Lawrence Tomlinson adds to growing automotive portfolio

Iconic British car marque Ginetta, has extended its road car proposition by acquiring Bath-based supercar manufacturer Farbio Sports Cars. Driving the potential deal is Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, who acquired Ginetta in 2005 and has pushed the sports car maker to new levels.

With three highly successful one-make championships and the GT winning G50 which has beaten the likes of Aston Martin, the Leeds-based manufacturer has become a major player on the global motorsport scene.

Meanwhile, Farbio, which was established in 2005 by former racing driver Chris Marsh, offers a stunning lightweight British supercar in the form of the Farbio GTS and its enhanced performance models the GTS350 and GTS400. The cars unique selling point comes in its ground-breaking carbon fibre body which is manufactured at specialist facilities at Farbio’s Bath factory – and ensures that the cars are lighter than an average Ford Fiesta at just 1048 kg.

With the top of the range GTS400 reaching an impressive 410bhp, Farbio has produced a super quick road car with the handling of a race car. It has received phenomenal press reviews, with the Sunday Times calling the GTS400 “one of the best cars this country has ever produced”. Farbio has already set up an impressive worldwide Dealer Network and the fusion of the two marques will add to the global presence of the automotive group. A rebadged Ginetta F400 was unveiled today at Silverstone by Tomlinson and Marsh

Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: “I have been continually impressed by Farbio – Chris Marsh and his team have established a car which incorporates complex design with obvious beauty. The acquisition by Ginetta will mean that we can further develop on the existing carbon fibre component facility which is housed at Bath whilst using Ginetta’s considerable motorsport credentials and inherently strong brand identity to propel a road car to international acclaim. I am very confident that bringing Farbio under the Ginetta marque will be an incredibly positive move.”

Managing Director, Chris Marsh has followed the Ginetta brand since its acquisition by Tomlinson. He added “The accomplishments that have been made by Ginetta have been fantastic. I have been following Lawrence’s achievements over the past years, having been at Le Mans for his first win in 2006 and am very much looking forward to working with him and his team to expand and develop the brand. Both companies will mutually benefit from their individual qualities and strengths resulting in a strong and enhanced global position in the sports car market”.

Chris Marsh will remain as Managing Director with the existing team set to expand significantly. The Farbio brand will be re-named Ginetta.

About Ginetta

Ginetta is an iconic British sports car manufacturer which has been building road and race cars since 1958.

Today the Yorkshire-based company is a major player on the motorsport scene in the UK and abroad. Its own three single-make Championships, two of which support the prestigious BTCC series, are renowned for their entertaining close racing.

Multi-marque racing at GT level with the G50 and the Ginetta-Zytek’s LMP1 and LMP2 cars complete the career ladder opportunities starting from 14 years old in the Ginetta Junior car.

In 2008 Ginetta Cars was awarded the title of ‘Small Business of the Year’ by the Motorsport Industry Association and in the same year the Ginetta G50 was crowned Autosport’s Car of the Year. In June 2009, Team LNT raced a Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S in the premier LMP1 class at Le Mans with Formula One icon Nigel Mansell competing in the same car at the Le Mans Series finale in September.

Ginetta’s latest launch the G40, was unveiled to international acclaim at Autosport International in January 2010. The multi-platform road and race car will hit grids in April 2010.

ENCO Exclusive Audi Q5

Quick change artist

The Q5 from Audi has been available on the German market since November 2008. Since then it has extremely successfully cast a spell over the Compact SUV fans and also vehicle finishers are adding their own mark to the popular five-door model. Enco Exclusive shows probably the most impressive Q5 interpretation to date.

The newly developed Q5 body kit by the Chemnitz manufacture company is based optically on its big brother the Q7 or in particular here the V12 TDI. Therefore anyone who does not want to fork out 130,000 Euros for the top model or can but still loves the visual appearance of the Super SUV should directly contact the Enco Exclusive team.

The Saxons’ project adds another low dominantly designed front bumper with the V12 TDI typically large blackened air inlets to the left and right of the radiator grille into which LED daytime running lights are integrated. The professionals also installed a new hood with a sublime mid-section with two chrome air outlets alongside it arranged lengthwise in the driving direction. On the Q5’s sides there are now mudguard and door extensions, which lend the elegant five-door model a sturdier appearance. The Enco Audi’s rear is dominated in turn by a new skirt, in which the well-known oval end exhaust pipes from the V12 TDI are integrated, the perfect mix of optical elegance and sportiness. The finish in terms of updated bodywork is a body-coloured spoiler above the rear windscreen.

The perfect complement to the whole package is the brand new silver monoblock set of wheels in Enco “Jura” design with its seven drawn out and vaulted spokes in imposing 10×22 inch with 285/30 Pirelli Scorpion Zeros which on request (as in the example of the vehicle shown) can of course be painted in black or other colours.

Enco Exclusive also updates the interior of the compact SUV on request with carbon parts which replace the original design elements mounted ex factory. This and in particular the extensive and stylish body kit turns the Q5 into a unique eye-catcher and at a clearly more favourable price than is required for the Q7 V12 TDI top model.

Prices

Complete body kit: 4,165 Euros

• front spoiler: 1,130 Euros
• rear bumper skirt with exhaust pipes: 952 Euros 
• muffler right/left: 595 Euros 
• mudguard, door parts: 1,130 Euros 
• rear spoiler: 1,125 Euros

Hood: 1,785 Euros

Assembly/mounting: 1,190 Euros

Painting: 1,488 Euros

Lowering springs incl. installation and measurement: 595 Euros

Set of wheels 10×22 inch silver with 4,641 Euros

285/30R22 incl. adapter tyres:

Extra charge for painting set of wheels: 476 Euros

Carbon interior: 1,428 Euros

 

Volkswagen R GmbH in the starting blocks

The Volkswagen R GmbH will be the specialist for sporty exclusive models from Volkswagen in the future. Volkswagen AG has bundled the responsibilities and competencies for development, implementations and sales of individualised vehicle offers into Volkswagen R GmbH. For example, its portfolio includes the two new top models, the Scirocco R und the Golf R as well as the dynamic R Line design packages and luxurious Volkswagen Exclusive items.

“Our vehicles contribute to the emotionalisation and growth of Volkswagen brand,” explained Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, General Manager of Volkswagen R GmbH.

The company’s name, Volkswagen R GmbH, responds to the increased global demand for individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity. The sporty positioning will be reflected more intensely in the programme of Volkswagen R in the mid and long term. The company has its headquarters in Warmenau near Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen R GmbH employs a staff of more than 350

LEXUS LFA TO TAKE ON THE ‘RING

• Two production Lexus LFA supercars to compete in Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May
• Race-prepared machines entered by Gazoo racing
• Lexus also to defend championship titles with SC 430 and IS 350 in Japanese Super GT series

Lexus is heading back to the legendary Nürburgring this spring to challenge for glory in the 24 Hours endurance race with its LFA supercar.

It will be the first time the production LFA is seen in full-blooded competition, taking on one of the world’s most challenging circuits in a marathon test of speed, handling and durability. In two previous outings in the event, development versions of the LFA were raced primarily to help hone performance and handling. This time the LFA will line up as a prime challenger in standard production car guise.

It’s a formidable proposition: with its advanced, lightweight composite construction and 552bhp mid-mounted V10 engine, it will reach 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and race on to a top speed beyond 200mph.

Gazoo Racing will prepare and field the two LFA in the event, which takes place from 13 to 16 May. Led by Toyota master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the team will include four Japanese and three German drivers who between them boast outstanding GT and endurance racing experience.

Takayuki Kinoshita is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and has competed more often and finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nürburgring 24 Hours than any other Japanese driver. Akira Ida was overall winner of the Tokachi 24 Hours in 1995 and 2007, and both Juichi Wakisaka and Kazuya Oshima have recorded consistent success in Japanese Super GT 500 and GT 300 competition.

The German team members are Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nürburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, Super GT 500 champion in 2006 and 2008.

World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2010

NOVITEC ROSSO Tuning for the Ferrari California

606 hp / 446 kW Compressor-V8 and Sporty Accessories

Engine tuning using a supercharger is NOVITEC ROSSO’s recipe for making the Ferrari California even more powerful and even sportier. The new supercharged engine represents an increase in power output for the 4.3-liter V8 from standard 460 hp to 606 hp / 446 kW. Powered by this engine the 2+2-seater car sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in under 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h. Custom-tailored NOVITEC ROSSO wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, a sporty aerodynamic-enhancement kit and exclusive interior options add further striking highlights.

The NOVITEC ROSSO specialists fit the eight-cylinder four-valve engine of the California with a mechanical charger driven by the crankshaft via a cogged belt. Boost pressure is limited to 0.4 bars.

The system also includes a water-to-air intercooler, a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. On the exhaust side the car is equipped with a NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts. An integrated flap mechanism activated by a small switch on the steering wheel called the ‘manettino’ controls the intensity of the exhaust note.

Precision-calibrated mapping for the engine electronics ensure optimal power yield, perfect reliability and compliance with strict Euro IV exhaust emission limits.

The NOVITEC ROSSO compressor conversion bumps power output of the ragtop GT from standard 460 hp / 338 kW to 606 hp / 446 kW at 7,900 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 485 Nm to 603 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

The car’s performance speaks volumes: Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes less than 3.8 seconds; top speed increases to 325 km/h.

In addition to more power NOVITEC ROSSO also offers exclusive upgrades for body, suspension and the interior. The body of the California is dressed up in a sporty yet elegant designer suit which is also available in a version made from Carbon.

The shape of the NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler was developed in the wind tunnel and it lends the front-engine sports car an even more dynamic profile. And with its sophisticated shape the spoiler reduces lift on the front axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

New rocker panels with integrated airfoils and black side markers add striking new highlights to the sides of the two-door car. The aerodynamic concept is rounded out with a rear diffuser and rear spoiler lip that both further minimize unwanted lift on the rear axle. A carbon-fiber rear molding adds the finishing touches to the NOVITEC ROSSO look for the Ferrari California.

Gorgeous three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels help further improve driving dynamics. The combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 11.5Jx22 on the rear axle further emphasizes the wedge shape of the sports car. Technology partner Pirelli supplies high-performance tires custom-tailored to this vehicle. The tires are mounted in size 255/30 ZR 21 on the front axle. In the rear tires in size 315/25 ZR 22 provide optimal traction.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs are calibrated specifically to this tire/wheel combination. They also lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 35 millimeters. The suspension engineers have further developed a custom feature that makes the California even better suited for everyday use. A hydraulic lift system for the front axle can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters at the push of a button. This makes it easier to navigate obstacles such as speed bumps or parking garage ramps. The front reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h.

NOVITEC ROSSO can also fulfill Ferrari California owners’ requests for interior customization. Captivating NOVITEC ROSSO exclusive interiors are masterfully crafted to perfection from leather and Alcantara, and are available in a multitude of colors and upholstery designs.

Diesel Power with Turbo Look

The Cargraphic upgrade kit for the Porsche Cayenne 3 litre Diesel

The Cayenne Diesel is a real alternative to the petrol-driven models, especially for long-distance motoring. Diesel drivers can really get their money’s worth, not just in economic terms, and this is down to the V6 unit’s high torque of 550 Nm at 176 kW / 240 PS. The only issue is the look, which does come across as somewhat tame, compared with the top Cayenne models. Yet even this is now no longer a major shortcoming, as Cargraphic, the traditional customizing company from Germany, has now included in its range a conversion kit for Cayenne Turbo look.

What the vehicle enhancement specialists, with their reputation for attention to detail, can offer the customer is a matching rear valence along with sports exhaust, heat shield and end pipes, all for 2,495 euros (plus VAT). The exhaust systems are produced in England by Cargraphic’s own manufacturers, working to the highest standards of craftmanship. Only high-grade stainless steel is used, good enough to satisfy even the quality standards demanded in the aviation industry.

All that remains, then, is the “moral” issue of whether a diesel model should actually even be allowed to bear the Turbo insignia. Michael Schnarr, who heads the company along with his brother Thomas, has got the answer: “Technically, the diesel engine used in the Cayenne is actually a turbo engine.” And on the subject of performance, he points to another of the company’s products. Thanks to an upgrade via software, the engine power soars to 290 PS (213 kW) and the top speed rises to 133 mph (221 km/h). In terms of torque – now up to 630 Nm – the diesel model is now getting dangerously close to the “real” Turbo Cayenne, with its 700 Nm. The price of the software performance upgrade runs to 995 euros (plus VAT).

 

Rolling Wonder. The BMW M Bike.

The BMW M Bike is a spectacular combination of state-of-the-art technology and exclusive design. Disc brakes and an elegant matt anthracite frame with the M logo combine perfectly with the leather saddle, stunning rims and handles, and shiny red seat inlay. Characteristic of the entire M collection, which, like the BMW M model itself, stands for the extraordinary and unique.

The thrill of speed.

Anyone who rides this sporty speed bike through the city or takes a short tour through the countryside will immediately attract a lot of attention – at least for a few seconds. The high total gear ratio transmission delivers astonishing speed.

The best of the best.

The BMW M Bike’s fi’zi:k saddle is made from the highest quality leather with a red inlay. This ensures extra riding comfort and superior grip. The built-in Shimano SLX gear system is light and sturdy. The Manitou Match suspension fork on the front wheel is incredibly durable and the disc brakes make for a clean stop.

Starting in June 2010 BMW M Bikes will be available in a special limited edition at select BMW dealers and online at www.bmw-shop.com.

Here you’ll also find choice textiles and other accessories from the M Collection, including the M Cabin Bag, a travel bag made from the finest leather, or the M Shoes – black sneakers made from a leather-nylon mix, designed in cooperation with Puma.
Facts and figures:

BWM M Bike – limited edition

Frame height:

M: 46 cm (height 162-178 cm),

L: 51 cm (height 175-185 cm),

XL: 55 cm (height 183-195 cm),

Frame: aluminum, front suspension, BMW design

Fork: Manitou Match, spring deflection: 80 mm

Weight: 12.9 kg

Back in Indy!

Lotus and Cosworth have entered into a new technical and commercial partnership with established IndyCar competitors KV Racing Technology to run in the 2010 IndyCar Series.

The Lotus-Cosworth IndyCar will use the classic Racing Green and Yellow livery used on Lotus Racing cars in the 1950s and 1960s and this new livery will debut at the first USA round of the IndyCar Series.

Driving the Lotus-Cosworth IndyCar will be the former F1 driver Takuma Sato.

Lotus competed for a number of years in the IndyCar Series in the 1960s, winning the Indianapolis 500 race outright in 1965 with the pioneering Lotus Type 38, driven by Jim Clark, and narrowly missing victory to come second in 1963.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “Racing has always defined Lotus and on many occasions in motorsports history Lotus’ numerous innovations have re-defined racing. It’s only fitting that as the Lotus Racing name re-enters Formula 1, we will also race and innovate again in IndyCar. The Lotus name will, once again compete in the top two open-wheel racing series for the passion and enthusiasm of car fans around the globe.”

Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser, owners of KV Racing Technology said, “We are delighted to be part of Lotus and Cosworth’s return to the IndyCar Series, and with Takuma at the wheel of the classic racing green and yellow Lotus Cosworth race car, we expect to be formidable competitors this year.”

Takuma Sato said, “This is fantastic news for everyone. It is exiting for me to be a Lotus driver and I’m really looking forward to great success with this new project.”

The return to the IndyCar Series follows on from the recent announcement by Lotus and Cosworth are to become closely associated through a strategic partnership looking at the opportunity to develop high performance engines for Lotus cars.

The 2010 IndyCar Series starts with the Sao Paolo Indy 300, Brazil on the 14th of March 2010.

Hot on the heels of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon that goes on sale in March, BMW’s popular Touring model will reach the UK market in September 2010. It will be the fourth generation of Touring models in the 5 Series range and brings traditional BMW driving qualities and elegance to those seeking flexibility, adaptability and versatility from their car.

Initially available in four derivatives, the new BMW 5 Series Touring offers a choice of two petrol cars, the 523i and 535i, and two diesel models, the 520d and 530d. All four are packed with innovative technology that ensures class-leading performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions, while providing an elegant, comfortable and driver-oriented estate car.

*Electronically limited

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK, said: “BMW can fairly claim to have created the idea to turn executive saloon cars into practical yet still fun to drive estates with its first 5 Series Touring in the UK back in 1991. Up until then most large estates were utilitarian load-luggers that eschewed both the driving capabilities of their saloon cousins as well as the style. The 5 Series Touring changed all that and its success has led to the new fourth generation being unveiled today.

“Since the UK is the third largest market for the 5 Series Touring, this new model is an important and exciting one for us. Offering best in class performance, fuel efficiency and emissions, I have high hopes for the new 5 Series Touring here.”

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is an uncompromising synthesis of power, handling, versatility and elegant style. It has been designed to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions, short overhangs, a flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet. It is at once a sporting, dynamic and attractive car with intelligent versatility built in.

For example, all models feature 40/20/40 flat-folding rear seat backrests, a luggage load cover that retracts and lowers automatically with the tailgate and a self opening rear window for ease of loading smaller items – a unique feature in the market. All models also feature self-levelling air suspension at the rear to ensure that the Touring is unaffected when carrying heavy loads. For the comfort of driver and passengers alike Dakota leather upholstery is now standard for all models as is automatic air conditioning with two-zone control.

Outside, the roof rails are now finished in matt aluminium, although black high gloss or matt black can be specified at no cost and chromeline exterior window surrounds are now standard. Matt aluminium or high gloss shadowline can be specified optionally. Park Distance Control, front and rear, and Bluetooth telephone preparation are also now standard for all models while a USB audio interface and ambient lighting are standard for six-cylinder cars.

Space and comfort

The boot capacity of the new Touring is 560 litres, 60 more than the outgoing model, and a huge 1,670 litres with all rear seats folded. A further option is Extended Storage that includes “cargo” functionality for rear seats. This allows the rear seat backrests to be fixed in a more upright position thereby increasing luggage capacity by 30 litres and minimising wasted space behind rear seats. This feature increases normal load capacity to 590 litres as well as adding lashing rails, storage nets and straps. Naturally, a ski bag is available as an option.

The new Touring has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of interior space. This translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series.

Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.

The use of partial Black Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console adds an extra touch of luxury to the cabin. A signature piece of BMW design, Black Panel technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car. High-resolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use they discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.

High performance in every aspect

The 520d Touring is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. Its 1,995cc four cylinder diesel engine features the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which increases power to 184hp at 4,000rpm. Combined with torque of 380 Nm from only 1,900 rpm this jewel of an engine ensures that it can provide swift and safe overtaking responses at any time.

The 520d Touring accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 138mph. Sipping fuel at a combined fuel consumption of 54.3mpg and offering a CO2 rating of 137g/km, the BMW 520d Touring is the most efficient car in the executive estate car segment.

The silky smooth straight-six turbocharged engine of the 530d Touring ups the diesel ante. Now equipped with increased power of 245hp at 4,000rpm and with a peak torque of 540Nm from as low as 1,750rpm, the 530d Touring provides more of what enthusiastic customers love. With the introduction of upgraded piezo-injectors, the BMW 530d emits just 165g/km (with automatic transmission), while averaging a combined consumption figure of 44.8mpg. The BMW 530d is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and attaining an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

Joining the diesel-powered cars from launch are two straight-six petrol engines – the 523i and the 535i. The 535i is the first engine to combine a single turbocharged engine with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC – BMW’s own system that controls how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. These measures allow the engine to meet strict emissions regulations whilst delivering optimum performance with a zero to 62mph time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures reflect its technological prowess with 33.2mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 197g/km, both values using the more popular automatic transmission.

The naturally-aspirated 523i Touring has also utilises High Precision Direct Injection resulting in high-revving, responsive driving characteristics, combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The 523i unit delivers maximum output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm from 1,500 all the way through to 4,250 rpm to ensure smooth progression at any speed. Its responsiveness translates into a zero to 62mph speed of 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 155mph*. Its economical nature delivers CO2 emissions of 183g/km and a combined consumption of 36.2mpg.

Efficient and Dynamic at no extra cost

The new BMW 5 Series Touring comes with a dazzling array of EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 520d Touring is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop. All manual gearbox models come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers decide when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency.

Completing the panoply of BMW’s pioneering EfficientDynamics package are Brake Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics, Low rolling resistance tyres, Electric Power Steering and lightweight engineering throughout the vehicle. High-precision direct fuel injection is also fitted on both petrol models.

Transmission

All BMW 5 Series Touring models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox which has been optimised compared to previous transmissions for greater efficiency. A redesigned gearshift lever and enhanced internal packaging have resulted in a smoother, sportier gearshift.

The option of BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission brings the luxury and refinement of the 7 Series to the new Touring range. While being six per cent more fuel efficient, the weight and size of the gearbox remain unchanged. Buyers of all variants can specify the eight-speed automatic gearbox or an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddles for those that prefer more enthusiastic style of driving.

For those BMW 5 Series Touring models specified with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive packages, the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator is fitted to enhance ride and handling still further. DDC allows for fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Each mode changes the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, gear change characteristics, degree of Dynamic Stability Control interaction and, courtesy of adjustable dampers, the ride and handling characteristics.

Innovative new optional equipment

The BMW 5 Series Touring can be specified with Park Assist to enhance driver convenience. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.

Four-wheel Integral Active Steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series Touring and a car equipped with it benefits from a turning circle reduced by half a metre. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.

The BMW 5 Series Touring is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance driver safety, comfort and enjoyment. Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info and two rear entertainment packages are all available.

In the UK the BMW 5 Series Touring will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. The Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.