The online configurator for the 2013 BMW M5 just went online on www.bmwusa.com. At launch time this fall, the color palette for the new M5 includes a wide range of exterior colors and interior trims: Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic paint, Mojave, Silverstone, Space Gray, Imperial Blue, Singapore Grey and Monte Carlo Blue. The latter color is already known from BMW X5 M and recently seen on M5 wallpapers . From the Individual Catalog, BMW offers the following: Amazonite Silver, Champagne Quartz, Moonstone, Azurite Black and Citrin Black. With the new super sporty sedan, BMW has moved on from from naturally aspirated engines to a TwinPower turbocharged V8 . The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold that guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle. The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The high-rev unit should rocket the M5 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control. The 2013 BMW M5 will carry Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices of $90,695 (including destination and handling). The European Delivery base price starts at $83,655 and based on the production dates, it seems to be available starting in July. The Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side and Top View Cameras, Speed Limit Info and retails for $1,900, but it requires the Executive Package which among many features includes the Heated Steering Wheel, Power Tailgate, Head Up Display and Comfort Access ($5,500). For audiophiles, BMW offers the Bang & Olufsen Sound System first launched in the 6 Series Coupe. Total price? $3,700. Head over to BMWUSA and configure your own M5 and share with us in the section below by attaching your screenshots. Here is the original post: 2013 BMW M5 Online Configurator Now Online

Audi's R18 TDI Le Mans Prototype If you’re a racing fan who’s never seen the Audi-sponsored film Truth In 24, go download it from iTunes (or watch it on YouTube). It’s free, and it’s well worth an hour and a half of your time to learn about Audi’s preparation for the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Produced by Intersport and NFL Films, the documentary may be one of the best ever filmed on the sport of endurance racing. If you liked Truth In 24, here’s some goods news for you: Truth in 24 II will be released in just under two weeks. Like the original, the sequel is produced by Intersport and NFL Films, and also features the narration of Jason Statham. This time the story centers on Audi’s development of the R18 race car, and its preparation for the action-packed 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans. We won’t spoil the story, but you probably already know that two of the three Audi R18s crashed heavily after colliding with slower Ferraris on course. Want more info on the film? Want to grab it as soon as its available? Bookmark the Truth In 24 website , and schedule an email reminder of the release date.   Read the original post: New ‘Truth In 24′ Film Coming Read more: New ‘Truth In 24′ Film Coming

The 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe gets captured on camera. Courtesy of MotorAuthority we have the first video of the upcoming four-door M6 built atop the next year release of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-dour coupe vehicle that will come to market to compete with similar offerings from Audi (A7) and Mercedes-Benz (CLS). We first reported about the M6 Gran Coupe in summer of 2011 when we mentioned that the greenlight has yet to be given to the four-door M6. In the mean time, BMW boards approved the M6 Gran Coupe and we expect it to launch in late 2013 or early 2014. Rendering by AutoZeitung The new M6 Gran Coupe will eventually replace the M5 and M6 at the top of the M family. We expect power to come from the same engine as the new M5 and M6, a high revving 560 hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a high torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch transmission (M-DCT). A source close to the brand described the new M6 Gran Coupe as one of the best looking cars to ever come out of the ///M gates in Garching. Here is a close-up video of the M6 Gran Coupe at the M Testing Facility near Nurburgring and also from a testing session around the famous race track. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4gbdkcqg0 Read more from the original source:  2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Spy Video

Ease is among the chief differentiators between the obnoxiously wealthy and those who are merely ultra-rich. Ease of buying your way into finer polo clubs, out of lesser felonies, into better key parties, that sort of thing. When it comes to the Audi A8L W-12, the only thing that isn’t easy is saying A8L W-12. When your flagship vehicle’s designation reads like a license plate, maybe it’s time to rethink vehicle names. We’ve got a suggestion for this one: Autobahn King. (more…) Read more: 2012 Audi A8L W12 Instrumented Test: 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 More here: 2012 Audi A8L W12 Instrumented Test: 0 to 60 mph in 4.1

At first, when Douglas’s dad woke him up around 3:00 am to say there was a crash outside their house in suburban Vancouver, it wasn’t a shock. More than a dozen cars have ended up in their lawn over the last twenty years. The shock didn’t come until Douglas saw the flaming Audi A7 split in half and roasting in a massive fire, then saw the driver sitting on the ground next to it. More » See the original post: Holy Crap! How Did Anyone Survive This Explosive Audi Crash? [Car Crashes] Here is the original post:  Holy Crap! How Did Anyone Survive This Explosive Audi Crash? [Car Crashes]

