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BMW

A closer look at the 1 Series M Coupé

BMW 1 Series M Coupe soyshot

BMW were kind enough to give us an official tease of the 1 Series M Coupé on Friday. However, aside from the name, they’ve not given much else away, especially in the case of the car’s specification or equipment. That means we need to take a closer look at the pics available and start the guessing game.

Above you can see an interior shot of the car (or one of the cars) used in Friday’s tease. Keep in mind this is clearly a prototype and details are likely to change. The first things you can see are the steering wheel and front seats from the M3. On the dash are two-tone dials which might not make final production, but you can just make out an indicated redline of 7000rpm. Does that really tell us anything? Probably not, but it does match the current redline of the 135i.

Which brings us to the engine that will power the 1M. At initial launch the 135i was powered by the N54 twin-turbo 3-litre six, producing claimed figures of 225kW (300bhp) and 400Nm. It has since been replaced by the N55 single turbo 3-litre six, with twin scroll technology. Rated power and torque figures remained unchanged from the N54.

There seems to be some debate as to which engine the 1M will feature. For what its worth, the US spec 335is uses a tweaked N54 producing 243kW (320bhp)/502Nm. German publication Autobild is estimating the power of the 1M will be 340PS (250kW). Hmm, sounds suspiciously like the engine specs of the Z4 sDrive35is. Would BMW really adorn the M badge to an engine already found in a non-M model?

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BMW

25 years of the BMW M3

BMW E30 M3

It doesn’t matter what criteria you judge it against, the BMW M3 is a genuine motoring icon. The M3 nameplate is about to turn 25. Four generations on the reputation carved by the original E30 M3 has been upheld at every step.

AUSmotive will be adding a large image gallery soon. In the meantime you can download BMW’s full press release and engine specs for every car to wear an M3 badge over the last 25 years. You might also enjoy reading over our previous Past Master article on the E30 M3, which includes images of an early M3 sales brochure from the United States.

UPDATE: Dr Kay Segler, AUSmotive’s new best friend has been busy announcing the 1 Series M Coupé, but he has also said a few things about the M3. You can read those words at the end of this article.

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Green Machines Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

Mercedes-Benz, or more specifically, AMG is the latest manufacturer to throw its hat into the mean green hypercar segment. The SLS AMG E-Cell is powered by four electric motors offering a total power output of 392kW, with maximum torque of 880Nm. It can accelerate to 100km/h in four seconds flat; just 0.2 seconds slower than the conventionally powered SLS AMG. The E-Cell does this without emitting any CO2 emissions, of course.

In order to achieve optimum weight distribution the four motors are placed low on the chassis, as near as possible to the four wheels. This gives the car a low centre of gravity; by not placing the motors in the wheels unsprung weight is also minimised. Four engines mean all-wheel drive, too, further enhancing traction. Pretty important when pretty much all 880Nm of torque is available from standstill.

With so many new and non-traditional components under the skin the front suspension had to be completely rethought compared to the petrol powered SLS. As a result an independent multilink suspension was designed featuring horizontal dampers. It’s a bit similar to the set ups you see on open wheel racecars.

The E-Cell has a few minor external differences as well. And not just the bright “AMG lumilectric magno” paint. The front end now has a moveable front splitter which lowers itself by 7cm at speeds over 120km/h. Similarly the rear spoiler alters its position as speed increases. The lack of an exhaust system has enabled a rear diffuser to be designed with fewer compromises resulting in improved downforce.

Also seen on the outside is a new, more efficient, all LED-lighting system. Lightweight 10-spoke alloys are fitted; 19” at the front and 20” at the rear.

Inside, the centre console and instrument displays have been completely redesigned. The key feature is a 25cm touchscreen in the centre console that can be easily operated by the driver and passenger.

At this stage the E-Cell is little more than a concept car, which might explain why vital information like the time to re-charge the batteries and expected distance that can be travelled has not been mentioned. However, the official blurb below does state the E-Cell “offers the prospect of a possible small series production run”.

There’s lots more after the break, including a detailed press release explaining more about the E-Cell’s inner gadgets.

