| Audi adds 2007 RS 4 as new performance compact sedan
German luxury carmaker Audi AG is cranking up its racy, sporty side in a surprising way -- by giving its smallest sedan a 420-horsepower V-8 and a manual transmission.The new-for-2007 RS 4 is faster than any other car in Audi's introductory A4 line of sedans and wagons, including the previous top sporty model, the Audi S4. In fact, the RS 4 is faster -- going from 0 to 60 miles an hour in just 4.8 seconds -- than even Audi's flagship large sedan, the A8, with its V-8 or 12-cylinder engine, according to Audi performance statistics.Turning a compact, four-door car into a stunning sports car puts Audi and its RS 4 performance experts at quattro GmbH in Germany in some rarefied company.German carmaker BMW sells a 2007 BMW M5, for example, that's a mid-size sedan with a 500-horsepower, V-10 engine.
Top ten cars for 2006
This has been a hell of a year for new car introductions, with as many as four a week being launched onto the SA market (with the exception of Auto Africa, where about 50 new cars saw the light of day). Choosing our top 10 has been no easy task. Audi RS4 However choosing the winner was no problem at all. Without doubt the closest thing on the road to an out-and-out competition car is the Audi RS4. This monster machine has a 309 kW V8 engine producing monstrous power, allied to quattro four-wheel drive and the best brakes we have ever sampled. The RS4 can jet from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 16.6 seconds. It's electronically limited to 250 km/h. It looks racy too and the RS4 comes with beefy wheel-arches, flashy wheels, and pumped-up shark-like spoiler gills which give it a pimped look.
Want current traffic data? Good luck
Some in-car systems, like those in the 2007 BMW X5 and M5, receive and decode that traffic data at no cost. Makers of portable navigation devices, however, charge as much as $60 a year for the service. Competing with Clear Channel are the satellite radio companies XM and Sirius, which charge about $10 a month for a traffic-only plan or an additional $4 for current subscribers. XM NavTraffic is the larger of the two, covering 44 major urban areas. The data channel of a cellular network works with cell phones, but the service usually means additional monthly charges starting at about $10. GPS devices are promising But no matter how drivers receive the information, the time delay means that when the sultry voice of the navigation system warns of trouble ahead, drivers may already be tapping their toes stuck on a bridge.
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Behind the Scenes with Seth Thomas
Behind the Scenes with Seth Thomas While most people are enjoying the holidays, BimmerWorld driver, Seth Thomas, is ready for the 2007 racing season to begin. Thomas hopes to win his first driver's title in the Speed World Challenge Touring Series in his BimmerWorld BMW E90 325i. In 2006, BimmerWorld was the only team to run the new E90 chassis and they spent a great deal of time testing and developing the car. Although they encountered many gremlins along the way, Thomas finished 12th overall in driver's points in his #38 BimmerWorld Performance Friction BMW 325i. Thomas is a natural on the track and he certainly has what it takes to help BMW reclaim the manufacturer's title. While competitive, his laid back personality and great sense of humor makes him popular in the paddock. I stopped by Seth's home town of Cumming, GA to learn more about this young energetic driver.
Spies first to break real images of the new BMW 5-Series
While Daimler-Chrysler has already launched a restyled Mercedes E Class, BMW's facelifted 5-Series and M5 are scheduled for released in spring 2007 only.
Here are for the first time photos showing undisguised prototypes of the facelifted 5-Series during a test drive in Munich. One photo is showing the remodeled M5 with different air intakes in the front skirt, different headlights and upgraded dashboard and interior design. The remaining photos show the standard 5-series, which is also getting new air intakes in the front skirt and a smoother rear skirt and a new automatic shift lever.
Photos include:
1 photo (1296H1) of the restyled M5.
3 photos of the restyled standard 5-Series.
2 photos of the interior and dashboard.
2008 BMW V-10 M6 Cabriolet Convertible, 500-hp
It's possibly my favorite car because it makes so much sense. I am still amazed at the lack of hype this vehicle receives. The V10 BMW M6 is a car overlooked by many because buyers often prefer the BMW M3 or the M5 and are not aware of its existence. FYI, BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Works in English. Many owners are too lazy to Google the acronym and find out what they're actually driving so now there's no excuse. Okay, back to the car. The BMW M6 (convertible included) is a four seater, although it's not built for full size humans (backseat), it owns the Mercedes SL and other contenders in the room category. The V10, 5.0-liter BMW M6 droptop packs 500-hp and it also has the convenient seven-speed sequential manual gearbox also known as SMG.
