Posted on 14th October, 2011 by admin
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BMW has finally revealed the sixth generation of its popular 3 Series model. Taking many styling cues from the latest 5 Series, the F30 3 Series is 93 mm longer than the outgoing E90, with a 50mm longer wheelbase. That means 15 mm extra legroom for the rear passengers, and 8 mm more headroom. Luggage space is also increased by 20 litres to 480 litres, yet – depending on the engine – the new model is up to 45 kg lighter than its predecessor.
Available February 2012, in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line trim levels, the 3 Series will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines: the 328i and 335i, and the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics, with UK prices ranging from £28,080 (€ 32,074) for the 163 hp 320d EfficientDynamics, to £35,525 (€ 40,578) for the 306 hp 335i.
A month after its launch, further models will be offered, including a 116 hp 316d and 143 hp 318d, powered by different variants of the 2.0 L diesel unit, and a 320i, propelled by a 184 hp 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine. All versions can be ordered an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The ActiveHybrid 3 will be released towards the end of 2012. Sharing its drive system with the ActiveHybrid 5, it will use the 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder engine from the 335i, which is supplemented by an 40 kW/55 hp electric motor.
All models come with Drive Performance Control – a switch which allows the driver to choose between up to four driving modes, varying extremely economical to sporty: ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport. Depending on your driving style, the ECO PRO mode can cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent. A fourth setting – Sport – only features on Sport models or as a selected option, which also includes Variable Sport steering and Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically variable dampers.
[Source: BMW]
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Posted on 14th October, 2011 by admin
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From tomorrow, twenty Audi Q3 cars and 160 participants will begin the sixteen day Trans China Tour 2011. Passing through Shanghai, and Shenzhen, before arriving at the final stop in Hong Kong, the marathon journey stretches over 5,700 km (3,542 miles), with drivers tackling the likes of mountain ranges as well as city streets.
Those taking part will be split into four groups, before deciding how to divide the route up. The teams will then all drive for a total of four days each.
The tour is part of a big promotional push for the Audi Q3, which will be available in China starting in 2012.
[Source: Audi]
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Posted on 14th October, 2011 by admin
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BMW Motorsport has enjoyed another successful test program at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. The three-day session, arranged to prepare the company’s M3 DTM car for next season, was again attended by BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG.
Whereas the previous test days were sunny and dry, this latest session saw unsettled conditions, including cool temperatures and rain. This allowed the teams to work on tyre tests for such eventualities. All three teams reported smooth runs, managing an impressive 1102 laps of the 3.478 km circuit between them.
“It was great to be here and have the opportunity to test the BMW DTM car. It was my first real test in a touring car. The BMW M3 DTM is amazing, it has so much grip and downforce,” commented French driver Jean-Karl Vernay.
[Source: BMW Motorsport]
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Posted on 14th October, 2011 by admin
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The guys from Autocar recently got together to determine which model would be crowned Britain’s Best Driver’s Car of 2011, and the accolade has been awarded to Porsche’s 330 hp Cayman R, beating such machines as the Caterham Seven Supersport, Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage S, and even the 911 GT3 RS. READ MORE »
Posted on 13th October, 2011 by admin
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Production of Skoda’s baby Citigo has begun in Bratislava today. The Volkswagen up!-based model will hit dealerships in Skoda’s home, the Czech Republic, before the end of 2011, with other parts of Europe receiving it by next summer. Initially offered in three-door form, a five-door version will follow in 2012. At the moment just two versions of a new three-cylinder 1.0 L petrol engine will be available in 44 kW/60 hp and 55 kW/75 hp guises, with a 68 hp natural gas model in the pipeline.
“The Citigo is a central component of our growth strategy. With this automobile, we are starting our model offensive in Europe. It opens the important small car market for ŠKODA and perfectly applies our values in a city car,” said Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Škoda.
[Source: Skoda]
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Posted on 13th October, 2011 by admin
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French motoring magazine, Option Auto, drives TechArt’s Panamera GrandGT. Wearing an aggressive carbon fibre body kit, this Panamera Turbo enjoys the benefits of the TechArt TA 070/T1 power kit. This helps to release an extra 80 hp – resulting in 580 hp. READ MORE »
