January is usually achingly cold in Detroit but BMW and Mercedes-Benz have nevertheless chosen the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to launch their latest drop-tops. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is not an all new model but does feature a considerable performance upgrade compared to the similarly engined 'sDrive35i'. By bumping the power to 340 bhp from the twin-turbo six cylinder engine, it is just three horsepower short of the original Z4 M. This raises the question why BMW did not simply use the legendary 'M' moniker for this model. That does sound a million times better than sDrive35is. Across the isle from BMW, Mercedes-Benz will reveal the E 500 Cabriolet. This completes the roll-out of the new E-Class generation. The biggest trick up the new Cabriolet's sleeve is an ingenious system to stop turbulence and noise in the cabin when driving with the roof open. Also in Detroit, MINI will showcase the Beachcomber Concept. It is a further preview of the MINI SUV slated for introduction in the fall of 2010.
Bugatti seems to have ever increasing problems to sell the full production run of Veyrons. At the Motor Show of the plagued United Emirate Dubai, the French supercar manufacturer launched a further three limited edition versions of the 1001 bhp machine. A total of five examples of the Veyron coupe based Nocturne will be available at the bargain price of 1.65 million Euro excluding taxes. One of each will be available of the Sang d'Argent and the Grand Sport Soleil de Nuit. They can be yours for 1.45 and 1.55 Million Euro respectively.
Also present during the 10th edition of the Dubai show is the Kepler Motors Motion. The all carbon supercar comes from California, complete with at a 550 bhp petrol engine and electric motors good for an additional 250 bhp. The first deliveries are planned for 2011.
Rounding off today's news are the first pictures of the Aston Martin Cygnet Concept. They came together with a brief note that production of the Aston Martin badged supermini is still the objective.
Enjoy the links:
2009 Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 BMW E89 Z4 sDrive35is - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Sang d'Argent - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Nocturne - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Soleil de Nuit - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Kepler Motors Motion - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 MINI Beachcomber Concept - Images, Specifications and Information
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Originally Posted by aiasib
