Video: BMW refreshers our memories as to why the E30 M3 is just so awesome

BMW’s E30 3-series crowd, the generation from 1982-1993, don’t call the first-ever M3 “God’s Chariot” for nothing.

It is what could arguably be the most iconic touring car ever and one of the biggest icons in the world of the automobile. It’s a pinnacle in every sense and has gained legendary status for starting what has become a long-standing legacy of the world’s greatest luxury sports coupe, sedan and convertible trio.

And to just remind us as to how much of a legend the M3 is, BMW posted a video to their YouTube channel, providing an overgview of the original E30 M3.

Check it out after the jump.

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– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Spz34u

Report: Lamborghini promises to make the Urus the fastest and most powerful SUV ever

“I want to buy the world’s fastest, expensive, most powerful, and most exquisite soccer mom car,” said no one ever, until Bentley and Volkswagen AG saw that crossover SUVs were so hot, it was time to make the end-all be-all of lifted, elongated, and higher-riding sedan-based “trucks.” So they created the Bentley Bentayga, which is exactly that–the world’s fastest, most powerful, most expensive, most luxurious crossover SUV made.

Check out more news on the Lamborghini Urus.

But Volkswagen AG isn’t done yet with capitalizing the super-crossover SUV market because they own Lamborghini, and Lamborghini’s been known to be working on their first crossover SUV ever as well, called the Urus. And it’s around that time that the Urus is due to fulfill its duties to be the world’s fastest and most powerful SUV ever, meaning it plans to knock the Bentayga off of its pedestal.

This wouldn’t be the first time Volkswagen AG literally goes to war with itself, but nonetheless, it gets more interesting because despite the Bentayga’s superlatives, nobody knows high-performance crossover SUVs like Porsche, with their top-spec Cayenne Turbo S. While it may not be as luxurious as the Bentayga, the money goes into the blistering performance that the Cayenne Turbo S offers, with an equivalent 0-62 time to the Bentayga of 4.1 seconds. Porsche too, is owned by VAG.

That said, the third contender would be the new Urus, which is said to be a “sub-four-second SUV,” according to Motoring.com down yonder.

The Urus will also be lighter than the Bentayga and Cayenne, despite being built on similar platforms. That would be the future Volkswagen Group MLB modular platform, a modified version of the company’s previous PL71 platform that the Cayenne currently rides on. The Bentayga rides on the revised version of that platform while the Urus will share that platform too, but will be reengineered once more for the sake of weight savings.

This means better handling, thanks to the use of carbon fiber and aluminum-intensive integration into the architecture. No official weight projection figure was provided, but for points of reference, the Bentayga weighs about 5,340lbs as it stands, while the Porsche Cayenne significantly under cuts that by weighing in at a not-so-porky 4,927lbs. Either the way, the Urus is said to be lighter than both of those.

Power? It’ll get a reworked version of Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8, which will get a specific tune for its application in the Urus. Again, no official figures provided, but estimations hover around 600hp and 664 lb-ft of twist overall.

The production model is slated to end up at Geneva in 2018, maintaining the concept’s looks aesthetically, with some minor changes to adapt for safety and federal reasons.

The V8 won’t also be the only model, but it will be the debuting version. A plug-in hybrid V6 could join the lineup later on.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Motoring.com

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Vt47jA

Auctions: Pick up a legit piece of The Fast and the Furious history by purchasing Jessie’s original 1995 VW Jetta

Believe it or not, but the original The Fast and the Furious movie came out in 2001 and as a part of that movie, nobody can ever forget about Jessie’s 1995 Volkswagen Jetta. And to make sure you don’t forget about it, an original prop car will be making its way across the block at the Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January of 2016.

So then, you could buy it for your own collection.

Unfortunately though, you’re just getting a cosmetically updated Jetta, since the 2.0L four-banger engine is reportedly turbocharged, but it only comes with a four-speed automatic. Easily swap-able, but purists would probably whine if you altered it from its original state for being an official prop car for the movie. Further making it a bit more special in its original state is the fact that Chad Lindberg, the actor who played Jessie, plus the film’s director, Rob Cohen, and even the late Paul Walker, all signed this particular prop car.

How much do you think it will sell for?

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Barrett-Jackson

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1JI6A2L

Report: Bugatti’s Chiron could have a top-speed of 290 MPH

Bugatti’s new Chiron, the successor to the Veyron is no joke and is obviously set out to break some top speed records.

