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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012 |

During a special dealer presentation in Europe, BMW showed off its brand-new 2012 3-Series Sedans fitted with the yet to be released to the public, M Performance and Accessories parts.
One of our readers was on hand and was able to snag some cell phone pictures of the two F30s on display.
The first 3-Series sedan is based on one of the regular trim models and features a large ski box and roof rails along with different alloy wheels with a glossy black finish and a contrasting red color for the outer rim.
The second customized model was more impressive as it was based on the new 3-Series with the M Sports package. It featured the M Performance aerodynamics kit that adds several carbon fiber bits such as the front spoiler that attaches on the M Sport model's bumper, along with bespoke alloy wheels, a blacked-out front grille and racing stripes.
We assume that it won't be long before BMW releases the official M Performance and Accessories catalog detailing all the available parts.

Hat Tip to H.!

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

Jaguar has released photos of what it calls the “ultimate road-going XK”, the XKR-S GT, which will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The XKR-S GT will be built in a limited edition of only 30 cars, all destined for the North American market.

Based on the XKR-S, the GT version gets the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine developing 542hp (550PS), mated to the same six-speed automatic gearbox. What makes the XKR-S GT stand out from its sibling, though, is the racing-style bodykit, dominated by a huge carbon fiber rear wing. Jaguar states the aero aids help the XKR-S GT achieve maximum downforce of 145kg (320 lbs).

There’s also a carbon fiber front splitter that extends the front bumper by 60 mm (2.3 in), carbon fiber winglets and wheel arch extensions designed to improve the airflow around the car and to provide the engine and brakes with extra cooling.

Extra vents in the hood and a carbon fiber rear diffuser complete the XKR-S GT’s performance-oriented bodykit. While the car’s electronically limited top speed is the same as the regular XKR-S at 186mph (280km/h), the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) drops from 4.2 to 3.9 seconds, thanks to the improved aerodynamics.

The XKR-S GT benefits from Jaguar’s experience of developing the F-Type, and has new front and rear suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings and rear sub-frame designs inspired by those on the smaller Jaguar.

Compared to the XKR-S, the GT version has racing-inspired twin-rate springs and upgraded height-adjustable dampers, 68 percent and 25 percent stiffer front and rear respectively. It also has a 52mm-wider front track and the faster steering rack from the F-Type.

The GT is also the first Jaguar to feature carbon ceramic brakes, with 398 mm (15.6 in) and 380mm (14.9 in) front/rear discs and yellow calipers. Fitting this system saved 21 kg (46 lbs) of the car’s mass, according to the release.

Finally, the XKR-S GT has unique 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli Corsa tyres specially developed for the car. Initial production will be limited to just 30 units, making it the rarest 'R' model in the 25-year history of Jaguar's R performance cars.

"The XKR-S GT is the most extreme iteration of the Jaguar R Brand's performance focus," said Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar." Utilising race-car derived technology, all-aluminium construction and an uncompromised approach to aerodynamic efficiency, the result is a car as capable on the track as it is exhilarating on the road."

By Dan Mihalascu

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 |

BMW USA has just announced that they are now offering an M Performance Kit for the 335i and 335i xDrive sedan models, from the 2012 model year on. It is available through all authorized dealers, and includes upgrades to the car's chassis, aerodynamic and exhaust. The kit also adds M-badged trim pieces inside, and it does not affect the cars' warranty in any way.

It costs $1,100 plus installation, but it does offers a 0.2-second quicker 0-60 (0-96 km/h) sprint, over the standard model. This performance gain comes courtesy of an increase in power output, from 300hp up to 320 hp. Torque is also boosted by 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) for automatic models, while cars equipped with a manual gearbox get a more modest increase of 17 lb-ft (23 Nm). In stock form, the engine is rated at 300 lb-ft (406 Nm).

The throttle pedal is also remapped, and BMW says the response to pressure is improved. Furthermore, with the modified exhaust system, the car gets "highly-emotional" exhaust burble on the overrun. It must compliment the engine sound coming from the speakers very well indeed…

Last but not least, the modifications don't, in any way, alter the claimed efficiency and emissions figures stated by the manufacturer, so if you already own a 335i or are thinking of getting one, this seems like $1,100 worth spending to make your car a bit more special.

By Andrei Nedelea

Note: European version of F30 335i with M Performance kit pictured.

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