Report: BMW wants to transition the 6-Series into a true Porsche 911 fighter

The BMW 6-Series has always been a a great Grand Tourer coupe and convertible, even in top performance M6 form, dating back to the original M633CSi and M635CSi cars that preceded the E24 M6.

That said, it hasn’t really been labeled as a true Porsche 911 fighter, but it was one on the German Autobahn, which was once one of the benchmarked test beds for the world’s fastest production cars, thanks to its at the time, more widely available speed restriction-free zones. Yet, in all fairness, the Autobahn wasn’t really Porsche’s spot to shine either, as was the closed circuit racetrack.

Point being, the BMW 6-Series and BMW M6 weren’t really mean to be direct competitors to the “t,” though they are still rather comparable.

BMW wants to now change that however, by morphing the next 6-Series into a true Porsche 911 fighter. So this means the new 6-Series will be more of a sports car than a GT car.

The idea is to have the 6-Series go directly against the 911, while the new midsize coupe and Z4 being codeveloped with Toyota will also provide the platform for the next 6-Series. This means it could shrink in size, while speculation suggests only a coupe and convertible might happen, implying the 6-Series Gran Coupe could see its demise.

Those wanting a BMW GT coupe will have to now resort to the impending 8-Series, which is said to be on the schedule for revival very soon. There could even be a “four-door coupe” Gran Coupe version.

Trademarks have been found to reserve the 825, 830, 835, 845, 850, and M850 names, though, as we know, trademarks can be false leads.

It also makes sense BMW could reintroduce the 8-Series as a way to finally compete with Mercedes’ S-Class Coupe lineup. So only time will tell.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpress, 2

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

Report: Volkswagen could expand use of smaller EV platform for larger vehicles

Volkswagen AG is on a hard product offensive that came a little bit earlier than intended, following everything coming crashing down from Dieselgate.

The new mission is to focus on electrification and as a result, the plan is to have a huge burst of new EV or hybrid models in the near future from nearly every portfolio in the Volkswagen Group.

The latest bit suggest VAG might even be repurposing its MEB compact EV platform for use with larger vehicles. The largest car on the MEB platform and the first to use it in the near future will be the production version of the BUDD-e Concept.

The MEB platform is being considered for use for future models like the next Volkswagen Passat, or even future versions of the Phaeton.

This could also count as another way for Volkswagen to reduce its costs in the future to make room for any compensation needed for the consequences of Dieselgate, by them reusing, recycling, or repurposing technology they already have, rather than spending more R&D to redesign a new platform from the ground up.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1P2gCOP

The Ferrari 458 MM Speciale is a one-off model designed for one very special British customer

Imagine being a One Percent’er of society, albeit one that’s well vetted, and imagine that status alone has given you the power to put in a request with Ferrari to build a special car, just for you. Nobody else in the world, out of the seven billion heads in the world, but you.

That’s exactly one one British owner did, who was described as a “very enthusiastic owner” and Ferrari revealed the results. It seems this British owner wasn’t satisfied with Ferrari’s transition to forced induction for the 488 GTO. So, he gave Ferrari a ring so that they’d build him his own, special edition 458 Italia. It’s called the 458 MM Speciale, and it comes with much more than just a unique exterior color theme, modeled after the Italian flag.

It firstly comes with a different aluminum body with specially molded front and rear fascias, made from carbon fiber. The bodywork, although gorgeous, is also there for function as it improves cooling for the engine and transmission. Revised intakes also allow more cooler air for the engine, which is still the 458’s 4.5L naturally-aspirated V8, good for 605hp and 399 lb-ft of twist, through a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Hell, it would be nice if I called up Honda to ask them to specifically make me a six-speed V6 Accord sedan.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Ferrari

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1P2esyQ

Spy Shots: What is this odd BMW i8 test mule with the weird vents on the back window?

Critics and fans have been contemplating the possibilities of any potential future variants of the BMW i8 since the car was first introduced. Some believed and still believe a droptop i8 is going to happen, while a more powerful version was said to be in the works. Keep in mind though, BMW turned down any integration of the M and i brands, so no, there won’t be an i8 M any time soon.

However, speaking of the latter, a more powerful version of the i8 may have been spotted in test mule form recently, in some photos caught by spy photographers for Motor1. The most prominent detail spotted on this test mule are the obvious vents on the rear engine bay window, which implies the need for greater cooling efficiency. This need could be warranted from a larger and more powerful powertrain, or even a larger gas engine.

Some larger brakes were even spotted, suggesting the car has to cope with greater speeds.

Right now, the i8 makes do with a not-so shabby 1.5L turbocharged gas engine and electric motor combination, with a six-speed automatic to produce as much as 420hp. Rumors abound for the more powerful version suggest the use of either BMW’s latest 2.0L turbocharged four-banger with 320hp or perhaps Bimmer’s 3.0L twin-turbo inline six with 480hp.

Regardless of what happens, a more powerful i8 is anticipated to happen in lieu of the company’s centenary commemoration.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Motor1

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

Leaked: Could this be the new next-generation Porsche Panamera?

A picture of a four-door Porsche has apparently leaked on the Interwebs this morning, and it’s been all the talk today.

That four-door Porsche would of course be none other than the Panamera, discounting their crossover SUVs–that’s what the leak is of and if true, it looks like Porsche’s dialed back the ugly a bit to make the Panamera much more palatable to the eyes.

