2013 BMW 135is First Look

In the long standing tradition of high performance BMW "is" models, BMW today announced an enhanced performance version of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible called the BMW 135is. The 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible focus the qualities that made the 135i such a success amongst driving enthusiasts - with more performance, enhanced sound and dynamic design details. Both the new 135is Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44,145 and $48,845 respectively (including $895 destination and handling).

Both models are equipped with BMW's award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to 320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft) while maintaining the same emissions level and MPG ratings of the 135i. A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.

Both BMW 135is models will be offered with either a standard 6-Speed manual transmission or an optional 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

The exterior of the new 135is Coupe / Convertible will be clearly identified by exclusive 18" wheels, unique high-gloss black kidney grill, black mirror caps and special exterior badges in additional to the standard M Sport Package components. Interior highlights include stainless steel pedals, special interior badges and optional black leather seats with blue stitching for the standard sport seats.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

More Pictures of 2013 BMW 135is

Prepare For The Ferrari Enzo Hybrid

There have been rumors circulating for some time that Ferrari was looking to introduce a hybrid. Now, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo has indeed confirmed that such a car is on its way, scheduled for introduction by the end of this year.

Using a version of Ferrari's HY-KERS Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the most recent iteration of which was seen at the Beijing Motor Show this year, the new car will be Ferrari's next generation flagship and carry the name Enzo.

"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations," Di Montezemolo recently said. "At the end of the year we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

Sporting a mid-mounted V12 gasoline engine - not front mounted like the 599 Fiorano HY-KERS test mule shown above - seven-speed transmission and dual electric motors the new Ferrari flagship promises to deliver a whopping 920 horsepower.

As other hi-performance vehicle manufacturers are finding out, hybridization is becoming like the new turbo or super charging. Instead of force-feeding more fuel for more power, electric motors elegantly create more power without the need for any fuel. Ferrari's two motors in this car will consist of a main unit mounted behind the gearbox and auxiliary power unit on the side of the engine.

In order to achieve the best possible power-to-weight-ratio, the new Enzo will feature extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction and as a result, likely dizzying levels of acceleration, braking and handling.here have been rumors circulating for some time that Ferrari was looking to introduce a hybrid. Now, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo has indeed confirmed that such a car is on its way, scheduled for introduction by the end of this year.

Using a version of Ferrari's HY-KERS Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the most recent iteration of which was seen at the Beijing Motor Show this year, the new car will be Ferrari's next generation flagship and carry the name Enzo.

"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations," Di Montezemolo recently said. "At the end of the year we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

Sporting a mid-mounted V12 gasoline engine - not front mounted like the 599 Fiorano HY-KERS test mule shown above - seven-speed transmission and dual electric motors the new Ferrari flagship promises to deliver a whopping 920 horsepower.

As other hi-performance vehicle manufacturers are finding out, hybridization is becoming like the new turbo or super charging. Instead of force-feeding more fuel for more power, electric motors elegantly create more power without the need for any fuel. Ferrari's two motors in this car will consist of a main unit mounted behind the gearbox and auxiliary power unit on the side of the engine.

In order to achieve the best possible power-to-weight-ratio, the new Enzo will feature extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction and as a result, likely dizzying levels of acceleration, braking and handling.

More Pictures of Ferrari Enzo Hybrid

The new 2013 Subaru Legacy mid-size sedan

Subaru car maker has announced new car with called 2013 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Legacy is powered by either a 3.6-liter H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain and debuts revised styling as well as the new EyeSight driver-assist system. Chassis enhancements improve both ride quality and agility in the 2013 Legacy, which also offers new amenities and audio capabilities.

2013 Subaru Legacy features new, sportier front styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper. The changes will further enhance the appeal of the Subaru Legacy, which has sold in record numbers since its 2010 redesign. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2013 Subaru Legacy remains the most fuel-efficient midsize all-wheel drive sedan in America. At the same time, the Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance and a high level of driving comfort and offers outstanding safety performance. For added safety, the 2013 Legacy adds a new Brake Override system.

2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i offers a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission); the latter is standard on the 2.5i Premium and Limited. The second-generation Lineartronic CVT offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces.