Top Gear: Chrysler 300C SRT8 vs BMW M5
Top Gear took the Chrysler 300C SRT8 and raced it against a BMW M5 E60. The Chrysler 300C SRT8 is based on an old Mercedes E-Class and has a 6.1 liter V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower. It costs much less than a BMW M5 but can it hold up to the big beast that has 2 more liters? Watch the quarter mile drag race between the Chrysler 300C SRT8 and BMW M5. Read Article .
Aussies developed BMW with a bed
Why not? In Australia, Ford sells the F6 Tornado, Pursuit and Super Pursuit under the Ford Performance Vehicle (FPV) banner, hauling ass as well as anything else. BMW doesn't offer anything even close, so what is a Bimmer enthusiast to do when he has to stop at The Home Depot for garden supplies? Certainly not put them in the X5! There is always someone out there who solves problems such as this before they actually become an issue. In this case, a bloke named POWERCHIP from the M5Board has taken a BMW E39 M5 and is converting it into what he calls the M5 UTE. It seems that after talking to Shane from Southern Rod and Custom in New South Wales Australia it looked like his dream car might just come true. The yearlong transformation of this great sedan into the M5 UTE is truly amazing.
2005 Chevrolet Aveo SVM (Special Value Model) from North America
"So you're telling us all that BMWs, Jaguars and the rest are CHEAP to maintain in Europe, but not in America? And I guess you forgot the part where BMW gave the South Carolina state police an M5, but why would you want to research anything." I didn't say that European cars were cheap to maintain in Europe. I'm sure they're not cheap to maintain anywhere! I think that (and this is a supposition on my part) owners of European cars here in the U.S. likely pay more for parts and service than those who live in Europe. The fact remains that American cars as a rule are cheaper and easier to service than European cars. As for the BMW's in South Carolina, I must humbly admit that I did not know about that. I found your comment on that intriguing, that is before I was annoyed by your sarcasm.
BMW M6 Coupe defies the laws of friction
Bayerische Motoren Werke really didn't have to build the new M6. The in-house performance elves at its M subsidiary already have a full cupboard of "M'm! M'm! Good!" versions of the 3 coupe and Convertible, Z4 Roadster and Coupe and, up until now, the ultimate M car: the 5 sedan-based M5. As the cooking 6 Coupe is based on the standard 5 sedan, the M6 is fashioned from the oily (and not so oily) bits of the M5 uber-sedan. There's the same 500-horsepower, 360-pound-feet-of-torque V-10 engine that revs like the Formula One engine that inspired it. There's the same no-clutch-pedal, seven-speed sequential manual transmission and gear ratios and the same all-aluminum suspension that reads the tarmac better than a road's scholar. So, then, why a hyper-performance version of what most critics would already agree is a very nice performing car in the grand touring 650i Coupe? And what delicacies does the two-door M6 bring to the driving enthusiast's table that the four-door M5 hasn't already delivered beyond the all-too-obvious coupe form? Like the M5, once you and a friend (you really wouldn't put anyone you care for in the back seats) are snuggly ensconced in the M6's generously wide cockpit, you're greeted with a similar variety of variable electronic doodads for the transmission, suspension and engine.
First Ford Shelby GT rolls off the line headed to Barrett-Jackson
We just told you about how "Hot Wheels" Amy Boylan has managed to turn Shelby Auto around, and here is one of the fruits of her labor: The first production 2007 Ford Shelby GT. As we told you a while ago, the Ford Shelby GT is essentially the consumer version of the rental-fleet-only Shelby GT-H. It will be the third Mustang in the Shelby Mustang family along with the Hertz edition and the 500-horsepower Ford Shelby GT500. And this newest Shelby 'Stang is set to follow in their footsteps. This first GT, CSM No. 07SGT0001 will follow its big brother GT500, by crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Event on Saturday, January 20th. Just like the GT500, all the proceeds will go to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. In case you don't remember, that first GT500 sold for $600,000 back in January.