That said, a report from some journalists in the Czech Republic supposedly heard the new Chiron could have a top speed as high as 290 MPH, at a conference for some potential customers in the country.

The top speed is made possible thanks to a fully-updated 8.0L quad-turbocharged W16 with “electrical assistance,” to produce a whopping 1,500hp and 1,500 Nm of torque, or 1,107 lb-ft. In addition to the 290 MPH top speed, a sprint from 0-62 should only take about 2.2 seconds in optimal settings.

Following the conference, around 130 customers sprung for their checkbooks to place an order, apparently.

The Chiron’s life expectancy doesn’t exceed the five year mark, with 100 cars per year being assembled, amounting to about 500 in total with some basic maths. Of course, a ticket of admission into the club of owning what could be the world’s fastest production car, and possibly the most expensive at $2.19M USD each. This isn’t factoring the potential cost of the “Targa” version due in 2018 either.

The Targa version however will be included within the total 500 production amount, so no matter how you look at it, only 500 Chirons ever will exist in the world, whether convertible or coupe, or special edition. In comparison, the Veyron was produced over 10 years with the total amounting to around 450 units.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Magazin ProDriver CZ

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1UfJfv4

Report: A new Buick is apparently surfacing at next year’s North American International Auto Show

The Detroit Freep reports Buick should be coming up with something new to show off at next year’s North American International Auto Show in 2016.

Specifics weren’t very plentiful, obviously, given this is just an indicative report, but The Detroit Free Press thinks it’ll be a production version of the Avenir Concept from this past year’s show. We’re not so sure about that, though it’s not super unlikely either.

We’d probably bet our money on the awaited Envision, which although has been out in China for quite some time, has yet to land on our shores “officially” at an automotive exposition, ready in production form and in full detail. It’ll be the first Chinese-built GM car to make its way onto our shores, rather than being manufactured at one of GM’s plants in Canada or the United States.

Except…the Envision was already said to be sitting along side the new model…so it beats us as to whether what the new Tri-Shield could be.

What do you think Buick’s next model could be in Detroit?

– By: Chris Chin

Source: The Detroit Free Press

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1OrAd9B

Photo Rendering: TVR teases newest V8 sports car, due in 2017

‘Tis the season, and TVR felt generous by releasing a teaser pic and rendering of what could be their next, highly-anticipated return to the sports car world, with their V8 coupe.

As a refresher, TVR landed itself back into the hands of the British within the last couple years by way of entrepreneur, Les Edgar, following a stagnant ownership by Russian tycoon, Nikolai Smolensky.

Since then, Mr. Edgar has been funding TVR’s car operations so that the company will produce a new V8 sports car as a “supercar for the common man.” And through that process, we’ve learned the TVR sports coupe will come with a Ford-sourced 5.0L Coyote V8 with a new head thanks to renowned tuning firm, Cosworth, and lots of other tweaks.

Power is said to hover around 450hp to 500hp, depending the three applications: road car, track car, or Le Mans racer.

To add to the drool, TVR also provided their first rendering teaser of the new sports car. Knowing TVR and how they like to style cars for the affluent ax-wielding murderer, the renderings provided show almost other difference. It looks sort of a like a car for Dr. Jekyll instead. And it’s pretty bad-ass.

TVR said the style was created using the latest CAD software in addition to the classic method of producing scale clay models.

The new car itself, still unnamed, will feature the “world’s first affordable high volume carbon fiber chassis structure,” influenced by methods found in Formula One production, with inputs by Gordon Murray Design. Meaning, it’ll be built on a platform that’s pretty damn lightweight.

Other than that, we’re told that we’ll have to wait until next year to get the next teaser, which is just around the corner. For the next big update, TVR said they’ll be ready to reveal official information on the car, including full specifications.

I couldn’t be any more excited. TVR is back baby! The sad part is TVR didn’t disclose whether or not they’ll come to the US. Cross your fingers though…

– By: Chris Chin

Source: TVR

 

 

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1OrAbPf

Report: Man buys “pre-owned” problematic BMW M3–ends up being same one hooned by Jeremy Clarkson

Imagine this: you’re out to buy a brand-spankin’ new BMW 340i M Sport when you suddenly gotten a raise, and noticed a not-so-brand-spankin’-new BMW M3 could be had with just a “few” miles on it.