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McLaren Motor Shows

McLaren MP4-12C at the 2010 Goodwood FoS

McLaren MP4-12C

The official public reveal of the new McLaren MP4-12C supercar took place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. In fact, it was the first car to make the run up the hill this year, informally opening the show, as it were.

McLaren have released a short video of the weekend’s activities and the sound of the 3.8 litre V8 is rather tasty. From the footage shown Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton weren’t exactly hanging about, either.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director, reckons Goodwood was the ideal place to debut the company’s newest road car, “The visitors to our stand were the perfect blend of car enthusiasts and potential customers; I’m delighted that we chose Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil the 12C to the public. Two British Formula 1 World Champions were behind the wheel of the car as we led the field up the hill. A major landmark, delivered to McLaren’s high standards.”

More after the break.

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Aston Martin

2010 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is one of the world’s best looking sports tourers. That’s probably why Aston’s engineer’s left well enough alone when designing this 2010 model update; “the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003″, says the press guff . Yeah, I know, it looks just like the old one.

However, Aston Martin maintain they have changed the front bumper and grille. They’re also adamant they have revamped the lighting graphics, both front and rear. A splash of silver paint on the brake calipers and some blinging 20” alloys pretty much complete the changes on the outside. Or, so they say.

Beneath that gorgeous exterior Aston have fiddled with the suspension and, really, based on the press release below not done much else of any note.

Never mind that, just enjoy the pics below. Any excuse to check out Aston Martin eye candy is one worth taking.

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Volkswagen

New Volkswagen Jetta images revealed

New Volkswagen Jetta

Images of the new Volkswagen Jetta have appeared on the Auto Express website ahead of the official launch. Previous versions of the Jetta (also known as the Bora during the late 90s-early 2000s) have been Golfs with a boot somewhat crudely stuck on the back. This new model, though, as you can see, has been given a bit more loving from the Volkswagen design department.

The Jetta has been heavily inspired by the New Compact Coupé, which is a good thing, because that show car revealed in Detroit earlier this year is a fine looking motor car. Overall, the length of the new design has increased by 90mm which affords greater interior room, but also allows the exterior design to be a more cohesive result.

Economical engine choices are the order of the day, at initial launch anyway. A frugal 1.2 litre petrol engine kicks off the range and is joined by two more petrol units, as well as two diesel engines.

With any luck the chums down at Volkswagen R GmbH might have a bit of a fiddle about the Volkswagen Group parts bin. I think most readers here have the required imagination to start thinking Haldex IV all-wheel drive, coupled with over 250 of Volkswagen finest horsepowers.

Official details of the Jetta will be posted as they come to hand.

[Source: Auto Express]

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTD image gallery

VW Golf GTD

Like the all-paw Golf R the Golf GTD is about to be set free in Australian showrooms (they’ve been here since early May). To help those who are waiting on the “diesel GTI” here’s some pics sourced from the Volkswagen UK press archives. Some details seen in these pics might differ from GTDs sold locally. There are currently no plans to sell a three door version of the GTD in Australia. Apart from that, this is pretty much what we’ll be getting in Australia.

Remember, with the GTD being such a new kid on the block, it is not covered by Volkswagen’s current free on roads promotion which expires at the end of this month. (Thanks to Ben for this tip.)

As for tips, here’s one for our Tasmanian readers. Expect to see a few Golf Rs and GTDs roaming the roads of your state in the next day or two.

UPDATE 9 June: Unconfirmed Australian list pricing for the GTD has surfaced this morning:

6spd manual – $39,290
6spd DSG – $41,790
(5 door only, plus delivery fees and on road costs)

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Citroen

VIDEO: Citroën C4 MkII

Citroen C4 MkII

Following the first look at the new C4 MkII this morning, Citroën have released this video of the C4 which shows the car from a variety of angles. What do you think? Do you reckon The European would actually buy this one.

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Citroen

First look at the 2011 Citroën C4

Citroen C4

Citroën have revealed these first images of the new C4 MkII. The new model is set for a full reveal at the Paris Motor Show in September. Australian buyers will be able to get their first taste of the new C4 around this time next year.

