BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S.

2009 BMW 3-Series

While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel four-cylinder versions of the 3-Series, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a six-cylinder powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at BMW are now planning to add a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup.

The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167 horsepower gasoline four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The engines planned for the U.S. will feature turbocharging technology, however.

The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell, who revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show that the introduction of the powerplants, equipped with the automaker's next-generation twin turbochargers, “is the goal and we will do it.” The car will be available for sale in spring of 2012.

If successful, BMW intends on adding four-cylinder engines to its X1 and X3 crossovers in the U.S. as well.

O'Donnell explained that the move is part of the company’s goal to meet tough new fuel economy standards coming into the U.S. between now and 2016. In line with the new standards, automakers will have to boost the fuel economy of their fleets by 5% every year before a national standard of 35.5 mpg takes effect in 2016.

Rival Mercedes-Benz has already decided to bring four-cylinder cars, including its new diesels, to the U.S. and Canada in 2010, proving even luxury and premium brands aren't entirely immune from the more mundane considerations of efficiency.

Source: Motorauthority

Read more »

Frankfurt 2009: Wiesmann MF5 Roadster

Wiesmann MF5 Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog, we loves us some Wiesmann. The voluptuous, retro-styled German roadsters and coupes win us over with their classic proportions and their BMW powertrains – and color palate aside, this new MF5 looks to be just what the doctor ordered.

Brandishing a full 507 horsepower (evocative number for a roadster with a Bimmer heart, don't you think?) from its 5.0-liter V10, the MF5 reportedly clips 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and will tickle your follicles to the tune of 192 mph.

Wiesmann says they'll make just 55 examples, so chances are this will be the only enamel white example with screaming red trim and a bloodbath of an interior. We're fine with that. Wiessman, we still love thee, but at 189,500 Euros ($278,000+ USD), we'll take a subtler color combo. Check out our high-res live shots below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Wiesmann MF5 Roadster


Source: Autoblog

Read more »

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Porsche 911 Sport Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 SC


Source: Autoblog

Read more »

Audi 4.2-liter V8 could continue in S5 through 2011 and beyond

2009 Audi S5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

With the introduction of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the all-new S5 Cabrio, S4 and A6, it was assumed Audi would be dropping the FSI 4.2-liter V8 as an option on its hotter sedans and coupes. However, Audi is actively considering keeping the FSI V8 into the 2011 model year and possibly beyond.

According to our sources inside Audi, the reason for the decision is the 4.2-liter's continued popularity, both with enthusiasts and everyday consumers who enjoy its output and entertaining audio. If Audi decides to keep the V8 around, expect it to be used primarily in the S5 coupe, with the S5 cabrio using the all-new supercharged six.

Read more »

Sportec chips the Audi TT RS to 400 horsepower

Audi TT RS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The jury's still out as to whether Audi's TT RS will ever make across the Atlantic. But for those on the other side – or for if/when it comes here – Swiss tuning firm Sportec has launched an ECU upgrade for the Four Ring's top-notch turbo terror.

A simple remap of the engine management chip has got the stock turbo five's output up from 335-bhp and 328 lb-ft of torque to 400-bhp and 401 lb-ft. The extra tug and twist is said to be enough to drop the TT RS' sprint to 60 mph down from 4.6 seconds in stock form to an R8-rivaling 4.2 seconds – while simultaneously removing the 155 mph speed limiter.

Additional mods are in the works from Sportec, but for our part, we'd just be happy to get the stock TT RS on American shores – then we can worry about chipping it all to hell. Details in the press release and output graph after the jump.

Read more »

Audi R8: The Ultimate Driving Machine?

Oligarchical Russian BMW R8 - click above image for high-res gallery

In the pantheon of automotive wrongs, the Slavic hoser behind this "BMW R8" spotted in Moscow is a god. Hang around this car blogging business long enough and you see a lot of terrible things at SEMA. But this thing is almost cake-taking. Some of y'all might remember the Bentley badged up as Hyundai from a couple years back -- but that was at least funny. This Audi/BMW is just... weird. For instance, if the guy's being serious, like, why not just buy an M6? They basically cost the exact the same amount. And also, isn't the Audi R8 somewhat more desirable? We're really at a loss as too why anyone would do this. Your thoughts? And a very special thanks to Justin for bringing this... thing to our attention. Shudder.

