| The Z4 goes bi: Hartge Biturbo Z30
BMW tuner Hartge is no stranger to building fast BMWs. Stuffing the 5.0-liter V10 into a 3-series, and a 4.4-liter V8 into a 1-Series are just a couple of their recent feats of magic. The latest transformation is the H30 Biturbo, taking the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six from the 335i and filling the bonnet of a Z3 with boost. Producing 380 horsepower and 332 ft/lbs of torque, the modified motor will get you to 62 miles per hour (100 KMH) in a scant 4.8 seconds on your way to a top speed of 177 miles per hour.More info and pics after the jump. [Source: AutoMotorundSport] Braking comes from 4-piston calipers gripping 380mm front rotors with 324mm rotors in the rear. The 20-inch wheel and tire combination featuring 245/30ZR20 front and 295/25ZR20 rubber in the rear also allows the H30 Biturbo to take full advantage of the chassis.
All-New 2007 MINI Hardtops Even More Fuel Efficient According to ...
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of increasing fuel prices, many manufacturers are striving to produce vehicles with an average fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon. The fact that the all-new 2007 MINI Cooper achieves 40 miles per gallon according to the latest EPA testing should be welcomed by car buyers across the US. And that the MINI Cooper delivers this miserly fuel economy with no effect on its performance and driving capabilities is an added advantage. MINI USA's growth in sales over the past 5 years to just over 170,000 cars and the overall growth trend of the small-car market demonstrates how the industry is responding to the need for increased efficiency. MINI is a prime example that buyers do not need to sacrifice performance, quality and fun when opting for a smaller, more efficient vehicle.
Scoop pricing info: New X5
Recently Wheels24 was one of the first publications to drive the all-new BMW X5, now we can tell you more about this SUV's SA pricing. BMW South Africa will launch the second-generation X5 here in May 2007. Initially two models, the 3.0d and 4.8i, will be available with the possibility of the 3-litre petrol joining the range at a later stage. The 4.8-litre thrusts out 261 kW at 6 300 r/min and a healthy 475 Nm of torque. Paired with a new quick-shifting six-speed automatic, BMW claims the V8 should reach 100km/h in 6.5 seconds. The diesel version of the X5, the 3.0d, develops a power output of 173 kW while peak torque is 520 Nm. According to Wheels24's info the indicative price tag for the 3.0d model will be R574 000. The expected pricing for the range-topping 4.8i is R662 000.
2006 Geneva Motor Show
B-segment cars like this dominate European roads. And Americans are finally starting to catch on, as cars like the Mini Cooper and Scion xA sell in brisk numbers. Dodge doesn't yet have a B car, but this morning in Geneva the company showed a concept that looked production-ready, at least on the outside. Dodge calls it the Hornet, but it looks nothing like its homely, '70s-era AMC namesake. In fact, it looks a lot like a Mini, albeit with a square jaw and a quad grille. "We wanted to give it what the Mini Cooper has as far as character," design manager Mark Moushegian admitted. In the cabin, Dodge aimed for "the functionality of a Scion," according to Moushegian. "A lot of people want to have a Mini, but they're starting a family so it's not practical to own a car like that," he noted. Not only can the Hornet's 60/40-split rear seats fold flat into the floor, they can fold up as in a pickup truck, providing a taller load area for odd-sized cargo.
Ferrari 612 HGT-S
Yes it has. It was launched in 2004, but Ferrari has just revealed a special HGT-S pack for it. It costs a steep 7420, but thats fairly insignificant given that the standard car already costs 175,725. And when you appreciate what the extra money buys it starts to make more sense. Cosmetically, the changes are limited to 19-inch wheels at the front and yellow brake callipers, which stood out a treat against the deep blue of CAR Online's test car. Under the skin, you get sports exhausts with valves that open at 3000rpm to make the noise even better, a revised control system for the adaptive suspension and shorter gearshift times. .
GERMANY: Audi to invest EUR8.4bn in new models
Audi's supervisory board has approved a total investment package of EUR11.8bn in the company between 2006 and 2011. Some 71% of this figure, or around EUR8.4bn, will be invested in new Audi vehicles alone, allowing Audi to increase its model range from 22 models at present to 40 by 2015. From 2007 onwards, investments will rise steadily to around EUR2bn euros a year. In a statement, Rupert Stadler, board member for finance and acting chairman of the board of management of Audi from January 2007, said: “Investments in new models, in product innovations and core competences are the lifeblood of any company. We can only ensure our corporate success by offering a range of attractive products. This is therefore also an investment in the future of the company and is decisive in safeguarding our jobs." Audi will be launching several new models or variants next year.
Two hurt in Garden Valley Road crash
ROSEBURG: A Garden Valley woman and her child were injured in an accident at 12:45 p.m. Saturday when their Ford Taurus was struck in the side by a Dodge Neon.
Sgt. Jim Perham of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office said Bernice Barnett, 36, and Jody Barnett, 10, were headed into town on Garden Valley Road when their car was struck by the Dodge, driven by Jorge Mata-Rincon, 41, of Myrtle Creek, as Mata-Rincon was merging from Melrose Road.
The Barnetts were taken to Mercy Medical Center, where they were both treated and released.
Mata-Rincon was not hurt.
The accident is still under investigation.
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GREEN ELECTRIC SUPERCAR OUTPERFORMS A FERRARI
The new Tesla Roadster sets new standards in performance cars. Developed with more than a helping hand from UKs aficionados of speed machines, Lotus Cars, this machine oozes sex appeal and stylishness. The significant difference between this and other svelte motors, however, is that this is an electric car!
The principals, come from a variety of high-tech backgrounds . The Co-founders Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning state We consciously chose to develop a high-end sports car as our first car in order to develop the performance DNA from which we could create other electric vehicles.
Martin had always been interested in fast, fun cars, but wanted something that was very energy efficient.
Keeping Up With the Jones'
The recently concluded Los Angeles Auto Show, the second of the year, premiered, revealed and/or presented upwards of 30 different vehicles. That's a lot of new sheet metal in just two days of media previews, but a trend did emerge: luxury cars, luxury cars and more luxury cars! And there could not be a better state than, as governor Schwarzenegger calls it, Caliiiiifornia in which luxury, lush and lavish have redefined essential transportation to introduce so many new luxury vehicles. But beyond the obvious is the "celebrity cars craze," which had its origins in Los Angeles many, many decades ago. Motion picture celebrities from these long gone eras drove exotic and expensive vehicles and established a perception that everyone ought to own a luxurious automobile too.
Nick Hogan Smokes Mom
The spawn of Hulk met his mother for lunch yesterday at the ultimate celebrity eatery, The Ivy. As the Hogans left to go their seperate ways -- Nick jumped into a suped-up Dodge Viper, while his mom climbed into the back of an ancient red SUV. Not very fabulous.Nick then peeled out hard into traffic, leaving a cloud of burnt rubber smoke in the street. Imagine what this kid will be like if he starts hanging out with Paris Hilton! .
Beckhoff technology used in production of BMW 3 series axles
ZF Lemförder South Africa, with its head office in Rosslyn, is a global player in the production of sub-components for motor vehicle manufacturers around the world. ZF Lemförder produces the front and rear axles for the BMW 3 series sedan, which is produced at BMW's South Africa plant, also based in Rosslyn. The manufacturer's production lines and custom built machines are equipped with Beckhoff technology.
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