BMW Announces Special Edition M3 Coupe Models, Sales Start this Summer

In keeping with the special edition theme that seems to pervade the German car industry these days, BMW has announced that it will be releasing a quartet of M3 Coupes dubbed 'M3 Edition Models.' Available in four body colors with matching interior designs and a special features that include new light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis, the M3 Edition Models will go on sale worldwide this summer with production limited to just six months. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic.

Unique exterior features include the black finish on the openings on the engine compartment lid and the exterior mirror caps while the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome.

The M3 Edition Models rides on 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design that are available either in black or in the classic rim color. Furthermore, on the Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models, BMW offers the same rims in a special white contrasting color with polished spokes.

BMW has also upped the M3 Coupe's interior. All models come with black leather seats feature contrasting seams (white on the Alpine White and Black models, yellow on the Dakar Yellow and blue on the Monte Carlo Blue) as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest.

Same goes for the leather/ plastic trim on the center armrest, the center console and the armrests on the door panels. The entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the "M3" model designation round up the interior upgrades.

The special edition M3 Coupe models also come with a sportier suspension set up that lowers the entire body by 10 millimeters or 0.4-inches. Other than that, there are no other mechanical changes with the M3 Edition Models holding on to the 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 420HP with power being transferred to the rear wheels either through the standard six-speed manual gearbox or via the optional M double-clutch seven-speed gearbox. As a reminder, the manual version goes from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds while the twin-clutch gearbox model in 4.6 seconds.

[Source: Carscoop]

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2009 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets New Diesel Engines and 6-Speed Gearboxes

For the 2009MY, Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter van has been updated with the introduction of a new generation of diesel engines and six-speed manual transmissions along with numerous, but of less importance, features. The new four-cylinder OM 651 diesel engine is a completely new design sharing only shares its overall displacement of 2.15-liters with its predecessor. It is available with three outputs (95HP and 250Nm, 129HP and 305Nm, 163HP and 360Nm) and complies with the stricter Euro 5 emission standard.

The range-topping 3.0-liter V6 OM 642 diesel engine has been revised for 2009 producing a slightly higher (190HP at 3,800 rpm) output and a ten percent increase in maximum torque (440Nm at 1400-2400 rpm).

Both the four-cylinder and V6 diesel engines are offered with a new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission with a low first gear and high sixth gear. The transmission is available in two versions, namely the ECO Gear 360 for the four-cylinder engines and the heavy-duty ECO Gear 480 with wider gear teeth and a more rigid housing for the six-cylinder diesel engine.

Other improvements for the 2009MY Sprinter include the enhanced ESP trailer stabilisation system, the new adaptive brake light, heated wide-angle mirror, lower position of the front foglamps and automatic transmission with Start-Off Assist plus a new wireless hands-free system and radio units.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Toyota Sends Dealers Back to School at New Corporate Sales College

As they say, learning is earning so Toyota has decided to bring dealers from around the world to its newly named 'Toyota Sales Logistic College' at the company's Japanese headquarters in Toyota City - we bet you anything that there's a professor somewhere there named Toyota... The automaker's goal with the four-week long courses is to re-educate dealers on how to serve customers the "Toyota Way". School opens for domestic dealers on June 1 with sales people from other countries including Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India and Panama set to take a seat from mid-July.

Although the sales program is opening for American dealers, according to Autonews, so far no one has enrolled from the States for the college's first year. The price for each four-week course has been set at 45,000 YEN or about $470 US with the current exchange rates with food and lodging being provided by local distributors in the dealer's home country

[Via: AN (Sub. Req.)]

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'Aristocratic' Tuning: Hamman Rolls Royce Phantom and Drophead Coupe

Tuners are leaving no stone unturned these harsh economic times in their pursuit to make a buck or two. And what better candidates for some extra cash than the Rolls Royce Phantom limo and its convertible offspring, the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Though Hamann Motorsports has yet to disclose something official, these photos made their way into the net revealing the two cars. Aside from the massive 23-inch alloy wheels that are available in various designs, we didn't any other exterior changes on the Phantoms. A photograph of the interior though reveals that the German tuner has developed a new three spoke sport steering wheel for both models.

