BMW has unveiled its latest M Motorsport concept, the lightweight, 335 kW, Inca Orange, M3 GTS.

Stripped bare, the M3 Coupe-based racer features a raft of weight-saving measures including plastic rear- and side-windows, lightweight body-contoured front seats and removed rear seats.

The concept, which will spawn a limited production run of street-ready vehicles, weighs in at about 1 490 kg’s – a whopping 190 kg less than the Coupe’s curb weight of 1 680 kg.

Air conditioning has also succumbed to the diet regime, as have the navigation and radio units.

The M3 GTS’s drive train, however, is where much of the fun begins, with a purpose-built, 335 kW 4.4-litre V8, up from the base coupe’s 309 kW 4.0-litre unit. The sole transmission available will be a specially adapted seven-speed M dual clutch system borrowed from the standard M3.

The distinctive Inka Orange paintwork is a homage to early BMW race cars, including the 1973 3.0 CSL seen here.

Track ready, the M3 GTS concept includes a six-point seatbelt and roll-cage mounts. Exclusive 19-inch wheels with 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear, house a fixed calliper brake system with six pistons the front and four at the rear. An adjustable front splitter and rear wing also reveal its race suitability.

The car’s spiritual predecessor, the highly lauded E46 M3 CSL, hit a Nürburgring lap time of 7:50. Pundits say the M3 GTS will reach a 7:40 time, putting it on-par with such heavyweights as the Porsche 997 Turbo and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren.

First deliveries of the M3 GTS are due to begin in Germany in May 2010, with a sticker price of €115,000 (about R1.35 million). No news whether the M3 GTS will be coming to South Africa, but if there is sufficient customer interest we’re sure BMW SA would ship a few over. Click to see the teaser video.

 

Adapted from CarAdvice

The Renault Mégane II was launched in South Africa in 2003 and marked a completely fresh start. There was very little resemblance between it and the outgoing Mégane I (Phase 2) at the time – the design of the Mégane II having been inspired by Renault’s Avantime ‘MPV-Coupé’. The Mégane II was voted European Car of the Year for 2003, and achieved a 5-star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, the first small family car to do so.

So, six years on, does Mégane III represent a similar jump as that of Mégane II from Mégane I? After spending some time with both the hatchback and coupé variants we think so, and here’s why.

The most obvious change to the Renault Mégane is that of the styling. Gone are the ‘love it, or hate it’ angular looks of the previous generation, which have now been replaced by a steeply tapering roof-line, slightly longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks and flowing lines from any angle you view the car. Distinguishing the 3-door coupé from the 5-door hatch are the prominent front air scoops and rear haunches, along with a different set of tail-lights and rear ‘diffuser’. The coupé also benefits from a sportier chassis setup with stiffer springs and dampers, as well as a 12 mm lower ride height and a 30 mm lower roll centre compared to the hatchback.

Inside, both Mégane models feature an instrument panel with analogue rev counter alongside a digital speedometer, housed in a soft-touch dashboard that has a quality feel to it. Standard equipment on both the coupé and hatch includes heated electric folding mirrors, one-touch electric windows with anti-pinch control, variable electric power steering, Renault card remote control with remote central locking and factory-fitted immobiliser; automatic dual-zone climate control; Bluetooth connectivity incorporated in the MP3-compatible sound system; cruise control; and rain and light sensors. An integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system comes standard on all but the base models and is operated via a joystick control in the centre console. In addition, the sound system has been given special attention by Arkamys, a French-based company specialising in digital signal processing, who have developed 3D sound qualities for the Mégane’s 140-Watt 8-speaker sound system.

The interior of the Mégane III Hatch offers comfortable and supportive seats, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, plenty of headroom in the front, although limited in the rear for taller passengers, adequate leg room in the rear and enough luggage capacity – 405-litres for the hatch and a class leading 377-litres for the coupé. The fit and finish of the interior and its components is very good and of a high quality. Differentiating the coupé from its larger 5-door sibling are sportier, more supportive front seats and Renault’s ‘Easy Entry’ access to the rear. The theory is that two passengers should be able to travel in the back, however a quick glance your shoulder may leave you thinking the 5-door hatchback would accommodate passengers far more willingly.

