Superchips BMW 135i Can Get 360hp

Superchips have released their new performance boosting ECU remap for BMW's 135i Coupe / Convertible.

Superchips has upgraded the 135i’s power from a measured standard output of 315 hp to 360 hp, with a maximum power gain of 49 hp at 5,989 rpm. At the same time, the ECU remap brings the BMW’s torque up from a tested 394 Nm to 456 Nm a 3,359 rpm.

Superchips says that this kit doubles the joy of driving this little beast, specially as it drops the 0 to 60 mph sprint time to 5.6 seconds. But because the speed limiter has not been changed, it still can’t do more than 155 mph.


The price: £445.00 including VAT (€515) and Superchips offers a very relieving 12-month/30,000 mile guarantee, lest you're worried about your BMW dealer getting upset at you messing with their work of art.


Press Release

SUPERCHIPS UNLEASHES THE BMW 135i'S REAL DRIVING MACHINE

• Dealer fit ECU remap boosts performance by 49 bhp / 70 Nm of torque

• Peak performance figures increase to 360 bhp / 456 Nm

• Added pace and driveability for BMW 1-series flagship

Buckingham, United Kingdom, 20th May 2010

Thanks to its combination of small size and powerful 3.0-litre six
cylinder twin turbocharged engine, BMW's 135i has attracted a loyal
following amongst owners and the motoring press.

Which is why Buckingham based Superchips Ltd, the market leading
specialist in performance electronic tuning, is pleased to unveil a
performance boosting ECU remap for the 135i.

The result of extensive investigation into the BMW's Siemens MSD ECU
parameters, Superchip's highly experienced technicians successfully
identified several performance enhancement opportunities with the original
factory settings, enabling the company to refine the 135i's ECU map to meet
the needs of the BMW driving enthusiast who demands a sharper, more exciting
drive.

Careful optimisation of ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings via
combination of extensive chassis dyno testing and road validation has
produced a Superchips remap that elevates the performance of the 135i onto a
different plane.

As measured on its in house four wheel drive chassis dyno', the
Superchips upgrade boosts the BMW 135i's peak power from a tested standard
output of 315 bhp, to a mighty 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp
at 5989 rpm.

The Superchips ECU remap also significantly enhances the 135i's torque
output, rising from a measured 394 Nm to an impressive 456 Nm at just 3359
rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm at just 3267 rpm.

Compared to the standard BMW 135i, the Superchips upgraded car produces
peak torque over 1000 rpm lower down in the rev range, making it not only
ultimately faster, but also significantly easier to drive.

Although not yet tested against the clock, the Superchips remapped BMW
135i is expected to better the standard car's 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint
time, although for safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left
untouched.

The Superchips BMW 135i ECU remap also scores at the pumps - when driven
on a like for like basis with the standard car owners will experience no
fuel consumption penalty, despite the extra performance.

Installation of the Superchips ECU remap entails customers visiting one
of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK who will undertake the
remap procedure.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full
Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000
supplementary full vehicle warranty.

Suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of BMW 135i
produced from 2007 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both
directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00
including VAT @ 17.5%.

Superchips - don't compromise, optimise.

Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance

Avus Performance has unveiled their version of the popular Audi S4. Power on the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine is up from 329 bhp to 424 bhp.

In order to give the driving dynamics even better qualities, a thread spring kit was built in that allows adjusting the depth more individually, however still maintaining adjusting possibilities of the Magnetic Ride chassis. The contact to the road is made by 9×20 inch big, 3-part CC-line rims in connection with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo wheels in 255/30/20. To expedite them accurately, the engine performance was adjusted accordingly. Instead of the standard 33 PS, 430 PS are on now.

The aerodynamic package includes a new grille, rear diffuser, and front blade all with a glossy black finish which can be changed to a carbon finish if the customer so chooses. The back of the Audi S4 will see a whole new set of stainless steel mufflers with the tail pipe variant RS4/RS6-look in matte black.

Exterior highlights are mirror caps, front grill, front bumper blades and back diffuser were painted in shiny black. Alternatively, these parts can be ordered in carbon as well, carbon parts are also possible in the interior. Among them are interior lasts and center consoles, but also steering wheels with carbon and different types of leather.





