BMW M3 'CSL' Returns, Sort Of

Lamenting in sack clothe and ashes the fact that BMW will not bring bring back the CSL at this present time, many enthusiast will have to settle, yes settle for the M3 Competition Package.  This is the closest "us mortals" will be able to get to such a beast of the original. 

BMW is making another hardcore M3 coupe. The Competition Package will be launched in March and will doubtless be seen as a modern-day M3 CSLby many people.
And we’re inclined to count ourselves among them – there are a number of dynamic tweaks that should make this sharper and more dynamic than the regular V8-engined E92 M3, and a much more dynamically-honed carthan the recent M3 Edition.



There’s a 10mm suspension drop and new electronic damper control, the combination of which ‘improves upon the standard car’s already agile handling making for a more exciting and dynamic drive’, according to BMW sources. Sounds like grand news to us. As does improved stability control, which we’d expect to make the rear-drive M3 even more playful when in Competition spec.

Sadly the engine will be untouched, with power, torque and acceleration identical to those of the regular 4-litre M3 two-door. That means 414bhp (at a heady 8300rpm) and 295lb ft of torque alongside a 4.8sec sprint to 60mph and a limited 155mph top speed.

There aren’t any pictures of the new car just yet, it being based on the refreshed M3 that’s still due to be revealed. We’ve been told there’s a new, lighter set of 19in alloy wheels, which BMW says are inspired by the E46 CSL, while some subtle aerodynamic adornments are expected.

Specifying a Competition Package M3 will add £3315 to the Coupe’s price, the regular car costing £52,730. That means a £56K M3. The E46 CSLcost £58K when new, but justified its near-911 price tag with upped performance and significant weight shedding. We’ll see if the M3 CP can win us over too when it gets its likely Geneva motor show unveil in March.

What do you think? Should BMW just give in and make us a new CSL? Or is the combination of Competition Package and supercar-like M3 GTSenough? 




 Find original article at EVO

A Buick For The Masses: Buick Excelle XT Released In Shanghai

Shanghai GM officially began sales today of the Buick Excelle XT across China. Five variants of the compact five-door coupé-like sedan – which was named Most Attractive New Car during its global premiere at November’s Guangzhou International Auto Show – are available. Prices range from RMB 134,900 (US$19,800) to RMB 185,900 (US$27,200).

“With its stylish exterior, innovations and outstanding quality, the Excelle XT offers a dynamic driving experience,” according to Joseph Liu, Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM. “It sets a new standard for performance and refinement in the premium segment.”

Dynamic Styling 

The front-wheel-drive Excelle XT embodies Buick’s new design language. It has an assertive, self-confident stance. Dynamic lines are complemented by sophisticated sculptural surfaces. A strong cab-forward silhouette with a deeply raked windshield and falling rear roofline, and a softly styled shoulder line give it a sporty coupé look. Six exterior colors are offered.

The exterior design language carries into the finely crafted interior. A signature feature is a wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door mouldings. The Sporty Version of the Excelle XT features a black and red interior with human-engineered seats and a dual-color sports-style instrument panel.

The Excelle XT’s design and overall proportions maximize occupant space. There are numerous onboard storage areas. The Flex-Floor in the rear cargo area makes moving goods very convenient.


Efficient Performance

The powertrain lineup for the Excelle XT includes three engines that offer high specific power output, low fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and minimized weight: highly efficient Ecotec D-VVT engines with displacements of 1.6 and 1.8 liters and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

The turbocharged engine delivers 180 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. It comes with the unique Superboost function, which gives the engine 235 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful series production engine in its displacement class and the perfect powertrain for those whose priority is sporty performance.

The Excelle XT is built on GM’s newest global architecture. It features a solid chassis. In back, Buick has applied a new suspension system – a compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. The result is improved handling and greater ride comfort.

Advanced Safety

The Excelle XT is equipped with a dual-circuit braking system and high-performance tires as well as electronic stability control, traction control and other integrated active safety functions. The Excelle XT’s sturdy body structure along with its restraint systems are designed to exceed crash safety standards around the world. A maximum five-star China NCAP safety rating is anticipated.

“The launch of the Excelle XT enriches the Buick portfolio in China, bridging the gap in the whole product portfolio of Buick,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “The trio of models, introduced within the space of 13 months, will ensure that Buick remains the first name in premium vehicles for discerning car buyers.”

Chevrolet at the Washington D.C. Auto Show

Chevrolet announced that greater Washington D.C. will be an initial launch market for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The nation's capital and its suburbs join California and Michiganas the initial retail markets where Chevrolet will sell the Volt to consumers.

"The Chevrolet Volt demonstrates our commitment to the electrification of the automobile," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. "So far, we have invested more than $700 million in the U.S. to reinforce our leadership in this new technology."

Chevrolet also announced a development and demonstration program with D.C.-area utilities Pepco and Dominion to introduce customers to electric vehicles and establish vehicle charging programs.

"Concentrating Volt sales in these three key initial markets allows us to give our first customers a high-quality experience," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. "In addition to geographical considerations, each market also has progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners who are crucial in bringing electric vehicles to market."

Chevrolet will deliver more than 100 Volts to several utilities across the U.S. – including Pepco and Dominion, which serveWashington D.C. and its suburbs – as part of an extended demonstration program. The overall program includes 500 charging stations that will be installed for residential, business and public use. They will be used to learn more about the installation process, vehicle charging and to gauge customer feedback.

The program is made possible with a grant of more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. Chevrolet has announced similar partnerships with several utilities in California and Michigan, as well as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range if there is no access to an electrical outlet to recharge the battery, providing peace of mind by eliminating range anxiety. Volt production begins later this year, and pricing has not been announced.

Testing in real conditions

The Chevrolet Volt has already logged more than a quarter-million test miles on pre-production vehicles, some of which are in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Accomplishments include:

• Chevrolet is using OnStar technology to refine the development of the current fleet of about 80 pre-production vehicles
• Testing under extreme climates and conditions, including hot-weather testing in Death Valley, cold-weather testing in northern Canada; and mountain testing at Pikes Peak
• The building of more than 300 pre-production battery packs

Technology beyond the battery

Chevrolet is expanding the Volt ownership experience with a smartphone (Droid by Motorola, Apple iPhone and BlackBerry Storm) application by OnStar that gives Volt owners 24/7 connection and control of vehicle function and OnStar features remotely.

Through Volt's mobile application, drivers can set or check charging, manually set grid-friendly charge modes for off-peak times, pre-condition the interior temperature using electricity and not gasoline, check EV range and more.

Other driver-friendly technologies include touch-sensitive controls on the center stack and screen; a fully digital interface that allows two-way interaction, personalization and access to information; and real-time feedback that provides guidance on how to drive more efficiently.