Ford GT500 Durability Car 2013

Every auction put on by Barrett-Jackson, has at least a half dozen cars that are auctioned got charity. Be it a 69 Corvette for the Chip Miller Foundation or a pair of electric powered dragsters for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. It's a huge part of what makes Barrett-Jackson what it is. This one was kept under wraps until a few days ago but the folks over at Ford SVT and Carroll Shelby will be auctioning this 2013 GT500 Durability mule for the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This car was assembled by hand by the SVT team and tested at Sebring Raceway and Ford's Arizona proving grounds. As with any mule, it's a little rough around the edges. There's mismatched equipment, bumpers, etc. But it is a truly special car. It's been signed by the STV test team and probably will be by Carroll Shelby too. Unfortunately though, you can't register this machine for the road. Look for it tonight live on Speed at 8:30 tonight.

Source: Barrett-Jackon, Ford

Porsche Panamera a New Station Wagon

Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of an all new body version concept. A station wagon!

The Panamera Sport Turismo is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, where five different versions of the Panamera will be displayed. The Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S Diesel, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo. Based on the successful sports saloon, the new version once again makes a profound statement in the luxury segment with its unmistakeable design. At the same time, the Sport Turismo, with up to 550 hp, is more versatile than any other model in its class. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, the new Panamera model offers the perfect combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility.

 From a technological and design perspective, the Sport Turismo utilises all the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line launched only last year. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, pioneering assistance systems such as Porsche InnoDrive, including adaptive cruise control, chassis systems such as rear axle steering, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport) electronic roll stabilisation system and powerful powertrains. In addition, all Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – an active all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch – as standard. As of the S models, adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is also supplied as standard.

 Beginning from the B-pillars, that is, from the start of the rear doors, the Sport Turismo features a completely unique rear design. Above the pronounced shoulder, an elongated window line and equally long roof contour lend the vehicle its striking appearance. At the rear, the roof drops away much less dramatically than the window line, resulting in a prominent and distinctive D pillar which transitions into the shoulder section in a coupe like fashion.

The raised roof line of the Sport Turismo allows for easier entry and exit at the rear of the vehicle and ensures greater head clearance. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide opening tailgate, which is electrically operated as standard, and a loading edge height of just 628 millimetres. Measured to the upper edge of the rear seats, the up to 520 litre storage capacity of the Sport Turismo betters that of the sports sedan by 20 litres. When loaded up to roof level and with the rear seats folded down, the gains amount to around 50 litres. The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down together or individually and are unlocked electrically from the luggage compartment. When all of the backrests are folded down, the loading floor is virtually level. In this case, the storage volume is expanded to up to 1,390 litres

The Panamera Sport Turismo is available to order now in Europe. The European market launch is scheduled for October 7, 2017, with the other markets following in early November. The new Porsche will be available with five engines that are already used in the sports sedan. U.S. Pricing is not available at this time.

Buick Bringing a Regal Wagon

Rumors have been flying for a while now that Buick might be bringing wagon variant to the market. According to AutoGuide magazine, a trademark filing on December 16th by General Motors the names "Regal Tourx" and "Tourx" were secured. Now what does this mean? Perhaps nothing, but perhaps it could mean that GM is looking at the prospect of bringing the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer to the U.S. market from Europe.

The Insignia is the European vehicle which the Buick Regal is based off of. And naturally a wagon version is sold across the pond. The Regal is also one of Buick's top nameplates in the U.S. so this would be a natural progression to expand the lineup.

Now if we could have one in GS trim...

Volkswagen officially pays tribute to the iconic Beetle

As we approach the end of 2019 and start fresh with 2020, Volkswagen has given us a short film paying tribute to the iconic Beetle. The car that launched the company in the United States in 1949. After 70 years and over 21 million cars, Volkswagen announced last year that 2019 would be the end of the road for the cute little car. In July, VW Mexico produced the final Beetle, a Stonewash Blue Metallic sedan. 16 years after the final aircooled Beetle left the same assembly line.

