BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers – remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel. Read the rest of this entry »

MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26 August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of the brand’s great tradition.

The MINI Coupé Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis.

Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (17–27 September 2009), MINI is unveiling an unusually attractive vision of how the model family may well develop in future. The source of inspiration is once again the fundamental motive so characteristic of every MINI: driving pleasure. The MINI Coupé Concept therefore represents the ideal of a car destined in every respect to offer a thrilling experience and make every journey a truly unique thrill. Read the rest of this entry »

The long-awaited new CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII with a number of improvements, upgrades and new features has arrived in the USA. The new model will be allocated CSX9000 series chassis numbers and will come complete with a Shelby-issued MSO certificate and Chassis tag.

“The new CSX 9000 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will replace the SPF Daytona Coupe and this famous marque will in future only be marketed as a Shelby product,” says Lance Stander, President of Shelby Distribution USA of Irvine, CA.

The new models are available with a fiber glass body or aluminum-body. Read the rest of this entry »

A stylish design combining driving exhilaration has long been a key attribute of Peugeot vehicles, and with cars like the 407 Coupé, utilises the company’s expertise to the full.

Launched in 2005, the 407 Coupé is the latest in a long tradition of prestige Coupés produced by Peugeot, where style plays a key role, combining stature and refinement to create a product capable of long-distance touring with comfort and high performance developments.

This stature is expressed initially through the coupé’s suspension dynamics, with dual wishbones and a drop link at the front and multi-arm rear suspension; the 407 Coupé produces superb road holding, is acknowledged for its grip, progressive control, dynamism and ride comfort.

Stature is also appropriate in terms of the choice of high-performance engines, including a new V6 HDi PEF version at the top of the diesel range that is powerful, flexible and economical. Read the rest of this entry »

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Five-cylinder engines are in Audi’s DNA. The company is once again building such an engine – this time a high-performance engine. The Audi TT RS, developed by quattro GmbH, sports a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with FSI direct gasoline injection under the hood that produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, yet consumes only 9.2 liters/100 km (25.57 US mpg). In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the powerful five-cylinder model offers explosive performance, making the compact Audi TT RS – whether the Coupé or the Roadster – a purist driving machine. Read the rest of this entry »

In 1964, Shelby took the motorsports world by storm with the Daytona Coupe. With a revolutionary design by Peter Brock, the car was capable of reaching an incredible 187 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. In 1965, the Daytona Coupe became the first and only American car to win the FIA GT World Championship, cementing its legacy in motorsports history. Now Exotic Auto Restoration of Costa Mesa, CA is allowing car enthusiasts to bring the legend of Le Mans to their own driveway. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance and also designed by Peter Brock, the Le Mans Edition has been upgraded in the spirit of the original racecar. Read the rest of this entry »

This year Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the one hundredth birthday of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the Benz emblem with a particularly exclusive edition of the CL Coupé. This anniversary model shines with an extensive package of appointments and exquisite details. These include an elegant paint finish from the designo collection, a new AMG Sports package, top-class leather, black piano lacquer trim and beautifully executed emblems of the original trademarks inset into the centre console. These are accurate reproductions of the emblems that Daimler Motorengesellschaft and Benz & Cie registered as trademarks one hundred years ago, forming the basis for the Mercedes star. With this special edition, Mercedes-Benz is adding even more individuality to the luxury coupé, and showing that even the best can still be perfected. Read the rest of this entry »