Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Senner Tuning 2012 BMW X6 – VISION à la Senne

    The E71, which is commonly known as BMW X6 is a crossover familiar in the USA as SUV, called SAC and coupe by BMW. Since 2008, the BMW’s factory in Spartanburg began its serial production (this is in U.S. state of South Carolina). In addition, such production for the Asian region began in Avtotor in Russia’s Kaliningrad.

    The Senner Tuning AG in Ingelheim company is has achieved great results in the Rhine-Hessen symbiosis of earth and the permanent presentation of different series heroes all over the world. This significant company has accepted the challenge to make their own vision for 2010 BMW X6 4.0D X-Drive Bi-Turbo. Hence, he alpine white athlete from the “Senner Tuning AG” house was born! The tuned car is equipped with 225 kW/306 hp and 600 Nm/442.8 lb-ft. Moreover, the car includes the abolition of the Vmax-lock with sport air filter and map adaptation to 247 kW/336 hp and 665 Nm/490,7 lb-ft.

    Further modifications were made with the body, which has а BMW performance front bumper with large air intakes in the honeycomb design under the black kidney on the front side. In addition there is a rear diffuser with “special” fins. Not forgetting that there is also a tailgate and a rear spoiler. The tailpipes of the modified exhaust system are given apertures along the way.

    Senner Tuning BMW X6
    Senner Tuning BMW X6

    To go further into details, the summer tires were manufactured by the boss Benno SENNER team, and precisely they are: front tires – Hamann Anniversary EVO Black Line of 10.5 x 22 inch with 295/30R22; rear tires – 12 x 22 inch with 335/30R22 tires Continental Sport Contact 5P. It has to be also mentioned that the automobile has Bilstein B8 shocks and springs with 25/20 mm lowering feature. Additionally, the lighting of the parking lights was transformed into white light. In the end, we must appreciate that even the tinted rear window and rear bumper corners were partially painted in body color.

    At last, the interior gives the driver a pedal set which footrest X6M besides the Power Converter (tuning for the “electric acceleration pedal”).  And you won’t get bored in this car, because the DVD movies may be freely watched by inmates during the traveling. The reconstruction cost is circa € 20000.00, depending on the choice of tires. Definitely, SENNER X6 has the minimalist tuning at the highest level (congrats to the designers), and on the other hand it provides an excellent service!

    SENNER Tuning BMW X6 rear
    SENNER Tuning BMW X6 rear

    Source: Senner Tuning

  • Torpedo Run 2011: One of the last adventures of our time

    Driving, action and having fun – the Torpedo Run is a horsepower-orgy Standing in the light of sports cars and luxury limousines, Torpedo Run – a horsepower-party – combines driving, action and having fun altogether! This is happening for the 7th time and this time the goal is to promote it on daily events, while in the evening, exquisite gourmet pleasures pleased the sense of taste.

    To be more precise the automobile party included participants from all over Europe. It lasted three days and led from Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, through the towns of Kitzbühel and Velden in Austria, till the Mediterranean Coast in Slovenia. What is to be highlighted is that this year’s program offered a new race-track with Formula 1 license, fast bobsled runs and an adventurous off-road excursion in steep mountains!

    TORPEDO RUN
    TORPEDO RUN

    In these three days there could be seen enormous power and a pure sound party at the Torpedo Run 2011. For instance, you could see rare sports cars and exotics like Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster, Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lexus IS-F or an almost 600 hp/441 kW strong Mustang GT in muscle car design. Moreover, there were Porsches and compact sports cars such as BMW 1 Series M Coupé or Lotus Elise.

    All these beauties were driven almost everywhere on this perfect occasion. In addition, the Torpedo Runners enjoyed a lot of nice corners and impressive landscapes with stunningly beautiful sights. The specific roads in the Alps made the Torpedo Run even more exciting and gave pure pleasure to the drivers!

    Of course, there was a special arena – The new Red-Bull-Ring, where the Torpedo Runners were speeding on the new Red-Bull-Ring. This Ring is actually the Austria Ring or A1 Ring Red Bull, but more modernized and improved! Thank to it one could hear the sound of the engines and feel their power, while driving skillfully through the fast downhill corners.

    TORPEDO RUN
    TORPEDO RUN

    A lot of adrenalin got produced these three days: the Torpedo Runners drove down a mountain in a 3535 meters long roller coaster with steep turns and “jumps” with descents of up to 6 meters! Even more, they experienced the legendary Olympic bobsleigh run of Innsbruck. With around 100 kph, the teams sped down the 14 corners on the 1270 meters long run!