Having an R badge on your car typically means that the car is quick, or at least quicker than its plebeian, non-R counterpart. However, the new European Polo R Line offers no such improvement. All of the “upgrades” for this trim are cosmetic. In other words, it looks fast, but it isn’t. The Polo R Line differs visually from the standard Polo with sporty-looking front and rear bumpers, 16-inch aluminum wheels, tinted rear windows, and a black grille with R Line badging. Sport seats with cloth and a leather-trimmed steering wheel are added, letting the driver feel like he’s driving a sports car, while aluminum pedals and doorsills make it look like he is. A six-speaker, iPod-compatible audio system also comes standard in the R Line. Under the Polo R Line’s sporty makeup is the 105-hp, 1.2-liter turbo four found in the Polo SEL, mated to a six-speed manual. VW says this combo is good for a 0-to-62-mph stroll of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph. If the highest of performance is highest on your list of needs from a Polo, we’d suggest looking to the Polo GTI . The 1.4-liter turbo four found under that hood will make 75 more horses than what you get from the R Line, which makes us wonder why the newest Polo is designated as an R at all. Comparison Test: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R U.S.-Spec Instrumented Test: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Read the original: VW Polo R Line Adds Show Without the Go More: VW Polo R Line Adds Show Without the Go

A Canadian beachcomber made an unexpected find along British Columbia’s Pacific Coast on April 18. Debris from Japan’s tragic tsunami a year ago have only recently begun washing up on North America’s west coast. Like on April 18th, when Peter Mark found a white container with a Harley Davidson inside of it. More » Go here to see the original: This Harley Lost In The Japanese Tsunami Just Washed Up On A Canadian Beach [Japan Quake] Original post:  This Harley Lost In The Japanese Tsunami Just Washed Up On A Canadian Beach [Japan Quake]

Things are heating up real fast in Sydney, Australia with this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week already rolling. Right from the opening, the intensity could be felt from the design collaboration between Romance was Born and Marvel Comics. Stars which included Kate Waterhouse and Lara Bingle occupied front row of an old Sydney warehouse to witness comic strip prints parading up on stage. Red mullet wigs inspired by David Bowie glided the runway along with comical armour with fans absorbing tremendous energy from the show which is now being touted as offering the most creativity in recent years. Montana Cox and Louise Van der Vorst were among the models who made the show sizzle in fashion ecstacy. Celebrity blogger Bryan Boy was well-missed by the show’s organizers, which put on hold the start of the show for as long as forty minutes to give him time to occupy his front row seat. Meanwhile, Romance was Born’s Luke Sales reveals that they had been wanting to work with a comic theme for some time, and decided to run the show with comic-giant Marvel. Very timely indeed especially with The Avengers hitting cinemas nationwide. More to come from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney. Stick around folks! Source: heraldsun.com.au Photos: Marianna Massey/Getty Images Here is the original: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show energizes audiences in Sydney

Ok enough with the jokes The Dodge Caravan has been a popular vehicle for growing families since its debut in 1984. The grocery hauler has been popular for its class-leading interior conveniences and its ability to transport kids and cargo. While most guys poke fun at the minivan, it continues to be a great family vehicle. This week we’ll check out what makes the 2012 Grand Caravan a good choice for families. Last year, the Grand Caravan was lowered one inch; it got a sportier front facia, a new Dodge crosshair grille, and a slightly reshaped hood and quad headlights. The rear received new Dodge lettering on the liftgate, new LED taillights, and a body colored roof spoiler. You don’t buy it for its looks The 2012 Grand Caravan receives a few minor changes in trim levels and a new, lower-cost base model called the American Value Package. This week we’ll be testing the 2012 Caravan SXT. We’ll start with the interior since that is why so many families buy them. There is only so much you can do with a box, so we’ll just concentrate on the inside. Up front, the Grand Caravan has all-new fabric on the seats, extra soft touch materials throughout adding more luxury even though the dash is still hard plastic which is characteristic in the minivan segment, but not a bad idea since kids touch things with their dirty hands. This SXT tester came with a telescoping steering wheel with trip computer, phone, audio, cruise control, and, when ordered, navigation controls. Moms will love the convex conversation mirror that allows for seeing the kids in the rear without having to turn around. The 2012 Grand Caravan also offers lots of storage up front, two cupholders, and a covered shallow tray. The rear passenger area is equipped to handle just about any need that a growing family will have. Now the only thing needed is a restroom in back. Stow n’ Go is the advantage The Dodge Caravan still holds the advantage among the competition with seats that with the pull of a lever, can be stowed in the floor bins below. This system called Super Stow ‘n Go allows for both second and third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor. The system works flawlessly and in just a couple of minutes the kid’s hauler is transformed into a cargo carrying work vehicle for dad. The...