Press Release

A new project of Avus Performance is the sporty version of the popular mid-range Audi. Meant is the S4. In this case it is about a Suzuka-grey limousine that attracts attention by nature. Nevertheless, the Avus-team is not totally of the same opinion here and puts a very special stamp to the "s"port limo".

In order to give the driving dynamics even better qualities, a threaded spring kit was built in that allows adjusting the height more individually, however still maintaining adjusting possibilities of the Magnetic Ride chassis.

The contact to the road is made by 9x20 inch big, 3-part CC-line rims in connection with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo wheels in 255/30/20. To expedite them accurately, the engine performance was adjusted accordingly. Instead of the standard 333 PS (245 kW; 329 bhp), 430 PS (316 kW; 424 bhp) are on now.

To make the driving pleasure not only palpable, but audible as well, the original mufflers were changed for optimized stainless steal copies. In this case with the tail pipe variant RS4/RS6-look in matt black.

In order to make the outer look perfect, mirror caps, front grill, front bumper blades and back diffuser were painted in shiny black. Alternatively, these parts can be ordered in carbon as well, carbon parts are also possible in the interior. Among them are interior lasts and center consoles, but also steering wheels with carbon and different types of leather.

2011 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V Coupe Prices Announced

Cadillac announced today that the pricing for its all new 2011 CTS Coupe will start at $38,990, including destination charge.The new car which will go on sale in early August in the U.S. will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and will come as standard with the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V6 engine capable to deliver 304 hp.

The CTS-V Coupe is powered by the same supercharged 6.2L V8 that sits in the CTS-V sedan. The engine puts out 556-hp and a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft. Mated to either a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-speed automatic with paddle-shift control, the CTS-V Coupe can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Braking power comes from Brembo brakes, 6-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston calipers in the rear.

The model also features Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control as standard. The system uses shocks controlled by magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to enhance response and assisting in maintaining luxury car driving conditions.

Base CTS Coupes receive a Bose audio system, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry/ignition, rear park assist, and an auxiliary audio input as standard equipment. The CTS Coupe with the Performance Collection -- which starts at $43,430 -- adds adaptive HID Xenon headlamps, 10-way power leather seats, surround sound, a USB audio input and a 40-gigabyte hard drive as part of the sound system. CTS Coupes equipped with the Premium Collection start at $47,835, and add ambient interior lighting, a rear view camera, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and a sunroof.




Press Release

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe To Start At $38,990, On Sale In Early-August

2010-05-20

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today that pricing for the all-new 2011 CTS Coupe will begin at $38,990 including destination charge. The CTS Coupe goes on sale in early August in the United States.

CTS Coupe will become the centerpiece of Cadillac, offering technology and performance in the dynamic form of a luxury sports coupe. Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, CTS Coupe comes standard with a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine that delivers 304 horsepower. This engine is available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The ultimate expression of Cadillac's new Coupe, the high-performance V-Series edition with 556 horsepower, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control also goes on sale later this summer at $62,990 including destination charge.

"CTS Coupe is a compelling new alternative for luxury and performance-minded drivers," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. "The addition of a Coupe, especially one this dramatic, provides an important entryway for new consumers to experience Cadillac Art and Science."

The Coupe expands the award-winning CTS line-up, which already includes the CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon. CTS has been named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list for three straight years.

CTS Coupe has the same wheelbase as the sedan but is lower in height, wider in track width and shorter in overall length. The windshield is laid at a faster angle, creating a sleek, athletic profile.

The doors of the CTS Coupe are opened via touch-pads, eliminating traditional handles and adding to the car's sculpted look. The interior features hand-sewn accents that cover the door, center storage console and instrument panel trim.

CTS Coupe is available in two suspension-tuning levels – Performance with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires and Summer Tire Performance with 19-inch wheels and summer tires. CTS Coupe has four-wheel disc performance brakes, ZF Servotronic® 2 power rack-and-pinion steering, a limited-slip differential and StabiliTrak, an advanced electronic chassis control system.

CTS Coupe is available with a 40GB hard drive providing music storage and pause-and-replay live radio, navigation system with glide-up screen, rear camera system, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio and adaptive forward lighting. OnStar is standard and includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

"CTS Coupe is designed to bring new energy and allure to the luxury coupe category," Butler said. "In addition to the emotional appeal of its design, CTS Coupe delivers advanced technology and world-class performance."

