Author: mark

Alpina reveal new 204mph B5 Bi-Turbo

Alpina reveal new 204mph B5 Bi-Turbo

Alpina has given its ‘standard’ B5 Bi-turbo the same premium treatment as the Edition 50 models it released earlier this year.

The new saloon and estate B5 Bi-Turbos will now feature a modified twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, which has been boosted to a colossal 592bhp, 591lb ft of torque.  Top speed is a scorching 204mph and 0-62mph is reached in just 4.2 seconds.

To achieve the performance boost, the modified BMW 5 Series is equipped with new pistons, higher performance brakes, a high performance intercooler, two larger turbos working in parallel and an optimised air intake ducting system.  The B5 Bi-Turbo comes with an Alpine reprofiled 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, new camber settings, a limited slip-differential, electronically adjustable dampers with a sport mode and the option of a weight-cutting titanium exhaust.

Aesthetically, the 2016 model will feature the usual Alpina embellishments, including a restyled front bumper and rear spoiler, classic Alpina wheels and stripes and an abundance of quality leather and wood trims in the cabin.  UK pricing and availability are yet to be released.

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Porsche reveal Cayman GT4 Clubsport

Porsche reveal Cayman GT4 Clubsport

Porsche has unveiled its track-only Cayman GT4 race car at the LA Auto Show. The GT4 Clubsport is the extreme version of the road-going Cayman GT4 – lighter and faster than the standard model.

The race car uses the same engine as the road-ready Cayman GT4, a 3.8 litre flat-six with the same power output of 380bhp.  However the Clubsport features a 6-speed double clutch gearbox with wheel-mounted paddleshifts, in place of the production car’s 6-speed manual transmission.

The Clubsport has been stripped back, swapping seats for racing buckets and weighs 40kg less overall, despite the welded-in roll cage.  The ABS system can be adjusted through 12 different settings, and comes with 380mm steel disc brakes. The stability control system has been adjusted with a setting for slick tyres.

The GT4 Clubman will be priced at £93,400, and will be available for teams and private buyers from 2016. 

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Alfa Romeo reveal new Giulia spec details

Alfa Romeo reveal new Giulia spec details

Alfa Romeo has released new details on the Giulia, their ambitious new rear-wheel drive saloon designed to take on the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Audi A4.

Three variants will be available initially, including the Ferrari-engineered Giulia Quadrifoglio and a 2.0-litre turbocharged model.  The new car will feature a sophisticated suspension system, with electronically-controlled active dampers and ‘Alfalink’ multilink setup on the rear axle, for more dynamic and accurate driving behaviour and sharper steering.

The range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio will be powered by a turbocharged 503bhp V6 engine, delivering 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.  It features an active front splitter, rear lip spoiler and large rear diffuser to add downforce.  Four driving modes will be available – Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency and a Race mode, which activates an over-boost function, opening the exhaust valves and turning off the stability control for more aggressive engine, throttle and transmission response.

UK prices are yet to be confirmed, however the model will start at £53,000 in Italy.  

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Lamborghini Huracan now available with rear-wheel drive

Lamborghini Huracan now available with rear-wheel drive

Lamborghini has revealed its new rear-wheel drive Huracan at the LA Auto Show. The LP 580-2 variant will be cheaper and 33kg lighter than the regular four-wheel drive Huracan and Huracan Spyder.

The new model encourages over-steering characteristics, with new, stiffer springs and 40:60 front:rear weight distribution, to give the driver a more authentic rear-wheel driving experience and faster turning. The V10 engine now puts out 572bhp, rather than the standard 601bhp, and is capable of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, with a new top speed of 199mph and 398lb ft torque.

The LP 580-2 will feature the same dual-clutch seven speed transmission, but the driving modes have been recalibrated for stability and traction control.  External changes include new front air intakes to increase downforce over the front axle and a modified rear-spoiler designed to work with the diffuser to improve air flow around the rear. New 19in wheels with specially developed Pirelli tyres come as standard, with the option of 20in alloys.

UK pricing has not yet been released, but is expected to be significantly less than the standard Huracan, judging by the European price cut of €53,000 to €150,000 plus tax. 

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Bentley Bentayga First Edition unveiled

Bentley Bentayga First Edition unveiled

The exclusive Bentley Bentayga First Edition has been revealed ahead of the Los Angeles motor show.

The First Edition run of Bentley’s first ever SUV will be limited to a mere 608 examples.  The latest images and spec details reveal that the First Edition Bentayga will receive the full Bentley treatment, including bespoke luxury trims and specialist equipment above and beyond the lavish styling that will feature in later Bentayga models.

The First Edition will boast more detail and trim options than the standard Bentagya , including Union Jack badging, new quilted trim and bespoke colour options.  Owners will also have the choice of 3 special Breitling watches.  External features include illuminated treadplates and 22in alloy wheels.

