Month: August 2013

  • G-Power gives the BMW M6 710 hp

    G-Power BMW M6 Coupe
    Bayern-based tuning specialist G-Power has released details of its latest program to suit the current BMW M6.

    The company’s performance upgrade comprises of its new Bi-Tronik III V2 ECU software along with a complete -12 kg titanium exhaust system, which means output from the turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 jumps from 418 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque to 529 kW (710 hp) and 890 Nm; enough for a 315 km/h (195 mph) top speed and a 10.8 second sprint to 200 km/h.

    Other components in the package include G-Power’s fully adjustable GM6-RS coilover suspension kit, a carbon ceramic front brake upgrade with six-piston calipers and 420 mm discs, and a set of the company’s striking Hurricane alloy wheels. Measuring 21 inches in diameter, they come wrapped in 265/30 and 305/25 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
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  • BMW M135i vs Mercedes A 45 AMG

    Mercedes A 45 AMG vs BMW M135i
    This latest video from Auto Express sees Owen Mildenhall heading to the track with a couple of heavy-hitting hatchbacks; BMW’s M135i and the Mercedes A 45 AMG.

    Equipped with the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the world, the A 45 AMG is propelled by an all-aluminium, turbocharged AMG lump producing a delicious 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque, while the M135i packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm. It also costs €8,000 less than the A-Class.

    Which one gets your vote?
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  • BMW M3 Coupe by edo competition

    BMW M3 Coupe by edo competition
    Ahlen-based tuning specialist edo competition has created a BMW M3 Coupe based on Vorsteiner’s GTRS5 widebody program.

    Limited to just 40 examples, the widebody program is constructed from carbon fibre and consists of aggressive new bumpers with a clear-coated spoiler on the front and hefty diffuser on the rear, vented front fenders, rear wheel arch extensions and corresponding side skirts. Optional components include the ventilated GTS3 hood and GTRS3 boot lid with integrated spoiler.

    Completing the aesthetics is a set of Vorsteiner’s VS-320 three-piece concave forged alloy wheels in a 20-inch diameter, while behind the new wheels is a Brembo brake upgrade using 380 mm front discs and a Variant 3 KW coilover suspension kit.
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  • BMW Group Design creates concept car for Gran Turismo 6

    BMW Vision Gran Turismo
    BMW Group Design has created a futuristic virtual concept car for the Gran Turismo 6 game; the Vision Gran Turismo.

    Just the one image was released, but from the front it looks like a more muscular version of the M6 complete with giant M1 Procar-style rear wing. BMW says that it blends the company’s unmistakable racing genes honed from real-life experience on the track with the design freedom inherent in a virtual car.

    “I was really impressed by the amount of thought BMW put in, for not only surface features of a car but their consideration for internal structures and mechanical components as well. I respect their sincere efforts and I am very much looking forward to the BMW Vision Gran Turismo,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, the Senior Vice President of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    The game is released on December 6. Until then you’ll have to make do with the latest trailer below.
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  • Opel Monza Concept revealed

    Opel Monza Concept
    Opel has released details of its Monza Concept, the model which the company calls “Our Vision of Opel’s Future”, ahead of its world debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22).

    Measuring 4.69 metres in length and standing 1.31 m tall, the slippery four seater design is said to be modelled after ocean waves lapping on the shore. Its low stance, muscular contours, chrome grille bar with winglets and slimline headlights sitting above colossal air intakes are all striking elements, but the full-length gullwing doors steal all the attention, allowing occupants ease of access thanks to the deletion of a b-pillar.

    Inside the cabin there’s a voice-controlled 3D projection system utilizing 18 separate LEDs that uses the dashboard as a screen, allowing the control of such important functions from precise vehicle and driver information to internet and communication options as well as decorative elements.

    The modular design of the Monza will lend itself to new drivetrains in the future, but the variant heading to Frankfurt will be propelled by an electric motor that uses Opel’s new-generation three-cylinder 1.0 SIDI turbo engine as a range-extender. And rather than being fuelled by petrol it will use CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) instead of gasoline, further improving the car’s CO2 footprint.

    “We have a clear vision of how Opel cars will be in the future, and we have a clear strategy of how we will achieve this goal. The Monza Concept gives this strategy an unmistakable identity. It embodies what our customers can expect from us within the next years; not only in terms of design, but also in terms of efficiency and connectivity between drivers and the internet community,” says Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
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  • Mercedes-Benz ML-Class by German Special Customs

    Mercedes-Benz ML-Class by German Special Customs
    Chemnitz’s German Special Customs has released details of its new widebody program to suit the Mercedes ML-Class.

    The package consists of a muscular front bumper with LED daytime running lights and lip spoiler, a ventilated hood, wheel arch extensions and rear bumper with integrated diffuser and surrounds designed to house the tailpipes of the new stainless steel exhaust system. A pair of carbon fibre mirror covers completes the look. Moving inside, the cabin has been upholstered in a mixture of leather and Alcantara nestling alongside carbon trim elements.

    An adjustable electronic module controls the ride height, while the satin black alloy wheels measure 10 x 22-inches all-round and wear 295/30 tyres.
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