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VIDEO: BMW X5 M and X6 M undergoing testing in snowy conditions

March 17, 2009 at 12:45 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Videos

With the expected launch of the BMW X5 M and X6 M to take place on April 4th, German-based RTL 2 Grip magazine has managed get a footage of both these latest M models performing tests under snowy conditions. Unfortunately, the video is in German, with no translation in English, but I am pretty sure you will enjoy it anyway. In the video, it was also revealed that both the X5 M and X6 M is able to churn out about 550HP and that 0 – 100 km/h sprint figure is rated at under 5 seconds. Please continue reading to watch the 5 minutes long video.
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Next Audi RS3 to feature the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine from the TT RS

March 17, 2009 at 11:40 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Audi, Cars, Rumours

Rumor has it that a member of Audi’s board of management for technical development has revealed that the auto maker is considering to produce a new Audi RS3. Most importantly, the new RS3 is expected to be powered by the same 2.5 litre 5 cylinder engine which is under the hood of the recently launched Audi TT RS.

If the new RS3 features the same weight as the TT RS, the turbocharged powerplant with 340HP and 450Nm of torque will be able to propel the RS3 to the 100 km/h mark in 4.6 seconds, and all the way to a top speed of 288 km/h.

However, the next Audi A3 is scheduled to debut in 2011, so the RS3 will most probably follow suit at least a year or two later. We will bring you the latest updates. Stay tuned!

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Hyundai’s new flagship model, the Equus

March 17, 2009 at 10:51 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans

Korean-based auto maker Hyundai has released more details of its latest product, the Equus premium sedan, along with its arrival in showrooms across Korea. With a total of $337 millions spent on developing this second generation Equus, there are two engine options to choose from, with four trim levels for the entry level Equus VS380 model and the Equus VS460 Prestige.

The base model of the Equus VS380 which measures 5,160 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,495 mm high and which features a wheelbase of 3,045 mm, comes with a 3.8 litre Lambda V6 what is able to produce 285HP at 6,200 revs and 358Nm of torque at 4,500 revs while delivering 100 kilometers with 10.8 litres of fuel. The VS460 on the other hand comes fitted with a 4.6 litre Tau V8 that is good for 360HP at 6,500 revs and 439Nm of torque which returns 100 kilometers with 11.4 litres of fuel.

Suspension wise, the front and rear of the new Equus, which is set to take on the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 Series is fitted with a 5 link suspension featuring lightweight aluminium control arms, with Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) which features an innovative relief valve. The air suspension is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics when you push it harder.

In terms of safety, the Equus comes with a bunch of them including Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems to provide active and passive safety systems.

With the Pre-Safety System, the car can detect a potential collision and will subsequently apply the brakes and trigger a flashing warning light on a TFT-LCD which is then followed by an audible alert and a vibration in the seat belt harness. If a collision is unavoidable, full braking force is automatically applied and front seat belts are reeled in within a split of a second in order to maximize protection.

Other features include 9 airbags in total including a Knee Airbag for the driver, video cameras in the rear and front to eliminate blind spots during parking and reversing, which works with a Parking Guidance System to provide a computer graphic overlay on the display screen to assist the driver as well as High Intensity Discharge Head Lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System. Continue reading for the rest of the report and to view an image gallery.
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Teaser images of the Acura Crossover Concept leaked ahead of the New York Auto Show

March 17, 2009 at 9:19 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Acura, Cars, Concept Cars

Yet again, thanks to the beauty of the Internet, we have some leaked teaser images to show you, this time, the casualty being a new crossover concept by Acura. The potential rival to the BMW X6 (if it goes into production) will make its first official appearance at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

With a coupe-ish roof line, just like Munich’s X6, the concept is expected to feature bold styling with a wide and aggressive stance and with hidden rear door handles. Reports also indicate that the concept will carry Acura’s new grille design language.

Power for forward and rear motion is expected to be supplied by a 3.7 litre V6 power plant that is able to churn out 300HP and 372Nm of torque. The Acura Crossover Concept is also expected to feature Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System, also known as SH-AWD. Please continue reading to view more leaked teasers.
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Fiat and BMW to work together on new small vehicle platforms?

March 17, 2009 at 9:08 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Fiat, Rumours

Words are being exchanged that Italian-based Fiat and German-based BMW are working together to develop new platforms for small sized vehicles. With this, people in the industry are indicating that BMW is planing to revive the Isetta name, while Fiat would add another super mini along side its famous 500, the new Topolino, and that both these “upcoming” cars will share the same underpinnings.

Apparently, both cars will feature rear-mounted small displacement engines, 4 seats and light weight construction with the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork. Both cars are also expected to carry premium price tags. There is also word that both auto makers might add electric versions.

If there is truth under the speculation, expect to see a concept version by BMW under the MINI brand in Frankfurt later this year. Sources also revealed that production versions of these city cars can be expected by 2011. Lets just keep things as speculation for now, and play the waiting game.
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Proton Exora MPV: BCM and a few more juicy details from the prototype test drive

March 16, 2009 at 12:07 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009

Proton Exora

Now that we’ve covered the initial driving experience with the upcoming 7-seater Proton Exora MPV, let’s get down to some technical details such as the chassis, dimensions, specifications and equipment level of the people mover.

