If you missed last last night’s Top Gear, here’s the segment with Jeremy Clarkson where he compares the Mercedes SLS AMG Black series with the SLS AMG Electric Drive.
Propelled by a revised version of the regular car’s 6.2-litre V8, the Black Series has 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 Nm of torque at its disposal, while its electrical counterpart enjoys 552 kW (740 hp) and 1,000 Nm via a quartet of motors, allowing an impressive 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds.
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Following its big reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley has released this video of the Continental GT3 during testing. Although there is no track footage we still get some arousing close-ups of the car’s exterior and cockpit.
Built jointly with WRC specialist M-Sport, the GT3 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 using Cosworth management and a dry-sump system. Producing 447 kW (600 hp) in unrestricted guise, power is sent to the rear wheels via a carbon fibre propshaft connected to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission.
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Merzig-based Kelleners Sport has released images of its forthcoming program to suit BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupe.
The aero package includes a replacement front bumper with angular intakes, integrated spoiler and central splitter, a pair of hood vents, c-shape surrounds for the fender vents, side skirts, and a rear bumper with diffuser section and faux side outlets.
Other components include a trunk lid spoiler and mirror cases constructed from carbon fibre, and Kelleners’ new ‘Munich’ forged alloy wheels available in 19 and 20-inch diameters. As well as the new exhaust system with quadruple tailpipes the company can also provide ECU software upgrades.
We’re not sure if a body with such flowing lines benefits from a kit with so many squared-off edges. It’s like putting Kate Upton inside a Dalek.
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Lübeck-based tuning specialist HG Motorsport has revealed details of what it can do for Volkswagen’s Golf GTI with the performance package.
Developing 169 kW (230 hp) and 350 Nm of torque from its 2.0 TSI engine in standard guise, HG Motorsport fits its BULL-X exhaust system with 200 cell cat, an uprated HF Series intercooler and HFI air intake kit, resulting in 193 kW (259 hp) and 377 Nm.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, the company can also remap your ECU software, which sees output jump to 227 kW (304 hp) and 435 Nm. Pleasant.
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This new video from Motor Trend sees Justin Bell testing Audi’s epic R8 V10 plus for the latest episode of its World’s Fastest Car Show series.
Differences on the plus include such goodies as carbon mirrors, side blades, splitter, larger diffuser and adjustable bucket seats. Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, while the improved output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm of torque allows a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed.
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BMW has revealed its range of Performance Parts for the new 4 Series Coupe at a launch event for the car in Lisbon, Portugal.
Visually the motorsport-inspired components, developed in conjunction with BMW M GmbH, include side stripes, a carbon fibre front splitter, mirror casings, side skirt blades, kidney grilles, a trunk lid spoiler and rear bumper insert with air outlets and diffuser section. Moving inside, the cockpit receives an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with carbon trim and race display, and carbon interior trim with Alcantara for the dashboard, centre console, interior door grips, gearshift and handbrake grip. Floor mats and a stainless steel pedal kit complete the look.
Mechanical upgrades comprise of an optional clutch-type limited slip differential with 30% lockup, sport brake discs, 20-inch alloy wheels and suspension springs providing a 10 mm drop in ride height. Finally there’s a complete exhaust system and Power Kit which uses remapped ECU software to provide a moderate increase in power. Once installed, output from the 420d rises from 135 kW (181 hp) and 380 Nm to 145 kW (194 hp) and 418 Nm, the 428i from 180 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm to 200 kW (268 hp) and 389 Nm, and the 435i from 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm to 250 kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm.
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