Mid-life crisis

PITSTOP

It happens to everybody, and the BMW 7 Series is no exception. So BMW has addressed it by giving their luxury sedan a comprehensive mid-life makeover.

Before you even think of asking, the answer is yes. The rear-end treatment in which the boot looked as if somebody forgot to shut it, has been revamped. Now it does look shut.

Oh yes, and the complicated iDrive system has been revised to make it more user friendly with improved menu guidance. Phew! The headlamps, bumpers, the kidney grille, taillamps have also been tweaked.

The new 7 Series comes with a wide range of engine options and these now offer "� what else "� better performance and fuel efficiency. The range starts from the 228 bhp 730d and the 258 bhp 730i.

In the middle are the 302 bhp 740i V8 and the 750i, which replaces the most popular 745i. The 750i gets a new 4799cc unit that develops 362 horses and 49.4 kgm of torque, and dismisses off the standstill to 100 kph mark in just 5.9 seconds.

But those who really don't want any compromise with their new 7-er will opt for the top-end 760i. Its 5972cc V12 pumps out all of 445 bhp at 6000 revs and over 60 kgm of torque at 3950 rpm. It attains the century mark in just 5.5 seconds, a 0.3-second hair's breadth behind the M3!

Since its launch in 2001, the fourth generation version has been the most popular 7 Series by far. This, in spite of the overall design and the confusing iDrive... oh God, what if these are the two main reasons why the 7 Series sold so well?

Mid-life crisis Fortune favours the Brera

March 2002, Geneva. All eyes were on the Giugiaro-designed Alfa Romeo Brera concept. Absolutely stunning to look at, people hoped "� in fact prayed "� that it gets into production.

March 2005, Geneva. Everybody's prayers have been answered. The production version of the Brera will indeed make its debut at the show. The Brera is classic Alfa "� sporty and stylish.

This generously proportioned 2+2 coupe belies its size because of its gorgeously tapering lines. It will be available in three trim levels and comes with a choice of three engines: a 200 bhp 2400cc JTD turbodiesel and two petrol units, a 185 bhp 2200cc JTS and 260 bhp 3200cc V6. We however want ours to wear red, just like the concept.