“We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs,” Oh Suk-geun, senior executive vice president of the Hyundai Design Center, said in a statement.

Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said Chapman will replace Phil Zak, Hyundai’s previous chief designer, who left in March to return to work with General Motors. Hyundai has been without a chief designer since then.

Chapman began his career with Isuzu Motors Ltd. in 1989, where he designed the award-winning XU-1 show car, which debuted at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.

He joined BMW in 1994 and was appointed director of automotive design in 2002. Chapman oversaw several advanced and production vehicles for the company, including the X5, X3, Z4 and the first BMW 1-series E87.

He also directed the transportation design department for BMW beginning in 2008, which works with multiple partners in the aviation, marine and public mobility sectors though BMW’s DesignworksUSA group.

source form: autoweek

Available exclusively in Coupe and Convertible body styles, the new 335is promises to deliver even more performance to the masses while leaving off some of the sharp edges found in the more focused M3. Output is rated curiously at 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, despite using the same engine as found in the Z4 sDrive35is, where it gets a 335-horsepower rating. It’s still more than enough to have some serious fun, however, as the full 332 pound-feet of torque are available from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm thanks to the quick-spooling turbos. A special overboost function cranks things up even further, pushing peak torque to 370 pound-feet for short stints.

That heady output is enough to sling the 335is Coupe to 60 mph in five seconds flat with the optional seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox, while the manual ‘box adds a tenth at 5.1 seconds. The Convertible takes a bit longer due to slightly increased weight to brace the chassis, running to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with either gearbox. A high-output cooling fan and auxiliary oil cooler help engine and transmission cope with the demands of hard use, making it ready for HPDE and track day events, while the M Sport suspension package sharpens responses while balancing a reasonable around-town ride.

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

It sounds the part, as well, thanks to a special sport exhaust system. The extra noise will let the driver know the hounds are being loosed, but it’s been tuned to stay at the lower end of the frequency spectrum to prevent excessive intrusion on the cabin’s comfort–a balance struck between the regular 3-Series’ quietude and the V-8-powered M3′s wail. In addition to the sport exhaust, the 335is gets the same disc brakes found on the 335i, with 13.7-inch front and 13.2-inch rear units providing ample stopping power.

With its bite well proven, the bark is all that remains–figuratively speaking. You’ll be able to spot the 335is at a distance thanks to its aggressive M Sport package, which includes front and rear bumper covers, side skirts, and a full slate of M aerodynamic tweaks. A high-gloss black kidney grille surround, Shadowline black window trim, wing mirror caps, and Ferric Grey 18-inch alloy wheels are also standard. Nineteen-inch alloy M wheels are available. The only difference–beside the folding roof–between the Coupe and Convertible is the deletion of the fog lights on the Coupe to provide better cooling, while the Convertible keeps them.

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

Inside, the cabin is chock full o’ M Sport upgrades, including aluminum Glacier Silver dark trim, an M Sport steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver’s footrest, M gearshift knob, and stainless-steel sport pedals. Dark grey instrument dials are branded with the 335is badge, as is the passenger side door.

For first-drive impressions of the 2011 BMW 335is live from Portugal, check out Bengt Halvorson’s article at TheCarConnection.

2010 BMW M3 GTS

We’ve seen the rumors, speculation and spy shots on BMW’s M3 GT4-type car for months now. We were even one of the first sites to confirm the car for production with our interview of M Division head Kay Segler. But today BMW has gone official, unveiling the M3 GTS, as the new car will be called. Unfortunately, it’s not currently planned for the North American market. Today, BMW released higher-resolution photos and more detailed info about its new track-special M3.

The car is a focused, no-compromises M3 in a way that recent M vehicles haven’t been. Putting the track first and creature comforts–and possibly even aesthetics–second, the M3 GTS goes the extra mile for performance. Power is delivered by a special 4.4-liter version of the V-8 that powers the current M3, rated at 450 horsepower in this application. They also add race-derived technology including a crankcase made of a special aluminum-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with “ion flow technology” and a wet sump oil supply.

