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Published on 12-22-2011 02:50 AM
Not familiar with the McLaren SLR 722 GT? No worries, it is a track only and tuned version of the SLR 722 built specifically for a one make racing series. It is not a street legal SLR. Only 21 were made and they feature less weight, more power, and wider body work designed for the track. In comes Sievers Tuning who built their own version calling it the SLR 722 GTB which is basically a SLR 722 GT that is street legal. ...Published on 12-21-2011 11:32 PM
Many 1 series owners would like to get a 1M but it likely does not make sense to trade their car in and spend a bunch more money in the process. Especially considering the 1M really is just a 135i with some new body work, M3 pieces, and a slightly more aggressive tune (go ahead, flame away 1M owners but it's the truth). A better option for many rather than picking up a new car payment may be to grab this body kit, get a tune, exhaust, a limited slip differential, and look just as good and be faster than the new 1M. Definitely something to consider since that is basically what BMW did anyway. ...Published on 12-21-2011 11:12 PM
We want to make it clear we cater to all Audi's not just the new models. Enthusiasts come in all forms and we are glad to see a model not traditionally modified (the A8) as well an older generation get some parts. In comes JMS Tuning with their body kit for the A8 consisting of a new front and rear bumper add-on as well as sideskirts. Overall it adds a nice level of aggression to the car and looks pretty good although we could do without the 3 large holes in the rear bumper. ...Published on 12-21-2011 06:16 AM
The BMS versus Vishnu N54 tuner fight is one of those never ending wars with battles fought again and again with victories on both sides often leaving fanboys crying and disoriented. It is great to see actual comparisons in the real world instead of the typical forum flame war and we have such a comparison right here. The E90 in the video has a JB4 on map 3 16 psi, BMS meth kit, ER charge pipe, Synapse BOV, AR catless downpipes, HPF intercooler, and BMS DCI. The E92 has the Procede aggressive map at 18 psi, PWM meth kit, AR Downpipes, Vishnu charge pipe, muffler delete, and Stett CAI. ...Published on 12-21-2011 05:00 AM
Wow, way to go Audi! We must say it is pretty damn cool they are building this thing. This is the vehicle we previously reported as the RS1 but it will officially be called the A1 Quattro. It will get a 2.0T as stated in that report although we wish it had the concepts 500 horsepower 2.5 liter turbo 5 cylinder. Beggars can't be choosers, we are just happy they are building the limited edition (only 333 units) car. The only downside? The USA will not be getting it. ...Published on 12-20-2011 09:56 PM
Still trying to get used to the idea of a 4 series BMW? So are we and we don't exactly like it. No reason to throw away the 3 series coupe but BMW will do what BMW wants to do. The 4 series convertible was spotted testing (the designation/chassis prefix for it is F33) and it looks pretty good. We'll reserve judgement until we see the final product but if it is anything like current BMW designs it will likely play it safe. Expect the 4 series in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model. ...Published on 12-20-2011 09:01 PM
We know the new 991 Carrera S is fast. We also know it is faster with the PDK than with the manual. If you need help being convinced of this the video below should provide plenty of evidence. The 991 Carrera S is launched using the launch control feature which revs the car up to about 6300 rpm and then it just slingshots away with minimal wheelspin. Absolutely incredible the way it was it takes off and bangs through the gears in rapid succession all the way up to 313 km/h. It's fast, very fast. ...Published on 12-20-2011 09:42 AM
Russians do weird things with their cars. Not too long ago we showed you an X6 they wrapped in leather. Before that they wrapped an X5M in gold foil. Well now we have an F10 5 series that is wrapped in green chrome foil. The execution isn't all that bad with an interesting and different result which stands out. The black plays off the green well and the add-on body pieces add a bit of aggression. It is not subtle, but green chrome does not exactly ever fly under the radar. ...Published on 12-20-2011 07:53 AM
Autobild reports that the Mercedes SLS AMG will be getting a horsepower bump using the M159 (M156 variant) pushing 650 horsepower. For those counting, that will be an increase of approximately 87 horsepower over the standard SLS. That would also be 104 horsepower per liter which is a very impressive specific output for a V8 of that size. The other interesting bit of news is that it will not be limited to just coupes but supposedly will be available as a top down roadster. We'll see if AutoBild got this right soon enough, expect official details on the 2013 model year to come out in the next few months. ...Published on 12-20-2011 06:48 AM
The R8 is getting a refresh, we hope everyone knows that by now. Next year it is getting a horsepower bump for both the V8 and the V10 as well as a dual clutch transmission (DSG). After this refresh though a new R8 is coming to market as a successor in 2014 and CAR reports it will likely get the updated V8 for the entry level model and the V10 may be replaced by the 4.0 liter twin turbo V8. It will lose the sideblades and get a more aggressive look. Curb weight will drop about 220 pounds thanks to carbon fiber and aluminum. If it looks as good as this rendering along with those changes, wow. ...Published on 12-20-2011 02:42 AM
