As far as we can tell, there’s little if anything wrong the BMW E92 M3. However, according to a post on Bimmerfile, that small point will not be stopping BMW from offering a Competition Package on 2011 models. What goes into a Competition Pack? We’re not certain, and Bimmerfile can only speculate (bigger wheels, brakes, maybe). Knowing that much, we’ll join ‘em. But first, a little history.
Way back in 2005, BMW began a Competition Package for the E46 M3. Included were upgraded wheels, larger brakes, stickier tires,a firmer suspension and a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system identical to the one on the hardcore M3 CSL. In addition, the E46 M3 Comp Pack also came with a quicker steering ratio. Inside, a bit of fussing took place in the form of Alcantara steering wheel and hand brake coverings and the steering wheel saw a few buttons (multi-function controls and cruise) deleted in favor of a DSC M button.
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The weather outside may be frightful, but fret not, because summer is coming soon…ish. And when it does, you’re going to want the right set of wheels. With that in mind, the good folks over at Maserati North America have revealed the pricing for their new GranTurismo Convertible (also known as the GranCabrio overseas) so you can start saving now. And save you will if you want to get your hands on one, because it sells for a princely $135,800 (MSRP, before taxes and additional fees).
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Peugeot’s newest car for the Chinese market was unveiled over the weekend at the Beijing Motor Show. The Peugeot 408 is a long-wheelbase sedan based on the 308 giving more room for passengers sitting in the back.
This model is not to be confused with the recently-spied Peugeot 508 for the European market. That car will replace the Peugeot 407 & 607 beginning in 2011, and be significantly longer than the Chinese market’s 408.
The 408 features a large sunroof and a self-contained trunk to keep the cabin light and spacious. Because of the interior room, and the somewhat popular Peugeot styling in China, the automaker and their Chinese joint-venture partner are expecting annual 408 sales to top 100,000 units.
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German tuners Brabus released their version of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class last month at the Dubai Motor Show. The Brabus GL 63 Biturbo has been fitted with the Mercedes eight cylinder engine from the ML 63 AMG, tuned to deliver 650 horsepower and up to 850 Nm of torque.
If that number sounds familiar for Brabus, it is because the company used the same engine and tuning package on their ML 63 Biturbo. That SUV debuted in Geneva a year ago with a top speed of 310 km/h (192.6 mph).
The GL 63 is a bit slower, with a top speed of 300 km/h (186.4 mph), and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.7 seconds. The engine is mated to a modified version of the Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. It includes a customized, and more responsive twin turbo system, large water-to-air intercooler, with other upgrades to the intake and exhaust, brakes, suspension, and tires. The vehicle now rides on forged 23-inch wheels. 21- and 22-inch wheels are also offered.
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DETROIT - General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.
“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we’re all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.
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Take that you devilish Acura-grille haters; with or without knowing it, famous Mercedes-Benz tuner, Lorinser, has followed in the footsteps of Honda’s luxury arm crafting a beak-like grille on the 2010 E-Class Coupe. The new radiator grille is part of Lorinser’s most recent package for the two-door German model.
Acura beak aside, body changes include a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, new side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler, a rear bumper with a diffuser and a four pipe exhaust system.
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Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) has announced that it has signed a deal with two teams for the FIA GT1 World Championship series in which the R35 GT-R will compete in 2010.
The R35 Nissan GT-R will be raced by the Sumo Power GT team from the UK as well as the Swiss Racing Team. Further details, such as the driver lineup, will be released later on.
The GT-R is a rear-wheel drive GT1 racer and comes with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine tuned to 600 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a 6-speed transmission from Ricardo by way of a carbon triple-plate clutch and grips the ground with 18-inch x 13-inch forged wheels by Rays.
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For some, driving a Mercedes-Benz roadster is special enough. But when the local high-end mall is surrounded by row upon row of the Three-Pointed Star, some look for a little something extra special. For such European customers, Mercedes has launched a pair of special editions.
The SL Night Edition comes in black with 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, silver brake calipers and darkened light housings front and rear. The interior gets black nappa leather with arrow-shaped, silver-tone stitching, as well as a special steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining and special touches to the Airscarf ventilation system.
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