To mark 2020, Volkswagen has released an animated short film entiltled "The Last Mile"
. Produced with the Johannes Leonardo agency, the film details the story of a young boy whose major life events—from childhood to elderly age—are shaped and influenced by the presence of a Volkswagen Beetle. Fans of the classic bodied car may recognize details of past advertising campaigns as well as pop culture references such as cameos from Kevin Bacon’s character in Footloose and artist Andy Warhol. Set to a rendition of “Let it Be”, performed by the Pro Musica Youth Chorus serves as the soundtrack of the animation. The film ends with a not-so-subtle wink and nod to Volkswagen’s electrified future.

“The Beetle is easily one of the most recognizable cars in the history of automobiles,” said Saad Chehab, senior vice president, VW brand marketing. “Honoring it properly required a medium with just as much versatility and universal appeal as the car itself. While we chose the classic Beetle as the star of the animation, additional campaign components in Times Square honor the latter two generations of cars and their place and presence in American culture. We are proud of our past but our eye is on the future – hence our choice of New Year’s Eve to hint at our upcoming long-range EV and the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.”

Complementing the film’s debut during New Year’s Eve festivities, Volkswagen will adorn New York City’s Times Square with a celebration of films, messages, and hints at its future brand design, including showcasing a more modern Volkswagen logo. Utilizing multiple billboards and digital spaces, the future of the brand’s Drive Bigger messaging and images of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be on full display as the clock ticks down to the new year. A social media campaign, focusing largely on fan-sourced content, will also play out on @VW social media channels.

"The Last Mile" will debut during ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020’ on ABC.

2023 BMW M3 CS: Lighter, Stronger, Faster

 Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 24, 2023… Continuing the celebrated lineage of legendary CS models is the very special, limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. Today, CS stands for “Competition Sport”; the designation given to exclusive BMW M models equally at home on road and track. More power, unique chassis calibration, and intelligent lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components deliver an exhilarating performance experience without sacrificing the functionality and everyday usability of the BMW M3.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS teams a 543-hp inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Together, they hurl the M3 CS from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.

The new BMW M3 CS will be built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich starting in March 2023.

M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 with Motorsport experience.

Under the lightweight CFRP hood of the 2024 BMW M3 CS is an upgraded version of the high-revving inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the M3 and M4. This 3.0-liter unit also forms the basis of the engine that powers the BMW M4 GT3 and boasts a wealth of technological details derived directly from racing experience. Its crankcase has a sleeveless, closed-deck construction and is extremely rigid, making it suitable for very high combustion pressures. The forged lightweight crankshaft aids power build-up with its high torsional resistance and allows for high revs. The cylinder head has a 3D-printed core, allowing the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimum arrangement for temperature management that would be impossible to achieve using conventional metal casting methods. The oil supply system is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, as is the cooling system.

The S58 engine in the M3 CS receives a 40-hp increase over the unit in the M3 Competition, for a peak of 543 hp from 6,250 to the 7,200 rpm redline. This increase in power was achieved. primarily by raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi and making some model-specific changes to the engine management.

Just as important as the power at the top of the rev range, the engine produces 479 lb-ft of torque from a low 2,750 rpm all the way to 5,950 rpm. Specially-designed engine mounts create an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure. Drivers will notice throttle inputs result in sharp engine response and direct transmission of power and torque to the drivetrain.

All of these enhancements result in consistent power delivery throughout the rev range accompanied by a stirring soundtrack from the dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimizing design, and two pairs of tailpipes finished in matte black.

8-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive, Active M Differential.

The torque delivered by the engine in the new BMW M3 CS is distributed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure smooth and fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear axles. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimized to keep the system performing effectively under hard driving on the track. The rear-biased system paired with the fully variable Active M Differential rewards the driver with the signature M feeling when accelerating or carving through corners.

The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system off altogether and engage 2WD mode. By sending drive power solely to the rear wheels and suppressing any DSC intervention, skilled drivers are free to explore their limits and revel in a pure high performance driving experience.

The engine, transmission, and M xDrive join forces to produce stunning acceleration times. The new BMW M3 CS takes just 3.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph. The M Driver’s Package is standard equipment, which allows an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph.

