Thousands of fans registered to be part of the BMW M5 Story. Some days ago, just six of them had the chance to experience the new BMW M5 at a very special place – the Nordschleife, Nürburgring. Do you think they enjoyed it? (more…)
Author: admin
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2012 B-Class from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has released details and images of the 2012 B-Class ahead of its début at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. The B-Class is barely recognisable compared to its predecessor, receiving more muscular-looking flanks and styling reminiscent of the company’s CLS model – particularly the headlamps and that prominent grille, which lengthens the front of this compact sports tourer slightly, creating a sleeker appearance.A newly-introduced range of engines include a 1.6L four cylinder petrol unit (the M270) which produces 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm in the B 180, and 115 kW (156 hp)and 250 Nm in the B 200. Diesel fans get a scaled down version of the OM651 seen throughout the Mercedes family. Now in 1.8L form, the transversely-mounted common rail direct-injection engine develops 80 kW (109 hp) and 250 Nm in the B 180 CDI, and 100 kW (136 hp) and 300 Nm in the B 200 CDI. The B-Class also receives a new 6-speed manual and seven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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ABT announces AS6 Avant
Kempten-based VAG tuning specialists ABT Sportsline has released images and details of its program for the latest Audi A6 Avant model.Cosmetically, ABT offers a styling package for the A6 Avant, consisting of discreet sill extensions, spoilers for the front bumper and tailgate, and a rear bumper insert which features neat quadruple tailpipes. There’s also a range of alloy wheels styles to choose from, available in 19, 20 and even 21-inch diameter.
Owners of petrol and diesel-engined cars can both enjoy upgrades from ABT. Depending on your model, the 3.0 TDI can be taken from 201 hp/150 kW to 237 hp/177 kW or 241 hp/180 kW up to 296 hp/221 kW, while its 3.0 TFSI sibling jumps from 296 hp/221 kW to a much healthier 414 hp/309 kW – good enough for a 0-100 km/h time of just five seconds.
[Source: ABT Sporstline]
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Option Auto drives the BMW M3 GTS
French motoring magazine, Option Auto, heads to the circuit in BMW’s hardcore M3 GTS model. The track-focused Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)in a mere 4.4 seconds, and reaches the 1000 metre mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h (189 mph). (more…) -
Audi unveils the A8 hybrid
Audi has unveiled a hybrid version of its flagship saloon, the A8. Due to go into production next year, the A8 hybrid is powered by a four cylinder 2.0L TSI petrol engine and electric motor – developing 180 kW (245 hp). Impressively, the A8 hybrid can travel up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) powered purely by electricity, or – if driven at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph)- can cover a range of around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions.The fact that this A6 is able to use less than 6.4L of fuel per 100 km isn’t all due to the addition of a 40 kW (54 hp) electric motor, but the car’s construction also has a large role to play. Thanks to its ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminium shell, the A8 hybrid’s body weighs a mere 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), undercutting its steel equivalent by around 40 percent.
Visually, the A6 wears tell tale ‘hybrid’ badges, turbine-inspired alloy wheels – available as a 19-inch upgrade or 18-inch as standard. LED headlights and Arctic Silver paintwork, a hue exclusive to the A8 hybrid.
In visual terms, the Audi A8 hybrid is distinguished by subtle details. The ten spokes of its alloy wheels – which have a diameter of 18 inches as standard and 19 inches as an option – are reminiscent of turbine blades. The body features hybrid badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.
[Source: Audi]