Read more »

Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7

2010 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's 2010 Q7 rolls into showrooms with a base MSRP of $46,900 (all prices exclude the $825 destination charge). That entry-level amount will put the standard Q7 3.6 Quattro (with its 280-horsepower V6) in your driveway. If you want to bump up to the flagship, the Q7 4.2 Quattro (350-horsepower V8) will set you back at least $61,000. Lastly, those interested in Audi's diesel SUV and its 17/25 EPA ratings will find the Q7 TDI Quattro (225-horsepower V6 with a boat-load of torque) starting at $50,900.

All 2010 Q7 models boast standard all-wheel drive and refreshed exteriors with the brand's signature LED lighting used in the daytime running lights, turn signals (optional), and taillights. Interior upgrades include available ventilated front seats, upgraded interior ambient lighting and several cosmetic improvements within the cabin. Most appreciated will be the third-generation MMI infotainment system with its 3D map powered by an automotive-grade NVIDIA™ chip for graphics processing. According to Audi, the system's voice-based controls will respond to such command as "I'm hungry," "I need gas" and "I need coffee" and point the driver to the closest options. Check the new Q7 out in the gallery below and in the full press release after the jump.

Read more »

Audi opens flagship Lighthouse development

In a time when most manufacturers around the globe are cutting back on expansion in the wake of the economic downturn, Audi Australia has officially cut the ribbon on its flagship ‘Lighthouse’ development in Sydney.

While motorists have been able to gawk at the new facility for a few weeks now, the $50 million ‘Lighthouse’ brand terminal on South Dowling Street in Sydney has now officially opened its doors to the public.

Demonstrating the German luxury carmaker’s confidence in the Australian market, Audi says the development of this flagship facility – the largest of its kind in the world – was embraced by the company’s global Board of Directors.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, responsible for global sales and marketing, opened the facility earlier today with Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.

It incorporates a retail showroom for both new and approved pre-owned Audi vehicles, customer facilities including a children’s play area, lifestyle shop, business centre, the Audi Café Bavaria and an aftersales centre.

Trading as “Audi Centre Sydney”, the building will also become the head office of Audi Australia as the brand prepares to reach 15,000 unit sales locally by the year 2015 at the latest.

The eight-level, 16000+ square metre facility located at Victoria Park was designed by Audi’s master architect, Allmann Sattler Wappner and interpreted for Australia by the renowned Johnson Pilton Walker.

Read more »

Spy Pics :Hardcore Audi R8 ‘Sport’

BMW has enjoyed some success with its CSL range of stripped out ready-to-race M3s and Mercedes-Benz has delivered several of its own lightweight Black Series model. That leaves the third major German luxury automaker, Audi, which will soon offer uprated sports versions of its regular production models. Speaking at a recent press event Audi’s quattro development chief Stefan Reil hinted that lightweight versions of the R8 supercar and TT were being considered.

Still in the works is a high-performance RS version of the R8 and possibly even an R8 V-12 TDI but according to Reil Audi could also offer a new “Sport” derivative of the R8 as well as the smaller TT. This wouldn’t be the first time Audi developed such a car. Back in 2005 Audi released a limited edition TT quattro Sport to mark the end of production of the previous generation TT. The car had a slight increase in power over the standard model as well as firmer suspension, a stripped our interior and Recaro bucket seats.

"This is the direction you can go and make business," Reil explained. "It makes sense for the TT, and maybe in the future in an R8."

This week reports have emerged claiming Audi is testing its new R8 Sport. A mysterious prototype with several race-inspired elements has been sighted in Germany, including an oversized fixed rear wing, small canards attached to the front bumper, and bigger brakes. Not much else is known but expect a modest power hike over the standard R8 V-10’s 525 horsepower output.

Such a model will likely be aimed at well-heeled racing enthusiasts as well as small privateer teams not willing to splurge on the more extreme R8 LMS race car.

Audi’s Italian cousin Lamborghini showed the way with the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, and we hope that the German automaker will follow suit.

Read more »

Audi S7 spied testing

With the new Audi A7 four door coupe ready to be revealed sometime in 2010, the German automaker is also preparing a factory tuned S7 version of the luxury limousine, and this high performance hot rod is busy testing.

Even if it seems like you are looking at an Audi A6, the German engineers made a few modifications to the full size sedan. The rear bumper has been slightly adjusted fitting in larger air intakes and a set of widened wheel arches. The production A7 will also feature the company’s signature fast back C-pillar that was introduced on the Audi A5 Sportback.

Under the hood of the future A7, Audi will use three different direct gasoline injection engines including a 2.8 Liter FSI and 3.0 Liter TFSI V6s as well as a 4.0 Liter TFSI V8. The alternatively fueled diesel options include a 2.7 Liter V6 and both turbocharged and twin-turbocharged versions of the existing 3.0 Liter TDI V6.

Read more »