Production Dodge Avenger shows up online
Upon first seeing the Dodge Avenger Concept ahead of the Paris Motor Show this year, the first thing we wondered was how this design would translate into a production model. The concept was equal parts flash and production ready pieces, so we couldn't say for certain what the car would look like without the show trim and large wheels. Now we know. A pair of shots showing a preproduction version of the Dodge Avenger was posted by Auto Motor und Sport today, and for the most part the underlying design of the concept car is present. Of course, without the deep front chin spoiler, faux rear air diffuser, deck spoiler and bold five-spoke wheels the production car looks rather tame. The big fender bulges, however, escaped from the cutting room floor in tact. We've said in the past based on our viewing of the Avenger Concept that we liked the styling more than the Chrsyler Sebring, and that's still our stand, however those fender flares are going to make most wheel/tire combos look puny and the upkink in the window line near the C-pillar looks like it will create a sense of claustraphobia for rear seat passengers.
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| 2007 BMW M5 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features |
-4,999 cc 5 liters V 10 front engine with 92 mm bore, 75.2 mm stroke, 12 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
-Premium unleaded fuel 91
-Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 18 and EPA city (mpg): 12
-Multi-point injection fuel system
-18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
-Power: 373 kW , 500 HP SAE @ 7,750 rpm; 383 ft lb , 520 Nm @ 6,100 rpm
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| 2007 BMW M5 Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features |
-Four-wheel ABS
-Brake assist system
-Cornering brake control
-Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
-Electronic brake distribution
-Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
-Immobilizer
-Rear limited slip differential
-Driver selectable responsive suspension
-Stability control
-Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
-Tire kit
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| 2007 BMW M5 Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features |
-Body color front and rear bumpers
-Day time running lights
-Driver power heated partial-painted door mirrors with automatic operation , passenger power heated partial-painted door mirrors with automatic and automatic operation
-External dimensions: overall length (inches): 191.5, overall width (inches): 72.7, overall height (inches): 57.8, wheelbase (inches): 113.7, front track (inches): 62.2, rear track (inches): 61.7 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.7
-Front fog lights
-High pressure headlight cleaners
-Projector beam lens Bi-Xenon headlights
-Heat reflective glass
-Heated door locks or key
-Luxury trim alloy on gearknob, alloy on doors and alloy on dashboard
-Metallic paint
-Fixed rear window with defogger
-Trunk/hatch spoiler
-Glass electric front sunroof
-Tinted glass on cabin
-Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,012
-Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor
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| 2007 BMW M5 Interior Standard Features |
-12v power outlet: front and 1 , 12v power outlet: rear and 2 , 12v power outlet: cargo and 1
-Air conditioning with climate control and rear outlet 2
-Diversity antenna
-Peripheral interior monitoring anti-theft protection
-Front and rear ashtray
-Audio anti-theft protection: integrated in dash
-Harman/kardon RDS audio system with AM/FM, CD player, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer CD player reads MP3
-Cargo area light
-Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 14
-Front seats cigar lighter
-Clock
-Coming home device
-Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
-Full dashboard console with open storage box , full floor console with covered storage box
-Delayed/fade courtesy lights
-Cruise control
-Front seats and rear seats cup holders pop out
-Door ajar warning
-Door entry light
-Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
-External temperature
-Floor covering: carpet in load area
-Driver and passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
-Sports heated electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, thigh support, eight adjustments and tilt adjustment , sports heated passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, thigh support, seven adjustments and tilt adjustment
-3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
-Front seat center armrest
-Garage door opener
-Lockable glove compartment
-Two height adjustable electric adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
-Headlight control with time delay switch-off, dusk sensor and auto off with ignition active
-Heated washer
-Illuminated entry system
-Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 37.7, rear headroom (inches): 37.8, front leg room (inches): 41.5, rear leg room (inches): 36, front shoulder room (inches): 57.3, rear shoulder room (inches): 57.2 and interior volume (cu ft): 99.1
-Low fuel level warning
-Low tire pressure indicator
-Low washer fluid level warning
-Memorized adjustment with two settings on door mirror position and steering wheel position with six driver's seat positions and head restraint
-Online information system
-Parking distance sensors front and rear and radar
-Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch, includes power windows and speed sensing
-Vehicle speed proportional power steering variable rack
-Front and rear power windows with two one-touch
-Front and rear reading lights
-3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
-Rear seat center armrest integral box
-Three fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
-Automatic operation rear view mirror
-Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
-Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
-Front and rear roof airbag
-Front seat back storage
-Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
-Seating: five seats
-Service interval indicator
-Front side airbag with occupant sensors
-Thirteen speaker(s)
-Leather covered electrically adjustable multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment easy entry
-Tachometer
-Telematics 240 and 12
-Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
-Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter
-Voice activating system includes radio settings, includes phone and includes navigation system |
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