Mr. Colin Chan(left), Mrs. Yvette Yuen(right) and guest(middle)
By William Stolerman
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo made its first public appearance in Hong Kong when it poked its head out at the Spasso Bar in Harbour City. Held earlier this month, the event marked the launch of the model in Hong Kong.
A multitude of big names attended, such as the Taiwanese artist Ethan Juan and celebrity models Marie Zhuge and Jessica C. Other prominent figures included the respected director Louis Tan and the famous Chinese-American singer Adrienne Lau.
(From Left) Celebrity model Ms. Marie Zhuge, renowned Taiwanese artist Mr. Ethan Juan and celebrity model Ms. Jessica C.
Amidst the hubbub of canapés, jazz and dance troupes, the focal point remained the new set of wheels on display.
The four-door, five-seater Gran Turismo is the first ever made by the German manufacturer, and it combines a decent interior space with a plunging, coupe-like roofline design.
As a result they're marketing it as a chameleon vehicle that can wear the label of business, leisure or sports car depending on your mood. We'll have to wait and see whether the Gran Turismo lacks a sense of purpose in what is already an overcrowded marketplace.
Mr. Edmond Kwok, Managing Director of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd.
Two versions of the Gran Turismo will be made - the 535i GT and the 550i GT. The former features a brand new motor, a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, which propels the 535i GT to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
In contrast the most powerful model of the 550i GT stomps around with a 407 hp BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine under the bonnet. It will reach 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and glugs just 11.2 litres of fuel per 100 km.
The Gran Turismo operates with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes with a large panorama roof that allows you to gaze at the night-sky. When you're not driving. Finally, the car also offers a two-part luggage system, making it easy to load everything from a pack of batteries to a set of golf clubs.
Mr. Paco Chan(right) and guest
The Dance Troupe
(From left) Celebrity model Ms. Jessica C., Ms. Heidi Chu, emcee of the car launch ceremony, Mr. Eric Leung, General Marketing Manager of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd., Mr. Peter Goh, Managing Director of Sime Darby China Motor Group, and celebrity model Ms. Marie Zhuge
(From left) Mr. Eric Leung, General Marketing Manager of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd., Mrs. Yvette Yuen, Mr. Edmond Kwok, Managing Director of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd., and Mr. Newman Tsang, General Sales Manager of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd.
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