With four of the five premium German automakers adopting the four-door coupe experiment, BMW is not blind to the realization that they are the living with a void in their product array. Shown at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show as a concept vehicle, BMW showed off their fighter to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the soon to be released Audi A7 Sportback. Identified in China as the Gran Coupe, BMW’s low-looking, four-door captured the sporty essence the brand known for producing “The ultimate driving machine” is meant to project. Though classified as a concept, the degree of production car cues made it clear that the Gran Coupe was merely awaiting a powerplant choice and a starting price tag. According to Automotive News, BMW has issued the official go ahead to the Gran Coupe’s production version for the 2012 calendar year.
Presenting a satisfying exterior image, expect very little to change from the Gran Coupe concept vehicle. Shorter in overall height than the BMW 3-Series sedan, the four-door coupe’s design conveys a racier appearance which also helps lower the center of gravity. Wheel arches are powerfully emphasized while vehicle lighting projects an equally strong character. On the concept Gran Coupe, BMW took a fresh approach on the tail lighting.
If going with a choice of existing powerplants, the 4.8 liter normally-aspirated V-8 or the 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V-8 seems to be formidable candidates featuring 360 and 400 horsepower. The only problem with these high-technology BMW engines is they’re already widely used in the current German luxury car lineup. If BMW wants to furnish more of a specialized sports coupe, there might be a chance for the German automaker could spark an unique sensation with their fusion creation. Perhaps the 4 liter V-8 used in the BMW M3 could inspire the passion needed for their upcoming four-door coupe.
The roll-out of BMW’s four-door coupe is expected to closely correspondent with the upcoming revision of the 6-Series. Caught testing at the Nurburgring next week, the set of spied 2012 BMW 6-Series (provided on pistonspy.com) has given potentially truer insight on the composure of the four-door coupe drivetrain. A six-cylinder entry-level engine is expected to produce more than 300 horsepower while a 4.4 liter V-8 will again be offered with a mild power bump. The real power gain will be made on the new BMW M6 slated to house a powerplant with a 600 horse output. It’s reasonable to assume the four-door coupe will also be honoured through an M line upgrade. Automotive News’ source with the announcement has also entertained (albeit casually) the notion that the production vehicle based on the Gran Coupe could be a hybrid.
With the BMW production car unlikely to be sold with the Gran Coupe name, the question remains for where will the four-door coupe fit in the German’s auto company’s numerical lineup. With the Bavarian auto company wanting to position this car above the 5-Series, the closest number left available on top of the listing is 8-Series. However, it seems more reasonable that BMW may opt to use their alphanumeric sports car scheme the ‘Z’ preceding the selected number perhaps the Z5 or Z6.
Chanel Paris-Shanghai Collection
Presenting the pre-fall Chanel Paris-Shanghai Métiers d’Art 2010 collection, an opulent tribute to China’s history and culture.
A collection that’s only possible after Chanel’s acquisition in 2002 of the seven specialist Parisian ateliers which include the metal-crafts house of Desrues; the feather-maker, Lemarié; the embroiderer, Lesage; the shoemaker, Massaro; the milliner, Michel; the goldsmith, Goossens; and the flower-maker, Guillet. Together, their traditional artistry is preserved, working closely with Chanel to execute Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, with a unique seasonal collection year after year.
This year (and aptly so), Chanel (or 香奈儿 in Chinese) presented a colossal collection that saw intense attention to detail that rivalled the rich, extravagant opulence of the old imperial courts. References to Chinese arts and culture were fully represented, from the colour of lacquer red to Chinese knots, antique chest hinges to the burnished hue of tarnished bronze, it was (and still is) truly a feast for the senses.
The bags and accessories were no different, precious museum-quality pieces sent down the runway. The Classic Flap and 2.55 were reinterpreted and came in a multitude of exquisite finishes, including a clutch with dragon scales in jade green, rich brocade quilted bags and then some embellished with glittering sequins that sparkled to a bygone era that has passed but is not forgotten.
http://www.chanel.com/fashion/8#8
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