    On the other hand the Torpedo Runners switched cars to off-road cars! They enjoyed “off-roading” a mountain in the Alps. The route wasn’t a light one and led over a bumpy and narrow gravel road with tight corners, which have been built into the sheer mountain inclination. This is one of the most difficult itineraries in the Alps; however the Torpedo Runners performed their best!

    The Torpedo Run 2011 was definitely great fun for all of the participants. It was mentioned as one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. The result is that all of the participants are eagerly looking forward to the next Torpedo Run 2012! The great news is that everyone can join it, but hurry up because the reservations have already started at www.torpedorun.com! The next 2012 Torpedo Run will take place on an extended weekend in September.

    TORPEDO RUN
    TORPEDO RUN
  • The most expensive car crash in the world

    8 Ferraris, 2 Mercedes and a Lamborghini in collision in Tokio

    The most expensive collision of cars in history just happened in Tokio, Japan. In it were involved 14 luxury automobiles: eight Ferraris, two Mercedes and one Lamborghini. The other cars involved were Nissan and Toyota vehicles. The estimated worth of the crashed automobiles is over $4000000.

    The accident happened on the highway, where a sports car admirer lost control over his own Ferrari because of the humidity of the road. Changing the lanes, he spun back across the highway and ended up in making an expensive freeway pileup. Fortunately no one is badly hurt and there are nod lethal cases thank to the good safety systems of the cars. However, the accident made really serious damages to the luxury cars and their recovery is impossible.

    Among the smashed cars were two Ferrari F430s, two Ferrari F355s, two Ferrari 360Modenas and a Lamborghini Diablo.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAtelRZCFWc

    The Most Expensive Car Crash
    The Most Expensive Car Crash
    The Most Expensive Car Crash
    The Most Expensive Car Crash
    The Most Expensive Car Crash
    The Most Expensive Car Crash
  • 2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel Price – £27 120

    Vauxhall has announced the new Insignia BiTurbo coming with the most powerful diesel engine the manufacturer has ever produced. Furthermore it has CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km.

    2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo is now available on the market with a choice of five-door Hatch and Sports Tourer bodies in SRi, SRi Vx-line and Elite trims. The price starts at – £27 120 OTR.

    The 2.0 liter bi-turbo diesel produces 190PS (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque from just 1750RPM. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and including standard Start/Stop across the range – the FWD Hatch achieves a combined cycle of 57.6mpg.

    The Vauxhall’s clever FlexRide adaptive damping is standard on all Insignia BiTurbos, which is normally a £790 option on front-wheel drive models. The system reacts within milliseconds to driver inputs and can ‘learn’ how the car is being driven and adapt damper settings accordingly. Drivers can also select Tour and Sport buttons, and configure the throttle, steering and damper settings in Sport mode separately.

    On 4WD models, FlexRide is integrated with the car’s Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and the rear axle’s electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD). These features allow torque to be automatically transferred between front and rear wheels, and between left and right wheels on the rear axle, offering exceptional levels of traction, grip and control.

    In common with other models in the Insignia range, the BiTurbo has the option of Vauxhall’s new Front Camera System, with traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to maintain a set distance from the car in front.

    2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel
    2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel

    Check out the full specs and price list, below!

    2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel

    Cylinders: 4
    Bore/Stroke: 83mm/90.4mm
    Displacement: 1956cm³
    Max Output: 195PS @ 4000rpm
    Max Engine Torque: 400Nm @1750-2500rpm
    Compression ratio: 16.5:1

    Performance

    0-60mph Manual FWD Manual AWD Automatic FWD
    Hatch 8.2 secs 8.4 secs 8.3 secs
    Sports Tourer 8.4 secs 8.6 secs 8.7 secs

    Fuel Efficiency and CO2

    Hatchback Manual S/S FWD Manual S/S AWD Automatic FWD
    Urban 46.3 42.2 35.8
    Extra-Urban 67.3 58.9 60.1
    Combined 57.6 54.4 47.9
    CO2 129 146 155
    Sports Tourer Manual S/S FWD Manual S/S AWD Automatic FWD
    Urban 43.5 40.4 33.2
    Extra-Urban 65.7 60.1 50.4
    Combined 55.4 51.4 42.2
    CO2 134 149 158