It’s no doubt that the Porsche Panamera has a love-it-or-hate-it exterior design–more like a hate it, if you ask most. However, it still doesn’t defeat the fact that the Panamera also happens to be one of Porsche’s top selling models, so they clearly listened to the feedback in hopes to address any of the current car’s criticisms. The biggest one would be its styling.

The leak was discovered by friend of Jalopnik’s and was originally discovered on Vince Burlapp’s Instagram page, and Mr. Burlapp apparently has a knack for accurately depicting the near-automotive future.

More details are likely to surface soon.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Instagram via Jalopnik

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/25yVbSG

Recalls: 2013-2014 Ford F150 recalled for defective brake master cylinder

Ford and the NHTSA issued a statement recalling some 250,000+ 2013-2014 F150 pickups over a defective brake master cylinder.

The defect involves a leak of brake fluid within the master cylinder, which could seep into the brake booster, affecting its function greatly. Because brakes are supposed to be a sealed system, any loss in pressure from a leak would basically inhibit the system from working, with the pedal going to the floor and not much happening.

Only the 2013-2014 F150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 are affected, with Ford only being aware of nine accidents reported from the problem.

The NHTSA on the other hand stated that a total of 33 reports of brake master cylinder failures were filed involving those model year trucks to date.

Ford will fix all trucks affected, free of charge.

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Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America to replace their brake master cylinders.
Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 271,000 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles to replace brake master cylinders. In some vehicles, it is possible brake effectiveness could be reduced due to brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, increasing the risk of a crash. The brake fluid leak affects brakes to the front wheels only and does not affect rear wheel braking.

Ford is aware of allegations of nine accidents with no injuries, and one alleged injury involving interaction with the vehicle’s brakes but not associated with an accident.

Affected vehicles include certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines built at Dearborn Truck Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 22, 2014; and Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2014. There are 270,873 vehicles affected including 225,012 in the United States and federalized territories, 43,682 in Canada and 402 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to the customer. Additionally, dealers will replace the brake booster if they find leaks from the brake master cylinder.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Ford, NHTSA

 

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

The GMC Yukon SLT Premium Edition is basically a stripped-down Yukon Denali

General Motors loves badgineering, as is evident with their latest line of full-size SUVs, which continues to this day, unbothered by the lingering fear of skyrocketing fuel prices.

Nonetheless, GMC decided to make their offerings a little bit more accessible, by producing a new trimline called the SLT Premium Edition. Think of it, as other journalists have put it, as a GMC Yukon Denali-lite. Or, the GMC Yukon “the poor-man’s Denali.”

It starts off life as a near-fully loaded Yukon SLT, but only comes with the base 5.3L Ecotec V8 with 355hp. But it comes with some handsome looking appointments, such as massive 22-inch wheels, and chrome inserts for the front lower fascia. This package is available on both the short-wheelbase and long Yukon XL.

– By: Chris Chin

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

Auctions: If you’re a Mad Men junkie, Don Draper’s 1964 Chrysler Imperial Crown convertible could be yours

Hollywood can be attributed as one of the biggest enablers for the love of the automobile. When a car ever ends up on the big screen, it immediately gains it’s own fame since they’re often picture-perfect portrayals of relatable situations. Hey, if James Bond drove a Ford Mondeo in Casino Royale, then the Ford Mondeo must be cool, right?

Well, you get the point. More often than not, big screen appearances certainly influence our buying decisions, or so marketing firms and committees think, since they believe, if James Bond was cool enough to be seen in a Ford Mondeo, rather than driving one with a paper bag over his head, than it must be socially acceptable to own one in real life. The basic psychology of product placement.

But seldom the moment comes when you can actually buy and own the actual prop cars used in certain Hollywood flicks. Right now, is one of those moments, if you’re a big Mad Men fan.

ScreenBid reports those who are fans of Don Draper’s 1964 Chrysler Imperial Crown convertible can own the actual car used by Mr. Draper himself, once the car goes up for auction, along with other props and memorabilia.

Expect it to go for a pretty lofty price, as most high-profile prop cars go for. Especially one that’s a minty 1964 Chrysler Imperial Crown, which was the time when Chrysler was truly on top of their game with luxury and technology. Current prices within the market for this generation of Imperial range from around $11,000 for a “fair condition car” while a Concours museum piece can top at around $50,000.

Power is provided by a carbureated 6.8L (413 cu in) V8 and a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic.

The winner of the auction will get the car and a certificate of authenticity from Lion’s Gate Entertainment.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1TFEsC3

Volkswagen could reach a settlement for Dieselgate by July

As we go about our daily lives, the United States Federal Court is arbitrating over how Volkswagen will compensate owners affected by Dieselgate in America. Now, a new statement from Volkswagen, along with a supporting report by Reuters, says Volkswagen could come to an agreement and settlement with the U.S. Federal Court over how the company will pay its dues over emissions cheating.

By the time the settlement will be announced, on July 26th, the amount of time elapsed since the initial filing will have reached about 10 months of painstaking investigations and negotiations.

So far, the Volkswagen Group begun rolling out a compensation program for owners of affected cars, while offering to fix or buy back the 482,000 cars flagged with the affected 2.0L turbodiesel four-banger.

In addition to the repair costs involved with 482,000 cars, fines could be imposed heavily by the government and so far, projections in the tens of billions in total damages have been estimated.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Volkswagen, Reuters

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