Daily Archives: June 4, 2016
Check Out the Spy Shots and Video of the 2018 BMW M5
Since BMW is launching its new 5-Series soon, we can expect another M5 sledgehammer from the German automaker. Spy shots, plus a video, were released of the new BMW M5.
What’s exciting about these spy shots is that the M5 was wearing the least bit of camouflage gear we have seen on a vehicle being test driven. According to reports, the M5 will have a V8 engine, which is likely to be an updated version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 used in the current M5.
The 2018 M5’s predecessor, the M5 30 Jahre Edition, can produce 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The new M5 will probably have a lot more horsepower and torque.
However, instead of increasing the power, engineers are more likely to focus on reducing the weight of the car. The new model will reportedly weigh 220 pounds less than the current model, thanks to the adoption of the carbon-infused, modular-designed CLAR platform that was in the 2016 7-Series.
Another welcome update to the new M5 would be the xDrive all-wheel drive, which will probably be an option. This platform will normally send torque to the rear wheels, but will be sending some forward once slip is detected.
The standard transmission would be a 7-speed dual-clutch unit, but no manual transmission will be offered.
On the outside, the look seems to be inspired by the latest 7-Series. There’s a very wide and low front bumper with pumped fenders on the side. Based on the spy shots, the rear end sports a small diffuser was integrated with the bumper unit.
In the wheels, you’ll find a pair of massive perforated brake discs.
The new 5-Series is expected to be released this year, but the M5 won’t be coming out until 2017, so it would likely be a 2018 model. Direct rivals of the M5 would be the Audi RS 6, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-AMG E63.
Subaru Gives Out More Details of Its Levorg STI
Subaru has finally revealed spec and technical details of its new Levorg STI. This after it confirmed that Subaru Tecnica International, or STI, is in the plant for the performance variant of the Levorg wagon.
Officially, it is called the Levorg STI Sport Wagon, which is probably going to be similar to the World Rally Blue concept, according to a source. Subaru did not intend for the Levorg STI to be its halo car, so not much can be expected in terms of power.
Instead, what the Subaru wagon offers is an upgrade in aesthetics and some minor tweaks for better driving dynamics.
On the outside, the Levorg STI will sport a more aggressive profile because of its new grill and front fascia with larger air dams. The fact that Subaru made this to be performance ready can be seen on the styling of the body, the subtle side skirts, the chromed twin tip exhaust, and a rear diffuser similar to the Forester tS.
To complete its looks, the Levorg STI will also be coming with 18-inch multi-spoke alloys.
Inside, there are some changes, too. The Bordeaux on black STI sport-specific leather seats certainly added elegance and to the Levorg STI’s interior. And to boost that sporty look, the seats can be covered as well in STI’s signature dark red stitching along with the Bordeaux. The contrast is astounding, especially on the use of the dark red stitching on the center console, steering wheel and gear levels.
STI’s logo is embroidered on the seats’ headrests and plates on the door sills.
The Levorg STI Sport Wagon will come with either the 1.6L 170 PS flat-four turbo or the 300 PS 2.0L FA20 turbo, which is standard with Japanese specs. Both of these engines will be partnered with a lineartronic CVT transmission with all-wheel drive.
The only change done in terms of the drivetrain is the addition of uprated springs, revised steering, and upgraded dampers.
The new Sport Wagon from Subaru is expected to arrive this summer in Japan. There is no report yet if this will be offered outside Japan.
Check Out the Leaked Photos Of The McLaren 688HS
If you think there’s nothing more dangerous for the supercar industry than McLaren’s 666-horsepower 675LT, then you’re dead wrong. The company is looking at readying another supercar to add to its roster of Super Series. Sources said it could even be faster and more performance-ready than the 675LT.
The Dutch auto website Auto Gespot released photos of what is reported to be a 688 High Sport. It can be remembered that McLaren’s last High Sport, called the HS, was based on the 12C Sports Coupe. It came with few visual modifications and a boost in power.
The new McLaren 688HS will follow its predecessor. The 688 in the name is in reference to the supercar’s ability to produce 688 metric horsepower or about 678 horsepower by American standards.
When it comes to the car’s exterior, the 688HS won’t fail you. The bodystyle’s sleek and elegant lines would make your eyes pop out from the sockets. At first look, it clearly shares the same features as the 675LT, especially with the stretched body.
The fixed rear wing, on the other hand, resembles the one used on the 650S GT3 race car. There are also some winglets on the front bumper—also resembling the ones on the GT3 race car.
The new 688HS is a creation of the McLaren Special Operations personalization department, much like the previous 12C HS. This means that production of the new supercar will be limited; probably only 25 units of the car would be out in the market and up for grabs.
It’s quite selfish of McLaren to release another supercar on the high-end market, especially because it has just successfully launched the 675LT and the 675LT Spider—both sold out in two weeks even amid the skyrocketing prices.
The McLaren 688HS will reportedly make its formal debut in September’s 2016 Paris Auto Show. More updates are expected to come in the next days.