    BiTurbo List Price

    Hatchback List VAT Total OTR
    SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S £21,970.83 £4,394.17 £26,365.00 £27,120.00
    SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S £24,033.33 £4,806.67 £28,840.00 £29,725.00
    SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S £22,987.50 £4,597.50 £27,585.00 £28,340.00
    SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S £25,050.00 £5,010.00 £30,060.00 £30,945.00
    Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic £25,837.50 £5,167.50 £31,005.00 £31,925.00
    Sports Tourer List VAT Total OTR
    SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S £23,120.83 £4,624.17 £27,745.00 £28,615.00
    SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S £25,183.33 £5,036.67 £30,220.00 £31,105.00
    SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S £24,137.50 £4,827.50 £28,965.00 £29,835.00
    SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S £26,200.00 £5,240.00 £31,440.00 £32,325.00
    Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic £27,000.00 £5,400.00 £32,400.00 £33,320.00

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Celebrities and Mercedes-Benz [part 2]

    Nicole Scherzinger and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

    Nicole Scherzinger drives the exceptional Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. This sport car is dynamic and full of emotion (I bet Nicole is too), and all this is because of the AMG 8-cylinder engine with larger displacement. The effect is the development of the whole 525 hp (386 kW) and torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft).  The AMG SPEEDSHIFT delivers its innovative 7-speed sports transmission, with which Miss Scherzinger won’t be late for any concert! Nicole’s taste is a great one and obviously she is into cars, which combine the sportiness and spontaneity of a manual gearbox with the comfort of an automatic transmission. This will undeniably ensure that she got all the driving a pleasure! Oh and not to forget the price of the car: it costs around $133000.

    Nicole Scherzinger - Mercedes SL63 AMG
    Nicole Scherzinger – Mercedes SL63 AMG

    Denise Richards and Mercedes-Benz GL450

    The ex-wife of Charlie Sheen obviously has admirations for bigger cars. She has paid for this beautiful SUV the amount of $80000. For this sum she got one of the best-looking SUV that Mercedes builds. Moreover this car has the luxury V-8 with three rows of seating. However we give an advice to the superstar, which is to look forward to the future with more ”eco”-eyes. This is very easily achievable, because Mercedes offers a very smart diesel – GL320 BlueTec. With it Denise will have the opportunity to show that she cares for the environmental well-being of the planet, just like her colleague – Christina Applegate (for more information see part 1 of the article).

    Denise Richards - Mercedes-Benz GL450
    Denise Richards – Mercedes-Benz GL450

    Patrick Dempsey

    The next celebrity that caught our attention is the movie star from Grey’s Anatomy – Patrick Dempsey.  He has not only one, but two vehicles caring the brand of Mercedes-Benz. We are absolutely sure that he enjoy every summer driving his retro convertible, which adds more to his fabulous status! Unfortunately, he has kept the details about the price for himself. Moreover, he not only got the pleasure to drive this cabriolet, but also enjoys driving another Mercedes car. And this is Mercedes SLS AMG. Here, this “joy” has cost him the amount of $200000. And compared to Eddie Murphy we must confirm that he is more into sport type of vehicles. We also have to highlight the unique design of the automobile (see the Gullwing doors), and to mention the 6.3 V8-powered AMG engine (420 kW/571 hp) that this lovely car has! Applauses for Dempsey!

    Patrick Dempsey - Mercedes SLS AMG
    Patrick Dempsey – Mercedes SLS AMG

    Gerard Butler and Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

    Even the Scottish star enjoys driving a Mercedes, and more importantly – a special one! This is Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID – the ultimate combination of eco and luxury car! The vehicle is also special because it is the first hybrid from Mercedes. Butler has paid for this environmental-friendly car the sum of $90000. And if you wonder about the engine in this S-Class Sedan, it is being powered by a hybrid system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas one.  The high–power profile of Mercedes is maintained exactly by this hybrid system. In addition the electric-gas combo delivers a total output of 295 horsepower (217 kW), which are channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Definitely Mr. Butler got our admirations for this “green” ride!

    Gerard Butler - Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID
    Gerard Butler – Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

    [part 1]

  • Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride Price – €33 100

    Renault will exhibit the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show in January. The special edition Megane has become even more chic thanks to a new, two-tone red and ivory leather upholstery.

    The Megane Floride is inspired by the classic 1960’s model and will come with a number of extras – a Floride Ivory exterior featuring a gloss black roof, badges and 17” diamond-effect alloy wheels. There are also two-tone leather seats, ivory trim and a metal gear knob as well as GPS SAT NAV, unique floor mats and every model comes with an individually-numbered plaque.