It is also said, but not verified, that Hamann Motorsport's Phantom package also includes an engine kit that boosts the 6.75-liter V12's output from 460HP to 535HP and maximum torque from 720Nm to 835Nm (615-lbs/ft). Along with the removal of the speed limiter, it is claimed that both Phantoms reach a top speed of 300km/h or 187 mph.

[Via: Autoblog.nl]

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Honda Accord CrossTour Spied: BMW 5-Series GT Meets its Japanese Match?

The camouflaged prototype you're looking at the picture above is none other than Honda's forthcoming crossover-liftback thingy, often called "CrossTour". The car was scooped by forum member GoVdubSPEEDGo aka "M. Balinsky" who came upon two prototype models while vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Not to be mistaken for Acura's upcoming ZDX model that follows in the lines of BMW's X6 SAV, the so-called CrossTour appears to be a fastback variation of the U.S. market Honda Accord with a slightly higher but more sloped roofline.

And yes, the first thing that came to mind upon viewing the photos of the CrossTour was that the new Honda appears to be surprisingly close in philosophy (but far apart in price) to the BMW 5-Series GT. Hopefully next time the Japanese carmaker decides to take an "adventurous" lesson from the Bavarian firm it will be for something more in the likes of the M3 or M5...

[Source: VWvortex , Via: Autoblog.com]

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BMW 3-Series Touring vs Estonian Tram: Driver Made it Out Unharmed!

Looking at the above picture, it's hard to believe that the driver of this black BMW 3-Series Touring actually managed to escape unscathed from this extremely tight fit between a tram and a traffic pole in the city of Tallinn in Estonia. And even though most of the photos in the gallery were taken while the firefighters were trying to rip the car apart in order to free the tram, still, this driver should consider him extremely fortunate. And in case you're wondering, he's the guy with the long hair sitting at the rear bench of the bimmer fiddling around with his cell phone and laptop - any humorous captions are more than welcome.




[Photos via: Fiski]

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eBay Find: Chrysler Prowler Stretch Limo with Lambo Doors

We always wondered what a Prowler would like if someone had the audacity to convert the retro hotrod that began its life in 1997 as a Plymouth and ended its career in 2002 with a Chrysler badge, into a six-passenger limousine. And at last, our prayers have been answered! Nah, we're just pulling your leg but if you find stretch Hummer limos sooo 2000, then you may want to take a look at this "one-of-a-kind" Prowler limousine that can fit two passengers up front and four at the back. The car comes complete with a hard top incorporating a sliding ragtop, Lambo-style front doors and suicide rear doors.




[Link: ebay]

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Refreshed 2009 Toyota Hiace Hits British Showrooms

Toyota has released details on its updated 2009MY Hiace commercial van that goes on sale in UK now with prices starting from £14,100. Exterior styling changes include a revised front grille, extra chrome detailing for the bonnet and at the rear, different wheelcovers plus a new Eclipse Black Metallic paint option. Inside, the 2009 Hiace benefits from new seat designs and upholstery options while the Japanese firm has also added extra sound-absorbing material throughout the vehicle to reduce noise and vibration

In addition, the window glasses have been changed to reduce UV glare, the dashboard has gained additional chrome detailing around the instrument meters, while an extra interior light has been added to the load area. For 2009, all Hiace models are equipped as standard with air conditioning.

In the UK, the Hiace is offered exclusively with a 2.5-litre D-4D common rail diesel available in two variants with 94 or 115bhp.

[Via: Carscoop]

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Audi to Pay Workers Hefty Bonus for 2008, BMW and Mercedes-Benz Say Nein

Among the three premium German automakers, the only company that will share part of its 2008 profits with workers is Audi as BMW and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler decided not to pay a profit-sharing bonus for 2008. Audi AG will hand out €157 million from last year's record operating profit of €2.77 billion (+2.5% compared to 2007) to around 43,000 of its qualifying employees in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. That comes to an average of €3,651 or about $5,100 US for each employee that will receive the bonus by the end of May.

