Month: July 2011

Auto Express put a pair of heavy-hitters from Audi and BMW up against each other on the drag strip to see who would come out on top. Both cars cost around €50,000 and develop 340 bhp – but go about it in different ways. The RS 3 Sportback uses a 2.5L five cylinder turbo unit, while the 1 Series M coupé is propelled via a twin-turbocharged straight-six 3.0L.

The way the cars transfer that power to the road is also totally different, with the RS 3 relying on its trust quattro AWD system and seven-speed S tronic transmission, and the BMW is a RWD beast that requires the driver to stir the six gears manually.

Which would you choose? The Audi has the practicality of those two extra doors, but weighing in at 1,575 kilograms (to the BMW’s 1,495 kilograms), you’re already carrying the weight of an adult man’s body before you’ve got in the car. And how would you explain that to the police? Think about it. (more…)

Bruno Spengler retook the drivers’ championship lead after winning his second DTM race of 2011, at a wet Norisring today. Poor weather conditions forced the race to be shortened to 64 laps, which saw Spengler’s team-mate Jamie Green finishing second, and Audi’s Martin Tomczyk taking the third step on the podium – in a 2010 A4.

Pit stops aside, Spengler led the entire race, building up a five second lead over Green – after second place man Gary Paffett had to retire due to a collision with a wall. Green had cut the gap to just one second, and even radio’d the team at one point, informing them that he was “faster than the car in front,” but he wasn’t given any favours from the pit wall, meaning Spengler could enjoy his third win at the Norisring.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Fantastic footage of Sir Stirling Moss driving his very own Porsche 718 RS 60 up the Goodwood Hill as part of the 2011 Festival of Speed. Whilst he may not usually associated with racing Porsche cars, Moss raced the 718 RS 60 in the infamous Targa Florio in 1961, and described it as being perfect for the race. (more…)

BMW has released further details of its 2012 6 Series coupé and convertible models; specifically new drivetrains and styling options. Firstly, the BMW Individual range, which comprises – amongst other features – of exclusive paint finishes, and wheels, and an interior totally tailored to meet the owner’s desires.

Secondly is the M Sport package. This option includes the addition of and aerodynamics package, LED foglamps, 19-inch M wheels, Alcantara/leather upholstery featuring sports seats, and an M leather steering wheel.

The new 6 Series engine range includes a 3L diesel, featuring TwinPower Turbo technology, developing 313 hp, which powers the 640d coupé to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds (convertible 5.6) and its 640i petrol-drinking brother – which produces 320 hp and is a mere 0.1 seconds to 100 km/h faster.

Another first for the 6 Series is the introduction of the company’s xDrive AWD system. Found underneath the 650i xDrive, that extra grip – combined with the 407 hp 4.4L V8 powerplant – helps the coupé to hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (convertible 4.8).

[Source: BMW]

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BMW has just announced Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages for its 3 Series Coupé and Convertible models. Externally, the Edition Exclusive features Space Grey 18-inch V-spoke wheels, while owners can choose any colour from the BMW palette, or – as an option only available on this model – the exclusive Mineral Grey hue, while the mirror caps are finished in Oxide Silver. The interior is finished in Dakota leather upholstery, which can be ordered in Pearl Grey or Black, and Bamboo Grain Anthracite trim strips.

The M Sport Edition is finished in Silverstone – a colour usually associated with the M3 model, and sits on 18-inch Ferric Grey wheels; M Sport suspension sharpens up the chassis. At the back there’s a colour-coded apron with built-in diffuser. Coupé owners can specify the optional M rear spoiler. Inside, the driver is treated to an M Sport steering wheel and stainless pedals, while the seats are clad in Dakota leather and finished off with special “M” piping. Aluminium Glacier Silver strips complete the cabin.

[Source: BMW]

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Here’s evo’s brilliant Chris ‘Monkey’ Harris giving us a running commentary as he blazes his way up the hill at Goodwood in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. With over 600 BHP on tap, the RS is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche; it’s capable of hitting 60 in 3.4 seconds, and boasts a top-track speed of 205 mph. (more…)