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Husqvarna Revamps Three New Models for 2010
by Aman Chaudhry3 Comments
Shortly after Husqvarna announced its two new models – CR 50 and SM 50, the BMW subsidiary is ready to launch three more revamped 250cc 4-stroke motorcycles and enduro range. The three models namely TC 250, TE 250 and the TE 301, have been completely re-designed, have new chassis and engines and will be on sale later this July.
The engine on the new version of TC 250 now gets fitted with a battery less electronic fuel injection system and 45 mm diameter throttle body. The crankcase of the engine has been toughened with new steel sockets on chassis links. The Akrapovic exhaust pipe gets a steel manifold, a titanium silencer and heat protection unit.
The chassis on the TE 250 have been redesigned in such a way that the streamlined area below the cradle has been strengthened to prevent knocks and makes the ride smoother. Thus, the suspension has been worked upon, there’s a new pump for the tank, engine guards made out of newer material and the aluminium hubs get standard perforations.
Then comes the TE 310, which has the lightest engine out of the lot, which weighs only 22 kg but now has been boosted upto 302.44cc. A new exhaust system with heat protection and increase in bore and stroke are the responsible factors behind this engine boost. The total weight of the bike has been further reduced by 6 kgs from the previous version.
Going by the looks, all three models get new graphics on the tank area with In Mould Plastic Decoration, which is incorporated, in the actual material not applied afterwards.
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BMW releases official pictures of the new X3
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
BMW has released the official pictures of the new X3 generation, which have flooded the web, and thus, we just have to show them to you.
Though these pictures are mere teasers, they are still enough to get a clear idea of what the second generation of the X3 will look like which is due for lunch at the end of this month.
Pictures give you unhindered view of the taillights, rear spoiler and the engine hood.
The taillights have a similarity to the X5 taillights and feature the LEDs, which is a standard of all new BMWs.
Though from these teasers it’s obvious that there will not be many significant changes. Placed between the X1 and X5, the new X3 will be slightly larger than the current model. Measuring up to 185 inches it is bound to provide better space on the inside as well.
The façade of the next-gen X3 will have a new look thanks to the prominent front grille, with wraparound headlights. Sources say that BMW is planning on upping their standards for the quality of materials for the inside keeping in mind the tough competition the X3 will face from the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Although, there are no details on the engines but it’s expected that the new X3 will have a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine whereas, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel could also be on the cards.
The car will be produced at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, USA, along the X5 and the X6.
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SUPERCHIPS UNLEASHES THE BMW 135i’S REAL DRIVING MACHINE
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Thanks to its combination of small size and powerful 3.0-litre six cylinder twin turbocharged engine, BMW’s 135i has attracted a loyal following amongst owners and the motoring press.
Which is why Buckingham based Superchips Ltd, the market leading specialist in performance electronic tuning, is pleased to unveil a performance boosting ECU remap for the 135i.
The result of extensive investigation into the BMW’s Siemens MSD ECU parameters, Superchip’s highly experienced technicians successfully identified several performance enhancement opportunities with the original factory settings, enabling the company to refine the 135i’s ECU map to meet the needs of the BMW driving enthusiast who demands a sharper, more exciting drive.
Careful optimisation of ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings via combination of extensive chassis dyno testing and road validation has produced a Superchips remap that elevates the performance of the 135i onto a different plane.
As measured on its in house four wheel drive chassis dyno’, the Superchips upgrade boosts the BMW 135i’s peak power from a tested standard output of 315 bhp, to a mighty 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp at 5989 rpm.
The Superchips ECU remap also significantly enhances the 135i’s torque output, rising from a measured 394 Nm to an impressive 456 Nm at just 3359 rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm at just 3267 rpm.
Compared to the standard BMW 135i, the Superchips upgraded car produces peak torque over 1000 rpm lower down in the rev range, making it not only ultimately faster, but also significantly easier to drive.
Although not yet tested against the clock, the Superchips remapped BMW 135i is expected to better the standard car’s 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint time, although for safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left untouched.
Installation of the Superchips ECU remap entails customers visiting one of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK who will undertake the remap procedure.
Suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of BMW 135i produced from 2007 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00 including VAT @ 17.5%.
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BMW 1-Series undergoing testing at the Nurburgring circuit
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
The BMW 1 series upgrade or more commonly known M1 has been in the news for quite some time now. We’ve also heard rumors that there might not be one at all. Although now it does seem like BMW is planning to come up with an upgraded version of their ever-so-successful 1 series.
Reports suggest that a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that will probably generate up to 326 horsepower and 450 Nm or torque could power the ‘M1’. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Here’s a video of the 1-series undergoing testing at the Nurburgring circuit.
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Hamann BMW 5-Series GT
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
The tuners at Hamann have once again shown their true liking for BMW as Hamann Motorsports has added many new accessories and modifications to the BMW 5-series GT.
The already striking looking Gran Turismo now sports a more powerful appearance. Hamann Motorsport stated that “the crossover between a comfortably spacious SUV and an elegant limousine into one of the most exclusive multi-purpose vehicles in the luxury class.”
This new kit includes a front spoiler, side skirts and a sporty rear spoiler. The car sits on 22-inch Anniversary EVO wheels and while the air suspension-lowering module is added, it also gets four stailnless steel exhaust pipes.
The 5-Series GT gets aluminum pedals and black floor mats with a silver Hamann inscription.
