Author: admin

  • Drifting the BMW M5


    Following on from the Stig’s sideways shenanigans in BMW’s new M5 model, BMW Driving Experience instructor, Rolf Scheibner, was on hand at Ascari circuit in Spain to all drifty in the 560 bhp twin-turbocharged saloon. Germany’s Auto Bild was there to witness it. (more…)

  • smart fortwo “Overall Best MPG” winner


    For the third year in a row, Mick Linford and co-driver Ella Flynn were awarded the “Overall Best MPG” title at the 2011 ALD Automotive Shell FuelSave MPG Marathon.

    The pair, driving a 54bhp smart fortwo cdi, navigated their way around Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset, covering a total of 370.9 miles in two days. By the end of the event, the skills of “Eco Mick” had yielded an average of 99.24mpg (2.8 L/km) – 15 % better than the official figure, and 12.84mpg more efficient than the runner-up.

    “I was determined to break the magical 100mpg mark, but the weather and one particularly hilly section was against us. To get so close is a double-edged sword – but I’m delighted that the smart delivered these incredible results despite the challenges,” explained Mick.

    [Source: smart]

  • Auto Express track test: Audi RS 3 vs BMW 1 Series M Coupé


    Auto Express road tester and professional racing driver, Owen Mildenhall, headed over to Anglesey circuit armed with Audi’s RS 3 Sportback and the BMW 1 Series M Coupé. Both models will set you back € 50,000 and produce 340 bhp – but go about it in different ways. (more…)

  • evo reviews the SLS AMG Roadster


    The brilliant Harry Metcalfe takes us around Nice in the new SLS AMG Roadster for evo magazine. This rag-top version of the beautiful gullwing-doored Coupe has near-identical performance, taking 3.7 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph), before hitting an electronically limited 318 km/h (197 mph). (more…)

  • 217 mph BMW 7 Series by Tuningwerk


    BMW performance specialist, Tuningwerk, from Puchheim in Munich has developed the NR 7s program for the long wheelbase 7 Series model.

    Powered by BMW’s trusty 4.4 L twin-turbocharged V8 unit, the NR 7s is offered with two levels of output. Firstly, the GT Edition, which develops 540 hp/400 kW and 750 Nm of torque. That’s enough to propel this luxury barge to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and onto a governed top speed of 307 km/h (190 mph). If that doesn’t satisfy your needs, there’s the RS Edition. Good for 720 hp/529 kW and an insane torque figure of 1090 Nm, the RS thunders to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds before running out of steam at 350 km/h (217 mph).

    Both models wear the company’s carbon aerodynamic package and larger wheels, which hide much-needed carbon-ceramic brakes. Inside the cabin, Tuningwerk can offer bespoke upholstery or components from the BMW Individual range.

    Prices start at € 169,800 for the GT Edition, which is also available in xDrive form as well as 6-gear sport automatic transmission, while the RS version will set you back € 198,000.

    Tuningwerk can also provide a car hand-over with the option of driver training in Munich – including hotel and flight.

    [Source: Tuningwerk]

    (more…)

  • GRIP looks at Porsche 911 special editions


    Just before the new Porsche 991 kicks into production, Matthias Malmedie and Niki Schelle of German motoring show GRIP take a look at a few of the (several million) special edition 997 models that have been offered by the Stuttgart auto manufacturer. (more…)