http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1265
BMW will be introducing a new set of mods for the BMW X6 at the Geneva Motor Show. The upgrades from the BMW Performance division will be retrofittable and available for new purchases.
Modifications are available for the aerodynamics, powertrain, suspension, and the cabin. These items can all be purchased individually.
The aerodynamics accesories available include new front and rear bumpers, and sidesills all in body color. Also available is a front grid, rear fins, and rear spoiler. BMW is also offering 21-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels.
From June, X6 owners can also purchase a set of performance upgrades for vehicles with either the petrol straight-six or V8 engines. Output on the V8 is boosted by 30 kW to 330 kW, while torque is increased by 50 Nm to 650 Nm. Meanwhile, the six-cylinder gets an increase of 15 kW and 50 Nm to 240 kW / 450 Nm. 0-100 km/h is improved for both the xDrive50i and xDrive35i by 0.2 seconds.
Other options available will include a sport exhaust with chrome-plated tailpipes, flat-bottomed steering wheel in Alcantara, and aluminum pedals.
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2011 VW CrossPolo Revealed
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1266
Based on the Polo five-door hatch range, the CrossPolo name seems to have gained a good following from the previous-generation model.
The new car stands even taller than before and features a number of pieces designed to give it a rugged look. The contrasting anthracite-coloured front bumper with integrated fog lights, the large air intake in the middle, an upper chrome grille, black skirts and plastic casings are some of the items. A five-spoke design is specified for the 17-inch wheels which wear 214/40 tyres. Customers will be able to choose from six exterior paint colours which probably all look lovely in combination with the silver side mirrors and silver anodized roof railing.
The interior is to be sold in four different fabric trim choices and a list of goodies to please both girls and guys. Included in that are things like leather-covered steering wheel, aluminium pedals, electric windows all round and lit makeup mirrors in the sun visors.
Volkswagen will supply the CrossPolo with a total of six engine derivatives including a 1.2 TSI with 77kW and a 1.4-litre making 63kW. Diesel fans will get to enjoy the 1.6 TDI in several power configurations such as 66kW and 77kW. The former can also be had with a DSG transmission.
Sales start at the end of May in Germany. Thereafter the rest of Europe will get it, followed by countries like Japan and South Africa.
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Citroen DS3 Racing Limited Edition
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The Citroen DS3 Racing is a suped up version of the company's luxe supermini.
The car's pricing was not revealed.
As such, the car's output has been bumped up by 30% to 147 kW using the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP engine. Torque is improved by 15% to 275 Nm. These changes were achieved by remapping the engine control unit, adjusting the turbo, and adjusting powertrain components.
Meanwhile, stiffer suspension springs and new shock absorbers are also installed. The car has been lowered by 15mm, while both the front and rear track were widened by 30mm. Along with the new tires wrapped around the 18-inch wheels, the changes "all dramatically change the driving dynamics," according to a press release.
To handle the extra power, the company installed four-piston caliper brakes up front and ventillated discs in back. Carbon-fiber touches are used on the new air diffuser, front bumper, lower body, and wing extensions. Chrome is also used at certain points, like the door handles and exhaust, with orange tint on the calipers, grille, roof, side mirror caps, and wheels.
Inside, designers added carbon trim and orange inserts. Purposeful sport seats were also installed.
At 3.94-meters long, the grey and orange car will be shown in Geneva with checkered flaq and DS3 Racing graphics. Only 1000 units of the Citroen DS3 Racing will be produced. The car will be released in the second half of 2010.
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Toyota president to appear before Congress
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The President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation will address the American public regarding his company's most publicised crisis in recent years. The 53 year-old Akio Toyoda came into his current position during mid-2009. He has been invited by Congressman Ed Towns, D-N.Y, to testify at a congressional committee next week.
"I have received Congressman Towns' invitation to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 24 and I accept," Toyoda said in an e-mail statement. "I look forward to speaking directly with Congress and the American people."
Toyoda's response is in contrast to his earlier statements that Toyota North America chief Yoshimi Inaba and his staff would handle any US hearings. He indicated that he would support them from behind the scenes. He was quoted as saying: "I trust that our officials in the U.S. will amply answer the questions. We are sending the best people to the hearing, and I hope to back up the efforts from headquarters...We are not covering up anything, and we are not running away from anything."
The about-turn is welcome and should boost both investor and public confidence which have been waning since the recall problems concerning sticky accelerator pedals and Prius brakes first came to light.
"Now that I have received an official request from the chairman [Towns]," said Toyoda, "I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity. I'd like to cooperate fully and try to explain our situation. The No. 1 thing in my mind is regaining the trust of our customers in terms of the safety of our vehicles."
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VÄTH E 500 Coupe V50S Tuning Program
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1269
German tuners Väth Automobiltechnik have released their set of upgrades for the Mercedes-Benz E 500. Dubbed V50S, the coupe gets a boost of 35 kW along with other performance and aero changes.
The tuned machine now generates 320 kW and up to 575 Nm of torque, to provide a top speed of about 280 km/h. Aside from computer optimization, the increase was achieved with a new sport air filter and exhaust.
You also can opt for 20-inch three-piece Smiths wheels, with adjustable suspension and shocks. Six-piston brake calipers, 378mm brake discs, Castrol SRF brake fluid with new lines.
You can fully modify the car's look with a new front fascia, decklid spoiler, and rear diffuser made from carbon fiber. The company also offers a few other options as well.
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Audi RS5 - Pictures Leaked
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Ever since the Audi A5 mid-size executive coupe was born 3 years ago, reports of a high-performance RS variant have been teasing us. Finally, the wait is over.
Good thing we checked our inbox today because we received an anonymous email containing 18 full-resolution photos of the Audi RS 5. Simultaneously, we also received a tip from Australian Motoring blog Ausmotive.com which just posted the same photos which are sourced from a leaked brochure. Either way, go put your bib on, because the drooling starts now.
No details about the powertrain or performance specs are revealed in the brochure. However, it does mention three types of seating and four wheel design choices. Audi's 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission is the only choice - no mention of 6-speed manual. Also, no flat-bottom steering wheel is shown.
Speculation over which powerplant will drive the RS 5 has ranged from a massaged 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the S4, 4.2-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 in the RS 6 to the range topping 5.2-liter V10 from the R8. Horsepower has been logically guestimated between 331 kW and 405 kW, essentially where the RS 4 leaves off with 309 kW and ending with the RS 6 and its 426 kW.
The RS 5 will undoubtedly debut at the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks. According to previous reports, the RS5 hits the streets soon after in July.
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