The latest video from evo magazine sees Tiff Needell heading to Bedford Autodrome to compare the current Porsche 911 Cabriolet with Jaguar’s pretty F-Type model.
Propelled by a 3.4-litre flat-six, the Carrera Cabriolet can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of (285 km/h) 177 mph, while its heavier British rival uses a 283 kW (380 hp) supercharged 3.0-litre V6 unit to hit 100 km/h in 4.9s and a 275 km/h maximum of (171 mph).
(more…)
Following on from the pre-production images, Florida-based tuning specialist RENNtech has released its range of aerodynamic additions for the mighty Mercedes CLS 63 AMG.
Designed in-house, the clear-coated carbon fibre components include a three-piece replacement front spoiler resulting in increased down force, a rear spoiler, which offers a smooth transition of airflow over the trunk lid, and a diffuser section. The diffuser decreases drag and increases rear down force by improving the underbody airflow.
Pricing isn’t cheap at $3,880, $1,840 and $3,780 respectively, but the quality looks pretty impressive.
Here are the first images of Lamborghini’s Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario model, which will be making its debut at 2013 Auto China in Shanghai.
As the name implies, it has been built to commemorate fifty years of Lamborghini and builds on the regular Aventador model. New additions comprise of a set of high-gloss black wheels along with a more extreme aero package, including a larger front spoiler and colossal rear diffuser reminiscent of those seen on the Aventador J Concept.
The 6.5-litre V12 has been tweaked – very slightly – to produce 537 kW (720 hp) meaning, on the road, 100 km/h appears in less than 3 seconds, while top speed in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph). Just 100 examples will be created.
(more…)
This almost never happens, but a set of photos showing a brand new concept car have leaked out ahead of the vehicle’s official reveal. This time it’s the turn of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Due to premiere at 2013 Auto China in Shanghai, the crossover stands 1.57 metres tall, 4.38m long, 1.97m wide, 1.57m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.69m, making it a similar size to the Audi Q3 and BMW’s X1.
Styling-wise, it resembles an A-Class on anabolic steroids, with a beefed-up radiator grille, more aggressive front fascia, rugged plastic wheel arch trims, sill cladding, roof rails and an imposing rear bumper panel with rectangular exhaust outlets. Staying at the rear there’s also a large roof spoiler and pretty c-shape tail-lights – which we hope won’t disappear on the production version. The 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in 255/45 tyres, complete the look.
This GLA 250 version uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which transfers its 155 kW (211 hp) to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system via the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. Expected to be in production-ready guise for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, it will share drivetrains with the A-Class, including a halo GLA 45 AMG version using the same 265 kW (360 hp) unit as the A 45 AMG.
(more…)
As we saw with the recent DRIVE video, it’s relatively easy to tune Audi’s S4, giving it the performance to rival the range’s flagship RS 4. Austria’s MS Design has gone a step further with its A46 program, adding in some visual treats.
Due to make its world premiere at Top Marques Monaco (April 18-21), the company is touting it as the closest thing you can get to an RS 4 Saloon. The 245 kW (333 hp) 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine has been massaged to produce 343 kW (460 hp), meaning 100 km/h appears in 4.5 seconds and top speed is unrestricted at 287 km/h (180 mph).
Aesthetically, the A46 wears an aggressive front fascia – which can house a genuine RS 4 grille – featuring larger air intakes, a lower spoiler and side vents. There’s also a pair of side skirts and rear bumper with air outlets and a carbon fibre diffuser housing twin tailpipes.
Chassis changes include an MS big brake system, while an adjustable coilover suspension kit drops the saloon over a set of black 8.5 x 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Moving inside the cabin, the interior receives a mixture of leather, suede and carbon fibre elements.
(more…)
This latest video from Autocar magazine sees Steve Sutcliffe compare two cars that, personally, we wouldn’t lump together in the same demographic, but they are both BMW products and share a virtually identical price tag: the M135i and MINI’s all-wheel drive JCW Paceman.
The Paceman is propelled by a newly developed turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder lump with variable valve control, developing 160 kW (218 hp) and a peak torque figure of 300 Nm, while the M135i is packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, which churns out a delicious 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm.
A no-brainer, surely?
(more…)