Under the hood, buyers have the choice of a 83 kW 1,6-litre petrol, 96 kW 1,9-litre diesel or a 96 kW 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol motor – which will arrive in January 2010. We sampled the 1,6 petrol in the Mégane Coupé and the 1,9 diesel in the Mégane Hatch.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 1,6-litre petrol in the new Mégane Coupé was not what we expected. The 83 kW at 6 000 rpm and 151 N.m of torque at 4 250 rpm produced by the little 1,6 left us wanting more. But it’s no fault of the engine, in fact it’s performance figures are on par with others in its class. The Mégane ticks all the boxes a sporty coupé should – a slick 6-speed gearbox, precise steering, capable handling, firm ride, and even a sporty exhaust note. However, like a French super model, once you get to know her and a chance to look past the make-up and haute couture fashion, you find an ordinary girl who’s great fun to be with, make no mistake, it’s just that she’s not going to whip out the handcuffs or lingerie and give you a thrill. What are we saying? Well, the coupé is a great car but its look and feel elude to above average performance, when actually it’s a bit shy in this department. The 1,4-litre turbocharged engine should remedy this when it arrives as the Mégane Coupé TCe in January 2010. With 96 kW and 190 N.m of torque it should provide the bite to match the bark. And of course, lets not forget the ‘white hot’ Mégane RS, which should arrive in the 2nd quarter of 2010.

Powered by Renault’s updated 1.9 dCi turbodiesel engine, the Mégane Hatch we drove cruised effortlessly thanks to the 300 N.m of torque available from as low as 1 750 rpm. Changes to the diesel motor include a redesigned variable-geometry turbocharger with curved blades for swifter response, as well as new seven-hole injector nozzles for a finer, more efficient fuel spray. The result is a silky smooth turbo’d engine, with no hint of turbo-lag, that we could detect, and which Renault claims, offers fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100km. With a slightly softer ride than the coupé, a refined and torquey diesel, the Mégane makes for a supremely comfortable, not to mention stylish, family hatch.

Safety is synonymous with Renault and as with Mégane II, Renault has once again achieved the highest rating not just in the passenger car segment, but also as the safest vehicle in any category, based on the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Setting new standards in both active and passive safety, New Mégane boasts six airbags (including two twin-chamber thorax/groin airbags), twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, as well as new-generation head restraints. The coupé gains an additional Pelvis Restraint Cushion (PRC) anti-submarining airbag on both front seats. ABS anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist are standard, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option.

Overall, the new Renault Mégane offers a classy alternative to the likes of Corolla, Auris, Focus, Jetta and current Astra, and all while retaining prices not far off the model it replaces.

 

For the second time in 2009, Volkswagen is offering a free downloadable game, starring one of its cars, to iPhone and iPod Touch users. Available from the Apple App store, the new game is called “Scirocco R 24 hour Challenge” and users get to pilot a Scirocco R through a system of bends that are not dissimilar to the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.

Car guidance can be done either through the touch screen or by the tilt sensor. The latter is extremely cool because it lets players gesture as if they are really in the driving seat. Multi-player mode is also available through the Bluetooth connection so friends and friends of friends can race against each other.

Players can also customise their cars and enjoy the genuine engine sound of the Scirocco R. The digital racer takes after the real thing, with pieces like the large air inlets in the front bumper and the chrome tailpipes appearing on screen.

As one of the most powerful road-going VW’s ever built, the 195kW real-life Scirocco R will run from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Adapted from WorldCarFans

A while back we told you about BMW’s plans to sell a limited edition series of their M3 over the next six months. Well, BMW decided to display a Monte Carlo Blue version of the ‘M3 Edition’ at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

As it comes from the factory with its carbon fibre roof, 19-inch wheels and high revving 4,0-litre V8, the BMW M3 coupe is a very desirable machine. The problem the Bavarian automakers are facing, is how to improve upon a good thing. They have solved this dilemma by announcing the production of the M3 Edition.

Available in three non-metallic colors (Alpine White, Black, and Dakar Yellow), as well as Monte Carlo Blue Metallic shown here, the M3 Edition Models have an interior specifically designed to match the exterior paint. A chrome package is included standard to accentuate “the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models.” They use a dark, eloxy-plated chrome for the quad tailpipes, kidney grille, and side gills. Blacked-out 19-inch M-series light alloy rims have also been fitted, or if you prefer, you can get the rims in either silver or a contrasting white.

Inside, BMW uses white material on the center console and door-panel armrests when the vehicle is purchased with either a white or black exterior. Black leather is used on the seats, with white seams.  M-badged trim bars are designed with a checkered flag look.

The M3 Edition has a body that is lowered by 10 millimeters and is powered by the same 4,0-litre V8, producing 309kW and 400Nm of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, with the M-series double-clutch Drivelogic system available as an option.

 

Say hello to the VW Scirocco R, which has just been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. If you thought that the standard Scirocco was just a bit soft, this is the Volkswagen Scirocco for you.

Unlike previous VW R models, the Scirocco is two- not four-wheel drive. It has four, not six cylinders but fear not, there’s plenty to rejoice about. The looks, for example.

