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August-4-11

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2011

Posted by ionut under BMW, speed-cars

You may have already read reviews of the 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe (aka 1M), but if you have, you’ve likely suffered through strained historical analogies, detailed comparisons to previous M cars, and sheets of performance data.

You’ll find a minimum of that here. Instead, I offer you a fellow enthusiast’s take on the car, filtered through the desire for a nimble, focused, affordable car that’ll get you to work and get you seat time at the track with equal ease and ability.

The forum for my analysis: the official BMW North American press launch, held en route to and at Monticello Motor Club, where BMW brought me briefly to test the car. It was a limited day-long engagement, restricted to a few hours of open road driving and a dozen or so stop-and-go laps. Not enough time for a full evaluation, but enough to get the overall feel of the car.

Nuts & bolts

This is a parts-bin car, from the ground up. Read the spec sheet, and there are only a handful of parts actually unique to the car–and those are mostly body panels. The 335-horsepower, 369-pound-feet of torque (in overboost) N54 twin-turbo inline six under the hood is found in the new sDrive35is models, and is itself a hotter version of the engine that drove most of BMW’s lineup before the revised, refined, twin-scroll/single-turbo N55 came along last year.

That’s not to say the 1-Series M Coupe is merely the sum of its parts. Borrowing brakes, differential, and wheels from the M3, adding its own unique take on M Dynamic Mode (MDM) and its full-performance track mode, as well as an aggressively relaxed stability/dynamics control system, the 1-Series M Coupe is, in fact, the M car I’d buy if I were going to buy one.

Exactly one year ago Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) first announced plans for a highly modified 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that the company plans to launch very soon. Called the HPE700, the limited edition Camaro boasts a 724-horsepower output and joins other mega-power custom cars like the recently launched ‘Godzilla 700’ Nissan GT-R and a string of ‘Venom’ Dodge Vipers.

The key to the HPE700’s prowess is its supercharged LS9 heart transplant. As if the 638-horsepower the LS9 puts out in ZR1-trim weren’t enough, in the HPE700 the force-fed V8 mill churns out a peak output of 724-horsepower and 741-pound-feet of torque. The custom Camaro also picks up the ZR1’s 15-inch carbon-ceramic brakes, light weight HRE wheels and Michelin PS2 tires.

In addition to the power and handling upgrades, Hennessey is also offering an exterior aerodynamics package to improve downforce at high speed. Penned by British designer, Steve Everitt, Hennessey’s ‘Cam-Aero’ body upgrades include a carbon-fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon-fiber side rocker panels, a carbon-fiber front splitter, a new front fascia with hideaway-look headlights, and a front billet grille. Completing the look of the HPE700 is a ZR1 inspired hood design with a plastic window showing off Hennessey’s tweaked LS9 powerplant.

HPE700 buyers also receive a one-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park–a quarter-mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey’s 24,000 square-foot production facility and showroom.

Hennessey offered the first HPE700 Camaros exclusively to registered bidders at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona last year. However, the car will eventually be available to the general public or ordered from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey. Pricing will start at $109,500. Twenty-four of the cars will be built, but 11 are already spoken for, so if you want your own piece of completely unreasonable muscle-car Americana, you’d better hurry.

The story doesn’t end there as Hennessey plans to launch other turn-key vehicle packages for the new Camaro as well as an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories, including the recently announced, slightly tamer Camaro HPE550

July-26-11

Audi A6 Hybrid

Posted by ionut under Audi, speed-cars

New generation Audi A6 will receive a hybrid version, Audi A6 Hybrid that will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show 2011. It is also proposed hybrid system and Q5 Hybrid SUV and will team in the near future even Audi A8 sedan.

The hybrid system on the Audi A6 Hybrid gives the car a total power of 245 hp and maximum torque of 480 Nm

Heat engine is a turbo petrol 2.0 TFSI, which develops 211 hp and maximum torque of 350 Nm, and the electric motor has a power of 40 kW (54 hp) and maximum torque of 210 Nm. The Audi A6 provides its hybrid Hybrid total power of 245 hp and reaches peak torque of 480 Nm no less.