That power is piped to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The transmission was specially engineered to withstand the power output of the beefed-up V-8, and the DKG Drivelogic shift points programmed to precisely extract the maximum from the engine.

Extensive use of honeycomb grillework, a prominent adjustable rear wing, adjustable front splitter and reworked front-end aero pieces all reflect the car’s speedy genes. Unique black alloy 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/35 front and 285/30 rear tires ensure track-friendly understeer-bias with a high level of grip.

Lightweight carbon fiber is used for the roof to help reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, much like previous M3 CSL versions. The result of the weight savings strategy sees over 400 pounds culled from the standard car’s 3,700-pound curb weigh, with the GTS version weighing in at a scant 3,289 pounds.

A fully adjustable set of race dampers sits at the corners of the car, allowing owners to tune to the track and conditions with both bump and rebound adjustments. The brakes for the car are also custom-built pieces, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back.

Inside, race seats and five-point harnesses complement abundant matte-black surfaces and Alcantara for a decidedly sporty look. Like the Porsche GT3, the rear seat is sacrificed for a roll cage and a fire bottle, all in the interests of on-track safety. Despite all of this, the M3 GTS is still completely road-legal.

So far, there are no plans to bring the car to the U.S., however. This appears to be a track-day special for the European enthusiast. Expect it to cost about €115,000, or around $171,000–roughly three times the price of a “normal” M3. Ouch.

Source:carsmart101.com

What Edmunds.com says

Sleek styling, a high-class interior and plenty of performance combine to make the 2010 BMW Z4 one of the most desirable luxury roadsters available.

Pros

Sharp styling inside and out, smooth and powerful engines, quick-folding hardtop, capable handling.

Cons

Not as invigorating to drive as some rivals.

What’s New for 2010

Following its complete redesign last year, the 2010 BMW Z4 receives standard HD radio and optional automatic high beams.

2010 BMW Z4 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2010 BMW Z4 is a descendant of the Z3, a pint-sized ragtop best known for its performance as James Bond’s car in the movie “Goldeneye.” Unlike its forebear, the Z4 isn’t a movie star; nonetheless, it’s far more qualified to be 007′s two-seater of choice. Comprehensively redesigned last year, the second-generation Z4 boasts a retractable hardtop, upscale styling inside and out, a refined ride/handling balance and a pair of superbly smooth and powerful inline-6 engines. Whereas that Z3 was essentially BMW’s answer to the elemental but mainstream Mazda Miata, the new Z4 is a world-class luxury roadster that even the most debonair British spy could appreciate.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Z4 is its sleekly sculpted sheet metal. This BMW may compete on price with the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, but its visual presence evokes the big-buck SL-Class. Like those Mercedes models, the Z4 comes with a retractable hardtop, which sets it apart from both its predecessors and soft-top rivals like the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster. The Z4 has plenty of firepower as well: Even the base sDrive 30i comes with a responsive inline-6 rated at 255 horsepower, while the sDrive35i features a 300-hp twin-turbocharged inline-6 that produces a 0-60-mph sprint of just 5.2 seconds. The sDrive35i is also eligible for BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (it also appears on the high-performance M3), while the sDrive 30i makes do with a conventional six-speed automatic.

Enthusiasts will no doubt mourn the passing of the old M Roadster, a hard-core, M3-engined version of the previous Z4. Even the turbocharged sDrive35i is down 30 hp by comparison, and it has none of the M Roadster’s edginess when driven hard. However, the latest Z4 greatly expands upon that car’s niche appeal, nearly matching its on-paper performance while slathering on thick layers of style, luxury and versatility. Those in search of maximal thrills may want to look elsewhere, but the Z4 is plenty capable for most tastes, and adds a level of sophistication that few small convertibles can match.

Consequently, the Z4′s competition is all over the map. The aforementioned Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class remains a viable contender, but it looks and feels less special; as noted, the Z4 may be closer in spirit to the SL-Class, which commands twice the BMW’s price. Porsche’s Boxster ragtop and Cayman coupe are significantly more engaging to drive, and Chevrolet’s Corvette convertible delivers big V8 power, but they can’t match the versatility of the Z4′s retractable hardtop. The Audi TT and Nissan 370Z convertibles are cheaper, but they’re also less car. W.W.B.D. (What Would Bond Drive)? Quite possibly the 2010 BMW Z4.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster with a retractable hardtop, available in either base sDrive30i or more powerful sDrive35i trim. The main distinction between the two cars is in the engine bay, but standard equipment also differs.