Way to go BMW, another step downscale and another disappointing decision. We were excited when M said they were considering producing their own supercar. BMWNA M product manager Matt Russel stated in an interview that BMW ruled out the idea of a supercar to rival Audi's R8 or the SLS from Mercedes. He stated that the M3 and M5 are already supercars. No word on if he was drunk during the interview. ...Published on 12-20-2011 02:21 AM
Porsche has some pretty cool options. Actually, they have just about the best option list out of any German manufacturer. You can customize almost anything including the exhaust sound which in this case is done by ordering the Porsche Sport Exhaust option. We can see the appeal in it as you maintain your warranty and can have your brand new car with a more aggressive sound that you know is street legal. Check out the sound clip below in the video from about the 30 second mark. Ignore the Germans talking. ...Published on 12-20-2011 02:10 AM
We are still scratching our head at this one. Last month we brought you news that Mercedes was testing a C63 Black Series wagon. Here are some renderings that were done to give one an idea of what it would look like. It certainly is not bad looking and would likely be one of the baddest wagons available for purchase but if one wants track performance the coupe or even the upcoming sedan make far more sense. ...Published on 12-19-2011 02:55 AM
This is not exactly a comparison that makes all that much sense. Comparing the new 911 Carrera S with PDK to the F12 650i and the Chevrolet Camaro? Neither have ever been in the 911's class and they are not exactly what you would consider a sports a car. They are not even in the same price range although the 650i certainly is closer than the Camaro. Autobild says the 911 is the fastest, most fun to drive, yet picks the 650i due to trunk space? Idiotic but with the 991 being new we want as much data as we can get. Look over the test numbers below. ...Published on 12-19-2011 02:46 AM
Donkervoort is kind of a funny name, isn't it? Regardless of what you think of it they make some pretty serious track cars. These are minimilistic drivers cars with no extra luxuries. Just lightweight, pure, simple, and fast. Now really fast as the D8 GTO will have the Audi 5 cylinder turbo motor in a state of tune from 340-400 horsepower. With a curb weight of about 1500 pounds that is going to move pretty darn quickly. The initial production run of about 25 cars is just about sold out and with a price of about 100-150 thousand Euros that is fine with us. ...Published on 12-18-2011 11:10 PM
It's great to see more built motor M3's in action. This is a rematch from a previous race and the M3 is now running 15 psi of boost on a Vortech YSI blower. This vehicle belongs to BimmerBoost member EugeneTaiwan who we are very happy shared the race with us. Even though his M3 is a manual which is important to point out he absolutely walks the LP-560 up top which is a very fast car in stock form. We look forward to seeing more from the Stage 3 setups and this certainly is an impressive display of the power potential with the bigger blower and built motor. ...Published on 12-18-2011 10:20 PM
7 minutes and 46 seconds around the ring is certainly a great laptime. We did expect a little bit more out of as the new 991 Carrera S manages a 7:40 with less power. Sport Auto did hit 7:44 with the Carrera S making the C63 Black Series close to on pace with it in the same hands. 7:46 is also only two seconds faster than the M3 GTS. When put in context of the standard C63 coupe the Black Series gives a healthy 15 second improvement around the ring. ...Published on 12-17-2011 07:11 PM
Steve Cannon takes over the reigns of MBUSA after being promoted from marketing director. Cannon replaces Ernst Lieb who was "removed" due to charging personal expenses to the company expense account. Cannon has been with MBUSA since 1991 and is the second American to serve as the head Mercedes-Benz USA. We think we can safely say he will think twice before using his expense account in a carefree manner. ...Published on 12-17-2011 06:41 PM
There is something about Fifth Gear's Vicki we really like. Probably the same thing that turns us on about Sabine Schmitz. We rarely pay attention to women's thoughts on cars (sorry ladies) but we take women who can drive these cars to the limit like professionals very seriously. Vicki mentions there is a slight bit of lag in the F10 M5 which is no surprise as BMW themselves admit the new motors do not match the response of the previous naturally aspirated motors. She mentions the turbos do not spoil the performance but there is an aural aspect missing which we are glad she pointed out. Check out the video below. ...Published on 12-17-2011 06:00 AM
This is the vehicle that is supposed to be the Mercedes rival for the BMW X6. We do not officially know what the name will officially be but it seems many are now leaning toward GLC over MLC. Regardless, Autospies posted this picture that came from a magazine which is supposed to reveal the design. It looks like an artist's interpretation to us but if the real thing looks half as good Mercedes is definitely onto something. Notice the headlights share inspiration from the new R231 SL. ...









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