According to a report from Autonews, due to the fact that Daimler is facing the need to cut labor costs, the firm's management and union took the decision to withhold the €224.2 million euro profit-sharing bonus that it had planned to pay out to workers. The company has yet to decided what it will do with the money.

[Via: Autonews (Sub. Req.)]

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Mazda to Celebrate MX-5 / Miata 20th Anniversary at Le Mans

It's been 20 years since Mazda blew the covers off the MX-5 / Miata roadster at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989 and to celebrate, Mazda's European arm is holding a special birthday party at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that takes place on 13 and 14 June. A total of 200 MX-5s from all over Europe will meet at the race track with Mazda promising to give owners and fans of the car a special treat. The package that Mazda has readied for MX-5 owners includes a place for their car, an anniversary polo shirt, a rally plate, dinner and breakfast and of course, the chance to experience the race live at a special Mazda Camp reserved for them bordering the circuit.

A "Best of Show" competition will also be held during the event with a special award going to the most beautiful MX-5. Those that wish to participate can contact their national MX-5 club or visit the Mazda France website www.mazda.fr for more detailed information on how to sign up for the event that costs €100 (about $140 US).

[Source: Carscoop]

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Pininfarina 'Golden Ferrari' Revives Fantuzzi's 1965 Ferrari 250 GT NART Spyder

The retro-styled Ferrari you see pictured above was snapped by a reader over from our Dutch friends at Autoblog.nl. There's no official information on the Pininfarina-designed Prancing Horse model other than it's named 'The Golden Ferrari'. Though it looks that it could be based on the Ferrari 599 GTB, we can't be sure about its underpinnings. However, what we can tell you is that it's styling revives the 1965 Ferrari 250GT NART Spyder that was designed and built by Modena coachbuilder Fantuzi for Ferrari's North American importer, Luigi Chinetti.

This car, that was based on the Ferrari 250 GTE was shown for the first time to the public at the 1965 San Francisco Sports Car show and it later appeared at the New York and Miami Auto motorshows.

A golden version of the 250GT NART Spyder was featured in a short film called "Toby Dammit" that we've never heard before but apparently inspired Pininfarina in the creation of this mysterious Ferrari.

[We thank Vincent from Autoblog.nl for the photos

1965 Ferrari 250GT NART Spyder Photos: Prancing Horse Farm / Supercars ]

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Honda S2000 Successor Rumored to Get AWD and Hybrid Powertrain

Earlier this year, Honda announced that the S2000 Roadster's decade-long production run will come to an end this year, leaving the company without a proper sports car. However, in addition to the launch of the production version of the front-wheel drive CR-Z hybrid small coupe in 2010, Japan's Best Car is now reporting that Honda is also working on a larger and more powerful coupe that would essentially act as a replacement to the S2000. The magazine claims that the 2+2 coupe would ditch the S2000's rear-wheel drive layout for the firm's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD).

Furthermore, it is said in the report that the sports coupe will benefit from a hybrid system similar to the ones used on Honda's Insight and Civic IMA hybrid cars. No word on if the S2000 replacement would use a high-rev 4-cylinder or go for a larger displacement V6 petrol engine.

Officially, Honda has given the green light to the CR-Z hybrid sports car while the Japanese firm announced the cancelation of its V10-powered NSX successor at the end of 2008 due to the economic crisis. Honda has made no announcement whatsoever on a S2000 replacement.

So what do we think about Best Car's report? It isn't the first time we've been hearing rumours about a Honda sports car of this type, and it sure ain't the last. A high-performance 2+2 Hybrid Coupe with AWD does sound interesting and more vitally, feasible, but for the time being we'll keep this story in the grapevine.

[Via: Best Car]

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