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BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.





The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.





To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.





Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

Alpina B5 UK sales start

BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.





The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.





To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.





Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

Alpina B5 UK sales start

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has unveiled a unique concept to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Unimog, which rolled off the production line in Gaggenau on 3rd June 1951.

Based on the current U 5000 model, the ‘60 Years Unimog’ has an open cab just like the original. The lurid green colour scheme is apparently inspired by the poison dart frog, while the Unimog’s trademark coil springs have been painted a contrasting shade of red. Aluminium trim on the exposed chassis and huge five-spoke ‘alu-rim’ wheels complete the visual effect.



Unfortunately the ‘60 Years Unimog’ isn’t a prototype for a production model, but Bertrand Janssen from Daimler’s commercial vehicle department stated: "On no account did we work in an atmosphere where our ideas were divorced from reality. Here we have a vehicle which is puristic, but still clearly true to concept - with the claim that some of its details will turn up in coming product ranges in future. We continued to take up the most important Unimog features which have characterised the vehicle for the last 60 years and which will also characterise it in future - features such as portal axles, coil springs or the frame concept."

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has unveiled a unique concept to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Unimog, which rolled off the production line in Gaggenau on 3rd June 1951.

Based on the current U 5000 model, the ‘60 Years Unimog’ has an open cab just like the original. The lurid green colour scheme is apparently inspired by the poison dart frog, while the Unimog’s trademark coil springs have been painted a contrasting shade of red. Aluminium trim on the exposed chassis and huge five-spoke ‘alu-rim’ wheels complete the visual effect.



Unfortunately the ‘60 Years Unimog’ isn’t a prototype for a production model, but Bertrand Janssen from Daimler’s commercial vehicle department stated: "On no account did we work in an atmosphere where our ideas were divorced from reality. Here we have a vehicle which is puristic, but still clearly true to concept - with the claim that some of its details will turn up in coming product ranges in future. We continued to take up the most important Unimog features which have characterised the vehicle for the last 60 years and which will also characterise it in future - features such as portal axles, coil springs or the frame concept."

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster.

Featuring an automatic, three-layer fabric roof that can be raised or lowered in eleven seconds, it’s claimed that the Roadster will weigh just 40 kg (88 lbs) more than the existing coupé version. That’s despite the extra chassis strengthening that has been needed to compensate for the lack of a solid roof.



Such a small increase in bulk means that performance remains pretty much the same as the coupé manages. The Roadster will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 3.8 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 196 mph (317 km/h), thanks to its 6,208 cc V8 which produces 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque.







Visually, the transition from coupé has worked well (just avoid the brown paint), although of course the Roadster misses out on the theatre of those gullwing doors.



The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be launched during autumn 2011, with UK sales due to begin in November. Prices for the UK and US have yet to be confirmed, but in Germany it will cost €195,160 (including 19% VAT).



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Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster.

Featuring an automatic, three-layer fabric roof that can be raised or lowered in eleven seconds, it’s claimed that the Roadster will weigh just 40 kg (88 lbs) more than the existing coupé version. That’s despite the extra chassis strengthening that has been needed to compensate for the lack of a solid roof.



Such a small increase in bulk means that performance remains pretty much the same as the coupé manages. The Roadster will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 3.8 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 196 mph (317 km/h), thanks to its 6,208 cc V8 which produces 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque.







Visually, the transition from coupé has worked well (just avoid the brown paint), although of course the Roadster misses out on the theatre of those gullwing doors.



The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be launched during autumn 2011, with UK sales due to begin in November. Prices for the UK and US have yet to be confirmed, but in Germany it will cost €195,160 (including 19% VAT).



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Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.



However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.

The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL

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SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.



However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.

The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL

Related post:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Mercedes-Benz looks to be taking its A-Class in a totally different direction. The Concept A-Class, which will be unveiled at this month’s Auto Shanghai show, eschews the tall, short mini-MPV shape of the previous two A-Class generations for an altogether more dynamic appearance.

