BMW 1-Series M Coupe to get 335 horsepower!
A forum member at 1addicts.com has somewhat found an official BMW product sheet while performing research on an ECU flash upgrade. The product sheet is said to contain information about the upcoming 1-Series M Coupe from BMW. Apparently the sheet indicated that the pocket rocket outputs 335hp from its twin-turbo N54B3OTO 6-potter. This figure, if it’s true anyway is 33hp more than the less potent but already powerful 135i.
Furthermore the member also found out that the US-spec 1-Series M Coupe has 445hp which is 110hp more than the above-mentioned Euro-spec. There have been times where different regions get different states of tunes from the same engine but don’t you think 110hp is a little too much? If it’s true, the difference in power could well be due to an ECU flash upgrade.
There is also indication that BMW is planning a 135iS for 2012. This model is likely to have 304hp which is less than the 335hp Z4 sDrive35iS. Back to the 1-Series M Coupe. BMW has released a new video showcasing a closed test drive event involving 12 lucky BMW enthusiasts and the 1-Series M Coupe.
Not only that the participants got to taste the powerful coupe, but they also managed to have a quick at the production version. The video also contains ‘positive’ testimonials from the participants which isn’t surprising if you ask me. Continue reading to watch the video.
Source.
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Porsche teases 918 Spyder with 1:3 scale model
Does the clay model pictured above look familiar? You guessed it right! It is actually a 1:3 scale model of the 918 Spyder which was shown as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Compared to the concept, this clay model which points to the already-confirmed-for-production model shows us a single side exhaust, instead of two. You can also notice that there is no gap between the door and the rear fender. However the overall design has been retained.
As mentioned earlier, the concept 918 Spyder received very good response and past reports suggested that at least 900 bookings have been made. The production 918 Spyder is likely to be made in limited numbers and is expected to retain its hybrid powertrain. The powertrain is made up by a 500 PS 3.4 liter V8 and two electric motors. Total power, at least in the concept is 718 PS. Some also said that total power for the production could be increased with the use of a third electric motor.
Previous rumors also suggest that the production model will carry a 500,476 Euro price tag, estimated. The above teaser was released as part of a press release that centers around Porsche’s €150 million investment in its research and development centre in Weissach, Germany. The investment will be mostly used for upgrading purposes and the addition of a high-tech wind tunnel and a new design centre.
Continue reading to view a high-res version of the image above and to view two other images released along with the press release.
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BREAKING – Mahindra to purchase 70% of Ssangyong for US$378 million
A report by Autonews has indicated that Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is set to purchase a 70% stake in the troubled Ssangyong Motor Co., which would give the Indian giant a controlling stake. The report stated that the 70% stake is valued at US$378 million which is about 427.1 billion won. Ssangyong which went into court receivership early last year was formerly owned by China’s SAIC.
The stake purchase would need approval from Ssangyong’s creditors and Mahindra also revealed its intention of purchasing US$84 million (95.4 billion won ) worth of new bonds from Ssangyong. This news comes after Mahindra was named preferred bidder of the Korean auto company in August. The report also stated that Mahindra aims to complete the acquisition by March 2011.
A report by The Hindustan Times stated that both companies have officially signed a deal on the acquisition. Pictured above is the Italdesign Giugiaro-designed Ssangyong Korando which has been approved for production.
Opel facelifts the Antara, new engines revealed
Pictured above is the 2011 Antara by General Motors-owned Opel. The refreshed model gets a new front grille with a smaller Opel logo, modified front bumper along with new fog lights, new taillights as well as optional 19-inch light-metal wheels. The interior has been updated too with a new centre console with improved storage, new colour options and new materials. The highlight of the updates, if you ask me, would be the new engine line-up.
All engines are compliant to Euro-5 specifications and they start with a base 2.2 CDTI turbo diesel. This engine has two states of tune, including a 163hp version and a 184hp version. Both engines are 34hp and 36hp more than their respectively predecessors.
The former can be opted with either a front wheel drive configuration or all wheel drive. There are both manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions to choose from. The more potent model is offered exclusively with an all wheel drive setup but can choose between a manual or an automatic.
The petrol front is made up by a 2.4 liter 4-potter which makes 170hp, 30hp more power than the unit it replaces. The drivetrain options are similar to the 163hp diesel model. Continue reading to view the above images in high-res fashion.
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Chrysler releases teaser images of new 300
Chrysler has released several teaser images of the new 300 sedan via a dedicated micro site. The site contains up to nine images and they indicate that the new 300 has a distinctive grille, unique headlights with LED, side LED indicators, more leather on the inside and so on. The new car is said to be more plush and feature more high quality materials in its interior.
There is also a nice-looking instrument panel (pictured above) with easy-to-the-eye blue lighting. The new 300 is likely to be launched with two engine options including a 3.6 liter V6 with 292hp and 353Nm of torque. The top-of-line model would use the 5.7 liter HEMI. This V8 unit churns out 370hp and 536Nm of torque. A 5-speed automatic would likely be the sole transmission option while all-wheel-drive would be an optional feature.
The new Chrysler 300 is slated for an official launch at next year’s Detroit Motor Show happening in January. Continue reading to view all teaser images.
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630 compact sedan by GM’s Baojun revealed
This is the 630 compact sedan which is Baojun’s first ever vehicle. As the name suggests, Baojun is a Chinese auto brand which is part of a joint venture between SAIC, General Motors and Wuling. The 630 is being manufactured at the Liuzhou plant in southern China and it will go on sale early next year, via dedicated Baojun showrooms.
The 630 is penned as an affordable compact sedan and was developed in China using technology derived from General Motors. At the moment we don’t have sufficient information pertaining to the vehicle’s specifications and drivetrain. For now we have three more images for you after the jump.
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Audi reveals the 335hp 2012 RS 3 Sportback
Audi has released official details and initial images of the 2012 RS 3 Sportback. The RS 3 gets the 335hp 2.5 liter 5-cylinder unit which also makes 450Nm of torque. You have guessed it right, this same engine also powers the TT RS. The engine is linked to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and a quattro all-wheel-drive system, a must-have in high-performance Audis.
This configuration plus a 1,575 kilograms weight allows the RS 3 to hit the century mark in a respectable 4.6 seconds and return a top speed of 250km/h, electronically-governed.
The RS 3 is also treated with a sport suspension that is mostly made out of aluminum. Stopping power is provided by 370mm front/310mm back ventilated discs. The exterior is also aggressive with light weight CFRP fender flares, xenon headlights, a lower ride height, dual-exhaust outlets and more.
The interior is furnished with Fine Nappa leather, Piano Black trim, a lap timer as well as flat-bottomed steering wheel. The 2012 Audi RS 3 will go on sale next year with a €49,900 price in Germany.
An image gallery await you after the jump.
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