TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Customize your own Mustang and Ford may just give it to you!
- BMW Dropping Manual Transmission Option from the M5 and M6
- Video: CFM Creates the World's Fastest and First 10 Second V6 Mustang
- Tauro V8 Spider
- BMW M5
- Does This Patent Filing Leakage Show the Production 2014 Acura RLX?
- Aston Martin Vanquish Configurator Goes Live
- Mercedes E-Class Estate Black Bison by Wald
- Report: 2014 BMW M3 to feature 3.2-liter V-6 and eletric power steering
- Radical SR1
| Customize your own Mustang and Ford may just give it to you! Posted: 22 Jun 2012 08:30 AM PDT
Ford has just unveiled an updated customizer for 2013 and although this may seem like a non-news event, they threw in a giveaway to pique our interests. This new customizer allows potential buyers, or bored employees, to play with all the options available for the Mustang, but it also provides the chance to win "Your Fantasy Mustang." In fact, they will be giving away four different Mustangs: a Mustang V6, a Mustang GT, a Mustang Boss 302, and a Mustang Shelby GT500. All you have to do is go online, create the Mustang of your dreams, save it, and start praying. At the end of the year, Ford will pick four winners from all the cars entered into the contest. The new customizer will allow you to apply a dizzying array of colors, graphics, body kits, and wheels to achieve the look you want. The winners will have their cars produced exactly as they designed them to look, so be careful what you wish for! Customize your own Mustang and Ford may just give it to you! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 15:30 EST.
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| BMW Dropping Manual Transmission Option from the M5 and M6 Posted: 22 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT
  For true car nuts, there is nothing better than having total control over your car's power via a manual transmission. Unfortunately, we three-pedal lovers are becoming less and less common each year, especially with the advancements being made in automatic transmission technology. This disappearance of the slush-box automatics and introduction of precision shifting performance automatics has left the manual transmission as an undesirable hunk of metal. The BMW M-Series is a clear example of where a manual transmission is at its best. With the baby brother, the M3, punching out 414 ponies and its two big brothers, the M5 and M6, slated to wallop the concrete with 560 horsepower; we think a manual transmission is the only way to really experience them. Well, apparently we are in the minority, as according to Inside Line, only 15 to 20 percent of the M5s sold in the U.S. last year were six-speed manuals and BMW has taken notice. With this, BMW has decided that the next generation M5 and M6 will not be engineered with a manual transmission option, leaving just a dual-clutch automatic as the only available transmission. This makes the reports that the U.S.-bound M6 models will come with a manual option seem like they were just pipe dreams. The M3, however, will still receive its typical no-cost manual transmission option. Fortunately for us, the dual clutch transmission is just as responsive, if not more responsive, than a manual transmission. Plus, there is no clutch to mess with, so your left foot can take a much needed break from all of the thrashing it has received over the years. To boot, this automatic transmission has also proved to be a more fuel-economy-friendly option over manual transmissions, which is pretty much the opposite of what we have had crammed into our heads for the last, say, 100 years! BMW Dropping Manual Transmission Option from the M5 and M6 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 15:00 EST.
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| Video: CFM Creates the World's Fastest and First 10 Second V6 Mustang Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:30 AM PDT
Central Florida Motorsports - aka CFM - just developed one of the most amazing Mustang V6 models available on the market. Based on a 2011 model, the updated muscle car just became the world’s fastest V6 Mustang, running the quarter mile in 10 seconds at 125.37 mph. In order to achieve this remarkable time, the standard V6 Mustang by CFM went through a variety of changes, including the addition of ProCharger's D1 centrifugal supercharger system producing 13 pounds of boost, as well as BBK long tubes, BBK offroad X, FRPP 4.10 gears, a Magnaflow "street" catback exhaust, an SCT custom tune, 80lb/hr injectors, a Driveshaft Shop aluminum shaft, and a Circle D 3,000 Billet Converter. These modifications gave the Mustang a dramatic increase in output from the standard 305 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque all the way up to 475 horsepower from the muscle car's 3.6-liter V6 engine. The car was also equipped with a new set of RaceStar wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial 295/55-15 wheels. There is also a Steeda adjustable control arm and BMR lower control arms. Video: CFM Creates the World's Fastest and First 10 Second V6 Mustang originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 14:30 EST.
