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Auto Express put a pair of heavy-hitters from Audi and BMW up against each other on the drag strip to see who would come out on top. Both cars cost around €50,000 and develop 340 bhp – but go about it in different ways. The RS 3 Sportback uses a 2.5L five cylinder turbo unit, while the 1 Series M coupé is propelled via a twin-turbocharged straight-six 3.0L.

The way the cars transfer that power to the road is also totally different, with the RS 3 relying on its trust quattro AWD system and seven-speed S tronic transmission, and the BMW is a RWD beast that requires the driver to stir the six gears manually.

Which would you choose? The Audi has the practicality of those two extra doors, but weighing in at 1,575 kilograms (to the BMW’s 1,495 kilograms), you’re already carrying the weight of an adult man’s body before you’ve got in the car. And how would you explain that to the police? Think about it. (more…)

BMW has released further details of its 2012 6 Series coupé and convertible models; specifically new drivetrains and styling options. Firstly, the BMW Individual range, which comprises – amongst other features – of exclusive paint finishes, and wheels, and an interior totally tailored to meet the owner’s desires.

Secondly is the M Sport package. This option includes the addition of and aerodynamics package, LED foglamps, 19-inch M wheels, Alcantara/leather upholstery featuring sports seats, and an M leather steering wheel.

The new 6 Series engine range includes a 3L diesel, featuring TwinPower Turbo technology, developing 313 hp, which powers the 640d coupé to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds (convertible 5.6) and its 640i petrol-drinking brother – which produces 320 hp and is a mere 0.1 seconds to 100 km/h faster.

Another first for the 6 Series is the introduction of the company’s xDrive AWD system. Found underneath the 650i xDrive, that extra grip – combined with the 407 hp 4.4L V8 powerplant – helps the coupé to hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (convertible 4.8).

[Source: BMW]

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BMW has just announced Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages for its 3 Series Coupé and Convertible models. Externally, the Edition Exclusive features Space Grey 18-inch V-spoke wheels, while owners can choose any colour from the BMW palette, or – as an option only available on this model – the exclusive Mineral Grey hue, while the mirror caps are finished in Oxide Silver. The interior is finished in Dakota leather upholstery, which can be ordered in Pearl Grey or Black, and Bamboo Grain Anthracite trim strips.

The M Sport Edition is finished in Silverstone – a colour usually associated with the M3 model, and sits on 18-inch Ferric Grey wheels; M Sport suspension sharpens up the chassis. At the back there’s a colour-coded apron with built-in diffuser. Coupé owners can specify the optional M rear spoiler. Inside, the driver is treated to an M Sport steering wheel and stainless pedals, while the seats are clad in Dakota leather and finished off with special “M” piping. Aluminium Glacier Silver strips complete the cabin.

[Source: BMW]

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Here’s evo’s brilliant Chris ‘Monkey’ Harris giving us a running commentary as he blazes his way up the hill at Goodwood in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. With over 600 BHP on tap, the RS is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche; it’s capable of hitting 60 in 3.4 seconds, and boasts a top-track speed of 205 mph. (more…)

BMW Motorrad is following in the wheel prints of smart and MINI by producing its own e-scooter concept. Unlike the current crop of electrically-powered scooters this BMW concept can be used for much more than simply buzzing around town on. Thanks to its impressive output its performance is comparable to that of a 600 cc combustion-engined scooter, and high capacity battery allows a range of over 100 kilometres.

In an effort to achieve better performance, the usual ‘hub motor with direct drive’ layout has been scrapped to make way for a larger unit located behind the battery casing. Drive is sent to a toothed pulley mounted at the swinging fork pivot – then onto the rear wheel via a roller chain.

[Source: BMW]

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John Davis takes a look at the new MINI Countryman for long-running American car show, MotorWeek. Powered by a 122 hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine, the Cooper model hits 62 mph in 10.5 seconds, before topping out at 118 mph. (more…)