Therefore, and performance of the new versions are great: 0-100 km / h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 238 km / h. Meanwhile, the average consumption amounts to only 6.4 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions are 146 g / km. In theory, the 73 liter fuel tank of Audi A6 Hybrid assures maximum autonomy over 1,100 km.

Audi A6 Hybrid accelerates to 100 km / h in 7.3 seconds and consumes 6.4 litres/100 km

Lithium-ion battery pack is located under the trunk floor, which is thus reduced from 500 liters to 375 liters, leaving just enough for passengers’ baggage. Batteries have a relatively low mass, 36.7 kg, the 72-cell configuration and promising high reliability and resistance to temperature variations.

In EV mode, selectable from a button on the console, Audi A6 Hybrid can run on electric strict about 3 kilometers and the maximum speed that can be achieved without the heat engine is 100 km / h. In “D” of the automatic gearbox with 8 reports are used both engines, and in “S” electric motor is used in strong accelerations as a function of boost.

Audi A6 Hybrid can run 3 km in strictly electric to 100 km / h

Audi A6 Hybrid Prices are provided near Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, a date for launching this version in our market not yet announced.

The force and aggressive coupe of the range Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe was unveiled. Here’s terrible rival BMW M3 and Audi RS5: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe.

Neither company appeared well in the catalog version top Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe, the German engineers already offers the special edition Black Series baptized. Involving highly refined close to the characteristics of fierce sporting appearance of the smallest Mercedes-Benz coupe.

Compared to normal C 63 AMG Coupe version, the Black Series comes with increased power from 457 hp to 510 hp, while maximum torque increases from 600 Nm he Nm 620 - V8 that’s serious improvements 6 , 3 liter, 53 hp and 20 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe 510 hp and 620 Nm displays
At the performance on paper, improve performance is modest, starting 0-100 km / h decreased from 4.4 seconds to 4.2 seconds. But engineers promise that, in fact, developments and upgrades to give the technical part of Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series coupe and sport behavior more effectively.
The engine received some components directly from SLS AMG flagship, such as forged pistons, Connecting rods and crankshaft, and new electronic control center. Were opimizate oil cooling system and exhaust system, giving the car a distinctive sonority.

The suspension is now set, as specified by the racing cars and anti-roll bars are thicker. Moreover, the suspension has been enough changes, dictated by the growth track by 4 cm in front and 8 inches in the rear, and steering system has a different electronic control unit servoasistării, for more precision.

Unlike a C 63 AMG Coupe normal Black Series involves many technical upgrades
The rear axle is AMG offered a differential lock which, in conjunction with the three operating programs of the ESP, the four modes of the gearbox sequential 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT RACE START promise and how a behavior very close to a car racing.
The wheels are 19-inch wheels, with 11 kg lighter than a normal C 63 AMG Coupe. Dunlop tires are shod with high performance (255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear) racing brake system and have record composite of two pieces in front (15.35×1.42 inches) full back (14.17×1.02 inches), while red calipers are six-piston front and four behind.
All this technical package inspired by the racing world is “dressed” with a body covered by many more from around the world motorsport. Front spoiler splitter have a very large carbon fiber, while large vents are finished with all carbon fiber trim.

Pack’s aesthetic Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe is very aggressive
The wings are wider by 5.6 inches in front and 8.4 inches in back, showing very good racing wheels and giving the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe a very aggressive. Car is wider, have both front and rear, the side vents, while the logo “6.3″ dominates the front wings.
Undoubtedly, behind C 63 AMG Black Series coupe best expresses the car’s brute force, thanks to four discharges rhomboidal, a speaker integrated into large, made of carbon fiber and filled with holes in the side bumper. The trunk lid spoiler was mounted a very discreet attribute that fits the logo “Black Series” under the inscription AMG.

