Auto-Tech HQ

The next-generation BMW 3 Series has been announced and is expected to hit the dealerships sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamps, wider grille and new lower front fascia.  The rear gets reworked reflectors.

The most significant updates comes under the hood.  A much loved twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version.  The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo.  The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. BMW is promising to reduce the turbo lag with this new setup.

BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection.  the final outcome is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with better torque curve from 1,200-5,000 rpm.  For more details please read a complete press release.

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The official press release has confirmed the all new 2011 Mustang GT that will house an all new 5.0 liter V8 engine.  

The all new 5.0 is just like the old 5.0 will be 302 cubic inches (4.9-liters or 4,951cc to be exact).  

The engine will have 32-valves with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).  It will produces a healthy 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.  No official word on 0-60 performance figures, but we can expect a mid four second numbers, and a quarter-mile in the high 12s.  

The car will be available in ether all new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.  With automatic transmission and new Ti-VCT will the new Mustang GT will be able to achieve 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.  Manual transmission will get 1 mpg less on both highway and city.  For a complete list of specs please read the official press release below.

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Chevy, Ford and Dodge are at it again.  As the time for American car automakers continue to be uncertain, we look back to the old days of the muscle car wars and remember the good old battles of the big V8 muscle cars that were the kings of the streets. 

In 2010, and they are back again and better than ever.  For this auto review Consumer Report are taking Chevrolet Camaro SS, Ford Mustang GT, and Dodge Challenger R/T to battle it out.

Enjoy the video:

BMW plans on bringing two new M cars to market in the 2014 model year; the next-generation M3 and an all-new M coupe based on the second-generation 1 Series.  Both the next 3 and the next 1 Series production models will come in late 2012 for the 2013 model year.

In keeping with Ms new philosophy of cutting cylinders/displacement while cutting weight to maintain performance levels, the next M3 will return to a six-cylinder engine. The question, M division CEO Ludwig Willisch says, is whether it will be an inline-six or a V-6. A V-6 would provide better balance and more packaging versatility, while an inline-six would be lighter, a key quality for BMWs future, and avoid uproar among BMW Enthusiasts.

The new six-cylinder M engine isn’t based on the current 3.0-liter family, Willisch says, and I’m not saying whether it is a twin turbo. It will be a turbo six-cylinder engine.

BMW is changing the way it has been portrayed for many years.  I am not really sure how well it will flow with BMW enthusiasts.  The idea has always been NA engines, but a new trend of FI engines has taken place, so I guess we will have to wait and see what BMW has to offer.