Long rumored to be in the pipeline, we finally have our first evidence of the highly anticipated BMW M5 M Performance Edition, albeit one that only lasts 32 seconds.
This video, which was released by BMW, is effectively the teaser before the introduction of the M5 M Performance Edition. Not a lot of details were shared about the special edition models, except that we can expect it to come in three distinct color schemes with only 30 available models.
Do the math and that should equate to 10 models for each color.
The hope is that we find more information about the M5 F10-based M Performance Edition sooner than later. For now, enjoy this 32-second teaser of the special edition BMW model and wish more information to come from BMW as soon as possible.
The wait has been long and the anticipation for the M5 M Performance Edition has reached fever pitch.
Who said that station wagon models aren’t any fun? Edo Competition has released its newest tuning package that takes the Mercedes C63 AMG Station Wagon to new levels of awesome by increasing its output to a total of 600 HP. Top speed also gets a boost up to an impressive 211 mph.
The package includes a new high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, new air filters, revised engine electronics, and a removal of the top speed governor. As a result, the engine will deliver a total of 600 HP and 501 lbs-ft of torque. Next to the modifications made to the engine, the tuner also added a high-performance exhaust system made entirely from stainless steel.
The Mercedes C63 AMG has also received a new set of 19" wheels combined with Michelin high-performance tires. The package continues on the interior where the tuner added leather, cloth, fine woods or lacquer, high-quality metal applications, and carbon fiber.
Chevrolet has announced it will unveil a new global SUV in September at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. The new model, called Trax, will be offered in more than 140 markets, with Mexico and Canada being the first ones privy to it. As of right now, there are no plans to introduce it in the U.S. market.
The future Trax will feature the same pioneering spirit and expressive design that defines each new Chevrolet, but it will be distinguished by a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. Chevrolet states that the interior will come with standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.
"The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require," said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development. "After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries."
For the 2013 model year, Aston Martin is producing an all new DBS, which means the current lineup is, of course, on its way out the door. Recently, an insider sat down with Car and Driver, and discussed what the British automaker’s plans are with the current DBS.
According to the source, the final 100 models of the DBS will be dubbed the DBS Ultimate Edition and will feature a nice array of extra goodies. The source didn’t offer too much about what the Ultimate Edition will include, but said to look to the differences between the 2010 DBS and the 2010 DBS Carbon Black for a good idea of what’s to come with this model.
This would first off mean that there are likely not going to be any mechanical modifications. Then again, 12-cylinder monster pumping out 510 ponies, there is really no need for any mechanical changes. For the most part, the changes will be extra features and a few mild visual changes.
The vast majority of the additions to the 2010 DBS Carbon Black Special Edition was making everything black on the inside and outside, except for a few splashes of silver on the inside. The rims were a polished alloy with its inserts painted, you guessed it, black! You also had the option of alloy or carbon black doorsill plates – woo hoo a choice other than black. The 2010 Carbon Black Special edition also added in an upgraded 1,000-watt stereo system.
To wrap this all up, we can anticipate a new paint job for the Ultimate Edition, something not already a part of the DBS line. A set of upgraded rims to mimic the paintjob should be expected. Plus, we should anticipate an upgraded stereo system from the already impressive 1,000 watt system on the existing DBS.
This is all we know at this point, we will keep you up to date as more info comes out.
UPDATE 05/08/12: Itching to see what the Aston Martin DBS Ultimate Edition looks like? Fret no longer because the British automaker recently dropped the covers off of their final DBS models with some catalog photos online! Check it out in all its sleek and spankin’ sexiness.
UPDATE 05/14/12:Aston Martin has announced prices for the new special edition DBS Ultimate: $287,576 for the coupe and $302,576 for the roadster version.
Taken from its name, the Q3 Red Track Concept has been finished with a fiery piece of Energy Red color, an ironic color choice considering that the concept SUV is being pegged as a winter vehicle. How else do you explain the carbon fiber skis on its roof?
But more than just its supposed purpose, the Q3 Red Track Concept actually looks a whole lot like the Q3 Vail Concept, except that the former has some added aesthetic touches. Either way, the SUV looks all sorts of spicy in that aforementioned Energy Red color.
Too bad there’s been no official indication as to whether the Q3 Red Track Concept is bound for production. Whatever the case may be, expect to see the concept at the 2012 Wörthersee Tour, where it is expected to be one of the front and center models in Audi’s booth.
Find out more about the Audi Q3 Red Track Concept after the jump.
At one point Jay Leno was a normal gearhead, just like the rest of us. He was working at a car dealership in Massachusetts when he met and befriended a master mechanic and drag racer Paul Annunziata. Jay went on to become a huge TV star and Paul continued on his racing dream.
In the 1970s Annunziata decided he wanted to build a Pro Stock dragster that was also 100 percent street legal. Annunziata succeeded in building his 1,000-horsepower Duster and it went on to win numerous awards.
