Month: January 2013

  • Skoda Citigo SPORT

    Skoda Citigo SPORT
    Skoda has revealed a SPORT version of its dinky hatchback, the Citigo.

    Available in three and five-door configurations, the SPORT can be specified with either a 44 kW (60 hp) or 55 kW (75 hp) three-cylinder 1.0 MPI petrol engine, capable of returning 4.1 l/ 100 km and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km – with the Green tec package included. A five-speed manual transmission comes as standard, with the ASG (automated manual gearbox) available as an option.

    Visually, the SPORT sits 15 millimetres lower than standard, on a set of black 15-inch Auriga alloy wheels, while the special body styling kit comprises of front and rear spoilers and a rear diffuser section. There’s also a contrasting racing stripe along the hood and roof, with smaller items running along the lower flanks and base of the tailgate. Moving inside, there’s a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gearshift level and handbrake handle, with the seats receiving a ‘Sport’ textile design in a combination of red, grey and black.

    Owners will get a choice of three exclusive colours, including Candy White with red, Tornado Red with black and Deep Black with red stripes.
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  • G-Power supercharged BMW M3 eargasm

    Supercharged BMW M3
    This new video from Marchettino was recorded at the Nurburgring, where the supercar stalker stumbled across a trio of high-powered BMW M3s by G-Power.

    With the company’s SK II CS (ClubSport) supercharger kit bolted to that brawny 4.0-litre V8 engine, output rises from 309 kW (414 hp) and 400 Nm of torque to 455 kW (610 hp) and 590 Nm. The last car also features a titanium Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system for good measure.
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  • Strator GT 780 Audi Q7 by Hofele Design

    Hofele Design Strator GT 780 Audi Q7

    Donzdorf tuning specialist Hofele Design has released details of its interestingly-named Strator GT 780 for the facelifted Audi Q7.

    The wide-track aero package comprises of a replacement front bumper with aggressive air intakes and four additional lamps, widened vented fenders, rear wheel arch extensions, a high-level tailgate spoiler and a lower rear bumper apron with diffuser section.

    Completing the look, Hofele can provide a range of alloy wheels, including these REVERSO II items, which range from 20 to 22-inches, and an electronic lowering module which drops the SUV by 40 mm up to speeds of 80 km/h. Anything above that and the ride height returns to factory level to ‘maintain comfort and security’. Moving inside, the cabin can be reupholstered to suit the owners specific requirements, including bi-colour leather on the seats, armrests and steering wheel.

    Performance upgrades are available for all petrol and diesel engines in the range, for example the 3.0 TDI’s ECU remap sees output climb from 180 kW (241 hp) and 550 Nm of torque to 234 kW (314 hp) and 599 Nm.
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  • Robert Kubica tests the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe

    DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe
    Ex-Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica has been invited by Mercedes-Benz to test the company’s DTM AMG C-Coupe at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

    The popular Pole, who started his career with the manufacturer in the Formula 3 Euro Series driving a Mücke Motorsport-run Dallara-Mercedes in 2004, made his return to a race track in test conditions for the first time since he piloted an F1 car. Before suffering multiple injuries following a serious rallying accident in February 2011, Kubica had competed in 76 Formula 1 races, picking up 11 podium places – including a victory in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

    “I’m really pleased that Mercedes-Benz is giving me the opportunity to test their DTM car and I’m looking forward to getting acclimatised to a race car again. It’s still too early to make any statements about my future because of this one test,” said Kubica, hinting that he may just drive a German tin-top this season.
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  • Facelifted ABT AS5 Sportback

    ABT AS5 Sportback
    Kempten-based ABT Sportsline has revealed its updated AS5 program to suit Audi’s facelifted A5 Sportback model.

    Visually, ABT provides a lower front spoiler and diffuser insert for the rear bumper. A choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels and tyres can be stipulated, including the DR (as shown) and CR Silverlight.

    As well as a new exhaust system with quadruple tailpipes, ABT can also provide its Powerkit to suit all engines. Once fitted, output from the 1.8 TFSI climbs from 125 kW (170 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp) with 370 Nm of torque, while the 2.0 TFSI now delivers 199 kW (270 hp) and 400 Nm and 3.0 TFSI owners can enjoy 279 kW (380 hp) and 500 Nm.

    Diesel fans aren’t overlooked either, with the 2.0 TDI tweaked to produce 151 kW (205 hp) and 420 Nm, and the 3.0 TDI churning out 221 kW (300 hp) and 570 Nm.

    Finally, chassis upgrades include a -25 mm sport spring kit, an adjustable coilover set-up allowing a 50 mm drop and a big brake conversion featuring either 345 or 380 mm diameter discs.

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  • BMW M4 Coupe Concept rendered

    BMW M4 Coupe Concept
    We’ve seen a few renderings of the forthcoming BMW M4 Coupe Concept, some OK, some looking like they’ve been done by a moronic child with an Etch A Sketch. But these are well worth sharing.

    Using the recently revealed 4 Series Concept as a base, Bimmerpost member E92Alpine328i has added the aggressive front fascia, carbon fibre roof section and rear bumper from the M6 Coupe, an M3-inspired hood bulge and 1M side gills. The wheel arches have been flared and the mirrors and side skirts have also been tweaked, while those striking five-spoke alloy wheels are lifted from the M6 Gran Coupe.

    BMW is likely to drop the V8 engine currently powering the M3, with propulsion expected to come from a twin-turbocharged straight-six (developing around 331 kW/444 hp), which will be mated to either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or optional six-speed manual.
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