A low stance and long bonnet completely change the proportions, while the complex swage lines along the side and the front-end styling echo the CLS. It certainly looks very different, and the more conventional body could allow the entry level Mercedes-Benz to take sales from its BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 competitors.



As with most show cars, there are plenty of features on the Concept A-Class that are unlikely to make it into production. The dashboard treatment is a prime example, as it has a stretchable and translucent textile covering, which apparently ‘enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible’…



The Concept A-Class retains a front-wheel drive configuration, with power coming from a BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder petrol engine producing 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). No performance, economy or emissions figures have been released, but Mercedes-Benz is claiming that a combination of turbocharging and direct injection will benefit all three measures. Drive is via a new dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz looks to be taking its A-Class in a totally different direction. The Concept A-Class, which will be unveiled at this month’s Auto Shanghai show, eschews the tall, short mini-MPV shape of the previous two A-Class generations for an altogether more dynamic appearance.

A low stance and long bonnet completely change the proportions, while the complex swage lines along the side and the front-end styling echo the CLS. It certainly looks very different, and the more conventional body could allow the entry level Mercedes-Benz to take sales from its BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 competitors.



As with most show cars, there are plenty of features on the Concept A-Class that are unlikely to make it into production. The dashboard treatment is a prime example, as it has a stretchable and translucent textile covering, which apparently ‘enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible’…



The Concept A-Class retains a front-wheel drive configuration, with power coming from a BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder petrol engine producing 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). No performance, economy or emissions figures have been released, but Mercedes-Benz is claiming that a combination of turbocharging and direct injection will benefit all three measures. Drive is via a new dual-clutch transmission.

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

ASMA Design have modded the Mercedes-Benz McLaren sports cars SLR 722 to their specifications. The new ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722 is totally redone with new aggressive custom carbon fibre bodywork and 20-inch wheels.Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722The original SLR only made 650-hp from the 5.4-litre supercharged V8, but this was not enough for ASMA Design, as they

ASMA Design have modded the Mercedes-Benz McLaren sports cars SLR 722 to their specifications. The new ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722 is totally redone with new aggressive custom carbon fibre bodywork and 20-inch wheels.Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722The original SLR only made 650-hp from the 5.4-litre supercharged V8, but this was not enough for ASMA Design, as they

Hot on the heels of the facelifted C 63 AMG saloon and estate, Mercedes-Benz has announced a coupé version to complete its C-Class performance line-up.

Under the skin, the coupé uses the familiar 450 bhp (336 kW / 457 PS) 6.2 litre V8 engine, connected to an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed multi-clutch transmission. On paper, performance is exactly the same as the saloon, which means a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Even a combined fuel consumption figure of 23.5 mpg (12.0 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 280 g/km are identical to what the four-door achieves.



The AMG Performance Package Plus will also be available for the C 63 AMG coupé, an unsurprising move given its popularity with buyers of the saloon and estate. Output rises to 480 bhp (358 kW / 487 PS), but that increase doesn’t seem to translate into more performance: the 0-62 mph time is only reduced by a tenth of a second and top speed remains unchanged.





However, those figures may mask a useful improvement in mid-range response, plus the package also includes composite front brake discs, red painted brake calipers, a bespoke AMG steering wheel and a carbon fibre boot lid lip spoiler.



Market launch of the C 63 AMG coupé is scheduled for July 2011, and its arrival should give prospective BMW M3 Coupé and Audi RS 5 Coupé owners something to think about.





Although UK prices have yet to be confirmed, in Germany they are €72,590 for the standard car and €77,231 for the ‘Edition 1’ version, including 19% VAT. The AMG Performance Package Plus is an extra €7,116.20.



While many manufacturers will use special editions to help shift run-out models, Mercedes-Benz appears to have done the opposite by using the ‘Edition 1’ to support a product launch. Technically there’s no difference, but it does come with some extra kit including leather upholstery, piano black lacquer trim, a different steering wheel and a matt black finish for the alloy wheels.



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