BMW DesignworksUSA Pens Metro Inspiro for Siemens

In the summer of 2010, German industrial conglomerate Siemens commissioned BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA, to develop the design of its new Metro Inspiro, and this here is the result of their work. BMW's design division said it focused on combining the demands of the Siemens company, potential operators, passengers as well as the environment, while also offering additional possibilities for individualization.

Among other features, the Metro Inspiro boasts large entrances, optionally with slide and swing or outside sliding doors, and wide passageways that according to the company, "offer a generous feeling of space". The sense of space is further enhanced by the absence of any electrical or appliance cabinets in the passenger area.

Siemens has already began using the new design to participate in open competitive bidding for inner-city passenger train fleets around the globe, with the German company estimating that the global growth potential for this sector to be around four percent.

The Metro Inspiro will make its production debut in Poland's capital city of Warsaw. The city's metro operator, Metro Warszawskie, has placed a €272 million (US$375 million at today’s exchange rates) order for 35 six-car metro trains, with delivery due to start in autumn 2012.

Warsaw already has one underground line, which is approximately 23 kilometers or 14 miles long and serves 21 stations, but the city has already began constructing a second line. According to official figures, between 1998 and 2008, ridership tripled annually to a figure well over 126 million passengers. A total of 15 trains will be used on the first metro line and 20 trains are ordered for the new constructed line. An option for the further extension of Line 2 will allow 17 more trains of the same type to be added within the next three years.

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Geneva Preshow: Renault's New Monaco GP Limited Editions

Apparently, last year's limited run Laguna Coupe Monaco GP special edition was a success as Renault has just announced three new models featuring the same styling recipe, including the Megane Coupe, Megane Coupe R.S. and the 2011MY Laguna Coupe. The new Monaco GP special editions will go on sale in Europe right after their world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

All three models share common styling treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white paint developed accentuated by Etoilé black body components including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badge work on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP treatment adds pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles), “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and “Monaco GP” protective mats.

The Megane Coupe Monaco GP model, which is available with a choice of five engines, including 110HP, 130HP and 160HP diesels, and 130HP and 180HP petrol units, also gets 17-inch gloss black rims, GT front and rear bumpers, fabric upholstery with special stitching, rear park assist and power-folding mirrors.

The 250HP Megane Coupe R.S. Monaco GP benefits from 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with special stitching, plus gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.

Finally, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP returns for 2011 and will be available with five engines, depending on the country (2.0 dCi with 150HP, 180HP and 175HP + Auto Box, and 2.0 Turbo with 205HP and 170HP +Auto Box). Aside from the exclusive pearlescent white body paint, buyers of the special edition will also be able to opt for a pearlescent black.

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