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.

2011 Ford Mustang GT Becomes Daytona 500 Official Pace Car

Ford's new 2011 Mustang GT will serve as the Official Pace Car at this year's 52nd Daytona 500, the first time in 40 years a Ford vehicle has paced NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race.
Under the hood of the Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe will be Ford's all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring.
"This is the resurgence of Ford, and pacing the field at the Daytona 500 is a great opportunity to showcase all of the technology that the new 2011 Mustang 5.0 brings to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas.

Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.
The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED
channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
"Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports.

"This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world's greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time."
According to Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, while many collectors have experienced the thrill of buying pace vehicles and historic racers on the Barrett-Jackson auction block, buying a pace car before it hits the track has never happened before at the famed auction house.
"It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February," he said. "And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better."
This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.

In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.
2011 Ford Mustang GT: Heritage, high technology and horsepower
The all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment. For 2011, the new Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering, 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
A Brembo brake package upgrade – featuring larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang – will be available for serious enthusiasts. Unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires also will be offered.

The new Mustang GT also offers drivers new convenience technologies, including:
Standard message center
Integrated blind spot mirrors
MyKey™ programmable vehicle key

From the signature 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph, and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.
Three vibrant new colors are being added for 2011; along with Race Red, these include Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat and Ingot Silver.

Toyota FT-86 G Sport Concept from Gis at 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon

One of the most stunning sport cars of this era that will become available to the masses is Toyota's FT-86.  A sports coupe that will be moderately priced but pack outstanding performance, it will undoubtedly return Toyota back to its performance roots.  Developed with Subaru, the FT-86 should be available in Japan later this year.  Here is an article excerpt from a Toyota FT-86 fan website.


www.ft86club.com


Peter Lyon


"Toyota has revealed the FT-86 G Sports concept car at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon. The G Sports conversion car series will be sold via Toyota dealers in Japan in 2010. The FT86 G is powered by a turbocharged boxer 4 with a 6-speed Toyota transmission.

On display at the Toyota stand at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon will be the Toyota FT-86 G's Sports, which boasts an even sharper exterior and a world-first "GPS-track day" unit co-developed with the creators of the Gran Turismo franchise and automotive technology giant Denso. So what's so special about the unit, you ask? From what we've learned, you will be able to drive your real FT-86 around a real track -- the Nurburgring, for example -- and then remove the memory card from your car, plug it into your PS3 unit and either "watch" your lap virtually or race against yourself, as your real car appears as the "ghost car" that you battle against.

The GPS unit was tested in a fully race-prepped Lexus IS F at the Nurburgring last October. If you look closely at the FT-86's dashboard in previous press photos, you will see an outline of Fuji Speedway, a lap timer and an altimeter -- which hints at where Toyota is going with this technology.

Word from inside Toyota is that they plan to roll out the technology on "most" future models, with the first of course being the FT-86 in late 2012. Also, as has been previously reported, the Gran Turismo developers are also working on launching a 3D version of GT5 as soon as 3D TVs become available on the market. We've taken a quick demo spin of the 3D version, which looks fantastic in early builds. Of course, that assumes GT5 will ever be finished. Latest intel we have is late summer of this year at the earliest."

Lincoln MKX: The New Face Of A Revived Brand

With  a flurry of new technology coming out of Ford in the past year, and a obvious refocus on it's core brands, Ford's Lincoln division  has released a re-designed MKX jam pact with all the tech in could get into a vehicle and still be able to drive it without sensory overload.  I'm very pleased to see Lincoln taking the luxury game right to where it should be;  young affluent buyers that want something different and not have sacrifice quality and style.  I think the MKX will be well received in the marketplace.

New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury crossover.

Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln is standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC^®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed. In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls through sliders, which is exclusive to Lincoln.

Like the song? You can tag it

Also new on the 2011 Lincoln MKX is the world's first use of iTunes^® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio^™  receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to "capture" a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of a "TAG" button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the "tagged" song information will transfer to that iPod. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When an iPod is connected, the tags are transferred from SYNC to the iPod. Customers then can preview, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store, if they so choose.

Fun tuned in while noise is tuned out

A wealth of upgrades means the 2011 Lincoln MKX will provide a more connected feel between the driver and the road through responsive acceleration, engaging steering, spirited handling and confident braking. The new 18-inch tires have increased grip and are mounted on larger wheels than the outgoing product, helping enable enhanced stopping and improved handling. The springs, shocks and stabilizer bars also have been retuned to give a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing the comfortable ride luxury buyers expect and demand.

The original Lincoln MKX set many benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as Ford internal preliminary data show the 2011 MKX scores better in speech recognition, wind noise and sound package than competitors from Lexus and Audi.

Improved performance without sacrificing fuel economy

Power for the 2011 Lincoln MKX is supplied by the 3.7-liter Duratec V-6, which employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque without compromising fuel economy. The 2011 Lincoln MKX has best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lb., marking a 12 percent improvement.

For more information

For full press release text and access to 2011 Lincoln MKX media information, visithttp://media.ford.com/mini_sites/10031/2011MKX .