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Chicago Auto Show: 500Hp BMW ALPINA B7 makes US debut.

2008-08-07T08:35:00.001-07:00

PS: Alpina had announced in February 2006 that the B7 would go on sale in the US towards the end of the year, something that never happened for reasons unknown to us. Hence the dates on the press release that follows

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 16, 2006... Committed to developing the best performing vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special high performance version of BMWís 7 Series luxury sedan. The 2006 BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan with the scintillating performance of a supercharged, 500hp V-8 engine.

To power the BMW ALPINA B7, ALPINA specially developed a higher-performance version of BMWís 4.4-liter, 90-degree V-8 engine and mated it to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel mounted shift controls. The motor produces 500 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with maximum torque of 516 lbs.-ft. at 4,250 rpm, and propels the B7 from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. ALPINA 21-inch wheels carry Z-rated performance tires, while the sport-tuned suspension includes Active Roll Stabilization. The B7 aerokit includes a rear spoiler to improve stability, handling, and performance at high speeds.

ALPINA was established in 1964 as an official and approved ìennoblerî of BMW automobiles. Their tradition is to take production BMWs and make them even more appealing to connoisseurs of automotive finery.

With this new model, BMW will raise the benchmark for the segment in terms of performance, refinement, technology, and luxury. Approximately 200 US-version cars are planned for the 2006 model year, with a release date in July 2006.

BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo.

2008-08-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Alpina’s diesel-powered D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe has arrived on UK shores. Based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe, the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe uses a modified version of the 123d’s 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel producing 214 HP. While the coupe is more than capable with a top speed of 152mph (245 km/h) and a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 6.9 secs, yet it manages to return 52.3 MPG UK (5.4lt/100km or 43.5 MPG US) with a manual gearbox and 50.4 MPG UK (5.6lt/100km 42.0 MPG US) with an automatic transmission in the EU combined cycle. -Continued

This year, around one hundred D3 Bi-Turbo Coupes are destined for the UK market with prices set at £32,950 (manual gearbox) and at £34,540 (automatic transmission).

2009 Acura TL: First Official Image Released.

2008-08-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Acura decided to release a teaser image of its 2009 TL sedan that’s set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Although Acura didn’t provide any other pictures, the Japanese carmaker was kind enough to inform us that the new TL sedan will be offered in two distinctive versions one of which will be equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Acura also vaguely states that the TL will feature the brand’s most powerful engine ever. So until Acura releases more details, we’d like to hear what you have to say about the TL’s design. Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Renderings: Honda’s Hybrid Prius Fighter.

2008-08-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

One of our readers that goes by the alias “Uncle Evan” sent us a couple of scanned renderings featuring an artists impression of Honda’s forthcoming hybrid model that will compete head on with the Prius. A look at the FCX Clarity shows that the artist was clearly inspired from Honda’s fuel-cell vehicle. The Japanese carmaker has already made it official that it will present a new stand-alone hybrid model in 2009 at a price level lower than the Civic Hybrid. The reason is that Honda has (finally) acknowledged that when it comes to hybrid cars, being “green” is simply not enough. -One more pic after the jump

Honda Reveals Details on Euro-Spec Jazz.

2008-08-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Honda has released details on the European specification Jazz that will make its first European show appearance in Paris this October with sales following in early November. The European version of the Fit (see details here) will be offered with two new 4-cylinder petrol units, a 90 PS 1.2-litre and a 100 PS 1.4-litre i-VTEC.

Offering 90 PS compared to the 78 PS of its predecessor at a slightly higher 6,000 rpm and torque up from 110 to 114 Nm, the entry-level 1.2-litre engine that’s matted to a 5-speed manual gearbox offers a combined fuel economy of 5.1 l/100km (46.1 MPG US), down from 5.5 l/100km, while CO2 emissions are also improved, reduced from 129 to 120 g/km. -Continued

Compared to the 1.4-liter i-DSI unit in the outgoing Jazz that produced 83 PS and 119 Nm of torque, the new 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine develops 100 PS and 127 Nm of torque. As well as a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.4-litre engine can be teamed up with Honda's new 6-speed automated manual i-SHIFT transmission that replaces the previous CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Despite the power increase and the fact that the new Jazz is slightly larger than its predecessor, Honda says that combined fuel economy is now 5.3 l/100km (44.3 MPG US) for the 5-speed manual model (down from 5.8 l/100km) and an even better 5.1 l/100km when equipped with the i-SHIFT semi-automated manual transmission (5.9 l/100km for the previous 1.4-litre CVT). Accordingly, CO2 output drops to 124 and 120 g/km, respectively (down from 137 and 139 g/km).