The total of 608 First Edition models reflects the car’s power output of 608PS.  The twin-turbo W12 engine will deliver 0-60mph in 4 seconds and a top speed of 187mph.  Four on-road and four off-road drive modes will be available through the 8 speed electronic transmission.

Bentley’s new SUV will have a starting price of £160,200, with plenty of room for customisation.  Orders are being taken now, with first deliveries expected in 2017.

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Lamborghini Miura SV to star at New York sale

Lamborghini Miura SV to star at New York sale

This beautiful 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is set to star at RM Sotheby’s sale in New York next month.

The Miura SV is Lamborghini’s most refined version of the ‘original Supercar’, and this particular example is said to be the finest available in the world, having been restored at the specialist Miura garage in Modena.

Chassis number 5014 still has the original body, engine and drivetrain and has been restored in its original colours of Giallo Miura with striking black Nero leather and rich styling detail, trimmed by Bruno Paratelli.  Producing 385bhp, the Miura SV is capable of 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 180mph.  The car features a mid-mounted alloy V-12 engine with four weber twin-choke carburettors, tubular shocks, anti-roll bars and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.  It has been fitted with the correct Pirelli CN12 tyres and comes with a user handbook, tool kit and jack.

This pristine example is expected to fetch $2.2m-$2.6m when it goes on sale on the 10th December. 

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Lotus reveal new Elise Sport and Sport 220

Lotus reveal new Elise Sport and Sport 220

Lotus has revealed two new two-seated sports cars to replace the outgoing Elise and Elise S. The Elise Sport and Sport 220 will feature a number of improvements, including reduced weight and new colour and trim options.

The new models are equipped with lightweight sports seats, lightweight 16in and 17in silver or black wheel casts, a black rear diffuser available in 10 different colours and a six-speed manual transmission.  Other optional extras include an ungraded Clarion stereo, a hard roof, air conditioning and cruise control.  The reintroduction of the ‘Sport’ name harks back to the Lotus Esprit, and a tartan trim option will be available to mirror the 1970s Esprit S1.

Both of the new models are 10kg lighter, bringing the Elise Sport down to 866kg and the Sport 220 to 914kg.  This has helped improve economy – 45mpg for the Sport and 37.5mpg for the Sport 220.  The Sport retains the 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, delivering 0-62mph in 6.5sec and a top speed of 127mph. The Sport 220 achieves 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds with its 217bhp 1.8-litre engine, reaching a top speed of 145mph.

The two cars go on sale next month, with prices starting at £29,900 for the Elise Sport and £36,500 for the Sport 220. 

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Ferrari 488 GTB boosted to 779bhp

Ferrari 488 GTB boosted to 779bhp

Tuning specialists Alpha-N Performance have boosted the power of the Ferrari 488 GTB, increasing its output to an incredible 779bhp and 643lb ft of torque, which takes it beyond Lamborghini’s Aventador SV and even Ferrari’s F12tdf.

Alpha-N’s software modifications allow the turbocharged supercar to outstrip its standard counterpart by 118bhp and 74lb ft, verging on hypercar performance.  The unmodified Ferrari can already sprint from 0-62mph in 3 seconds, with a top speed of 205mph.

Alpha-N are offering the remap for £2,116, which will void the car’s manufacturer warranty, but will not doubt tempt many wealthy owners, given the significant performance improvements. 

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Mercedes SL gets a facelift

Mercedes SL gets a facelift

Mercedes has revealed the first images of its redesigned 2016 SL, which is due to debut at the LA Auto Show later this month.

The new SL features significant design improvements, and now falls in line with the AMG and other recent Mercedes lines, with a more modern and aggressive look.  The headlights and body of the car have been rounded off to look less boxy and angular, giving the new SL a sleeker look.  The new diamond-shaped pattern on the grille makes a statement – larger and softer than before, and based on the A-Class in its design.  It’s accompanied by a redesigned front bumper.

Mechanically, the new SL will be very similar to the current car, with the V12 AMG SL65 still topping the range.  Full details and specifications will be released by Mercedes after the LA debut.

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Rare Ferrari Enzo and F40 set for Paris sale

Rare Ferrari Enzo and F40 set for Paris sale

Two special Ferraris are going on sale in Paris during RM Sotheby’s third annual auction in February 2016. The two supercars in question have drawn notable attention, and are expected to be the highlight of the Paris sale.

The first is a 2004 Ferrari Enzo in a rare Nero Daytona colour. The Ferrari Enzo is highly-specced with red ‘Cartier’ upholstery with Enzo monograms, carbon fibre wings and mirrors, tinted windows and a high-end Alpine GPS system. The black Enzo, currently undergoing Ferrari Classiche certification, is in great condition and is expected to fetch a cool €1.5m-€2m.

The second star of the show is a 1989 Ferrari F40 with an interesting history; it was originally purchased by Stefano Casiraghi, a famous offshore powerboat racer who was married to Princess Caroline of Monaco. The red F40 is in prime condition, with a very low mileage of 4300km, and comes with the original tool kit. An estimate of €1m-€1.2m has been set. 

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