Have a look after the jump for the juicy details.
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Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi’s iMiev Prototype and iMiev Sport Air Concept

March 16, 2009 at 10:45 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Mitsubishi

The Geneva Motor Show officially comes to an end, and just before the shutter rolls down, here is a report on Mitsubishi’s iMiev Prototype and the iMiev Sport Air Concept. The iMiev Prototype is basically meant for the European market, and is expected to debut sometime in 2010, while the iMiev for the Japanese market is set to hit showrooms by summer this year.

Compared to the Japanese market model, the European Prototype iMiev features widened front and rear tracks and extended rear overhangs to help provide higher levels of pedestrian protection expected in Europe as well as better occupant protection in the event of a rear-end shunt. With a clean and simple Ice Blue interior treatment, the exterior is finished in a snow-white body finish.

Propulsion power of the iMiev with a rear-midship layout is provided by an electric motor that can output 47kW and 180Nm of torque. This rear wheel drive 4-seater prototype stores energy in a 330V lithium-ion battery pack.

Next up is the iMiev Sport Air Concept which is a sporty concept version of the electric iMiev. Sharing the same platform as the iMiev, this tear-drop shaped Sport Air Concept features a number of new fitments and accessories including front and rear lights that have a 3D look as well as a detachable “clear cutaway” roof panel that also features a solar inlay.

The interior is treated to a high-contrast colour scheme of greyish blue and “greige”, which is an intermediate color between grey and beige with blue illumination for the instruments and interior lighting. Compared to the iMiev, this 4-seater concept features a more powerful electric motor which generates 60kW and 230Nm of torque. The Sport Air Concept is also about 100 kilograms lighter than the iMiev thanks to its body structure that uses tailgate panels and plastic body to help reduce weight. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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MINI Cooper S Clubman and Airstream Trailer Concept

March 16, 2009 at 10:35 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Concept Cars

Designed by Copenhagen-based premium furniture brand, Republic of Fritz Hansen, this concept is the product of a collaboration between Airstream Inc. and BMW-owned MINI. Inspired by the outdoor lifestyle of surfing, the 22ft Airstream trailer concept will have its interior furnished with Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven chairs, allowing plenty of room for guests.

It will also feature sleek wood paneling that will help give it the ultimate “modern surfer” look. Other features expected to be offered with the Airstream include a waterproof interior and a sun bathing bed.

Pulling power is provided by a 175HP MINI Cooper S Clubman with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection that will also reflect the same design theme with a jet black finish with black “wetsuit” neoprene accents along with green trim. The MINI Cooper S Clubman and Airstream Trailer Concept will be presented at the Interni Design Energies exhibition at the Salone del Mobile show in Milan which takes place from April 21st till April 30th. Continue reading to view another image.
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Next generation Audi A8 expected to arrive in 2010

March 16, 2009 at 9:51 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Audi, Cars, Rumours

According to German-based Automobilwoche, Audi has revealed that the next generation Audi A8 luxury sedan is set to arrive sometime in 2010. More than just the approximate launch schedule, we also know that Audi’s flagship model is also expected to feature two diesel and two petrol powerplants.

To help Audi keep up in the “fuel efficiency” bandwagon, the auto maker will also add an engine start-stop system while the super-fast S8 model is expected to carry a 5.0 litre V10 FSI that is good for 620HP.

Another improvement that we might see in the new Audi A8 is the utilization of the Audi’s second generation Alluminium Space Frame (ASF 2) which features an aluminum passenger cell with steel and foam built in to reinforce certain vulnerable areas. Expect a preview of the Audi A8 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show which is set to kick start in September this year.

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Adrian van Hooydonk’s BMW Z10 EfficientDynamics

March 16, 2009 at 9:42 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Rumours

Adrian van Hooydonk, Chris Bangle’s successor as BMW design chief has released a design sketch of the BMW Z10 ED, which is a sports car that would be positioned to take on the Audi R8. Since the sketch was made by Adrian van Hooydonk, it is safe to expect an official word regarding this new project sometime this year.

The BMW Z10 ED will feature a very aggressive front end with large air intakes, a low roof line, dynamic sweptback headlights and a bold character line that offers a contrast to the coupe’s curvaceous body style. Since it is expected to carry the Efficient Dynamics (ED) designation, the BMW Z10 will feature technologies that will help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output.

These technologies include direct injection, brake regeneration as well as an engine stop/start system, all coupled with a body/frame design that features generous use of carbon fiber and aluminium. You can expect the BMW Z10 to offer potential fuel consumption figures that can rival a mid-range 5 Series.

The BMW Z10 ED is also expected to feature an improved version of BMW’s 3.0 litre powerplant that should output a healthy 400HP and that would be mounted up front. The BMW Z10 is expected go to into production by 2012 and will carry a price tag that would hover over the region of 80,000 Euros.

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