Chrysler dusted off the “Dodge Dart” nameplate for a small sedan based on an elongated and stretched platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Guilietta, a premium compact sold in Europe and elsewhere. This is the first new Dodge car to emerge from the Chrysler-Fiat alliance, and others are expected to soon follow. Based on our first impressions, it is a significant improvement over the long-retired, chintzy Neon. For a first drive, we borrowed a Dart from Chrysler. Our loaner was powered by a 160-hp, 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder Fiat engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The most popular version is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (also rated at 160 hp) matched with an automatic. There will also be a sporty R/T with a 184-hp, 2.4-liter four. The latter two are updated versions of Chrysler engines that have common hardware with Hyundai and Mitsubishi units. With the 1.4-turbo, the Dart starts up with a distinctive Italian exhaust bark. The engine also pulls well and feels flexible enough at low- to mid-range revs. The manual shifter is low effort though a bit rubbery and with rather long throws. Handling is quite agile. The body stays flat in corners and the steering is quick and well weighted. The ride is fairly composed, but not as restrained and compliant as in a Ford Focus or Subaru Impreza . The cabin is relatively quiet. Overall, the car instills a feeling of solidity and substance. The interior is tidy enough but not a breakthrough. We liked the padded dash, but most other surfaces are hard plastic. Our version had Chrysler’s big, attractive, 8.4-inch color touch screen that provides the interface for the audio, climate, and other functions. We found it to be quite straightforward to use. In addition, the Dart will offer a host of options that are uncommon in this class, such as heated steering wheel and a backup camera. The seats drew mixed reviews. Some thought their support wasn’t even. One nice surprise is a storage bin under the passenger seat. Given the generous dimensions for the class, with an overall length of 184 inches, you’d expect a roomy rear seat but it turns out to be merely acceptable. Overall, the Dart comes across as a frisky compact that’s entertaining to drive. It...

Keeping your car well-maintained is key to its longevity. While in the past cars didn’t last as long, today’s cars are surviving longer than ever before. Recently, Matt Harion’s green 2001 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T crossed the 500,000 mark. While that doesn’t set any records, it is certainly impressive – especially for a car as recent as it is. The 1.8T is a turbocharged engine as well, another knock against its longevity. What’s more impressive though is the condition of the engine as it crossed the mark. Harion is a deputy editor at Men’s Health magazine, and a few years back he started a blog called the The Half-Million mile man. His goal was to hit 500,000, and on April 9th the odometer ticked over to that figure. Over the course of its lifetime (the car was purchased new) Harion was meticulous about keeping the car well maintained. He ran through a fuel system cleaner every 10,000 times, changed synthetic oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, filled his car with Top Tier fuel and fitted platinum spark plugs, among other things. VW, which is making a big sales push in the U.S, was naturally interested in learning more. Reliability is something manufacturers want to promote. VW contacted Harion and he brought the green Jetta to VW’s Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. There the car was torn apart by VW technicians over the course of two days. The technicians were amazed at how little the engine appeared to be aged, given the low levels of buildup and tolerances that remained remarkably true to original specification. For instance, the cross-hatching on the pistons could still be seen clearly – something that they said would normally be worn off invisible by 500,000 miles. Heinz Rothe, Product Support Engineer at Audi was amazed: “This is fantastic,” he said. “Unless you see it, you don’t believe it. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could do another half million.” Alas though, it won’t be doing another half a million. 500,000 is the stopping point for this particular Jetta. Harion sold the car off for parts that will be used to fix up other Jettas. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Excerpt from:  2001 Volkswagen Jetta Hits 500,000 Miles, VW Tears It Apart

There are a lot of different models in the Aston Martin lineup – Virage, Virage Volante, DBS, DB9, DB9 Volante, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage Roadster Rapide, V12 Zagato, and Cygnet. That last one was an aberration…. Despite all these different models, there isn’t a whole lot of variety. They’re all basically two-door coupes and convertibles (save for Rapide and Cygnet) based on the same platform, but we still love them anyway. That doesn’t look like it will be changing anytime soon either. The British manufacturer is preparing a new generation of the DBS sports car. We’re hoping it takes Aston in into new styling territory. Introduced in 2007, it is time for a replacement. To commemorate the end of the run, Car & Driver reports that Aston is readying a last-run version of the DBS called the Ultimate Edition. 100 will be produced in total, with 30 earmarked for the United States. It is typical for high-end manufacturers to put out end-of-run specials like these. Who would want to shell out all that cash though, knowing that the new one is just around the corner? Maybe for collectible value, but we digress. Unfortunately, the Ultimate Edition isn’t expected to receive any upgrades to the engine or suspension. Instead, the Ultimate Edition is said to have exclusive wheels, paint colors and interior trim accents – and of course, the obligatory numbered plaque somewhere on the dash. The paint applied is said to be similar to the Carbon Black Edition, which had a paint job that reportedly took 50 (!) man hours to apply. Now that is special! Despite not being announced yet, C&D said the run is nearly all spoken for. So, if you’re interested you better get on it. Otherwise, take our advice and see what the new DBS has to offer….it is supposed to be released later on this year. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original:  With New Model Just Around the Corner, Aston Martin Readies DBS Ultimate Edition

