Any car enthusiast will tell you that if there’s one race circuit in the world that they’d like to burn rubber on, it’s the Nurburgring Nordschleife race track in Germany. While our chances of ever stepping into the graffiti-laden pavement of Nurburgring may have been little to none in the past, we may finally get our chance soon enough.
BMW will soon release a BMW M5 taxi exclusively for the Nurburgring. OK, so you won’t be behind the wheel of the car, but still, taking a lap of the ‘Ring in the passenger seat of an M5 is still better than anything you could have ever hoped for.
You must be warned, though. BMW Motorsports have said that tickets for the M5 Ring-Taxi are as scarce as snow in the Philippines and that availability – if there’s any – will be announced by BMW around Christmas-time.
Nevertheless, it’s still worth keeping tabs on. After all, you don’t get many opportunities like this in your lifetime, and if you can do it, we guarantee you’ll become the envy of all your car-loving friends, for as long as you don’t tell them that you were just in the passenger seat of the M5.
Already in its second generation model, the TSX is entering the 2010 model year with major enhancements - including an available V-6 engine. With prices ranging from $29,310 for the TSX, or $32,410 for the TSX with Technology Package, the TSX competes with vehicles such as the A4 2.0T, 328i, IS 250 and C300. The TSX V6 with a price of $34,850, or $37,950 for the TSX V-6 with Technology Package is targeting models like Audi A4 3.2, BMW 335i, and Lexus IS 350.
For 2010, customers will can choose from two different engines: a 3.5L SOHC V-6 that develops 280 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque or a 2,4 liter four-cylinder engine that develops a total of 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine have a choice of two transmission styles as standard equipment - a 6-speed close-ratio manual or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic, while the V6 features a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission that can be operated manually via steering wheel mounted racing inspired paddle shifters.
The 2010 TSX features a wide and muscular body which translates into outstanding handling and performance. The wide body (72.4 inches), long wheelbase (106.4 inches) and overall length (185.6 inches) give the TSX excellent ride quality and ample interior space for passengers. The TSX uses Showa dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. The TSX employs Electric Power Steering (EPS) that delivers precise input during performance driving.
Lexus revealed today details on the 2010 LS460, both standard and long-wheelbase versions. For 2010, the LS460 gets revised styling, new electronics and a new optional performance-tuned Sport Package.
New on the exterior is a revised grille, bumper, and headlamps, while rear styling is enhanced with revised taillamps, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. New side mirrors feature integrated turn signals, and the standard 18-inch wheels have a new 10-spoke design.
The LS460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 380 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of peak torque in rear-wheel-drive configuration and 357 hp and 344 lb.-ft. of torque with all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine is mated to a eight-speed automatic transmission.
The LS 460 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about 5.4 seconds; 5.9 seconds for the all-wheel drive models. Even with that level of performance, the LS 460 achieves an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway rating (AWD is 16 city/23 highway) and meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.
Lexus revealed today details on the 2010 GS 450h, that comes with stylish exterior changes, but also with the latest technologies. The exterior chabges include: front grille, special 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a Lexis Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue front and rear "L" logos, a blue tint to the headlamps, clear tail lamp covers and a power meter that replaces the tachometer.
The 450h’s hybrid system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor that both delivers a total of 340 hp. The 450h sprints from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
The gasoline V6 uses an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and a dual fuel-injection system that combines the benefits of direct injection with those of port injection. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates on the intake and exhaust valves to further enhance power and torque across a broad engine speed range.
There’s no better way to promote a new car than to have it tested against the previous model and have the 2010 version thoroughly embarrass its predecessor.
Apparently, that’s exactly what Land Rover had in mind when it pitted the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged against its 2009 counterpart in a test to determine which car can reach 100 mph first and then brake all the way down to a stop.
From the get-go the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged immediately flexed its power over the 200 version by pulling away convincingly reaching its 100 mph speed and coming to halt even before the 2009 clocked 100 on its speedometer.
The difference is striking, to say the least. The 2010 version has 127 horsepower and around 51 lb-ft of torque more than the 2009 version, which accounts for all the difference.
Now, we’re all for promoting new cars, but for a brand to do it by completely trashing a previous model just may be a little too much for us.
For the third straight year, Neiman Marcus will feature a limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition on their upcoming Christmas Book. From what we’ve heard, the department store chain has about 50 of these limited ed cars for sale to those who may want to spend their entire Christmas bonus – perhaps even more than that – on a 5.0-liter V8 Jaguar XJ.
The limited-stock XJL comes with, among other things, a special plate with “Neiman Marcus 1 of 50” etched on it. In addition to that, the car has been painted with a Celestial Black color to match those 20-inch double-10 spoke wheels.
