlez français ou si vous utilisez un service de traduction, il faut dire que cette histoire n’est pas vrai. On ne produira pas cette voiture.’
The C4 Cactus Arsenal will be available to order from all Citroën showrooms later this year.*
*Except Citroën Tottenham.
New Astra Copacabana
With a Brazilian flag on its roof, palm trees and dancing lines along its doors, the all-new Astra Copacabana is the epitome of pure South American emotion.
Under the bonnet, its new 200PS 1.6 Turbo litre engine offers more drama than a penalty shoot-out, while acceleration from 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds will press drivers into their seat-backs, which are upholstered from genuine Rio turf.
A masterpiece of craftsmanship, Vauxhall’s interior designers successfully processed original grass from the famous Maracanã Stadium. Every car comes with a certificate confirming the authenticity of the sacred greenery.
Just as authentic are the footwells, which are filled with finest sand from the beach that gave this football-themed model its name. And to make sure that you’re really living the dream when you drive the Copacabana, each special edition comes with a handy pair of flip-flops in the glove compartment.
With a choice of Samba or Vuvuzela tones, the Copacabana’s horn provides true stadium atmosphere, as does a beverage vending machine that mixes up ice-cold Caipirinhas during the drive – alcohol-free, of course, because the Cachaça goes directly into the tank as a power-boosting turbo-cocktail.
The Astra Copacabana is available today for just £41,024.01 from your nearest participating Vauxhall dealer.