Sadly, Annunziata was stricken with lung cancer, so he decided it was time to let his Duster go. Instead of selling it to some random collector, Annunziata chose to donate the car to his old-time friend, Jay Leno, under the gentleman’s agreement that Leno would not sell the car.
Jay agreed not to sell the car, but refused to allow Annunziata to just give it to him. In a mutual agreement, Leno paid Annunziata an undisclosed amount for the car and Annunziata did the noble thing and donated the money to a local auto restoration school as a four-year scholarship.
Annunziata passed away in 2011 and Jay decided it was time to feature this beloved Duster on his show Jay Leno’s Garage, which you can see above. You even get to go for a ride in this amazing piece of machinery.
What’s more impressive are the five years that Annunziata spent building this car, so we decided to dig in and really show you what went into building this beast.
Click past the jump to read about the development of this 1,000-horsepower Duster.
In the world of futuristic materials and components for future cars, we never thought that carbon fiber would be superseded by something called buckypaper, but if Marko Petrovic’s design ever comes to fruition, then we could see a lot more cars being constructed out of this material featuring carbon nanotubes.
Buckypaper is currently in its early stages of development but promises to be both stronger and lighter than carbon fiber. Of course, this material is unlikely to ever be used in the automotive industry for at least another 50 to 100 years, so this futuristic concept shows what Ferrari may be producing in the next century and has been dubbed the Ferrari Millenio by its designer.
As you can see from the incredibly detailed renderings, the Millenio is a two-seater supercar that features no roof, no windscreen, and no doors, just like the Lamborghini Aventador J speedster. If the car ever reaches production (which is extremely, extremely unlikely), it would feature two electric motors which can be recharged via solar panels molded around the bodywork or through a traditional power point socket.
The Millenio also features a whole host of LCD-displays throughout the cockpit with the prominent speedometer being the focal point of the interior. Even though the Millenio was designed well before the introduction of the Lamborghini Aventador J, its lack of well-padded seats like the J could indicate that future sports cars may opt for decreased weight in favor of comfort, but for all we know, by 2112, we may all be flying around in futuristic cars powered solely by energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electronic systems.
Nevertheless, it’s great to see designers out there continuing to push the envelope of design and that’s one thing we never want to change.
After debuting the M135i Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, BMW has now unveiled the M135i production version. The new model will be distinguished by a specific exterior and interior design, as well as an impressive 3-liter, straight six-cylinder engine that delivers an amazing 320 HP. This output allows the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
The car’s exterior will be distinguished by specific M design elements: a front apron with large air intake vents and three-dimensional flaps on the outer air vents inspired by automobile racing. At the rear, there will be an impressive rear apron plus dual exhaust pipes. The final touch is provided by a new set of 18-inch M light alloy double-spoke wheels. The interior receives Hexagon/Alcantara upholstery, an M leather steering wheel, BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite, and an aluminum Hexagon trim with matte Estoril Blue or high-gloss black accent lines.
BMW has only unveiled the three-door version of the M135i, but they have promised that a five-door version will follow shortly.
UPDATE 05/14/12:This review has been updated with the official details and images for the BMW M135i.
Hit the jump to read more about the new BMW M135i.
Known as the "Toro" program, DMC fitted the Gallardo with a bevy of new modifications, including a lightweight styling kit and a performance upgrade. Talking about the former, DMC gave the Italian supercar new components that are all made out of carbon fiber. These components include a new front spoiler and sword, side sills and skirts, a new rear diffuser, a rear spoiler, a new rear panel, side mirrors, and rounded sills. Rounding out the exterior modifications are a new set of 20" lightweight forged rims.
Moving on to the performance enhancement, DMC took the Gallardo LP560-4’s 5.2-liter V10 engine and added a new titanium sport exhaust system as well as reprogrammed the supercar’s ECU unit. The result is an increased output of 580 horsepower and 424 lb/ft of torque, as well as a new top speed of 205 mph, up from the 201 mph top speed of the standard model.
At the end of last year, BMW unveiled the new generation 3-Series, except that they did so only for the sedan version with the station wagon model soon to follow a few months later. Today, we finally have the proof for you that the official launch date of the 3-Series Station Wagon is getting closer, after the car was caught testing in very little camo just hiding parts of the rear.
As expected, the station wagon version will feature the same design language as the sedan model, albeit with an extended rear for a better cargo room. Up front, the model will feature the now famous BMW kidney grille, two larger intakes and new LED accent lights positioned like eyebrows above the striking twin headlights. The interior will offer more room for the rear passenger, but also lots of cargo space.
The engine line-up will also be identical to the sedan version with a choice of four engines - two petrol and two diesel with power ranging from 163 HP to 306 HP.
Expect to see the new BMW 3-Series Station Wagon in the upcoming months.
UPDATE 02/22/2012: After providing a few spy shots of the BMW 3-Series Station Wagon just a few days ago, we’d thought we’d take it a step further with a rendering of the future vehicle. Enjoy!
