Month: April 2012

  • 2013 BMW X1 heading to America


    BMW has released images and information regarding the company’s 2013 X1 model ahead of its official unveiling at the New York International Auto Show this week.

    Visually, the freshened-up Baby off-roader gets a newly designed front fascia and new headlights with LED accents and rings – when ordered with the optional xenon light package, a little more chrome and further colour-coding on the trim panels. The mirrors have also been restyled, as has the rear bumper and tail lights. Moving inside, the revised centre console is now more tilted towards the driving seat, while the light switches and Control Display get extra chrome surrounds and the air vents are finished in high-gloss black.

    The rear-wheel drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i will initially be offered to the US market only. All models are mated to an automatic transmission, with the sDrive28i using the same 180 kW (245 hp) 2.0-litre four-cylinder as its xDrive counterpart and the xDrive35i a 225 kW (306 hp) turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. Prices start at $ 31,545 for the base model, but that figure rises to a less wallet-friendly $ 50,000 when you get carried away with the options list.

    (more…)

  • Jon Olsson’s latest snowplow


    Jon Olsson is one of those people for whom the term ‘living the dream’ was invented for. The highly-respected professional freeskier and alpine ski racer from Sweden, not only holds nine Winter X-Games medals, but every time we see him, he has a new car – that we want!

    We first saw him a couple of years ago in London, chilling in his Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV on the Gumball 3000 start line. That beast made way for a Camouflage-wrapped Ski Transporter Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which has now been superseded by this PPI Design R8 Razor GTR.

    As fellow regulars of a certain car forum, we knew that Jon had his eye on an Audi, after he started a thread asking whether it was possible to make a road-going version of the R8 LMS, and this is what he’s ended up with. Completely re-skinned with PPI Design’s wide-track carbon fibre body program and sitting on ADV.1 wheels, the 5.2-litre V10 powerplant has been treated to a STaSIS supercharger kit, resulting in 529 kW (710 hp) and 709 Nm (523 lb/ft) of torque.

    We love it, especially the fact that its raised rear wing doubles as a support for that all-important carbon fibre ski box.

    (more…)

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe by Vorsteiner


    Tuning specialist Vorsteiner has previewed its new program for the heavy-hitting 336 kW (457 hp) Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe.

    The aero package, which is available to buy from summer 2012, is constructed from carbon fibre and includes a single-bar badgeless grille, a Black Series-style lower front spoiler and side skirts, boot lid with integrated spoiler and a more aggressive vented rear diffuser. Small trim pieces on the front bumper and fender louvre covers complete the package.

    Vorsteiner offers a range of forged alloy wheels in sizes 19- and 20-inch diameters, while its performance exhaust system is available in either stainless steel or titanium. Inside, there’s a set of floor and trunk mats.

    (more…)

  • BMW 6 Series Coupe by Hamann


    Laupheim-based tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport has revealed its range of goodies for the third generation (F13) 6 Series Coupé.

    The Coupé’s aero package includes a replacement front bumper that features sculpted intakes, an integrated spoiler and LED daytime running lights, and a pair of side skirts. At the rear there’s a spoiler and lower trim panel for the boot lid along with a vented rear bumper with apertures for those twin double tailpipes attached to the stainless steel muffler.

    Completing the look is a -30 mm suspension spring kit and a choice of the company’s wheels, including the silver, one-piece Anniversary EVO items and Edition Race ‘Anodized’ in black with a polished lip. Sized 9 and 11 x 21-inches, the new rollers are wrapped in 255/30 ZR and 295/25 ZR rubber.

    Moving inside the cabin, Hamann can provide you with a new three-spoke steering wheel, carbon fibre kit for the dashboard, handles and centre console, a set of anodized aluminium pedal covers and velour floor mats.

    (more…)

  • Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TFSI by BBM Motorsport


    BBM Motorsport, the chip tuning specialist from Münsterland, has developed three stages of tune for Volkswagen’s 149 kW (200 hp) Scirocco 2.0 TFSI.

    For € 790, you get the Stage One package which results in 183 kW (245 hp). The next two programs also include the fitment of a full stainless steel exhaust system, which helps to provide 201 kW (270 hp) and 231 kW (310 hp) respectively. Their price is available on request.

    [Source: BBM Motorsport]

  • CarBuyer drives the Volkswagen up!


    Mat Watson has driven Volkswagen’s up! for CarBuyer, the new sister website of Auto Express. Designed to take on the likes of Fiat’s 500 model, the up! uses a new 1-litre, three-cylinder engine and can also be bought in five-door form. Already named CarBuyer’s 2012 City Car of the Year, Volkswagen isn’t resting on its laurels, with the introduction of a natural gas-powered model, the eco up!, and a sportier GT version on the way.

    (more…)