    2012 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride is powered by a dCi 130 engine with 130PS (96 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to guarantee maximum driving pleasure and sporty moments behind the steering wheel. From 0 to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).

    This exclusive limited edition version is restricted to just 1 600 numbered examples, of which 250 are exclusively made for France. The price starts at €33 100.

    Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride
    Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride

    Standard equipment for Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride:

    • Comfort: Renault hands-free key card; dual-zone automatic climate control; wind deflector mesh screen; glass wind deflector; electrically-folding door mirrors; ‘easy entry’ access to the rear seats with position memory function for the front seats.
    • Driver aids: front and rear parking sensors; electronic parking brake; automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation; cruise control with speed limiter.
    • Safety: six airbags (front, lateral and anti-submarining airbags); ABS with emergency brake assist; anti-whiplash head rests; ESC; tyre pressure monitoring system; spare wheel.
    • Multimedia: Carminat TomTom® Live satellite navigation; ‘3D Sound By Arkamys’ audio with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, MP3 playback, and Bluetooth and Plug&Music digital connectivity.

    Source: Renault

  • Romeo Ferraris Alfa Brera

    A beautiful car needs a powerful engine, that’s why the Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris take the stunning Brera and put a supercharger kit under the hood. Furthermore, the stylish vehicle received a nice exterior package.

    The supercharger kit includes a compressor, an intercooler, special piping, an ECU re-map and new full sport exhaust system including a 200 cell catalytic converter. The result is very nice – additional 98PS (72 kW) and 120Nm (89 lb-ft), so the total power of the supercharged 3.2 liter V6 is 358PS (263 kW) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

    The body kit includes a new front bumper, a pair of side skirts and a modified rear bumper. The stance of the Brera is further optimized by an adjustable sports suspension kit.

    All components, including the supercharger, have been developed by Autodelta and Romeo Ferraris is distributor and authorized service center for Italy.

    Romeo Ferraris Alfa Brera
    Romeo Ferraris Alfa Brera

    Source: Romeo Ferraris

  • Prior Design BMW E92 and E93 M3-Style Wide Body Kit

    Prior Design has announced the complete BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit for current 3-series.

    The body kit includes a new front bumper, a pair of side skirts, a pair of front fenders, a rear bumper, wider rear side wall and modified hood. All parts fit to E92/E93 models and come with TUV certificate for easy entry. You can also order a matching M3 Style stainless steel silencer to complete the original look of the vehicle.

    All products are made from quality Dura-Flex. This material is characterized by an excellent texture, provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability and gives you a simple and inexpensive painting.

    In addition, Prior Design allows you as a result of the high accuracy of fit and thus a simple cost-effective installation.

    Package includes:

    * – Prior-Design PD-MET front bumper fits all BMW E92/E93 models (PDC and SRA also possible)
    * – Prior-Design PD-MET side pair (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
    * – Prior-Design PD-MET front fender pair (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
    * – Prior-Design PD-MET rear bumper for BMW E92/E93 models (also sheetingable PDC)
    * – Prior-Design PD-MET wider rear side wall (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
    * – Prior-Design PD-M hood for BMW E92/E93 models
    * – Mounting material
    * – * Including TÜV parts certificate for easy entry of the body parts of § 19.3

    Prior Design BMW E92 and E93 M3-Style Wide Body Kit
    Prior Design BMW E92 and E93 M3-Style Wide Body Kit

    Source: Prior Design

  • Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR: Pence-per-mile – 49.64p

    2012 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D offers unique pence-per-mile performance of just 49.64 pence or £29 781 for 3 YEARS / 60 000 MILES. The family vehicle also has low emission, good dynamic performance, extra equipment and last, but not least sharp new styling.

    The new D-4D engine delivers the same amount of power – 124bhp (92 kW), but it has improved combined cycle fuel economy by 15% and a 14% reduction has been achieved in CO2 emissions. In figures this means 61.4 mpg and 119 g/km.

    The revision includes a new turbocharger with lower friction bearings and an electric actuator. The torque characteristics of each gear have also been adjusted and as a result, drivers enjoy greater torque at low speeds.

    Improvements in engine cooling and lubrication and the use of low rolling resistance tyres have helped cut the CO2 exhaust emissions, along with new glow plug control, changes to the diesel particulate filter and a new piston bowl shape that allows for improved combustion performance.

    The new 2012 Avensis benefits from changes to the front and rear suspension. Adjustments have been made to the aerodynamics and strategic use of extra insulation material has further reduced NVH levels in the cabin.

