SAAB 9-3 TURBO CONVERTIBLE YELLOW EDITION

While the Saab convertibles are popular among auto aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. 

Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm. This summer, yellow is back in a limited edition that is unprecedented in the current generation Saab convertible-without a doubt, a future classic.The Saab convertible yellow edition is based on the 2.0T version, its 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combining spirited performance with 210hp and 221lb.ft. of torque. 

Add to this a standard 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic, and you’ll appreciate the excellent fuel economy. In addition to its Lynx yellow paint and a long list of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special edition features Saab Aero styling cues such as 17X8in. 5-spoke, alloy wheels, and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler, while the premium audio system will be music to your ears.

Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon

SUV? Do you see an SUV? I surly don’t. All I see is a beefed up BMW of some type with HAMANN written on it. Okay, so it is an SUV, the BMW X6 tricked out in German tuner, Hamann, accessories including a power bump to the twin-turbo inline-6 found in the xDrive35i model to an astounding 360hp. Below (after the jump) is a press release from Hamann portraying the different aspects of design and engineering gone into the Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon.

As far as the latest project by HAMANN-Motorsport is concerned, the name says it all: the Laupheim-based refiner called its latest creation for BMW X6 TYCOON. This description has its roots in Japanese culture and is originally a synonym for an extraordinary shape – a comparison which can also be transferred to the X6-makeover.

The TYCOON – an auto-body pack which sets benchmarks

Already the design department at HAMANN-Motorsport ensures that the TYCOON meets the expectations in his name. They designed and developed an impressive broad makeover for this BMW crossover model and ensured that all accessories reflect and perfect the shape of the car. The masculine appearance of the TYCOON is mainly emphasised by its new front wings and back wing extensions made of light composite material. They broaden the body by striking 60 millimetres. 

The perfectly designed side skirts render the optical connection while the front apron is an outstanding eye-catcher with its large air inlets and the LED daytime running lights under the serial headlights. At the rear section of the X6, the HAMANN-engineers added a three-part diffuser to the original apron. The back appearance of the TYCOON is enhanced by a rear- and roof spoiler. It goes without saying that all used HAMANN-components do not only convince with their design but also with their aerodynamics. They ensure an optimised air flow over the car silhouette and render an additional downthrust.

Perfectly styled from head to toe – the suitable rim in XXL format

The suitable rim for the broad makeover of the BMW X6 is the DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED. The ultra-light forged wheel combines both agility and also elegance. The black rim star and the titanium bolting underline the dynamics of the wheel. 

The highly polished rim flange on the contrary gives the car a noble impression. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel with tyres sized 315/25 R 23. Special chassis springs fantastically enhance the light alloy wheels. Thereby, progressively coiled springs lower the barycentre of this Sports Utility Vehicle by maximally 40 millimetres at the front- and back axle.

HAMANN performance kits – from tycoon to typhoon

The choice of different HAMANN performance kits is as manifold as the selection of BMW engines. The tuning expert bestows the X6 xDrive35i with an engine output of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm. Parallelly, the maximum torque rises by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the rpm-range between 1300 and 5000. At the same time, HAMANN also suspends the speed limit of 250 km/h and allows impressive 275 km/h.

The Diesel series also profits from extra power. After the serial motronic is re-programmed, the xDrive30d has 265 PS / 195 kW and transfers a maximum torque of 600 Nm to the crankshaft. The engine variation xDrive35d also turns into a racy sprinter: HAMANN is able to tease 320 PS / 235 KW and a sensational torque of 660 Nm at 2000 rpm out of the Diesel car. Engine performance kits for the xDrive50i are already in the final stages of the development process. Moreover, sport mufflers by HAMANN-Motorsport can be adjusted to any performance kit. The product range includes a two-pipe and also four-pipe exhaust system which render a sonorous and earthy sound.

The inner values of HAMANN – noble accessories for the TYCOON interior

In addition to the present, serial inner design, HAMANN offers accessories made of high-quality aluminium. Pedals and foot rests render motorsports sensations and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An instrument dial with a scaling up to 300 km/h and a 3-spoke sport steering wheel further underline the sportive overall appearance of the TYCOON. For the boot of the X6, HAMANN offers an elegant and also practical boot mat with chequered decorative stitching and an embroidered logo

Automotive Concept is tomorrow

Automotive Concept from John Villarreal is an attempt to envision where automotive design might go in the future. As the car design is evolving with each passing day, the designer thinks supercars would get even more visceral and engaging. As a result, Automotive Concept is bold and its shape communicates stability.

The concept features a cabin similar to the cockpit of a future jet fighter and when you settle down in the racing seat, you are not looking through the canopy but at a 180 degree monitor setup. The wrap around monitor in front of you is driven by the cameras in what would be your side-view mirrors that also provide a 180 degree rear view.

Apart from this, the other advantage of using cameras is that these cameras are also night vision to allow total stealth navigation at night if you choose. The concept has two modes of operation: Speed and Cruise. In the first mode you go for the top speed, whereas in the latter you have the canopy open to enjoy the wind whipping by and the sun barely piercing your sunglasses.

This high performance super car is to be outfitted with a mid-engine twin turbo V-12 engine, capable of developing a whopping 923hp, 8200 rpm, caged inside the extruded aluminum chassis with carbon fiber components. V12 will be mated to a 6 speed mechanical gear box for that full man and machine experience. Featuring a 4 wheel independent suspension setup and a top speed of 217mph, Automotive Concept is expected to do the quarter mile in 10.7 seconds at 137 mph.