Unique chassis technology tuning; available track-oriented tires.

The chassis technology in the new BMW M3 CS has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics and vehicle weight distribution, and the calibrations of the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode, also specific to the CS, have been purposefully geared to the demands of track driving.

The specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings, dampers, and anti-roll bars serve to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension are specifically tuned for the M3 CS, as is the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the integrated braking system.

M Compound brakes with offered in a choice of red or black calipers are standard on the M3 CS. Drivers may also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. Also standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design finished in Gold Bronze or matte black. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, those wheels may be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at no cost, measuring 275/35ZR19 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear. The M3 CS is fitted as standard with conventional high-performance tires in those same sizes if the Cup 2s are not specified.

Lightweight construction with extensive use of carbon fiber; improved body rigidity.

Reducing weight where possible plays a major role in delivering the performance qualities and exclusive character of the new BMW M3 CS; therefore, the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out is of key importance. Besides its carbon fiber roof, the M3 CS also uses this lightweight, high-tech material for the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats reduce weight in the cabin and provide exceptional comfort on the road and support in high-performance driving sessions. Additionally, the titanium rear silencer shaves more than eight pounds off the weight of the exhaust system fitted to the new BMW M3 CS. In total, the various lightweight design measures save about 75 pounds compared to the  BMW  M3 Competition with M xDrive.

Body rigidity is further increased by a package of high-precision strut braces for the engine compartment. The cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry that has been precisely matched to the forces applied in various driving situations.

Exclusive design features promise thrilling performance.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS announces its sharper character with a series of individual design features. The optional BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic paint is exclusive to the M3 CS. Exposed carbon fiber surfaces for the roof, the two channels running the length of the hood, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron combine with the black side skirts and M gills to provide a bold contrast to the unique paint finish. Brooklyn Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, and BMW Individual Signal Green are also available.

The CS sports a special frameless BMW kidney grille with pared-back styling reminiscent of the M4 GT3, and features red contour lines and an “M3 CS” badge on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars.

The angular daytime running light elements illuminate in yellow rather than white during the unlock sequence as well as while driving, further evoking the look of GT racing cars.

M Carbon bucket seats with exclusive surfaces and stitch patterns.

Inside the new BMW M3 CS, an environment built around driving pleasure and maximum performance blends advanced digital technology and exclusive design elements. The driver and front passenger are provided standard M Carbon bucket seats. Fully electric and heated, they feature integral headrests with an illuminated “CS” badge. The use of CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest as well as the cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints are testimony to the seats’ weight-minimizing construction.

The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature an exclusive design in black with Mugello red accents and distinctive contrast stitching. This bi-color theme is echoed in the rear compartment. The door panels are trimmed entirely in black leather in both the front and the rear, and red “CS” lettering adorns the lightweight center console. The new BMW M3 CS also includes M seat belts woven with the BMW M tricolor stripes, door sill plates bearing “M3 CS” badging, interior trim strips in carbon fiber, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red center marker.

Standard M Drive Professional with M Traction Control and M Lap Timer.

Also fitted as standard in the new BMW M3 CS is M Drive Professional. M Drive Professional bundles together the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions for evaluating and recording driving skills and performance at the track and includes M Traction Control, offering ten stages of intervention sensitivity: the ideal tools for pushing the CS hard on closed circuits.

The M Mode button on the center console – also part of the M Drive Professional package – can be used to set the level of driver assistance system intervention and the content shown in the information display and standard Head-Up Display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific graphics.

The new BMW M3 CS features the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display. This is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. With its ergonomic driver-centric positioning, the BMW Curved Display makes the already intuitive touch control even more user-friendly.

The information display’s crisp graphics and the M‑specific content create a focused, performance-led driving environment. All driving-related data as well as vehicle status and settings information are neatly arranged within it. The familiar M Shift Lights appear at the top of the information display, while the driving stability system, M xDrive, and traction control modes are all indicated at the lower edge. Special widgets containing information on the current vehicle setup, as well as tire pressure and temperature, can be added to the control display’s home screen.