Hamann BMW 5 Series GT

Hamann a well known BMW specialist from Germany has released these pictures of a tuned BMW 5 Series GT. The GT is another model in the 5 Series range and has been officially shown in details and in pictures. It has seating space for four people inside a wheelbase equivalent in length to the 7 Series. All that is left is for it to come out at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

No further information has been let out by the Hamann troupe so all we have at the moment are these images. The standard GT comes with three engines; a new 3.0-litre single turbo petrol that makes 225kW (306hp) and 400Nm, a 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol with 300kW (408hp) and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel that makes 180kW (245hp) plus 540Nm of torque.



Current Hamann-tuned 5 Series sedans produce up to 20kW (27hp) and 45Nm more. These apply especially to the 550i which still has the old naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8. It figures then that the Hamann 550i GT will at least go up to 320kW (435hp), but we reckon it's fair to expect even more. Look out for a modified front end and rear bumper, signature black wheels, different tailpipes, powerful brakes and a host of branded interior accessories.

2010 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle Officially Revealed

Unveiled today at Nissan's Japanese headquarters in Yokohama, the zero-emissions Nissan Leaf is a dedicated, mass production electric-vehicle that is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe. "Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment - one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality - the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero - not simply reduced - emissions. It's the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey - for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry."

What gives the LEAF its credentials is a set of laminated lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor. Unlike hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt, no fossil fuel engine of any type of size is to be found in it. The batteries make over 90kW while the motor delivers 80kW (109hp) and 280Nm, figures similar to those of a compact turbo diesel motor.


However the LEAF, being all-electric, does not emit harmful gases and therefore was not designed to have a tailpipe. Its brake regenerative system helps it recoup wasted energy to help give it a range of roughly 160km between charges. The batteries can be recharged up to 80% of their capacity using a quick charge or 8 hours using a standard home socket. Nothing has been said about recharging during power outages though.

As far as design is concerned it features LED lights, a modern cabin with blue instrumentation, and an IT support system. Owners can use their cell phones to turn on the air conditioning system and an onboard remote controlled timer can be pre-programmed to recharge the batteries.

The Nissan LEAF will be launched in Japan, Europe and the United States in late 2010. We should see it plenty of times before then as it does the rounds at international motor shows.