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Report: BMW Developing Hybrid Hydrogen Technology for MINI, Future Front-Drive BMWs
BMW is developing a complex powertrain that blends fuel cell and hybrid technology, allowing a car be carbon neutral in urban traffic. The system works by having a conventional gasoline engine powering the front wheels, while a small fuel cell sends power via capacitors in the transmission tunnel to an electric motor positioned at the rear axle….
Maybach Not-Quite Dead, “New” Models Debut in Beijing
If you’re like us, you probably forgot all about Maybach when you saw the new interior of the Audi A8L, set to debut at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show. Apparently the folks at Maybach were equally impressed and have decided to “refresh” their current lineup for next year. You’d think that “refresh” would mean the…
Porsche Panamera Turbo Taxi. Can a ‘Ring Version be Far Off?
As German magazine Autobild reported, a Porsche Panamera Turbo taxi has been providing high-speed transit in Stuttgart and they’ve got the video evidence to prove it. Check it out after the jump. The question this raises is, how much longer before an all-out taxi war heats up in Germany at the ultimate public toll road,…
Hamann Z4 Adds Looks, Power, Same Old Wheels
Founded in 1986 by Richard Hamann, Hamann Motorsport has been personalizing and customizing a plethora of European makes including Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mini, Ferrari, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Porsche and Lamborghini ever since. Even though they have a collection of goods for all these various makes, Hamann is best-known for…
Report: BMW Confirms Megacity Electric Car Will Launch in 2013
The Ultimate Driving Machine is set to introduce the ultimate commuter vehicle, as BMW announced Wednesday that its new Megacity electric car will launch in 2013. BMW’s Megacity is set to be a revolutionary design, featuring a carbon monocoque chassis (similar to the McLaren F1 supercar), a rear-engine layout and aerodynamic exterior styling with carbon…
2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Revealed Ahead of Beijing Auto Show Debut
Volkswagen has just revealed its new 2011 Phaeton flagship model ahead of the car’s scheduled debut at this year’s Beijing Auto Show. The car will be offered as either a standard wheelbase or extended wheelbase (a popular option in China). All-wheel drive and an air suspension will be standard and customers will have the choice…
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Gets 805-HP Courtesy Of Renntech [With Video]
The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is one of the wildest rides on the market, but for those who want a little extra, Renntech has just the ticket. With an upgraded ECU, intercooler and muffler system, power jumps from a stock output of 670 horsepower to 801 horsepower. Even more impressive is the 1000 ft-lbs…
2011 BMW 528i Priced from $45,425
After debuting the 550i and 535i earlier this year, BMW has now released a more budget-conscious 528i model, starting at $45,425 – including the $875 shipping fee. For the record that’s $1,400 less than last year’s 528i and along with an entirely new chassis and body, the new 528i gets one other major improvement –…
Audi TTS To Climb Pikes Peak – Without A Driver
In a bid to convince drivers of the safety of vehicle electronics, Audi is planning to send a TTS up the legendary Pikes Peak hillclimb without a driver on board. “Sometime soon — maybe even as soon as the fourth quarter of this year — an Audi TTS is going to make the climb up…
TechArt Releases Porsche Panamera Black Edition
Just when we thought the matte black fad (or style) was starting to fade, TechArt introduces the Porsche Panamera Black Edition to the world. Porsche’s entry to the luxury sedan market has been well received so far, combining Porsche performance with traditional comforts that drivers and passengers are used to seeing in say, a Mercedes-Benz…
Extended Wheelbase BMW 5 Series to Debut at Beijing Auto Show
While the trend for luxury cars in Europe and North America seems to be heading towards smaller vehicles, that’s not the case in China. The Chinese think that bigger is better and the Germans certainly aren’t going to argue with them. Case in point: the scheduled debut of the extended wheelbase BMW 5 Series at…
Spied: Facelifted Porsche GT2 Caught Lapping the Nürburgring
Porsche’s facelifted GT2 model has been busted lapping Germany’s famed Nürburgring without any camo to speak of. That’s not surprising as the GT2’s updates are more performance focused than aesthetic. Set to launch in 2012, the mid-cycle update will include some important changes to the brand’s top performer. Power output is likely to get a…
Report: BMW May Suspend SUV Production in South Carolina After Icelandic Volcano Delays Parts
More bad news from the “Icelandic Volcano” front. In addition to thousands of travelers stranded while trying to fly into or out of Europe (including this author’s parents, stuck in Paris), The Associated Press reports that BMW may have to shut down production of its Spartanburg, SC facility, which produces the X5 and X6. According…
Mercedes Shooting Break Concept Car Unveiled Ahead of Beijing Auto Show Debut
Ahead of its debut at the Beijing Auto Show, Mercedes has just unveiled its new Shooting Break Concept – which by all accounts is a near-production vehicle. In many ways this is the CLS equivalent of the E-Class wagon although its not quite as innovative as this new wagon-meets-hatchback design is already being popularized by…
Volkswagen Announces Amarok Pricing, Makes U.S. Pickups Look Cheap
But the price of entry for all this? 37,169 Euros (equivalent to $50,050) for the Highline. As compact/midsize trucks go, that’s some serious coin.
