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  • Audi R18 e-tron quattro at Monza


    Supercar fanatic and virtual resident of Monza 19Bozzy92 spotted this Audi R18 e-tron quattro during testing at the Italian circuit today. Sadly, the terrible weather conditions meant that the car couldn’t exactly go flat-out, but it’s still an impressive sight. A 375 kW (510 hp) V6 TDI engine drives the rear wheels, while kinetic energy provides the power for the front axle. Set to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the R18 e-tron quattro will make its racing début at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5.

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  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class revealed


    Mercedes-Benz has revealed the latest incarnation of its tough off-roader, the G-Class.

    Steadily evolving over the last 33 years, this freshened-up SUV receives LED daytime running lights and restyled mirrors, while the AMG versions can be identified by their AMG radiator grille with double louvres, new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake calipers and 20-inch alloy wheels can also be specified.

    Moving inside, there’s a completely redesigned centre console and instrument panel with a TFT colour display nestled between the speedometer and rev counter. Another standard feature is the centrally-mounted large colour screen for the DVD and COMAND Online systems, which also incorporates the satellite navigation – all voice-operated via the LINGUATRONIC feature. Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP system has been updated to include Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function, while the interior can be treated to materials and trim from the exclusive designo range.

    Engine choices begin with the diesel-powered G 350 BlueTEC, which uses a 3.0-litre V6 that develops 155 kW (211 hp) and 540 Nm of torque. Next is the G 500, which is also available in short-wheelbase Cabriolet form and uses a 5.5-litre petrol V8 that produces 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 Nm. Both the G 350 and the G 500 use a seven-speed automatic transmission.

    Moving up the food chain is the G 63 AMG. Making use of a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that develops 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm of torque, the inclusion of an ECO start/stop system as standard is always welcome. Finally, we arrive at the Herculean G 65 AMG. Propelled by a 6-litre V12 biturbo engine, it develops a colossal 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque, making it the world’s most powerful series-produced cross-country vehicle.

    Due to go on sale this June, prices in Germany start at € 85,311 for the G 350 BlueTEC, with the G 65 AMG weighing in at a much scarier € 264,180.

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  • 2012 BMW M3 DTM videos


    On the eve of the 2012 DTM season, BMW has released a set of videos featuring its M3 racecar in action on track.

    After a way-too-long hiatus; BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG – along with their six drivers – will be present for the opener on the Hockenheimring grid on 29th April: BMW’s first DTM race since 11th October 1992.

    Following on from last week’s final test program at Hockenheim, BMW Team RBM driver Andy Priaulx said: “With the first race in mind, we have made good progress with our car. However, we have to remain realistic. We have come a long way in a relatively short time – and we still have a long way to go. We have great respect for our experienced opposition.”

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  • Opel Insignia OPC by MR Car Design


    Erftstadt-based styling company MR Car Design has once again joined forces with its tuning division, Reil Performance, to create their latest project based on Opel’s Insignia OPC.

    Visually, the Insignia wears a set of Oxigin alloy wheels, measuring a considerable 8.5 and 9.5 x 20-inches, while the ride height is taken to ground level thanks to an adjustable G-Ride air suspension system, which helps to keep those monthly sump replacement bills to a minimum…

    Already producing an impressive 239 kW (325 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of torque from its turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine, Reil Performance optimizes the car’s software, adds a sports air filter and exhaust system with racing cat, resulting in 280 kW (375 hp) and 495 Nm (365 lb/ft).

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  • Volkswagen Polo GTI by Superchips


    Volkswagen Racing UK’s official tuning partner Superchips has announced an ECU remap for the current Polo GTI.

    Equipped with the company’s turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TSI petrol engine, the Polo GTI has 132 kW (177 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) of torque to play with in factory form, but Superchips’ tweak sees an improvement of 20 kW (27 hp) and 35 Nm (26 lb/ft) from the twincharge unit.

    The conversion is available immediately from any Superchips performance centre at a price £ 455 (€ 552) fitted.

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  • 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS


    Porsche has revealed its latest version of the mighty Cayenne GTS ahead of its official début in Beijing later this month.

    Visually, the GTS now wears the hood and front fascia from the Cayenne Turbo, Bi-Xenon headlights, wide side skirts and wheel arches and a roof spoiler with fixed bi-plane wing profile, while the window surrounds and trim are finished in high-gloss black paintwork. Other defining features include 20-inch RS Spyder wheels and matte black tailpipes. Two new colours, Peridot Metallic and Carmine Red, have been made available for the GTS.

    Moving inside, the cabin is upholstered in a mixture of leather and Alcantara, with standard equipment including eight-way adjustable sports seats and a SportDesign steering wheel with flappy paddle gear changers operating that eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

    Power comes courtesy of a reworked 4.8-litre V8 engine, which develops 309 kW (420 hp) – 15 kW (20 hp) up on its predecessor, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds, 0-160 km/h (100 mph) in 13.3 s and a top speed of 261 km/h (162 mph). An auto start/stop function helps the GTS to consume a respectable 26.4 mpg (10.7 l/100 km).

    Due to hit European showroom this July, prices will start at € 90,774, while buyers in the States will have to pay $ 83,025 when it goes in sale in August.

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