AC Schnitzer Reveals BMW 1-Series Cabriolet Sport Package.

2008-08-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Following the introduction of AC Schnitzer’s sport program for the BMW 1-Series Coupe at last year’s ESSEN Show, the German tuning firm has now revealed its sport package for the convertible version of the compact bimmer.

Power-wise, AC Schnitzer kits boost the 135i’s output from 306 to 360Hp, the 120d’s from 177 to 200Hp and the 123d’s from 204 to 240Hp. The engine upgrades can be complemented with a sport suspension or for those who want the full works, a height adjustable racing suspension. -Continued

Visually, AC Schnitzer has enhanced the 1-Series Cabriolet with the addition of a bodykit that includes front and rear spoilers, sport exterior mirrors as well as with new alloy wheels which are available in a variety of designs (17 to 19-inch). Inside, the AC Schnitzer treatment includes a carbon fiber trim, a sport steering wheel and various aluminum accessories.

AC Schnitzer Launches New BMW X6 Styling and Performance Pack.

2008-08-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

AC Schnitzer is the latest tuning firm to present a styling and performance package for BMW’s self-proclaimed Sports Activity Coupe or as we prefer to call it, the new X6 crossover. The German tuner’s bodykit consists of a new front bumper fascia with larger air vents, side skirts and a rear bumper fascia that incorporates a diffuser and a new set of chromed tailpipes. In contrast to the standard X6, AC Schnitzer’s components are painted in the body-colour. Complementing the body kit is a new set of 22-inch multispoke alloy wheels finished in black. -Continued

Inside AC Schnitzer offers an array of options including the "EVO" 3-spoke Sport Airbag steering wheel, carbon fiber or aluminium trim, velour mats and aluminium sport pedals.

The BMW tuner has also developed a sport suspension kit and a new Motor Control Unit for the diesel-powered versions 3.0dX and 3.5dX details of which will be released at a later date.

AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Falcon.

2008-08-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

If we are to believe AC Schnitzer, then the Aachen-based tuner’s new wide-bodykit for the BMW X5 was inspired from a falcon. Last time we checked though, falcons actually look like prey birds and not like overstuffed chickens but we guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Leaving our personal sense of aesthetics aside, the AC Schnitzer’s Falcon widening kit includes front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, fender flairs, a roof spoiler and two triangular air intakes on the bonnet which are complemented by 22-inch alloy wheels and a set of chromed tailpipes. -Continued

The German tuner also offers sport suspension upgrades and a power kit for the BMW X5's 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine which raises output from the standard 286 HP to 310 HP. Maximum torque is also increased from 580 to 680 Nm.

Fiat 500 Abarth Race Track Driving & Beauty Shots.

2008-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

The new 500 Abarth, which was first introduced at the 78th Geneva Motor show earlier this year, is due to go on sale from July 19 in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, France and the Netherlands. Aside from the base 135Hp version, Fiat has also introduced a limited production variant called “Opening Edition” that squeezes 160Hp from the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine . Follow the jump to see the video that includes driving footage on the race track as well as exterior and interior shots. -Continued

Abarth Rumored to Develop Lotus Elise Based Sports Car.

2008-08-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Ever since Fiat re-launched its Abarth brand, we’ve been hearing rumors about a stand-alone sports car that will act as a “halo” car for the Italian brand. Now, British magazine Autocar is reporting that it has learned from credible sources that Fiat has struck a deal with Lotus to use the next generation Elise that’s expected in 2010 as a base for a lightweight sports car with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. -Continued

The two-seater that is slatted to enter production in 2011 will get its own unique styling along with a range of Fiat sourced engines that could include the 1.4-liter Turbo unit from the Grande Punto Abarth and the 1.8-liter direct-injection Turbo from the new Lancia Delta. (Picture: CarScoop)

Via: Autocar

Suzuki Alto 2009.

2008-08-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

At the International Paris Motor Show that runs from October 2 to 19, Suzuki will present the all-new 2009 Alto city car based on the A-Star Concept -see here- that premiered at the New Delhi Auto Show in India earlier this year. Compared to the prototype, the production version of the A-Star features a much less dramatic design which is quite a let down as we liked the concept’s original styling.

According to CarScoop’s sources, the 2009 Alto will be offered with a newly developed 1.0-liter engine with low CO2 emissions of just 109g/km. The Alto will be built at Suzuki’s Indian plant in Manesar with European sales set to start in December 2008. Since Suzuki only released one image of the Alto we decided to fool around with photoshop painting the Japanese city car in various colours. Follow the jump to check out our gallery. –Continued