2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6R exclusively features the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. A planetary center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it can continuously adjust power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

More Pictures of 2013 Subaru Legacy

BMW presents five-door M135i models

The performance potential of the BMW M135i is reflected in its individual exterior and interior design features, which are integral parts of the series equipment in this BMW M Performance automobile. The body details are typical of a car designed to handle the aerodynamic requirements associated with dynamic, high-performance driving situations - it is such details that convey the unique M style and flair. The front apron is typical of M styling that reflects the car's firm and responsive road handling, with the large air intake vents needed to meet the cooling demands of a high-performance straight six-cylinder engine, auxiliary units and oversized brakes. The competitive character of the car can also be seen in the three-dimensional flaps on the outer air vents, a detail inspired by automobile racing. These air inlets take up the space reserved for the fog lights in the other versions of the three-door BMW 1-Series. They are separated by horizontal struts in Ferric Grey metallic - a design detail that distinguishes BMW M Performance cars.

This power plant enhances the wide selection of engines available for the new compact three-door BMW 1-Series. At the same time, it is an essential component of a portfolio that positions BMW M Performance automobiles at the top of the performance segment. The BMW M135i is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, which is known for its spontaneous performance and high revving, plus a level of efficiency that is remarkable in this performance class. The technology package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, direct High Precision Injection with central multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing. This 3.0-litre engine delivers a maximum power output of 235 kW/320 hp at 5 800 rpm. This impressive power results from the maximum torque of 450 Nm that is available between 1 300 and 4 500 rpm.

The BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h - the top limit permitted by the vehicle's electronic speed control system. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0 litres (7.5 litres)/100 km, and the CO2 emissions level is 188 grams (175 grams) per kilometre. The exclusive power train for the compact BMW M Performance car also features a customised cooling system, M performance control and engine sound tuning, plus a newly developed six-speed manual transmission with dry sump lubrication. A dynamic eight-speed automatic sports transmission with gearshift paddles integrated in the steering wheel is available as an option.

More Pictures of BMW M135i

Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini & Porsche models susceptible to theft as Megamos Crypto is broken

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Volkswagen secured an injunction to prevent report from being published

If you own an Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini or Porsche, you might want to keep an eye on your prized possession as scientists have discovered a way to start the cars without a key.

Details are limited, but a team of researchers found the algorithm (a Megamos Crypto) that the aforementioned models use to recognize an owner's key. Flavio Garcia, along with two Dutch colleagues, planned to publish the results of their finding at the Usenix Security Symposium next month, but Volkswagen successfully secured an injunction against them because the discovery could "allow someone, especially a sophisticated criminal gang with the right tools, to break the security and steal a car."

Volkswagen was willing to let the researchers publish a redacted version of their report, but the group declined citing the public has the right to know about security problem as criminals already know the system is weak.

The Volkswagen Group has been coy about the findings but the recent bout of publicity has shined an uncomfortable spotlight in their direction.

1,208 Porsche 911s invade Silverstone

1,208 Porsche 911s invade Silverstone 29.7.2013

Sets a new world record for the largest 911 parade

The 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 continues as the company has managed to set a new world record for hosting the largest parade of 911s.

The unique event took place yesterday at Silverstone when 1,208 911s participated in a parade organized by Porsche Club Great Britain in partnership with Porsche Cars Great Britain and Silverstone Classic.

The event was kicked off by Mark Porsche - who is the son of 911 designer Ferdinand Alexander ‘Butzi’ Porsche and the great-grandson of founder Ferdinand Porsche - who said “It’s been a family member over all the generations of the 911 series and I'm very proud to be here today to represent the Porsche family at this great event. I think that to have these 1,200 cars on track is the attention that the 911 deserves for its 50th birthday. I can’t thank the Porsche Club GB enough for making this event possible.”

Besides providing a lot of eye candy, the event raised funds for the Hope for Tomorrow charity which brings mobile chemotherapy units to cancer patients so they can avoid stressful long distance travel and long waiting times.

Lucra teases their new sports car

Lucra sports car teaser image 30.7.2013

Could be powered by a variety of V8 engines

California-based Lucra has released the first pictures of their upcoming sports car which is reportedly codenamed the 2.2.

The company didn't have much to say about the model but it features a distinctive front fascia with LED-infused headlights and a carbon fiber front splitter. Moving further back, we can see bulging fenders, a side-exiting exhaust and a rakish windscreen. The model also has a stylish rear end with twin rollover hoops that flow into the rear bumper.

There's no word on what will power the model, but the company's LC470 is available with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8, a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 and an AMG-sourced 6.3-liter V8 that can be equipped with an optional Weistec supercharger.