2011 BMW M3 coming with Competition Package
As far as we can tell, there’s little if anything wrong the BMW E92 M3. However, according to a post on Bimmerfile, that small point will not be stopping BMW from offering a Competition Package on 2011 models. What goes into a Competition Pack? We’re not certain, and Bimmerfile can only speculate (bigger wheels, brakes, maybe). Knowing that much, we’ll join ‘em. But first, a little history.
Way back in 2005, BMW began a Competition Package for the E46 M3. Included were upgraded wheels, larger brakes, stickier tires,a firmer suspension and a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system identical to the one on the hardcore M3 CSL. In addition, the E46 M3 Comp Pack also came with a quicker steering ratio. Inside, a bit of fussing took place in the form of Alcantara steering wheel and hand brake coverings and the steering wheel saw a few buttons (multi-function controls and cruise) deleted in favor of a DSC M button.
Categories: BMW, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons Tags:
Bentley Continental Supersports is a whiter lighter shade of pale awesome
In the superluxe world, we’re used to this maneuver: add a few horsepower, shave a tenth or two, sew in a few extra threads, name your exclusive new interior color something like “Algerian Beet” and voilà, a 50-percent price premium for three-percent more car. On the surface, the Bentley Continental Supersports is a GTC Speed that has gone on The Biggest Loser, Extreme Makeover, and Alter Eco. But you know what they say about the proof and the pudding, so the question is whether the Supersports is a nameplate special or a genuinely higher evolution of the baller’s favorite steed. We spent a day in the wilds of New Jersey and upstate New York, along with a few hours at Monticello Raceway to find out. Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to the first Continental you can feel.
Think of the Bentley Continental Supersports as Usain Bolt: both are hypothetically too big to perform as they do, but they do it anyway.
Categories: Auto Review, Bentley, Car Review, Coupes Tags:
New York Auto Show 2009: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet
Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we’re coming face-to-face with just such an animal.
Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R’s racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar’s livery, including the skull “Jake” logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There’s also a ZR1 “style” rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.
Categories: Chevrolet, Coupes, New York Auto Show, New York Motor Show, Super Cars Tags:
BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in Nurburgring 24-hour enduro
BMW is far and away the most prolific automaker at the annual 24-hour Nurburgring race, with 114 class victories over the event’s 29-year history and almost one-third of last year’s field comprised of Bimmers. This year, BMW‘s Customer Racing program will partner with Schubert Motorsport to bring out a BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in the GT4 class, with FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) drivers Agusto Farfus, Jorg Muller and Andy Priaulx joining two journalists from German magazine Sport Auto.
The M3 GT4, which benefits from all the race-ready hardware you’d expect in a vehicle prepped for a 24-hour enduro, made its debut at last weekend’s ADAC Westfalenfahrt at the ‘Ring, taking the win in the SP10 class and finishing 30th overall. The M3 will be back at the Nordschleife for the 24 hour race the weekend of May 23 and 24.
Categories: BMW, Coupes, Sports/GTs Tags:
