BMW 6 Series

The first members of the 6-Series coupe family were the 630CS and 633 CSi. Like the 3.0CS and CSi that preceded them, the new coupes featured bodies by Karmann and were very easy on the eyes. Eventually, body production was taken over by the parent company, but by then the stylish shape of the coupes had been well defined. All versions of the first 6 Series were built on a platform similar to that of the 5 Series and powered by variants of the BMW inline six engine.


The first offerings of the series offered modest performance with a 176-horsepower 3 litre providing the muscle. One of the last, the M6, was a lot more entertaining with 256 ponies on tap and a performance-tuned suspension that helped ensure the power could be put to good use. In 1989 the first 6 series was discontinued, and the new 8 Series became the sole offering in a coupe configuration.By the mid-1970s, BMW’s 3.0CS and CSi coupes were losing their appeal. For one thing, the low roof made it difficult for larger customers to enter the car. Some BMW managers wanted to retain the 3.0-coupe platform with design changes that would solve the access problem. However, BMW’s executive VP of sales insisted on a new car. That VP was Bob Lutz, the same Bob Lutz who is today making headlines in GM’s recovery efforts. Fortunately for BMW lovers, Lutz got his way, and the new coupe was approved.

Since the 3.0 coupes of the early seventies were among the most attractive automobiles of their day, it’s not surprising that their offspring, the 6 Series coupes that premiered in 1976, were lookers as well. However, unlike some other BMW series, the 6 Series coupes came in two generations, separated by a wide gulf. But while the two 6-Series versions may be separated in time, they have much in common. Both met the handling, power and luxury standards that are expected of BMWs, and both have helped build the brand’s sporting personality in a way that sedans can’t quite muster.

In 2003 the second version of the 6 Series saw the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Gone were the backward rake of the nose and the squared off lines. In their place was a gracefully rounded shape with nary a squared-off corner to be found. Once again, the coupe’s platform was based on the 5 Series, and, once again, it was greeted with enthusiasm by fans of the marque. The enthusiastic reception was understandable since the 645Ci premiered with a potent 325 horsepower 4.5 litre V8. A more modest 630Ci, with a 258 horsepower six, followed shortly thereafter. Another M6, with a strapping 507-pony powerplant, came along in 2005

Today’s 650i is available as both coupe and convertible, and it’s a driver’s car in the best tradition of the brand. With an equipment list that includes 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, a 360-horsepower V-8, and a sport-package suspension, the automobile offers everything the most enthusiastic road warrior could want.

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The New Honda Accord

Honda's Accord got a completely new, more sophisticated and detail-oriented look in 2008, along with a complete mechanical redesign. The result is a car that stands out in the automotive world.Seats and seating are a particular strong suit of the new Accord. In front, they are generously apportioned, and Honda claims an equal level of comfort for both front and rear passengers. Overall interior volume is 120 cubic feet, which officially crosses the Accord over into large sedan territory.
Despite being larger, the Accord has great torsional rigidity, which gives the car's suspension optimal ride and handling, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in back, along with wide tires across the model line. Wheels range from 16-inch steel wheels on base models up to 17-inch alloys on up-level coupes and sedans; on the coupe, 18-inch alloys are also available.
The Accord is offered in either LX or EX trim, with either a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, making either 177 horsepower or 190 horsepower, depending on the model, or a 3.5L V6 making 271 horsepower. The V6 comes with the latest version of Honda's variable cylinder management (VCM) system, which can shut down two or three cylinders when possible to increase fuel efficiency. The more powerful 190-horsepower version of the four-cylinder engine uses a variable-valve silencer and high-flow exhaust system to bring improved performance with no penalty in fuel efficiency. This version is standard on base LX and upscale EX coupes, and also on mid-level EX sedans.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all four-cylinder engines, while a five-speed automatic is optional with the four and standard with the V6. A six-speed manual transmission is exclusively offered on the EX-L coupe.
The Accord LX is an economical model that doesn't lack for creature comforts, while EX models are dressed up with alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip and blue ambient interior lighting, and include more luxury items such as heated mirrors, a moonroof and a security system. At the top of the range is the EX-L, which adds leather seating and trim, upgraded instrumentation, dual-zone climate control, and the premium audio system with active noise cancellation.
Accord sound systems have MP3 and WMA compatibility and an auxiliary input jack. The base system has 160 watts, a CD player and 6 speakers; all now have RDS program information. Middle-trim models add a 6-disc CD changer, while top models bring the premium audio system, with 270 watts, seven speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer, and available XM satellite radio. There's also a navigation system that includes a Bluetooth hands-free phone link, voice activation, and an integrated Zagat guide.
The list of standard safety equipment includes vehicle stability assist and active front head restraints, along with front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist.

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The New Ford Escape

The Ford Escape comes with three different powertrains for 2009, all of them revised significantly from previous years. A 170-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder replaces the 153-hp 2.3L, while a 230-horsepower 3.0L ups power by 30 hp in the V6 Escape.
The new 2.5L also makes its way into the Escape Hybrid, which pairs it with an electric motor system, battery pack, regenerative braking, and a sophisticated management system to produce 170 hp. Ford claims fuel efficiency has not been affected by the performance boost.
Four-cylinder and V6 models are offered in XLS, XLT and Limited trims, but the hybrid powertrain is only available in a single Hybrid model.
All models, including the Hybrid, offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system can seamlessly deliver more torque to the back wheels as needed before the front wheels slip, and it also serves to enhance stability when cornering by varying torque side to side as well.

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