Saturday, December 24, 2011

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BMW M5's Project Leader Says V8 has Few Things in Common with X5M and X6M Engine

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Like its predecessors, the new 2013 BMW M5, which received its public debut at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show, is based on the regular 5-Series sedan with some subtle exterior modifications but a whole lot of changes under the skin. Now, some may think that BMW's M Gmbh performance division simply took a 5-Series sedan, beefed it up a bit and shoehorned the twin-turbo V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M SUVs under it's hood. However, Maximillian Ahme, the man that led the M5's development team, says that's not the case.
In an interview with the BMW M magazine, Ahme shed some light on the development and the unique features of the latest M5 super saloon.
Asked about when work began on the F10 M5, Ahme said: "Two to three years must be allowed for testing the development of a BMW M. In some cases, predecessor vehicles are used in the first phase, enabling initial engine tests to be carried out, for example. However, this is just a short phase. The fine tuning then involves the latest models."
Ahme added that approximately 2 million kilometers (1.24 million miles) were covered during the development phases of the new M5.
What about that engine? Ahme dismisses the notion that the M Division simply used the same engine found in the X5/X6 M models:
“The engine of the BMW M5 has been almost completely redesigned. In essence, the only feature it has in common with the engine of the X5/6 M is the bank angle (90 degrees) and the cylinder spacing. The specification sheet also indicated a higher maximum rotational speed of 7,200 rpm."
Ahme explains that a lot of features were added or changed including the larger charge-air coolers, an optimized Valvetronic valve timing, a new cylinder head and a wet sump with an additional oil pump.
The M5 also uses a double-clutch transmission instead of the conventional torque-converter automatic found in the X5 M and X6 M SUVs.
As far as the chassis is concerned, Ahme says that the front axle was reinforced and has a more rigid connection to the bodywork, while the tracks were widened and the rear multi-link suspension doesn't have any rubber bearings for a more direct feel.
With standard tires, maximum lateral acceleration can reach up to 1.2 g, though Ahme stresses that, depending on the surface, the M5 can achieve 1.3 g or "perhaps even a little more on the Nürburgring circuit".
Ahme previously suggested that all-wheel drive might become an option for the M5, as it would be the only way to harness additional power.
"In view of the performance and torque of the BMW M5, this might be considered an option. However, we believe any advantage is outweighed by the disadvantages of the all-wheel drive. More weight due to four driven wheels means higher fuel consumption and a shift in the axial load in the direction of the front axle," said Ahme.
"However, we are particularly concerned with a balanced distribution of weight for the driving performance typical of the M. We also had to position the engine higher, which would have led to a higher centre of gravity," he added.

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New 2013 Dodge Dart Compact Sedan Based


The Chrysler Group has resurrected the Dart nameplate from the 1960s for its new Dodge compact sedan model that will receive its world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the second week of January. The new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be based upon a Fiat architecture as it makes use of a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback's platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW), which has been lengthened and widened to improve interior space.
The Detroit automaker says that 68 percent of the Dart's body is composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a "very strong and rigid structure".
Powering the 2013 Dodge Dart will be three four-cylinder gasoline powerplants including a new Tigershark 2.0-liter unit, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine that will most likely be shared with the Fiat Abarth 500 in the U.S., and a new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir engine.
The MultiAir technology on the 1.4L Turbo and the 2.4L units that allows for direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion is said to result up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.
We only get a glimpse of the exterior styling of the new Ford Focus- and VW Jetta-sized Dart, but it's obvious that the design with the split-crosshair grille and the full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps was inspired by the Charger.
The new Dart sedan will be manufactured at the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

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Auto Avio Costruzioni Tunes Second Alfa 159, Battle with Ferrari

If you are a frequent Carscoop reader, you may recall a story that we wrote in October about Laurent Muller, the man who bought the rights to the Auto Avio Costruzioni trademark in 2004. Muller’s original goal was to build a supercar based on the Ferrari 430, but with a V12 engine instead of the production version’s eight-cylinder unit.
However, as soon as he announced his plans in 2008, Ferrari filed a lawsuit against him claiming that it still owned the rights to the Auto Avio Costruzioni name, as it was used by Enzo Ferrari for a short period after leaving Alfa Romeo and before founding the car company that carries his name.
While Muller couldn’t proceed with his initial project, he decided to buy a used Alfa 159, tune its 1.75-liter turbocharged engine to 240HP and 370Nm (40HP and 30Nm up from the factory version) and give the bodywork a two-tone finish.
Now Mr. Muller has once again contacted Carscoop to show us his latest creation: since the first car was sold, he decided to make another two-tone 159, this time with dark grey bodywork complemented by matte black strips and an orange, Lamborghini-sourced paint for the roof. The car also features a 240HP version of Alfa's 1.75-liter turbocharged four.
As Muller told us in his e-mail, the legal battle with Ferrari, the outcome of which will decide who has the rights to the AAC brand, will commence in March 2012.

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