The 530d GT has been tuned to deliver a total of 275 hp and 620 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm which is achieved after an impressive increase of 30 horsepower and a total of 80 Nm of torque.
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2010 Bmw Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia Limited Edition
by Aman Chaudhry5 Comments
BMW is celebrating its 70th anniversary of the historic victory back in 1940 when Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Baumer bagged in a classic BMW 328 at the Mille Miglia automobile race in Brescia. That particular race saw BMW take the first, third, fifth and sixth places resulting in an overall team victory.
Now, BMW has announced a brand new variant of the E89 2010 Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia.
“Victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia remains a landmark in the history of the BMW brand. It reflects not only the extraordinary technical expertise but also the passion with which BMW approaches its work,” comments Dr Klaus Draeger, member of the BMW Group Board of Management responsible for development, on the significance of the 1940 Mille Miglia.
To keep this model very exclusive BMW is going to built only 99 units. The E89 2010 Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition will be set apart from the Z4s as each car will be seen in a coat of matte Polaris Metallic finish with a blacked out front grill, an M aerodynamic kit and 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Chrome. The Mille Miglia branding will be seen on both outside and inside of the roadster.
On the inside, the seats and steering have Alcantara red stitching and the overall look is quite sporty.
It is powered by the standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six delivering 340 horsepower and 369 pound feet or torque. The engine is matted to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is expected to go from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and offering a top speed of 155mph.
“We are very proud to be lining up for the Mille Miglia again 70 years later with this milestone of motor racing history and vehicle aerodynamics,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Classic, in delighted anticipation of the unique ride from Brescia to Rome and back
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2010 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
The 2010 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este took place April 23-25 on the grounds at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba on Lake Como in Cernobbio, Italy.
This is one of the most prestigious events for Historic cars all over the world. A traditional event that stated way back in 1929 and then revived in the 1990s under the patronage of BMW.
Auto enthusiasts present there saw (and touched) some of the brilliant wonders of the world made in the form of automobiles.
“Once again the Concorso has borne impressive testimony that cars have lost none of their fascination,” commented Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. Dott.
Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., looked back on two extraordinary days, “The Concorso is ruled by a constellation that could hardly be bettered: heritage, elegance and a passion for cars create the perfect foundation for a weekend such as we have been privileged to experience once again.”
Some of the winners of the 2010 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este are listed below.
For further information please click here to go to the official site of Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Trofeo BMW Group – Best in Show by the Jury and Trofeo BMW Group Italia
1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupé, Figoni & Falaschi, 1938, Oscar Davis, USA
Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este – Best of Show by Public Referendum at Villa d’Este, 1955 Maserati A6GCS Spider, Frua, John F. Bookout Jr., USA
Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award By Public Referendum at Villa Erba Zagato, Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, Coupé, 2010 Entrant: Martin Kapp
Class Winner, 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Streamline Roadster, BMW, Christoph Bode
Class Winner, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé, Mercedes-Benz, Paul Stewart, UK
Mention of Honor, 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster, Bertone, Albert Spiess, CH
Class Winner, 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Berlinetta, Zagato, David Sydorick, USA
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BMW Gran Coupe Concept
by Aman Chaudhry24 Comments
BMW did not want to stay behind when it came to four-door coupes, so they have brought in a brand new concept called the Gran Coupe. With competetiors already in the field BMW has decided to take the Gran Coupe concept up against Mercedes-Benz CLS, VW CC, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte.
BMW’s Gran Coupe concept has already made many heads turn towards itself at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show.
BMW claims that the concept has been specially designed to mix both the Gran Turismo and a high performance sports car. Another interesting fact about the design of the Gran Coupé is the striking resemblance it bears with the next-gen 6 series. The sporty powerful looking concept is almost 5 meters in length and about 1.4 meters tall, which makes it almost 100 mm lower than both the 5 and 7 series sedans. The flat silhouette on the long wheelbase, which is a typical of BMW sedans with the coupe style roof, is what we like the most. Added to that are frameless doors with LED lighting all around and it’s difficult to take your eyes off this beauty.
“It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” says BMW design chief, Adrian van Hooydonk. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this,” the designer added.
Unfortunately no further details regarding the interiors or the engine have been revealed by BMW so far, although Autocar quoted that the production version of the Gran Coupe will appear in 2012 and the car will share the same platform with the 5-series and 7-series.
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The all new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Volkswagen Phaeton has freshly been given a facelift, a nip here and a tuck there and is ready for it’s unveiling today at the Beijing Auto Show.
VW is trying (almost desperately) to boost its luxury car sales in the market with its competitors like Mercedes- Benz and BMW already marking territory. The history hasn’t been great either for the Phaeton as this ‘people’s car’ did not quite match up to the sales in Europe and subsequently had to be dropped out of America.
The first thing to notice in the new 2011 Phaeton is the new front end flaunting the typical VW front grille, LED running lights and bi-xenon headlamps.
A subtle change in the front wings and the bonnet can be noticed along with the chrome strips on the bumper.
The Phaeton MY2011 comes packed with technology and gadgets including a brand new steering wheel. There’s a Google maps enables satellite navigation system, roadside recognition and four-zone climate control system. This all-wheel drive system comes with adjustable air suspension and Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
Buyers can choose from six, eight or twelve- cylinder engines ranging in power from 240 hp to 450 hp. The base train is supposed to be a V6 with 280 PS of torque and can attain 0-60 in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.
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