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT
Spain hasn’t had a whole lot be happy about these days given the state of their economy. But if there’s one silver lining, they can always say that they’re becoming a player in the sports car market. Their latest offering is called the Tauro V8 Spider, a two-seater roadster that looks a whole lot like a winner in our books. According to Motorpasion, the front-engine Tauro V8 Spider carries a bespoke bodywork and was derived from the now deceased Pontiac Solstice, but comes with a minor twist: it’s got a GM-sourced 6.2-liter V8 LS3 E-Rod engine that produces a whopping 440 horsepower at 6,200 rpm 432 lb/ft of torque and mated to a manual six-speed transmission. Optional engine upgrades, depending on how extensive you’d want it, can allow the car to receive as much as 650 horsepower. That’s super car territory, in case you didn’t know. Other mechanical details featured on the Tauro V8 Spider include a limited slip differential, independent suspension on both axles with double wishbones, monotube shocks and springs, ventilated disc brakes with piston calipers, and an optional GM automatic paddle-shift transmission. Only 30 units are expected to be produced for the time being, with each model - customized to a specific customer’s needs and wants - coming in with an estimated price tag of €100,000, or $126,699 at the current exchange rates. Tauro V8 Spider originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 14:00 EST.
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT
Just a few months before the car’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has decided it was time to reveal the official specs on the fifth generation M5 sports sedan. After seeing the first concept version at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, now we can see the M5 in all its glory. And we sure like what we are seeing. The M5 name was used for the first time back in 1984, but since then, the car has evolved into an impressive sedan that combines track potential with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business sedan. The new generation brings a high-revving 4.4-liter V8 engine with an M TwinPower Turbo package that delivers an impressive 560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and, when the speed limiter is removed, is capable of hitting an impressive top speed of 190 mph. Despite these impressive performance numbers, the car will deliver an estimated fuel economy of 28.5 mpg. UPDATE 06/22/12: BMW has unveiled a very cool commercial for their new M5. In this video, the world’s fastest sedan recreates super slow-motion bullet footage on a much grander scale. The result: High Performance Art. More details about the BMW M5 after the jump. BMW M5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 13:30 EST.
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| Does This Patent Filing Leakage Show the Production 2014 Acura RLX? Posted: 22 Jun 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Patent filings are sometimes the bane of secretive automaker's existence. They try to sneak up and surprise the buyer by holding their cards close to their chest and not letting any information out about a new car. Well, the problem is that they need to patent these ideas to prevent other manufacturers from catching wind of their designs and stealing them. Then, you have savvy media folk that scour patent filings and dig up dirt on them, a la the Chevy SS, Cadillac ELR, Buick Electra, and so on. We caught a glimpse of the 2014 Acura RLX concept car and its glorious beak in April and we were somewhat underwhelmed by it. Well, the savvy folk at Car and Driver recently dug up a patent from Europe showing what they are claiming to be the official production model 2014 RLX. Surprisingly, Acura's production patent, or so it's claimed to be, looks very much like the concept car. It appears that the only things that are different are the front lip design and the way the exhaust integrates into the bumper, which was far and away the coolest feature on the Concept RLX. Unfortunately, the production RLX looks like it will retain the goofy looking "Jewel Eye" headlights, which are the two stacks of five LED lights making up the front headlights. On first glance, the "Jewel Eye" headlights did look a little neat, but it was definitely more of a novelty deal, as they now just look odd. For those in favor of the ginormic Acura schnoz, don't fear, as it appears to be in the same massive form as it was in at the NY International Auto Show. Again, the true question is whether these actually are production images or just Acura patenting the basic RLX concept. Only time will tell, as we expect to see the real deal 2014 RLX in L.A. in November. Does This Patent Filing Leakage Show the Production 2014 Acura RLX? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 13:00 EST.
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| Aston Martin Vanquish Configurator Goes Live Posted: 22 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT
Aston Martin has finally released the online configurator for its much-anticipated sports car, the Vanquish, which is a true sign that the wait is finally over. The first thing that absolutely will blow your mind is the "Paint Colour" section, as there are 32 different colors to choose from. The palate you have to choose from is so full of varying colors that it looks like the paint card displayed in the paint department at Home Depot. In addition to the paint colors, you get seven different rim styles to choose from and even five brake caliper colors. That's just about as custom as you can get in a mass-produced car. On the bottom of the configurator, you get a little wheel that allows you to rotate the car to get a good look at all sides of it. Our only complaint about that feature is that it is not very smooth and sometimes it has a mind of its own. There are far better ones out there that move the car more accurately and smoothly. Another complaint is that there is no option to configure the interior. We assume Aston Martin is releasing this system slowly as we get closer to the Vanquish's release date in late-2012. We have to give Aston Martin some credit for releasing this configurator so early on. We are willing to bet that thousands of prospective owners will be playing with that tool until the day this new sports car hits showrooms. You can check out the configurator for yourself here. Aston Martin Vanquish Configurator Goes Live originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 12:00 EST.
