WheelTronix

BMW’s next-generation high-performance ‘M’ models will have smaller but turbocharged engines, according to Auto Week.

These improved but downsized units will offer better fuel consumption and lower emissions, yet not compromise on performance, BMW officials have promised.
First of the new turbo Ms will be the X6 xDrive M, which is to go on sale next summer; this is to have a version of BMW’s 4.4-litre V8, with output upped to around 500bhp. This engine will then be used in the next-generation M5, replacing the current model’s 5.0-litre V10.

A similar strategy will be followed with subsequent new M models, which will also eventually receive BMW’s stop-start system and other fuel-saving technologies.

Toyota is appending stop-start technology to its Auris line-up. The new Auris 1.33-litre petrol model (101bhp, 97lb ft) gives 48.7mpg and gives out 135g/km; this is because of the automatic shut-down of its engine when the vehicle is at rest.

The Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-I Stop&Start is fitted with a 6-speed guide gearbox with prices commencing from £12,705 (T2 three-door). It slots into tax band C, a band lesser than the 163g/km 1.4, and returns a top speed of 109mph and 0-62mph speedup in 13.1 seconds.
The new Brit-built 1329cc engine will also be built in other Toyota models presently, substituting the current 1.4-litre petrol unit. It is both lightweight and condensed, weighing 13kg less than the 1.4 and occupying no more room than Toyota’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder.

BMW is calling back 2008 and 2009 model-year M3s outfitted with the elective double-clutch serial-shift transmission in the USA.

No conventional recall has been declared in the UK as yet, but owners have been suggested to reach BMW Customer Services for further information.

North America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looked into charges that the transmittal software sets off a multi-stage change under hard braking, thus making the car to stall. US M3 owners have been asked to take their cars to dealerships for a free software upgrade.

Citroën is planning to build an ultra-environmentally friendly vehicle based on the C-Cactus concept car.

The C-Cactus has a simple design that decreases the number of elements – even doing away with the dashboard – which contributes to a reduction in weight, cost and impact on the environment.
The project will look at a range of power plants, including a 1.0 liter, sub-100g/km CO2 petrol engine; a HyMotion2 diesel-electric hybrid returning near 100mpg and CO2 emissions of just 78g/km; and a 100% electric model that offers zero emissions together with a 70mph top speed and a range of almost 100 miles.

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Volkswagen is planning to offer its Eos coupe-convertible at a less price and also provide better value for money.

A novel ‘S’ trim level decreases the starting price to £19,440 (1.4 TSI S). These S models are fitted with tools which include semi-automatic climate control, remote central locking, stability control and 16-inch alloys wheels.
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Kia will demonstrate its fuel cell expertise in its Borrego in Los Angeles next week.

Its newest hydrogen-fuelled arrangement is fitted into the Borrego – a big US-market 4×4 – in which it contributes a top speed of 100mph and a choice between re-fuelling stops of over 425 miles.
The new FCEV arrangement has an improved output, with the fuel cell putting out 154bhp and new super capacitors furnishing an extra 134bhp. It can also run at lower temperatures, with start-up now no trouble lower than freezing point.

The Borrego FCEV is said to give over 50mpg, and to be able to do 0-62mph in 12.8 seconds, helped by weight decreases.

Mercedes-Benz has twisted 4 of its new GLK compact SUVs over to after market tuners to craft one-off custom cars.

The RENNtech Rally Racer has been stimulated by the Pikes Peak hill climb rally cars, but has an extra trick: a hybrid power train, with the electric motor adding up further backing for quicker acceleration off the line.

Merc tuner Brabus has constructed the Widestar, with wide-track body kit, extensive wheel arches, new bumpers, special Brabus wheels and customized inside.

Boulevard Customs has severed off the roof of its GLK, equipped a wide-body kit and 26″ wheels, made over the interior and matched a bespoke sound system. The outcome, called Urban Whip, is rather significant of the customized Suzuki Vitaras accepted in the UK in the 1980s.
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Next week on the Las Vegas autoshow we will find the Hyundai HED-5. This vehicle was already unveiled in Geneva, but without any details about it. What we do know is that they are working hard for vehicles that will be as green as possible.

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Ford is planning to provide 4 F-150 pick-up trucks for the SEMA show in Las Vegas next week.

The F-150 Heavy Duty Dewalt Contractor Concept is depicted as the ‘ultimate contractor’s truck’. It has a built-in charger for battery-operated tools, a tailor-made storage area below the second-row seats and a special toolbox.
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The Mopar Underground team has customized a pair of Dodge Challenger coupes.

The ‘snakeskin green’ Challenger Targa, which contended in the Targa Newfoundland road race previously this year, has a facade chin spoiler to help down force, upgraded brakes and break as applied in the Viper, tailored six-speed manual gearbox and the 540bhp, 490lb-ft HEMI V8.

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