They’ve rounded off the edges of the old C4 and come up with quite a smart looking car. Based on these pics anyway. The interior, too, has a quality look about it. Let’s not mention the wheels, though. They have a certain a la Tempe about them.

Okay, overall maybe the look of the C4 is a bit on the safe side. On paper, at least, it works and presents a credible option to buyers that can sit alongside the class leaders. We’ll be better placed to judge after the Paris Motor Show.

More after the break.

UPDATE: More new pics have been added below.

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Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche have now released official information confirming details of the 911 GT2 RS. This morning’s information appears to have been mostly accurate. The GT2 RS will indeed be limited to 500 examples worldwide.

What can now be revealed is some pricing information—the European base price is €199,500. Although, with taxes and so on the German retail price ends up at €237,758. The car will go on sale in Europe this September, after making its public debut in Moscow on 25 August, as expected. UK customer will also be able to buy a GT2 RS in September, in exchange for £164,107. Those in the US will be able to get their hands on the GT2 RS from October. No word just yet on Australian timing, but some of the 500 will be finding a home down under.

For your money you’ll get a 620bhp 3.6 litre twin turbo flat six. The GT2 RS tips the scales at 1370kg and that helps provide some pretty handy performance. The 100km/h sprint is despatched in 3.5 seconds, 200km/h can be reached in 9.8 seconds, and, if you dare, 300km/h will be all yours in just 28.9 seconds. V max is 330km/h.

Carbon-fibre-reinforced bodywork has been used to help reduce weight by 70kg over the previous GT2 (not 90kg as first thought). As you can see from the pics much of this bodywork has been left exposed with a matt black look.

Full details and more pics after the jump.

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide image gallery

Aston Martin Rapide

Deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide have just begun. It’s a big few days for the Rapide, which makes a debut of another kind at next weekend’s Nürburgring 24 hour race. To celebrate these events AUSmotive presents a massive image gallery showcasing the Rapide in four colours; Magma Red, Hardly Green, Quantum Silver and Silver Blonde.

There’s over 70 images in all, so keep a note of this URL for future reference. As is usual with AUSmotive image galleries all pics can be accessed in 2000px super image sizing by simply clicking on each photo.

Some other numbers to keep in mind while looking over the pics—12, 350, 600 and 366,280. That’s the number of cylinders in the 6.0 litre engine, its peak power in kilowatts, the peak torque in Newton metres and the last number is the pre-delivery list pricing of the Rapide in Australian dollars.

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Volkswagen

New Volkswagen Polo – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Polo

The new Volkswagen Polo—current European and World Car of the Year—has just been released to the Australian market. List pricing starts at $16,690 for the entry level Trendline, fitted with a 63kW 1.4 litre engine. Sitting in the middle of the range is the 77TSI Comfortline featuring a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine producing 77kW. Its list pricing begins at $19,850. Topping the current Australian range is the 66TDI Comfortline model, which starts at $22,350. The Comfortline models are available with a five-door body only, while the Trendline is a three-door only.

Larger and and safer than the previous model the new Polo can be bought with either manual or 7-speed DSG transmissions. The manual is a 6-speed on the 77TSI, while the Trendline and 66TDI come with a 5-speed manual. Those wishing to go for the excellent DSG box will need to add a further $2500 to the list pricing given above.

All models are fitted with ESP technology and the Polo has been awarded a five-star crash rating under the new tougher EuroNCAP testing regime. This rating has been honoured by the Australian authority, ANCAP, as well.

Overall the new Polo represents a forward step over the model it replaces. This is immediately noticeable with the Polo’s interior, which now has a quality feel more comparable with its larger Golf sibling.

I suspect a lot of readers will have their eye on the new Polo GTI and its 132kW twin-charged 1.4-litre engine. With a confirmed kerb weight below 1200kg this should be one feisty pocket rocket indeed. Volkswagen Australia have confirmed the Polo GTI will be on sale before the end of 2010.

A full list of specifications and pricing for the current Polo range is available below, along with a few extra goodies.

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