    Particular attention has been paid to the electric power steering, which adopts a quicker gear ratio, giving more direct performance, making the car more agile and manoeuvrable.

    The focus on comfort extends to changing the design of the front seats to offer better lateral support.

    2012 Toyota Avensis D4-D
    2012 Toyota Avensis D4-D

    One of the most important things is the cost of ownership and the new Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR offers best-in-class pence-per-mile performance. This combines with the new model’s higher equipment specification to make it a very attractive proposition for business customers, delivering significant savings compared to rival models in terms of both tax bills and the features you get for your money.

    2012 Avensis comes with SAT NAV as standard, advanced connectivity and information features included in the Toyota Touch & Go system.

    Overall, the new Avensis 2.0 D-4D cuts the cost-of-ownership bill by £2 000 compared to the previous model thanks to the improved residual values, fuel economy, CO2 emissions and service, maintenance and repair costs over three years/60 000 miles.

    Pence-per-mile performance

    MODE COST PER
    MILE
    3 YEARS/60,000 MILES
    TOTAL COST
    Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR 49.64p £29,781
    Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 51.12p £30,764
    Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi 51.72p £31,031
    Hyundai i40 Style 1.7 CRDi 52.33p £31,398
    Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 CDTi 56.63p £33,980
    Honda Accord ES 2.2 i-DTEC 57.89p £34,736

    Source: Toyota

  • Top 3 Most Expensive Celebrity Cars

    The first place goes to Jay-Z’s Maybach Exelero with the cost of the $8 000 000. Beyonce’s husband obviously can provide such ride for him, his DIVA and their upcoming baby. You can even see this “look-like-a-batmobile” vehicle in his video for the song “Lost One”. The optimum speed of this unbelievably expensive car goes up to the number of 351.45 km/h (218.38 mph). Moreover it’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achievable only in 4.4 seconds. And all this the superstar gets despite the weight of the vehicle, which is the whole 2.66 tones! Maybah Exelero is a high-performance German luxury sports car that was originally made as a one-off for Fulda Tires back in 2005. However nowadays Maybach decided to manufacture them for the general public. I guess only the rich ones can afford them!

    Maybach Exelero
    Jay-Z and Maybach Exelero

    The second place deservedly goes to the Rapper Birdman with his purchase of Bugatti Veyron for the $2 000 000. And although you might think the sum is far less than Jay-Z’s, this car is absolutely worth the price! This European car is one of the most expensive ones in the world, but also is the fastest street legal car in the world! This mid-engine grand touring car has a top speed of 408.00 km/h . In comparison to it, the Super Sport version is much faster with a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). The fact you might not know is that it was originally based on the Bentley Hunaudieres concept, and designed and developed by Volkswagen Group. More details about the vehicle is that it features an 8.0 litre quad-turbocharged W16 cylinder engine, which is the equivalent of the two narrow-angle V8 engines.

    Bugatti Veyron
    Rapper Birdman and Bugatti Veyron

    Not surprisingly probably for anyone, the third place goes again to …. Bugatti Veyron. This time on the driver’s seat is Simon Cowell – the Super Super-Producer, best known for American Idol and X-Factor. Of course, given these facts, we can imagine that the sum of the $1 700 000 wasn’t a heartbreak for Simon. What we haven’t said about the car already is its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h. And not to forget the maximum speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) which makes the car the one of the fastest car in the world (sorry Jay-Z!). And obviously Simon Cowell has a very good taste for cars and likes to collect them, because in his “backyard” you can also see Ferrari, Rolls Royce Phantom, and 100EX Cabriolet.

    Bugatti Veyron
    Simon Cowell and Bugatti Veyron
  • 2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo

    Alpina has announced 2012 B6 Bi-Turbo featuring all-aluminium V8 power plant with two turbochargers delivering stunning amount of power.

    2012 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo has a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 with 540PS (397 kW) at 5500RPM and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque at just 3000RPM. Two turbo-chargers configured in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks, with specially developed large diameter exhaust-turbines allow this engine configuration to provide both exceptional power output and an abundance of torque over an especially broad rpm range while maintaining excellent throttle response at low rpm.

    High-performance MAHLE pistons are designed specifically to deal with temperatures and pressures associated with up to 1.0 bar charging and the engine’s 9.2:1 nominal compression ratio. Altogether this results in an impressive specific output of 122.7hp (90kW) per litre and a mean total compression of 20.1 bar. Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B6 Bi-Turbo’s class-leading consumption and emission figures: 10.5 l/100km and 244 g/km CO2, Combined cycle, measured according to ECE Norm.