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| Mercedes E-Class Estate Black Bison by Wald Posted: 22 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT
Japanese custom body kit creator, Wald International, is well known for creating some of the best looking and highest end body modification kits. The Black Bison lineup has received some of the best reviews, and rightfully so. Wald International is now ready to add another example to its lineup, which is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Black Bison. This station wagon isn't your everyday grocery getter, as it boasts a set of ground effects that include stylish front apron side skirts and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. All of the ground effects are built from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also included with the kit is a set of LED running lights that are positioned about 9 inches below the headlights, on the front apron. Optional on this Black Bison kit is are a set of front fenders with large arc-style vents, for an additional €2,088 ($2,652) and a set of split exit stainless steel D.T.M. mufflers that integrate perfectly with the cutouts in the kit's rear bumper. The replacement mufflers can be had for €2,530 ($3,214). There is also a lowering kit and replacement pedal kit offered as optional equipment, but Wald does not list a price for them yet. Unfortunately, there is no additional bite to go along with all of this bark, as Wald does not offer any engine upgrades for this kit. This means the E-Class Wagon will still have its 3.5-liter V-6 engine that cranks out 302 ponies at 6,500 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. That is plenty of power to get this wagon moving, but some extra mods to help it move as fast as it looks would be nice. The base kit – LED running lights, side skirts, front apron and rear bumper – runs €5,062 ($6,430). Add in the base MSRP of the E-Class Wagon ($57,150) and this entire build will set you back at least $63,580 and as much as $69,446, if you opt for the custom muffler and fender vents. Mercedes E-Class Estate Black Bison by Wald originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 11:00 EST.
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| Report: 2014 BMW M3 to feature 3.2-liter V-6 and eletric power steering Posted: 22 Jun 2012 03:30 AM PDT
 It's very rare that information about an upcoming sports car is as jumbled up as is the information regarding the new 2014 BMW M3 said to debut sometime next year. First off, reports first flew stating that the new M3 would feature a revolutionary, tri-turbocharged V-6 engine delivering in excess of 450HP. Then, reports claimed that the tri-turbo option had been dropped and replaced with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, before President of BMW North America, Mr. Ludwig Willisch confirmed that an inline-six engine would be utilized. However, he failed to mention how many turbos the car would carry. The latest news from GTspirit now suggests that a 3.2-liter V6 engine will be used in the upcoming 2014 BMW M3, which should be good for 450HP in base spec or upwards of 480HP when specced out with the inevitable performance package. In addition to this latest news regarding the new M3's power plant, reports have also surfaced suggesting that the car may come standard with electric power steering, following in the footsteps of the recently launched Porsche 991 911. The new Porsche 911 has already been criticized for its electric power steering over more conventional hydraulic systems, but BMW obviously believes that electric power steering is the way of the future. The only thing we can hope for in regards to this is that if these reports turn out to be true, then BMW better do a bloody-good job of developing this system. Report: 2014 BMW M3 to feature 3.2-liter V-6 and eletric power steering originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 10:30 EST.
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| Posted: 22 Jun 2012 03:00 AM PDT
From the folks that gave us the SR3 SL comes another race car set to get your hearts pumping on the track. The new SR1 by Radical Motorsports is an entry level sports-prototype racing car aimed at the track-day driver and club racer. It is priced at a measly £29,850, or $37,800 at the current exchange rates. The new SR1 was designed by the same guys responsible for the Radical's SR9 LMP2 racecar, so it follows in the same design direction, but tweaked for current track regulations. It has been designed to be ideal for both the driver and the passenger. Under the hood, the racing prototype gets an RPE-Suzuki four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 210 HP and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox as standard. The SR1 can go up to a top speed of 138 mph and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Hit the jump to read more about the new Radical SR1. Radical SR1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 June 2012 10:00 EST.
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