Now that BMW is offering an M version for both the X5 and X6 SUVs, the same treatment will undoubtedly be applied to the smaller X3. There’s already been a strange looking X3 mule testing, but WildSpeed is clearing things up with their rendition of the future X3M model.
The new X3 M will join the X5 M and the X6 M in terms of boosting power, but it will not be featuring the same twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 found in its bigger brothers. Instead, BMW has opted to use a tweaked version of the new straight six engine used for the standard M3. This engine will get a boost up to as much as 450 HP, from the standard 306 HP. It is very possible that the engine will use three turbochargers - one electric and two petrol - to get that power bump and will be mated to the usual 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission.
Like with all the other BMW M models, the new X3 M will be distinguished by larger wheel arches, a muscular front and rear end, and a more sporty ride. The interior will get sports seats, high-performance leather, and an M steering wheel.
The new BMW X3 M will debut in 2012 and will be sold as a 2013 model.
It seems that Mercedes is headed towards some dark days now that they are facing a class action suit due to alleged defects in the M156 V8 motor. Reports coming in are stating that there seems to be a premature wear that occurs as a result of the material used in the camshafts. Let’s break it down a bit more.
Mercedes’ V8 AMG engines have cast nodular iron camshafts, but the valve lifters are made of 9310 grade steel. The complaint is that this combination of materials is contributing to premature wear of the M156 motors. This can be due to improper heat treating of the metals or improper offset. Seems like an easy fix, but the problem is that the company has known about this issue since 2007 when a service bulletin was released by Daimler, but the company has failed to take action on the matter.
This 6.2 liter V8 engine is used in models such as the C63 AMG Coupe, the ML63 AMG, and the SLS AMG supercar. In these vehicles, it can develop between 450 to 570 HP.
At this time, there is only one plaintiff who is alleging financial losses of about $25,000. Sometimes tells us this is going to snowball into many, many more people coming forward with the same problem. We’ll keep you posted as more details surface.
Ford is highlighting the many customization options for their iconic muscle car with a new customization website for the 2012 Mustang. This new website will spring to life on September 20, 2011 and will allow anyone and everyone to choose from a multitude of options for the array of Mustangs available: Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302, or Shelby GT500.
This website will contain three different backgrounds, five different angles, and hundreds of accessories from body kits to wheels, decals, grilles, and decklids. Customizing connoisseurs can also use "battle mode" to ask people to vote for their particular Mustang. It may not be as fun as actually driving the new Mustang, but people will still be able to get their kicks with a new design and, hey, maybe this will convince potential customers to buy one. We’re guessing that’s what Ford is anticipating.
"Customers love to make Mustang their own, one that suits their taste; this is the perfect way to let them test out their design and imagine what’s possible," said Jim Owens, Mustang marketing manager. "The interactive aspect also adds a whole new dimension and lets more people get in on the fun."
There’s always a fine line between ultra luxury and just being extravagantly over-the-top. British automaker, Bentley, knows a thing or two about luxury and at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the company showed off exactly what it’s all about with the new executive interior concept for the brand’s flagship model, the Mulsanne.
Turning the Mulsanne into an Apple multimedia connective hub, Bentley went completely bananas in outfitting it with just about every product Apple has on the market these days, save for an actual fruit basket of the doctor’s best friend. There are Apple iPads with Bluetooth keyboards, a Mini Mac in the boot compartment, and an Apple Media Center. The concept interior also carries ’W-Lan’ internet connectivity, and a 15.6" High Definition LED drop-down monitor. There are also two electric-powered, foldable wood veneer picnic tables, an illuminated center console, individual armrests for the rear seats, various new storage areas, and a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system.
If your head’s spinning from all the features included in the Executive Interior Concept, you’ll have to sit down, take a deep breath, and keep on reading. They’re not done. The final list of additions for the whole interior concept include a Tibaldi pen, a cooler, a Privacy Telephone handset, and numerous lights set-ups, as well as other ports and connectors.
According to Bentley, the whole set-up takes up to 170 hours, which means that all that hours spent working on the interior will warrant charges that will be beyond absurd. Bentley hasn’t announced how much it will cost, but you only need to read all the elements included to determine that it’s going to cost more than you can afford.
The first thing that anyone could have possibly noticed at the Ferrari booth during the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is the 458 Italia Spider, but anyone that hung out a little longer should have noticed Ferrari’s new Tailor-Made Programme. This new program will allow customers to reach an even more personal level of distinctiveness with the specification of their cars.
The new Tailor-Made Programme includes an extensive range of exclusive cloth trim, colors, finishes, and technical materials, all inspired by unique classic Ferraris and motor racing. This special program will include three different collections - Classica, Scuderia and Inedita – specifically conceived by Ferrari’s Styling center. Potential customers will be guided through all of their vehicular decisions by their own Personal Designer, right up until delivery. This will help them create the bespoke vehicle of their dreams.
Anyone looking for more can also opt for the Carrozzeria Scaglietti program which gives birth to special projects like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti One to One and the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Special Edition by Wallpaper design magazine.