    The performance is simply astonishing – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is exactly the same as the latest M5 F10 and a top speed of 320 km/h.

    The engine is mated to SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission by ZF. It offers Sport Shift Mode (S) and Manual Shift Mode (M).

    2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo
    2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo

    The suspension comes with specific springs, increased front wheel camber and a subtle adjustment of the toe-in in conjunction with a 20″ wheel-tyre combination all serve to produce a very agile chassis set-up. The lightweight 20″ Alpina CLASSIC wheels, with MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres in the dimensions 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear, contribute significantly to the direct handling and precise steering. Conventional tyres are used to promote ride comfort. There are also Drive Performance Control (electronically adjustable dampers) and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilization) as standard.

    The exterior boasts aerodynamics body kit including a new front spoiler with carbon fiber splitter and a rear spoiler with a rear wing, which is available as an option. All these components also ensure the effective flow of air to various cooler groups, such as the inter-coolers and engine cooling system. One special detail: the high-performance brakes, with a diameter of 374mm front and 345mm rear, are additionally supplied with cooling air by a specially constructed NACA air intake on the front underbody.

    The interior comes with blue Alpina instruments with high resolution information display with black panel LCD technology. There are also a sport steering wheel, hand-stitched in LAVALINA leather, blue illuminated entry sills with logo and classic Alpina myrtle wood.

    The B6 Bi-Turbo features an extensive range of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, fully adjustable comfort seats with heating system, navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights.

    2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo
    2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo

    Source: Alpina

  • Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848

    The Ducati Streetfighter 848 was the inspiration for the “streetfighter yellow” colour of the SLK 55 AMG. And here the designers definitely got it! This vision ensures an exciting appearance from all angles: the exceptional paint finish is guaranteed to provide a high level of appeal. The AMG Performance Studio made it possible to bring this design for the customers as an individual optional extra. Not only is the outside look of the car stunningly appealing, but also is the interior of the SLK 55 AMG. Here the contrasting yellow stitching makes a striking effect against the black nappa leather appointments, and is to be found on the door centre panels, beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter and also the AMG Performance steering wheel. You already love it, don’t you! Furthermore the yellow AMG door sill panels feature LED technology, and everything together rounds off the striking effect of the interior.

    As it is already well known, AMG Performance Studio is very popular with its special paintwork and leather appointments, but also with its technical solutions and extensive body improvements and transformations. Everything goes around the individual customer requirement, whether it is a stylish upgrade high level of hand-crafted. In the same time everything is made according the highest safety and quality standards, which are very typical for Mercedes-Benz.

    The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and the Ducati Streetfighter 848 compared to each other are not only similar visually but also technically. In details, both models are the perfect combination of excellent driving dynamics, astonishing design and intense driving pleasure.

    Some even may say that the SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. First of all, because of it’s newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with cylinder shut-off system. Hence, this allows an ultimate performance with the lowest possible consumption levels. With a maximum output of 422 hp (310 kW) and maximum toque of 540 Nm (399 lb-ft), the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors. In addition its fuel returns 33.6 mpg (14.3 km/l) on the combind cycle and CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometer. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h of the SLK 55 AMG is jus 4.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited up to 155 mph (249 km/h). High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

    Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848
    Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848

    The brand new top-of-the range AMG model already demonstrates its uniqueness even at first sight: distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG body styling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions.

    On the other hand we have the inspiration for the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG – the new Ducati Streetfighter 848. This amazingly beautiful motorcycle provides unbridled biking pleasure. The reason for this is not only the innovative technology, but also the outstanding appearance that it has. To be more precise, here we speak about a Testastretta 11° engine with 132 hp (97 kW) and an exciting 93.5 Nm (69 lb-ft) of torque as well as a modified frame geometry. All of this is to guarantee a safe, agile handling. In addition all this is supported by the smooth, easy-to-manage power delivery of the engine, improved ergonomics and a tuned traction control (DTC) system. And the extremely talented Ducati designers had taken care of the appearance of the Streetfighter.

    To match every taste, there are several visual variants of the bike. The first one is in traditional red with red frame, and the second new Streetfighter 848 is also available in yellow with frame in Racing Black. In addition the Dark Stealth colour variant with frame in Racing Black underscores the amazing outlook of the Streetfighter. Definitely we have no choice but to admit that in the new Streetfighter 848, Ducati has succeeded in combining state-of-the-art technology and astonishing styling in a contemporary design.

    Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848
    Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848

    Source: Mercedes-Benz