The Scirocco is already pretty aggressive but the R’s gaping front intakes – incorporating LED daytime running lights – lowered ride height, new 18-inch rims (19’s are optional) gloss black rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes and tinted rear lights certainly add a bit of muscle.

Then there’s the performance. The 2,0-litre turbocharged engine has been uprated to 195 kW – up from the 147 kW of the standard 2,0-litre TSI. This means it now sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds (6.4 seconds with the DSG gearbox) and its top speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h.

We already knew the standard chassis could handle more power but just to make sure, VW has lowered and stiffened the suspension, added an ‘XDS’ electronic limited slip differential – to help get all the power onto the road – and a set of huge 345 mm brakes to slow it all down again.

The only problem is that it’s going to cost around GBP26 000 when sales start in September and that’s more expensive than the outstandingly vicious Focus RS.

 

Adapted from Sky

At its launch in early 2006, the Volvo C70 broke new ground as the world’s first four seater convertible with a retractable hard top. More than three years on, the new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible is set to break new ground with a refreshed design to give the car a new look, roof up or down. The new C70 retains the three-piece retractable roof, spacious seating for four adults and class-leading convertible safety standards as the outgoing model.

“We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars.

The front of the new C70 takes inspiration from the S60 Concept that was unveiled in early 2009, thereby making the C70 more closely aligned with the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo range.

The refresh extends beyond plastic components as the front wings have been redesigned to give the nose a more distinct wedge-shape. There are new headlamps which now have a more pronounced upward orientation, whilst more detail has been added around the fog lamps and the lower grille.

From the front, the bonnet and grille form an open, inviting “V” shape, whilst the enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intakes reinforce a strong on-the-road stance.

To offer even more road presence a dramatic Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced.

The rear of the car continues the front’s new bold design. High-tech LED lamps, as found on the XC60, are the most noticeable addition to the rear and the entire lamp unit is now clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70’s rear panel.

The interior has also been given a refresh to create a more comfortable and luxury feel. The instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with improved finish. The surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the quality feel.

To further enhance comfort levels, the seats have been upholstered in a new, softer hide offering all occupants a greater level of comfort.

Advanced engine and exhaust filtration means Volvo’s engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The preliminary fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to models with a manual gearbox running in the combined driving cycle.

Diesel engines

• D5:  132 kW / 400 N.m,  6.6 l/100km, 174 g/km
• 2.0D:  100 kW / 320 Nm, 5.9 l/100km, 158 g/km

Petrol engines

• T5:  169 kW / 320 Nm, 8.9 l/100km, 209 g/km
• 2.4i:  125 kW / 230 Nm, 8.9 l/100km, 215 g/km

The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a coupe into an open convertible in just 30 seconds. At the press of a button, the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.

It has also been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market with regard to both preventative and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique to convertible cars and the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements.

The Volvo C70 features sturdy metal roll bars that extend up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over. These bars, which are part of Volvo’s Rollover Protection System – ROPS – are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a glass rear window, the bars force through the glass if the roof is in place and so have been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee protection.

One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the doors as there is no roof rail to fit it to. The curtain has an extra-stiff design so the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head effectively even if the window is open. The curtain also deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to protect both the chest and hips. The IC interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to offer the best possible protection for front seat occupants in the event of an accident. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

Adapted from TestDriven

The new Audi S5 Cabriolet, powered by a highly efficient new six-cylinder supercharged FSI engine, becomes available to order in the UK this month.

The latest flagship in the Audi A5 range is powered by Audi’s all-new supercharged six-cylinder engine that delivers sports car pace with a high efficiency. Working exclusively in conjunction with the equally economy-focused 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission, the new unit pares CO2 output back to 224 g/km and boosts economy to up to 8.08 l/100 km, yet also powers the S5 Cabriolet to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and on to a governed 250 km/h top speed.

In common with every other S quattro Series model, the outstanding performance is achieved with the help of quattro four-wheel-drive, in this instance in the form of the latest generation asymmetric system with 40/60 rear-biased torque split. The benefits of this configuration are more apparent if the optional sport differential is specified as part of the Audi adaptive dynamics system. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, the differential redirects power in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the car through the corner. The driver benefits from reduced steering effort and a feeling of even greater adjustability and control.

Specially tailored ‘S’ sports suspension gives the quattro system, and sport differential, optimum conditions in which to shine, and lowers the S5 Cabriolet body to within millimetres of its 19-inch 5 parallel spoke alloy wheels. Aluminium-look door mirrors, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear LED lamps, special ‘S’ front and rear styling treatments and black painted brake callipers bearing the S5 logo, will also be distinguishing features.

