It’s already known that Maserati plans on bringing a new baby Quattroporte in 2013, but German magazine, Autobild, has uncovered some more news on the future model. According to them, Maserati is also preparing a diesel version for the new model, internally known as the Maseratina. The diesel version will be powered by a new V6 diesel engine with more than 300 HP and 516 lb-ft torque. It is still unknown whether or not the new engine will also be used in the next generation Quattroporte.
The new Quattroporte will be about 4.90 meters long, matching the lengths of the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes S-class. Recent spy shots have confirmed that it will feature a shorter wheelbase, smaller front brakes, an ill-fitting windscreen, and one exhaust pipe on each side of the rear. These elements will be combined with the latest advanced driver assistance systems.
The baby Quattroporte isn’t the only new model on Maserati’s to do list this year, either. The list of debuts also includes the Kubang in Autumn at the 2012 Franfurt Motor Show and the new generation Quattroporte at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. All of the GranTurismo versions are also about to enter their new generations.
Audi has unveiled the new twin-turbo V6 TDI engine in UK. This engine will be used on models like the A6 sedan and the Avant, as well as the A7 Sportback models. The new models are already on sale and prices will start from £43,810 ($69,200 at the current rates) for the A6 models and from £51,645 ($81,500 at the current rates) for the A7 Sportback.
The new V6 TDI engine has been equipped with a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar. This allows the engine to deliver a total of 313 HP from 3,900-4,500rpm and a peak torque of 479 lb-ft available from 1,450 to 2,800rpm.
With this amount of power, the A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro sedan will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and the Avant and A7 in 5.3 seconds. On all three models, the top speed is limited to 155 mph.
The new engine has been combined with technologies like start-stop and recuperation systems and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures. With these additions, the fuel economy went up to an impressive 44.1mpg.
BMW’s dive into the diesel market included not just the M550d xDrive, but the X5 M50d as well. Just like the M550d, the SUV version is powered by the 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine that delivers a total of 381 HP and a peak torque of 546 lb-ft. With this amount of power, the X5 M50d will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy has been reported at 37.7 mpg.
Compared to a standard X5, the new M50d will be distinguished by an optimized aerodynamic balance and enhanced driving pleasure. In the space reserved for the fog-lamps, the new model has received new air intakes joined by horizontal bars painted in Ferric Grey metallic paint and race-inspired air-channeling flaps that sit below the side air intakes to optimize the car’s aerodynamic balance at high speeds. The BMW kidney grille features titanium-colored vertical bars, while the exterior mirror caps are painted in Ferric Grey metallic. The car sits on a standard set of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, but there are alsooptional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey metallic.
The new BMW X5 M50d will go on sale in Germany on June 16, 2012 at a price of 82,300 euro ($106,500 at the current exchange rates).
The third and last model announced by BMW M Performance Automobiles today is the X6 M50d. Just like with the M550d xDrive and the X5 M50d the X6 M50d will be making its world debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in Germany on June 16 at a starting price of 85,800 euro ($112,800 at the current exchange rates).
The BMW X6 M50d shares the same 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine that delivers a total of 381 HP and a peak torque of 546 lb-ft. The SUV will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and top speed is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy has been reported at 37.7 mpg. The model has a fuel economy of 36.7 mpg.
Just like X5 M50d the space reserved for the foglamps has been replaced by new air intakes that help cooling the engine. The car gets Ferric Grey horizontal bars, race-inspired air-channeling flaps and a standard set of 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design.
BMW is doing a running jump into the diesel market by releasing a few new variations in one day. The highlight of this trio of diesels is the long-rumored M550d xDrive scheduled to appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. In Germany, the M550d xDrive will go on sale at a starting price of 80,800 euro ($104,500 at the current exchange rates) for the sedan and 83,750 euro ($108,400 at the current rates) for the station wagon version.
The BMW M550d xDrive is the first model to come from BMW’s latest M Performance Automobiles division and is joined by the X5 M50d and X6 M50d. All three models will share a new tri-turbo straight-six diesel engine that delivers a total of 381 HP and a peak torque of 546 lb-ft. In the M550d xDrive, this power is just enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy comes in at 44.8 mpg.
UPDATE 01/26/2012: This review has been updated with the official images and specs for the BMW M550d xDrive.
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