BMW Centers around the country received the ordering guide for the new 2013 BMW M5. First orders will be  approved in the system starting next week. The 2013 BMW M5 will carry Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices of $90,695 (including destination and handling). The European Delivery base price starts at $83,655 and based on the production dates, it seems to be available starting in July. The Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side and Top View Cameras, Speed Limit Info and retails for $1,900, but it requires the Executive Package which among many features includes the Heated Steering Wheel, Power Tailgate, Head Up Display and Comfort Access ($5,500). For audiophiles, BMW offers the Bang & Olufsen Sound System first launched in the 6 Series Coupe. Total price? $3,700. F10 M5 comes equipped with a high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged that uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. It comes in both manual and 7-speed DCT transmission. Download 2013 BMW M5 Ordering Guide Excerpt from:  2013 BMW M5 Ordering Guide

  For a long time, the scope of automotive power was covered by the saying “there is no replacement for displacement”. In the 21 st century, the rules for gaining optimum engine power have changed in the face of improving emissions and fuel economy. The widespread usage of technologies such as variable valve timing gasoline direct injection, forced-air induction and friction-reducing components has not only allowed for more power but better combustion efficiency. Thanks to the best efforts of auto companies today, the modern automotive marketplace now has small four-cylinder engines with the performance of six-cylinder engines of a decade ago and six-cylinder powerplants delivering horsepower that can make older V-8 engines envious. The Ford Ecoboost family of engines, Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6, Mazda’s SkyActiv and Audi’s TFSI powerplants nets performance qualities comparable to larger engines but with improved fuel economy as an affirmative win-win situation for motorists. Debuting at the 2012 Auto China exhibit in Beijing, British luxury brand Jaguar revealed their next line of gasoline-powered production engines playing along with the modern engineering philosophy of high power, high technology and high fuel efficiency. A supercharged 3-liter V6 and a 2-liter turbocharged powerplant are the newest sign of Jaguar’s revival under Tata Motors. In building their all-new 3.0 liter V-6 engine, Jaguar engineers drew inspiration on their supercharged 5.0 V-8 powerplant. The 3.0 liter V-6 engine developed by Jaguar is encased within an all-aluminum shell. Environmentally-conscious but also mindful to the existing advantages of reusing materials, recycled aluminum is used to form the 3.0 liter V-6 engine’s cylinder heads. Jaguar uses dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) system within the four-valve per cylinder for ultra-efficient drivetrain movement. A Roots-type twin vortex supercharger allows the high compression powerplant to rapidly breathe air-fuel mixture for peak horsepower.     The 2013 model year supercharged 3.0 engine will replace the Jaguar XF’s naturally-aspirated 5-liter V-8 unit. Presenting a horsepower drop of about 45 horsepower for the XF sedan over the current eight-cylinder, the advanced 3.0 V-6 is estimated...

After a period of silenzio stampa (or “News Blackout” for our English speaking readers), the interwebs’ famous BMW insider Scott27 returns with more rumors around the future models of BMW Group.  In his or hers typical way, Scott27 gives  detailed descriptions around the upcoming 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet, the highly rumored and somewhat expected M2, and a surprise: a Gran Coupe Compact or in other words, 2 Series Gran Coupe. Here is the full text unedited, courtesy of Germancarforum : The latest Autobild magazine from Germany is currently running a feature on BMW and the seventeen new models due from the company over the course of the next two-three years. One such model illustrated is the BMW 2er shown below in Cabrio variant. Whilst some of the rendered illustrations border on some fiction, the 2er Cabrio illustrated shows some idea of the actual surface changes in distinguishing the 2er from the 1er, which BMW have concentrated on to give a more sportier look to the small and very popular 1er Coupe replacement. The 2er as it progresses from the 1er to slot in with the even number of the Coupe family , will be BMW’s entry Coupe model in Rear Wheel Drive specification. With advanced plans to switch the entire 1er to front wheel drive in the next generation. The 2er is introduced to keep the sportier compact rear wheel drive concept in balance. As seen on the rendering by the Autobild artist Larson. He has incorporated some of the current design thinking within BMW demonstrated on the visual canvas of the Vision ConnectedDrive and 328 Hommage concepts with their prominent surface layering in this case the 2er given its sporting credentials is designed as a concept in motion with everything on the surface of the car raked forward. The Surface layering distinguishes the bloodline between the 1er and 2er with the rear wheel arch being formed by a dropping character line which will give the car a compact rear deck as the typical BMW 2dr Sedan look. Like the Sporthatch this line will surround the rear arch and pronounce the surface work on the lower flanks of the car. The rear tail-lights appear in two formats one not shown here , is raked forward in some way similar to the current car with tones of the Vision ConnectedDrive leading into...