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe has a strong racing mark
The interior continues the racing atmosphere expressed outside the car, but “Black Series” is far from spartan style of racing cars, providing all the equipment you expect from a Mercedes-Benz luxury and comfort.
AMG Performance steering wheel is dressed in a combination of Nappa leather and microfiber DYNAMICS, with aluminum trim, the same metal being made and the shifting paddles behind the steering wheel. No missing buttons for controlling multimedia system., Integrated ergonomic.
Sports seats are dedicated racing fans, while the rear seat is missing - however, have two seats separate option, as the normal version C 63 AMG Coupe. The seats and doors have the microfiber upholstery DYNAMICS, an innovative material with a luxurious appearance, but also very resistant to wear.

For the moment were not disclosed the price or pace of production of the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe
Seat belts are red, like the visible stitching on the steering wheel and shift or other leather, and shell is perforated and is made of aluminum. On board dominates the logo “AMG Black Series” integrated into the piano-black lacquered trim.

June-16-11

BMW M3 Frozen Black

Posted by ionut under BMW, speed-cars

After Porsche, BMW released another special edition M3 coupe, this time passing the Chinese market in the U.S.. It’s called Frozen Black M3 and looks like it was dropped in a barrel with tar (in a good, if possible).

Engines remains the same, ie 4-liter V8 to 420 horses, served through the box with double clutch M-DCT, which shortens the momentum up to hundred kilometers from 4.7 4.5 seconds.

All 20 Series models will receive exclusive Competition Package M3 GTS wheels 19 “(black, naturally), along with a set of optional heated seats, GPS and a stereo system (here we refer to roar engine, it’s even an audio system).

Black on the outside is felt in the cabin, where you get the black Novillo leather adorned with red patches.

From all angles show the hell well, that sinister air. And costs only $ 80,000 - with about 3000 more than the previous special edition dedicated to the U.S., namely Frozen Gray (I leave you to guess the color This one), which occurred in 30 copies.

Does what Americans will be served? If everything was gray, then black, we believe that BMW will make up a Frozen White, produced in 10 copies, and that would cost about $ 85,000. Too bad it’s only for the state.

What you have proposals for a possible M3 limited edition for Europe? For inspiration, you and some pictures below, Frozen Black.

May-30-11

Infinity FX AHG Tuning

Posted by ionut under speed-cars

Today, if you change a sports car event exceed an Airbus 318 in a line, not even a look back. Therefore, the HGA Sports Germans have decided it’s more interesting to take a crossover diesel and fill it with all sorts of mechanisms expensive, but extremely fun. Enter stage 30dS Infinity FX.

The guys at Sports AHG were not happy with the 238 hp and 550 Nm of torque which 30dS FX has been played so little 3L V6 engine and managed to have another 42 horsepower out of the hat, thus raising the power Up to 280 hp car. Do not sound too impressive when you think that those in Inden Design has managed to independent 671 hp in a Mercedes SL65 AMG, but let’s face it, who cares when you have a two-ton monster and you can do whatever you want with him? However, those of the AHG Sports and walked to the couple so you can be happy that your face will be remodeled and a crossover of the 600 Nm that you 30dS FX and offers.

As summer comes upon us in just two days, and SLS as AMG seems to be the ultimate temptation car for this season, the Germans were going to present this weekend.

Metamorphosis of the roadster coupe door which involved removing him famous. That does not mean it’s less “cultural” because he learned a fabric roof with glass rear window, as it could not be nicer, and that lowers in just 11 seconds, at speeds up to 50 kilometers at.

Technically, 6.3-liter V8 engine remains the same, with the 571 horses that any normal person (and even those less taken) I can find more than enough. Connected to the box with double-clutch seven-speed AMG roadster SLS “beat” hundred in just 3.7 seconds, speed is limited to 317 kilometers per hour.

And to stay as fun as the coupe, the chassis engineers have worked diligently and the weight only increased up to 1661 kg, with only 40 more than the fixed roof version.

The interior remains as elegant, well padded with leather, and Bang & Olufsen speakers, if you are tired to hear the roar (absolutely dementia) engine. And it’s roadster, Mercedes, and SLS has AIRSCARF system, keeping your neck that hot, either finuta times thicker.

No price was not discussed yet, but expect to in a few grand extra euros, down from 195,000, but you must give the coupe. Plus you have to wait until the fall. That is until the next summer will see him on the streets. Or will we see you in it.

I attached some pictures below.