Beat Driver Audi A1 iPhone App Lets You Drive Through a Musical World
In the interest of fairness, we do think it’s incredibly difficult to market a new car. After all, how are you supposed to get attention from prospective buyers — especially when your latest city car is geared toward the youngest demographic possible? Audi is trying to coax a few more eyeballs onto their A1 city…
Vorsteiner GTRS3 Widebody M3 Unveiled [with Video]
The carbon fiber experts at Vorsteiner have out-done themselves, with their latest creation the widebody GTRS3 M3. Designed for the E92 M3, the kit includes a new carbon fiber bumper with a removable splitter, as well as carbon fiber front and rear fenders, side skirts and a new carbon rear bumper with a racing-style diffuser….
Audi Releases Massive New Gallery of RS5 Photos, so Get Your Drooling Bib On
Audi has just unleashed a massive new gallery of photos showing the new RS5 in all its stunning glory – and in several different colors. Taking the already steamy A5/S5 design to an all new level we think you’ll agree that absolutely every one of these pics is worth a look. And soon you’ll be…
Autonomous Cars Take a Step Further With Volkswagen Passat that Parks Itself
Yes, the above video features a car parking itself. “What’s the big deal,” you ask, seeing as certain Lexus models can already park themselves? This Passat is different. The car has been modified by the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory at Stanford University to valet park itself. The system uses a night vision camera, cruise control…
Natural Gas Powered Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 CNG Race Cars to Compete at Nurburgring 24 Hour
Every time we set our eyes on the new VW Scirocco (like at the Nitto Tires booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon), we were jealous to say the least that North America will never get this beauty. This decision was made in 2008 by Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen’s CEO, stating that the Scirocco would negatively affect…
2011 Audi A8 L Gets Ridiculous Luxury, 500-HP 6.3-Liter W12 Engine
With the A8 L making up the vast majority of A8 sales in the U.S., it’s not surprising that Audi went to tremendous lengths in designing the new extended wheelbase model. With the standard A8 for 2011 being a good deal sportier, the more luxurious A8 L is in a whole new realm of luxury….
Tour Munich in Chauffer-Driven Classic BMW Museum Car
It sounds too good to be true…but it isn’t. As part of a new PR campaign for BMW faithful in the Munich area, you can book a tour of the historical city in one of the company’s museum cars. Sure, they’re chauffeur-driven. But you’ve got the choice of various 1930s BMWs, including 326 and 335…
BMW 5 Series GT to Get xDrive All-Wheel Drive Option
BMW has announced it will expand the current 5 Series Gran Turismo lineup by offering the new luxury hatchback with its xDrive all-wheel drive system. All current models offered will be available with xDrive, including the 535i and 550i offered in North America, as well as Euro-spec models like the 530d and 535d. No pricing…
Mercedes E63 AMG Promo Video Showcases the Super Sedan’s Driftability
Many months after the debut of the E63 AMG, Mercedes has released a new promo video of the super sedan and it’s not the sort of scenic driving B-roll we expected. Instead, the whole video is shot on a race track, in the wet and those rear tires almost never have any traction. Any why…
