The executive saloon segment has a challenger - the potent new BMW 5 Series. Starting from July this year, European buyers will be able to choose from a fresh range of 520i, 530i and 530d cars.
All three variants will be equipped with BMW's straight-six engines (a V8 is another few months away...) and a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic being available as an option. Also optional will be the world's first Active Front Steering, which varies the steering transmission ratio according to speed.
Under normal driving conditions at low and medium road speeds, it makes the steering more direct, reducing steering effort and enhancing the cars' agility in traffic.
At high speeds, this system makes for superior directional stability, especially when working together with the cars' DSC Dynamic Stability Control.
Taking safety one step further are a wide range of run-flat tyres for the new 5 Series, which will protect occupants in the event of one or more tyres losing air pressure at high speeds.
The optional adaptive headlights also enhance safety at night - the cars' two bi-xenon headlights are controlled in real time as a function of the steering wheel angle and road speed, perfectly illuminating the road ahead in a bend.
These new BMWs are not only larger and more spacious than the outgoing 5 Series, but also lighter, which is due to a lightweight aluminium front section, and other contemporary weight-saving technologies that have been utilised in bodywork construction.
What some people might not be so happy with, is the 7 Series' i-Drive system that's specially been adapted for the new 5 Series.
The i-Drive's complexity has been well documented, and how potential buyers will react to this system being incorporated in the 5 Series is anybody's guess. And finally, the styling too has overtones from the controversial 7 Series, which may not garner universal approval.
Double team
Aprilia couldn't have done it with more style. Europe's leading small bike maker broke into the big league with the superb RSV Mille, laced with top-flight bits from the cream of component makers.
Thus, suspension was Ohlins, wheels were Marchesni... you get the picture. With 130 bhp on tap from the 997 CC V-twin, the Mille stormed sales charts across Europe and proved as good as a Ducati on track.
Brilliant, especially for a first effort. The Tuono Racing is derived from the super-glam Tuono, a naked version of the Mille. As usual, all the bits are top-flight, the engine is in superbike tune and the sticker price includes a full carbon fibre race kit! The single-minded orientation also manifests as a racing style one-up five-down gearshift.
Aprilia says this is a track-ready factory racer as well as the most sporting street fighter money can buy. Couldn't have said it better.