You decide to act upon sudden raise to spring on the lightly used, pre-owned 2015 BMW M3, or you’re a poor man by the name of Rob Willis in the UK, who did just that, only to end up with a lemon.

Sounds quite typical right…?

Well, you’d think so…until Mr. Willis was watching a good ‘ole fashioned episode of Top Gear UK with Mr. Jeremy Clarkson at the helm of the latest F80 M3…or specifically, his Yas Marina Blue F80 M3. He realized it from the matching vanity plates registered to the car–“YHI4 VPT”.

Willis claimed the M3 he had bought was described to be an “ex-demonstration” car that a sales manager once drove. Though the brakes were constantly squeaking while the steering wheel “made a clunking noise.”

The dealership honored his complaints and thus provided a replacement BMW 330d with some extras.

Altogether, this topic broadly confronts the question as to whether it’s good or not to buy a pre-owned car that was once a “demo” model. The prices usually offered on the “demo” models tend to be quite a lot more enticing when compared to buying new outright. But we all know, there are those who also believe the fastest car is always the rental car, and thus they’re not always treated with respect.

Even in the hands of us journalist folk, the cars lent out for media purposes are often a part of a third-party fleet who manages the cars and meticulously services them. Though as we once saw in Top Gear all the time, not all cars are driven gingerly for the sake of the camera.

As a result, a lesson could be had from Mr. Willis’ story and adds a need for extra consideration when being offered to buy a former “demo” car at a dealership. And don’t buy one that was once hooned by Jeremy Clarkson.

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– By: Chris Chin

Source: The Sun

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1QT7ocP

Report: Nurburgring queen Sabine Schmitz, personality Chris Harris to join Chris Evans on Top Gear

A big report in from The Telegraph rings in to say that Queen of the Nurburgring and German racer, Sabine Schmitz and automotive personality Chris Harris are to join Chris Evans as the hosts of the new Top Gear.

Sounds like an absolutely wonderful trio of people to see in place of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for the new generation of Top Gear UK. Of course though, I’m withholding my doubts currently since they can pretty much do anything they want with the new Top Gear, since it’s getting a clean slate in some respects.

Also, Jezza, Hamster and Captain Slow aren’t really going anywhere…except to Amazon.

But nonetheless, the report also indicates former Formula One master, David Coulthard, will join the team as well as a supporting host.

Though as positive this may be for the program, it also suffered a blow as one of the show’s executive producer, Lisa Clark, announced her leave after five months. Additionally, a script editor, Tom Ford, was also said to be parting ways.

Despite the major shifts, Top Gear will be continuing on for the BBC since it’s one of their biggest assets and a lot of weight is riding on the shoulders of the

– By: Chris Chin

Source: The Telegraph

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1MwvthV

Report: Production Scion C-HR should show up at Detroit in January

The Scion C-HR Concept showed up at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show as a rebadged Toyota concept from Frankfurt, and formerly Paris as a design study, an idea pitch at a subcompact SUV crossover for the young and booming crowd.

Following the reveal of this little urban assault vehicle, reception was decently positive, but regardless of that, the crossover had an eventual fate of being made. This is because Toyota has interestingly managed to carry on in the world without a competitor to the Nissan Juke and recently, the Honda HR-V. But that should be no longer, with the new production C-HR.

Arriving fashionably late to the game, the Scion C-HR rides on Toyota’s latest “New Global Architechture,” basically the same sort of modular platform technology that we’ve been seeing in other automakers like Volvo, Volkswagen AG, and BMW, just to name a few. And because of it’s “modular” template, many different types of cars can be made–the C-HR would be one of them.

Power? Expectations for gas engines include turbocharged four and even a hybrid variant.

The hybrid will get the same 1.8L hybrid powerplant as the Prius, with a retuning to 121hp, 14hp less than the setup in the Prius. Though other parameters are likely to be affected due to a remapping of the engine control to likely produce more torque for being a slightly bulkier crossover.

A new 1.2L turbocharged four-banger is set to surface as well, sourced from the Japanese-spec Auris compact. It produces 114hp and 136 lb-ft of twist.

Traction? All-wheel and front-wheel are anticipated, though we’ll know for sure when Scion actually spills the beans.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1MwvvpO