Author: admin

  • Audi R8 V10 plus vs Ducati Diavel

    Audi R8 V10 plus vs Ducati Diavel
    Ducati’s 121 kW (162 hp) Diavel motorcycle has twice the power-to-weight ratio of the cogent Audi R8 V10 plus, but which is quicker from zero to 150 mph and back again? Autocar’s cheeky Steve Sutcliffe finds out.

    Differences on the plus include CFRP 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 Concept X4 surfaces

    BMW X4 Concept
    Here’s a bunch of leaked BMW Concept X4 images for you to nonchalantly glance at.

    Due to make its official debut at 2013 Auto China in Shanghai later this month, the new Sports Activity Coupe is set to sit above the X3 in BMW’s foodchain, but is likely to borrow engines and transmissions from it. Visually, the X4 wears similar twin LED hexagonal headlights to the 4 Series Coupe, along with a more aggressive radiator grille and large air intakes sunk into the meaty front fascia.

    The flanks feature sculpted shoulders, while the sloping roofline bears more than a passing resemblance to the X6’s. At the rear there’s the trademark wide rear lights, twin tailpipes and a diffuser section that replicates styling elements from the front of the car.
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  • mcchip-dkr and Raeder Motorsport partnership announced

    Raeder Motorsport Audi TT RS
    Obergartzem tuning specialist mcchip-dkr has announced that it will be joining forces with Raeder Motorsport in Buren.

    From now on, including the upcoming racing season, mcchip-dkr will be in charge of the customer sports sector from Raeder Clubsport with software optimization and customized software solutions for individual customer needs. Set-up work on the cars will be carried out on one of the most advanced four-wheel dyno in Germany.

    mcchip-dkr´s CEO Danny Kubasik will pilot the Raeder Audi TT RS on selected races at the Nürburgring endurance championship (VLN). Together with Elmar Deegner, Jürgen Wohlfarth and Christoph Breuer, he will be part of a strong team in the SP3T car. They will also participate in this year’s legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

    Danny Kubasik points out that he isn’t involved purely for fun, but to assist in the development of the car, which will ultimately lead to better software products for its customers.
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  • Audi S4 v Audi RS 4

    Audi S4 v Audi RS 4
    Anyone following DRIVE’s Chris Harris on Twitter, will know that he recently bought a battered Audi S4 Avant from a family member – for a bargain price. The channel’s latest video sees his new acquisition go head-to-head with Ingolstadt’s brand new RS 4 model.

    Clearly, with a supercharged 248 kW (333 hp) 3.0-litre V6 lurking beneath the hood of the S4, it was never going to give the 331 kW (450 hp) 4.2 FSI-engined RS 4 much of a fight. However, after a little software tweak by the guys from Revo Technik, the tatty clanger now produces around 298 kW (400 hp). Let’s see how it gets on…
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  • BMW S1000RR drag bike

    BMW S1000RR drag bike
    This episode of Motor Trend’s On Two Wheels sees Super Streetbike magazine taking a trip to Roland Sands Design to check out their newest project, a BMW S1000RR drag bike.

    Using a predominantly stock 999 cc inline-4 engine, developing around 149 kW (200 hp), the bike features a 6-inch extended swing arm, BST carbon fibre wheels, a Brock’s Performance exhaust, an Öhlins rear shock absorber and carbon fibre panels from BMW Motorrad. The next modification will be to turbocharge the bike to reach the 224 kW (300 hp) mark.
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  • Facelifted Porsche Panamera revealed

    2014 Porsche Panamera
    Porsche has released images and details of its facelifted Panamera model ahead of its world premiere at 2013 Auto China in Shanghai.

    Visually the 2014 model has been freshened up thanks to restyled bi-xenon headlights and a front bumper with smaller lights and larger air intakes. At the rear there are new taillights, a restyled tailgate with a wider spoiler and window, and a more appealing bumper with relocated number plate recess.

    A biturbo 3.0-litre V6 engine developing 313 kW (420 hp) and 520 Nm has replaced the 4.8-litre V8 unit in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, and not only does it produce it 15 kW (20 hp) more power and 20 Nm more torque than its predecessor, but fuel economy is also improved by up to 18 per cent.

    As well as the arrival of the new Turbo and 4S Executive models, which feature a 15 cm longer wheelbase than standard for improved leg room and comfort, Porsche will also be debuting its plug-in hybrid, the Panamera S E-Hybrid. An additional 70 kW (95 hp) motor allows the Panamera to reach 135 km/h in all-electric operation, with a range of 36 km achievable. An equally impressive NEDC fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 71 g/km can also be accomplished.

    Recharging from a household outlet takes less than fours hours, but this time drops to two and a half hours at an industrial charging point. When the combustion engine introduces itself 100 km/h appears in 5.5 seconds, with top speed working out at 270 km/h (167 mph).

    The Porsche Car Connect smartphone app allows the driver to monitor the car’s charge status indicator, remaining driving distance, or preheat or cool the cabin via the climate control.

    Due to be launched this July, pricing in Germany will start at €81,849 for the Panamera Diesel, €88,513 for the Panamera 4, €107,196 for the 4S and €110,409 for the S E-Hybrid. Moving up the scale, the GTS can be had for €121,595 and the Turbo for €145,990, while the long wheelbase 4S Executive and Turbo Executive will set you back €132,662 and €163,364 respectively.
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