The Audi A5 cabriolet will of course also feature the most sophisticated version of the lightweight soft-top, which, with additional insulating layers, reduces external noise intrusion into the cabin to virtually the same level as the hardtop coupe. On occasions when it isn’t required, the soft-top retracts in just 15 seconds into a compartment within the boot that automatically lowers to accommodate it. It also raises again in only 17 seconds, and can complete both operations at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Roof up or down, the Audi S5 cabriolet makes light work of transporting up to four adults in comfort, and when the soft top is in place, a best-in-class luggage capacity of 380-litres also enables easy accommodation of luggage for four. In topless mode the roof stowage compartment only marginally reduces this impressive total to 320-litres. Thanks to the standard split/folding rear seat, a maximum capacity of 750-litres can be accessed if required.

Adapted from InAutoNews

Audi has launched, what it says is, the first series-production sports car in the world to be powered by a diesel engine.

The company says pure sportiness and compelling performance, combined with sensational efficiency is the best description of its newest TT model.

Audi says the all-new Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro further cements its reputation for leading performance with TDI technology and clearly expressing the company’s desire to promote Progressive Performance – that is, performance combined with strong efficiency for guilt-free motoring.

The first premium brand to introduce a TDI engine into every major model line, Audi has now extended its diesel range into sports cars with a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine that delivers power of 125 kW and 350 N.m of torque.

On average, the TDI in the TT Coupe requires only 5.3-litres of fuel per 100 km, unbeatably low consumption in the sports car segment.

The TT Coupe quattro 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226km/h.

The TT’s low weight is a key factor in this impressive performance, tipping the scales at just 1370 kilograms and using the hybrid design pioneered by Audi.

Its forward structure is made from lightweight aluminium and the rear section is comprised of steel, to optimise weight distribution.

The power transmission for the TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro is also high-tech. An ultra-efficient, precise and easy-to-shift six-speed manual transmission delivers the engine’s torque to the all-wheel drive, itself featuring a hydraulic multi-plate clutch as its nerve centre.

The clutch can redirect power as needed from the front to the rear wheels with lightning speed.

The chassis, with electromechanical power steering and elaborate four-link rear suspension, is a highly complex structure and guarantees a comfortable ride and surefooted handling.

Adapted from CarAdvice

Audi will be releasing a host of models in coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5 Coupe.

Earlier this week, Audi released the first details for the new A5 Sportback, which is set to go on sale in Europe following a debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing in Europe will start at €33 650 for the base 2,0-litre TDI model, however Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive in the middle of next year.

Described as offering the practicality of an Avant wagon with the elegant styling of a coupe, the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile. This coupe-like silhouette is the result of a roof section with a long, tapering roofline that is 36 mm lower than the A4 Sedan and of the short overhangs at the front and rear as well as the long wheelbase of 2 810 mm.

Inside, there’s 980-litres of storage available with the rear seats are folded and generous space for four adults.

Initially the A5 Sportback will be available with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. The two petrol versions, the 2.0 TFSI quattro with an output of 155 kW and 350 N.m of torque and the 3,2-litre V6 quattro generating 195 kW are both equipped with the Audi valvelift system. This feature can produce more power and higher torque as well as lower fuel consumption.

The following engines are also available right from the start: the 2,0-litre TDI with 125 kW and 350 N.m of torque, a 6-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, the 2,7-litre TDI with 140 kW and 400 N.m of torque, and the 3,0-litre V6 TDI with 170 kW plus an enormous 500 N.m of maximum torque and quattro all-wheel drive.

To ensure optimal handling performance the A5 Sportback comes with a newly developed electronic stability program with an electronic differential lock on the front axle. The car also comes with the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which allows the driver to choose between three different modes which influences the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic or multitronic transmissions, and supports the servotronic steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available.

Expect more details to be released closer to the car’s unveiling in September.

 

Adapted from MotorAuthority

Nissan is set to challenge the 370Z’s toughest rival for the British market by introducing a new special edition ‘Yellow’ model.

Easily recognisable by the Porsche-like livery on either side, the 370Z Yellow features some extra, subtle, design cues, apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker’s European GT4 series racers.

As its name suggests, the special edition model is available exclusively in the Ultimate Yellow exterior finish with 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels and the special livery completing the look.

Already a worthy adversary to Porsche in the performance stakes, it is inside where this version of the 370Z plays catch-up with integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated entry plates, special mats and a BOSE audio with eight speakers and a six-CD audio unit.

The upholstery is a mix of black leather and suede, with additional equipment such as heated seats, cruise control, speed limiter and all other features from the 370Z GT Pack as standard.

The 370Z Yellow remains unchanged under the bonnet with Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 engine developing 243 kW and peak torque of 366 N.m.

The 370Z Yellow sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h when mated with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

 

Adapted from CarAdvice