The base sDrive30i model includes 17-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, heated outside mirrors and rear window, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, premium leatherette vinyl upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats, adaptive cruise control, iDrive and a CD audio system with HD radio, satellite radio preparation and an auxiliary audio jack. The sDrive30i also comes standard with driver-adjustable steering, throttle and — if applicable — automatic transmission programming. Going with the sDrive35i gets you a more powerful engine and a few extra features like sun-reflective leather seating, automatic climate control and brushed aluminum interior trim.

There are several notable option packages. The Premium package includes leather and automatic climate control for the 30i model, power seats with driver-side memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, Bluetooth and BMW Assist. The Cold Weather package includes headlight washers, a heated steering wheel, heated seats and a ski bag pass-through from the trunk. The Premium Sound package includes a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system with a six-CD/DVD changer and an iPod/USB jack. An Ivory White Leather package gives you exactly what it sounds like and also includes special wood trim and 10-way-adjustable manual sport seats. Finally, the Sport package includes 18-inch wheels with performance tires (19s are available at extra cost), adaptive suspension dampers, the aforementioned sport seats and a higher top speed thanks to a recalibrated electronic limiter.

Many of these options are available separately, but a few stand-alone options that are not included in packages are keyless ignition/entry, a hard-drive-based navigation system with a pop-up screen and digital music storage, parking sensors and automatic high beams.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

The rear-wheel-drive 2010 BMW Z4 offers two engines — one for each trim level. The base sDrive30i comes with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 255 hp and 220 pound-feet of torque. The sDrive35i receives BMW’s twin-turbocharged inline-6 that’s rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed conventional automatic is optional on the sDrive30i, while the optional transmission for the sDrive35i is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

In performance testing, we clocked the sDrive35i from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds with the six-speed manual. EPA fuel economy estimates range from 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the sDrive30i (19/29/22 with the automatic) to 18/25/20 for the sDrive35i (17/24/20 with the automated manual).

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

Side impact airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, and stability control are all standard on the 2010 BMW Z4. The antilock brakes also integrate several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use and automatically snugging the pads to the rotors if the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle.

The roof is made of aluminum and incorporates a structural support system that helps protect occupants in case of a rollover accident. To provide protection in the event of a top-down rollover, there is a steel hoop behind each seat.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2010 BMW’s Z4′s cabin is sleek and upscale. High-quality materials abound and combine with diverse shapes to create an undeniably premium environment. Thankfully, BMW didn’t forget about practicality along the way. There’s a small storage area behind the seats that works well for purses or backpacks, as well as a moderately sized pass-through that effectively expands trunk space to accommodate long items like skis or golf clubs. The iDrive vehicle interface has been vastly improved — it’s now arguably the best of its breed, with an intuitive menu structure and helpful physical buttons alongside the familiar circular controller.

The hardtop does eat into storage space when folded — there’s a respectable 11 cubic feet with the top up, but only 6 with the top down. The folding top is power-operated and takes about 20 seconds to retract.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

Even the base 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an entertaining drive thanks to its willing and exceptionally smooth 255-hp inline-6. The twin-turbocharged sDrive35i is better yet, offering up authoritative yet ultra-refined acceleration. One of our editors described the exhaust note as “flatulent,” but others appreciate its distinctive character. The sDrive35i’s dual-clutch automated manual transmission delivers quick and smooth shifts in Manual mode, yet it also does a very credible impression of a conventional automatic.

When driven aggressively, the Z4′s limits are high, but its reflexes and communication with the driver are somewhat lackluster. The culprits here are a numb electric power steering system and the Z4′s stubborn understeer in hard cornering. Nonetheless, a Z4 sDrive35i with the Sport package should provide enough sporting entertainment to satisfy the majority of luxury roadster buyers.

source: edmunds.com