To make things more interesting, anybody who purchases on of these limited edition Jaguar XJs will become one of a handful of owners who’d have the new 2010 XJ in their garage because Jaguar will only release the standard version sometime next year. So if you can’t wait for those to be released, you might want to give Neiman Marcus a call at 1-866-524-6963. The store will only accept orders starting at 12 pm EST on October 16.
Ford recently touched a soft spot in us when they gave a blind man the opportunity to drive a 2010 Ford Mustang after 20 years of visual impairment. Now while that was a heartwarming story of an American automaker making dreams come true, this record setting top speed run is an inspiring tale for disabled people around the world. Mostly because of a blind man in a Black Series at over 200 MPH.
Hein Wagner is a motivational speaker and thrill seaker who is dead set on proving that a handicap is by no means a limiting factor, because just like Roger Keene, this Johannesburg native can’t see. However that hasn’t stopped him from quite a few impressive feats, aside from the cricket championship, Hein has set a few speed record while driving blind. Back in 2005 at just 33 years of age, the inspirational South African got his kicks by piloting a Maserati V8 Grand Sport to 167 MPH 196 km/h raising funds for the, “South African National Council for the Blind” and becoming the first South African to set a World Speed Record in the process.
Wagner’s latest top speed run was in a Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, the one with the carbon fiber bodywork and twin turbocharged V12 power plant, if there was ever a machine to set records in, this is it. In order to qualify as an official Guinness World Record the speed must be maintained for at least 1000 meters. Traveling at those kinds of speeds is a challenge for any man or woman, but thankfully Hein has a very good friend and trusting co driver that guides him on his Smokey Nagata like test drives, one Mr. Ray Wakefield from Speedrecord South Africa. The duo reportedly maintained a speed of 322.5 km/h, or 200.392209 MPH, for the required distance at the Upington Airport in South Africa.
The Japanese automaker Infiniti has just confirmed that they finer line of Nissan car will indeed produce the M35 hybrid luxury sedan. An M35 hybrid will join the rest of the conventional internal combustion only vehicles when the 2012 M arrives in showrooms. The revised fuel efficient lineup ill also be available with a new high performance diesel V6 model for the Western European market where the less refined fueled automobiles are preferred due to their incredible range and the high price of petrol. The next generation hybrid powered Infiniti M will become the most fuel efficient model in the entire automakers history.
The M35 Hybrid is powered by a gas/electric power train system that combines a naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter V6 and an efficient electric motor. The electric motor acts as both a propulsion unit, boosting the V6 with a “power assist” mode when the pedal is pushed to the metal and also as a generator to power the vehicle’s accessories and improve the engine’s efficiency. However, the combination of electrically charged wound wires and powerful magnets is not the only item that charges the hybrid’s next generation Lithium ion battery pack, but it is also recharged by the luxury sedans deceleration and braking.
The M Hybrid also features and electric vehicle mode where it runs solely on the motors, drastically improving fuel efficiency and allowing it to operate as a zero emissions vehicle as well. This optimizes the Inifiniti’s energy consumption across the widest array of driving conditions. The luxury automaker Inifiniti has promised to release further details about the hybrid’s range, performance and transmission soon. No mater what they have to say about the new green Japanese sedan it will definitely be a hot item.
The Acura RL luxury sedan is entering the 2010 model year with bold looks, a powerful V-6 engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The car is now on sales with prices starting from $46,830 for the RL, $50,450 for the RL with Technology Package and $54,250 for the RL with Technology and CMBS / ACC Packages.
For 2010 the RL will be offered in three variations: RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS. All versions will be powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative VTEC valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves.
The available Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather, rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a simulated wood accented steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS which adds Acura’s acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and genuine maple wood instrument panel trim.
When top-flight auto executives say something, a lot of us generally stop and pay attention.
So when Jim O’Donnell, BMW North America’s CEO, said that the next generation 6-Series, which will be launched in 2011, will be “the best-looking BMW in year”, then we have to stand up and take notice.
O’Donnell’s comment came from an interview with Automobile Magazine where he boldly proclaimed that the next-in-line 6 series will veer away from past designs and will look nothing like any of its predecessors. Although he expects to see a radically different 6 series, O’Donnell mentioned that the car will pretty much carry the same dimensions as that of the current model. Apart from that, the design of the car is anyone’s guess.
O’Donnell did not divulge any more out of fear of giving away too much too soon. But before doing so, he did say that the next-gen 6 series will be “super sleek.”
If we take what he said for what it’s worth, it would be hard to bet against BMW coming up with something we’ve never seen before, especially after they pretty much floored a lot of us with what they showed at Frankfurt last month, including the jaw-dropping BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.
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