15 Unusual and Creative Bookshelves

Sofa Bookshelf
Rocking Bookshelf
Konnex Bookshelf
Collapsing Bookshelf
Horizontal Bookshelf
Balancing Bookshelf
Read Your Bookcase
Equilibrium Bookcase
Elastico Bookshelf
Cloud Bookshelf
Tangram Bookshelf
Optical Illusion Bookshelf
Lili Lite Bookshelf
Bear Bookshelf

BMW Turbocharges X1 SUV with New 2.0 liter Gasoline and Diesel Engines

BMW is extending its smallest SUV’s range by adding two new engines to the X1's line-up. The first unit, which will be available this autumn, is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine producing 184HP and 270 Nm (27,5 kgm) from 1,250-4,500 rpm.

The compact crossover will be available in both rear and four-wheel drive versions bearing the sDrive20i and xDrive20i designations respectively, and which accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 (sDrive) and 7.8 (xDrive) seconds.

The newly developed engine has direct injection and the Valvetronic variable valve control system. BMW says it sets new efficiency standards in its performance class, with average consumption ranging from 7.1 liters/100 km (sDrive20i) to 7.7 liters/100 km (xDrive 20i), and CO2 emissions of 165 and 179 gr/km respectively.

The second newcomer in the X1’s range is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel which powers the (rear-wheel drive) BMW X1 sDrive20d. It comes with TwinPower Turbo technology that incorporates variable turbine geometry and common rail injection.

Output is rated at 163HP and peak torque at 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 1,750-2500 rpm. An average consumption of just 4.5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 gr/km make the sDrive20d the most efficient model in the X1 range.

Both models feature BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, which consists of a gear change indicator, brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, disengegable air-conditioning compressor, auto start-stop system and low-rolling resistance tires.

PHOTO GALLERY

Cool Sleeping Bear Bean Bag

Creative bean bag chair from Chic Sin looks like a sleeping grizzly bear.

The graphics on the bean bag were knitted, not printed. Bear shaped bean bag cover can be taken off for washing.

Renault Fluence Z.E. Priced £17,850 OTR after £5,000 Plug-In Car Grant in the UK

Following the announcements on UK pricing for the Kangoo Van Z.E. and Twizy, Renault today confirmed prices for its third pure-electric model, the Fluence Z.E. ahead of its launch in the market in 2012.

The four-door, five seat Fluence Z.E. saloon will carry an on-the-road price of £22,850, which drops to £17,850 (US$28,500) after the £5,000 UK Plug-In Car Grant has been deducted.

Buyers will also have to lease the batteries with pricing set at £75 (US$120) per month based on 6,000 miles/3 years. The French firm said additional mileage and contract length details will be available closer to vehicle’s launch.

Renault said the Fluence Z.E. is the most affordable electric car in Britain (not counting quadricycles like its own Twizy or the G-Wiz) undercutting its rivals by a “sizeable margin”. As an example, the French firm gave the Mitsubishi i-Miev electric mini that costs £6,140 more than the Fluence Z.E. at £23,990 (US$38,302).

The zero-emissions French sedan is powered by an electric motor that develops 70kW (95-horses) of power and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of instant torque on tap, with its lithium-ion battery offering a driving range of up to 115 miles or 185 kilometers.

The launch model will be offered in a single trim level called Prime Time. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, ecoMeter and Carminat TomTom Live smart satellite navigation, and charging sockets on both front wings.

The French marque has already began accepting pre-reservations for its pure electric saloon via www.renault-ze.com with a £20 reserve.

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