AC Schnitzer has already showed up to the Geneva Motor Show with the Z4 99d, but that’s not the only model the German tuning firm is showcasing. Alongside the Z4 99d, AC Schnitzer will also be displaying the ACS5 Sport S, a model based on the BMW 550i. Looking at their creation, no one would be all that impressed; there aren’t many changes done to the exterior leading people to believe it was just another minor and unimpressive upgrade for yet another BMW model. Then there are those other people that would expect a fantastically upgraded engine to counteract the anticlimactic exterior. The second group of people would be correct in their assumptions.
The ACS5 Sport S takes the standard 4.4L V8 engine found in the BMW 550i and has toyed with it enough to bump the standard 400hp to a phenomenal 540 hp and 750 Nm of torque. With the extra 140 HP, the ACS5 Sport S will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 200mph. Flying through the corners will also be made easy with an added limited slip differential.
Hit the jump to read more about the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S.
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Back in July of last year, we were introduced to the BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Well, now it looks like the Geneva Motor Show is going to be the stage for the touring version of the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo to make its debut.
Not a lot of information was bared on what kind of aerodynamic changes the station wagon is going to come with, but we do know that it will offer the same powertrain as that of the sedan version, which will be a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 507 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque and mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The only difference - albeit a pretty small one - is that the sedan version posts a slightly faster 0-60 mph time - 4.7 seconds to 4.8 - compared to the touring version of the B5 Bi-Turbo. Likewise, the sedan version peaks at a slightly higher top speed of 191 mph compared to touring version’s 187 mph top speed.
The good thing is that the Geneva Motor Show will open its doors in less than a week so whatever curiosities we may have of this car we’ll be answered sooner than later.
Last year Hamann unveiled a pretty impressive tuning package based on the new generation BMW 5-Series. Not the tuner took it even further. Based on the models equipped with M-Sport package, the new Hamann 5-Series features a new competition front spoiler which increases the down-force, a new rear bumper with four exhaust tail pipes, a new roof and rear spoiler, front bumper and side skirts.
The exterior package is finished by a new set of light alloy wheels in 21" size. The tuner is also lowering the 5-Series by approx. 35 mm with progressive suspension springs. A new rear silencer with four tail pipes is now available for all engine variants of the 5-series (F10). Only the sports metal catalytic converter with special middle silencer remains reserved for the 550i.
The interior has received a 10 piece carbon interior set, including a new sports steering wheel, a new set of pedal set in aluminum painted in silver or black anodized. A high quality set of mats including the embroidered Hamann-logo rounds off the sporty appearance. No changes were made just yet under the hood.
Out of the all year-end lists we compiled, picking the top sedan of the year was quite honestly the most difficult of them all.
First of all, the choices are limitless compared to the other segments. Second of all, 2010 has been characterized as a year when sedans - be it entry level ones or luxury types - have become as popular as ever. And lastly, picking one over another has become a matter of preference - and to a certain extent, budget constraints.
For our list, we’ve narrowed it down to five models, all of which are worthy of being hailed as 2010’s top sedan. In this list, three are of German descent, one is of Japanese origin, while the other is British-born. From our hints, you can probably surmise which models made it, but for the sake of suspense, we’re not going to spoil anything.
Head over after the jump for the full details.
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The Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond may be all fun and jokes in front of the camera, but despite their cunning wit and silly banter, these three all share a unique similarity: they know everything and anything there is to know about cars.
When they say a car is good or bad, their opinions carry more clout than the standard human because they’ve done their homework through countless hours of testing, free drives, and taped segments on the show. And now that we’re nearing the end of an amazingly eventful year, the trio have decided to finally release their choice of vehicles that will be included in the 11th Top Gear Awards.
With categories ranging from Hypercar of the Year, Grand Tourer of the Year, Coupe of the Year, and even Engine of the Year, the three hosts took everything they’ve seen, heard, and driven in 2010 to come up with a winner for each respective category.
In addition to these categories, Clarkson, May, and Hammond also picked their favorite cars of the year regardless of make, model, and type. Care to find out the award winners?
Check them out after the jump.
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