BMW X6 M: videos, pictures and info released

BMW X6 M: videos, pictures and info released:

Following the introduction of the facelifted X6, Bmw presents the restyled version of the most powerful and aggressive version of the X6 family, the X6 M. The car doesn’t show any radical change, sporting a new layout with LED technology for both head and tail lights as well as a slightly different front bumper. Besides that, the model comes with some new color option for the exterior and new fabrics for the cabin.

Technically speaking, the facelifted X6 M retains the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 of the previous model, producing 547 hp at 6,000 rpm and 678 Nm (502 ft-lb) of peak torque between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. This unit pushes the car from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The new SUV from the German manufacturer - or SAV, as Bmw likes to define it - comes with standard Adaptive Drive, air suspension, EDC, anti-roll bar and a braking system with 396 mm discs on the front and 386 mm at the back. The model rolls on 20″ wheels fitted with 275/40 tyres on the front axle and 315/35 on the rear.

Bmw has released a full photo gallery picturing the new model as well as a couple of short promo that you can watch by clicking on the ‘Continue reading’ link below the thumbnails.

View the full BMW X6 M facelift photo gallery

Source : Google Reader

2012 Mercedes ML 63 AMG: new official pictures

2012 Mercedes ML 63 AMG: new official pictures:

Mercedes-Benz releases a slew of official images dedicated to the ML 63 AMG, the latest muscular SUV from three-pointed star house. The model comes with a brand new 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine delivering 518 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of peak torque, and capable of pushing the new ML from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds, with a self-imposed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The Mercedes ML 63 AMG is also equipped with the new Active Curve System, which uses active anti-roll bars on both front and rear axles to compensate for body roll angles while cornering. Besides, it ensures that the vehicle does not react badly to one-sided suspension movements caused by potholes and/or bumps.

For those who would like to get even more out of it, Mercedes offers the so called Performance Package, which increases the working pressure of the turbocharger from 1 to 1.3 bar, providing the car with an extra 32 hp and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque, boosting its total output to 550 hp and 760 Nm. With this Performance Package, the new ML 63 AMG is allowed to reach no less than 280 km/h (174 mph). The new Mercedes ML 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG Performance are scheduled to hit the market this coming April, priced at 116.450 € and 127.220 € respectively.

View the full 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG photo gallery

Source : Google Reader

Kia Rio: new images of the 3-door version

Kia Rio: new images of the 3-door version:

Kia has released some new official pictures of the 3-door Rio hatchback, that was unveiled at the latest Frankfurt Motor Show and is about to get launched on the European markets. At the moment there is no confirmation about its engine range, but it seems quite likely that the model will adopt the same line-up currently in use by its 5-door counterpart.

In that case, the model will be able to count on one petrol and two diesel options: the gasoline option would be a 1.2 litre CVVT unit delivering 85 hp, while for the diesel we would have a 1.1-litre CRDI unit delivering 75 hp and a 1.4 CRDI producing 90 hp. It is unclear whether the 107 hp 1.4-litre petrol engine that is available in the UK for the 5-door Kia will also join the fold, while other rumors foresee the arrival of a more performing powertrain as well, possibly a 1.6-litre producing 140 hp.

In terms of aesthetics, the rear end of the 3-door variant seems to be more aggressive and sporty than the 5-door, thanks to a less steep C-pillar. However, the two models shares exactly the same exterior dimensions, while the trunk too is the same for both, with a capacity of 288 litres.

View the full 3-door Kia Rio photo gallery

Source : Google Reader

Skoda Citigo: first pic of the 5-door version

Skoda Citigo: first pic of the 5-door version:

Skoda releases the first image of the 5-door Citigo (above), which will be officially unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) alongside the Volkswagen Up! with the same body-type. The two city cars have been developed on the same platform and - unlike their 3-door variants - the side views are basically identical.

The 5-door version of the Skoda Citigo will be available with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol unit available in power steps of 60 and 75 hp, while the addition of a RS edition equipped with the 1.0-litre TSI unit of the GT Up! has not been confirmed yet. The eco-friendly Green Tec variant instead has already been confirmed, boasting an average fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 96 g/km.

Source : Google Reader

Smart ForTwo facelift

Smart ForTwo facelift:

Dutch website Autoweek.nl has published the first images of the facelifted Smart ForTwo. In comparison to the outgoing model, the revamped ForTwo features slight but significant changes such as its new front grille with the Smart logo placed right in the middle and newly designed front bumper. Front and tail lights have been left untouched as they had been modified when the model year 2010 came out.

The Smart ForTwo 2012 will come with three engine options: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit available in power steps of 71 and 84 hp, and the new 54hp 800cc diesel engine. The car is expected to make its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, in March.

Source : Google Reader