CTS Coupe will be offered in a range of packages:

* Standard ($38,990 RWD, $40,890 AWD): Six-speed automatic with tap up/down shifting, 18-inch wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats.
* Performance Collection ($43,430 RWD, $45,330 AWD): HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive.
* Premium Collection ($47,835 RWD, $49,735 AWD): Interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof.
* V-Series ($62,990): 6.2L Supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch wheels with performance tires.

Auction: 1935 Bentley 3.5 Litre

We've seen our fair share of auto auctions over the years. At this point, it takes something truly rare and truly unique to catch our eye. The car in question has to be more than four wheels and a beautifully engineered engine, which explains why we're all riled over word that a 1935 Bentley 3 ½ Liter Saloon will be auctioned off by Historics at Brooklands. Yes, the car itself is something special. It wears a unique Flying B hood ornament – one of only three ever created – and has extensive documentation following nearly every mile on the odometer, but that's not what makes this particular lot so interesting.

You see, the car is being sold along with complete ownership of Freestone & Webb – the company that originally built the Bentley's special body way back when. The company is being auctioned off with neither assets nor debt, so the winning buyer will essentially have rights to the name alone. The coachbuilder hasn't built anything since closing its doors for good in 1958.

The Bentley and Freestone & Webb will be sold alongside a total of 65 other classics on June 2.

via:autoblog




Press Release

Classic Bentley to be auctioned, complete with free ownership of the company that built it

75 years after it was coach-built to the highest standards of the day, a 1935 Bentley will be auctioned at Brooklands on June 2 with a unique, free 'accessory' - ownership of the British coach-building company that created it.

Billed as one of the finest examples of its kind, the fine 1935 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon is a jewel amongst 65 other fine classic and collector cars offered by specialist auction company, Historics at Brooklands.

Valued at between £75,000 - £90,000, the Bentley is offered by Historics with a comprehensive array of diaries documenting it's many trips in great detail. It is adorned with a single winged 'B' radiator mascot; believed to be one of only three examples of the experimental design ever produced, whilst the company which originally built the bespoke bodywork and interior of the car - Freestone & Webb - has even greater rarity value.

The renowned British coachbuilder was formed in 1923 by V.E. Freestone and A.J. Webb and, at its height, was producing 15 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys a year with exquisite hand-crafted bodywork and interiors. Freestone & Webb regularly exhibited at the London Motor Show and, for nine consecutive years, its excellence in the industry was recognised with the Gold Medal in the Private Coachbuilders competition.

Following the death of Webb in 1955, the company was taken over by HR Owen and continued to build bodies until 1958, after which the name was shelved.

The car's vendor discovered and acquired the company name and registered the limited company in 1990. It is now offered, together with the Bentley, as asset and debt free, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own not only a fine motor car, but also an iconic piece of British automotive coachbuilding history.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the evening of June 2, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the evening.

3-litre Bentley Saloon.

Christened 'The Silent Sports Car', the chassis of the 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon was built from September 1933 in Derby alongside Rolls-Royce – and indeed designed under the influence of Sir Henry Royce - earning its moniker, in part, to excellent handling characteristics and a top speed of 97mph when adorned with the lightweight bodywork.

Despite early examples of the Bentley 3 ½ litre costing around £1,500, the unique blend of style, grace and performance proved popular amongst the inter-war elite, with over 70% of the cars built between 1933 and 1939 said to be still in existence some 80 years on.

A small selection of the 65 fine motorcars consigned to the first Historics of Brooklands auction on Wednesday, June 2, includes the following. Please visit
http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/online-catalogue.aspx for the full consigned list of vehicles.

High res photographs are available of all vehicles

1930 Bentley 4.5 litre Vanden Plas Tourer

A beautifully presented 1931 Bentley 4.5 litre boasts a well-documented and wonderful history, a fabulous finish with the correct engine and period-style supercharger. Examples of these important cars rarely come to the market, and a high level of international interest is expected £625,000 - £775,000

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

Very original, four owners from new, long-term owner since mid 80's
£110,000-£145,000

1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

Discovered in a barn after 20 years and recently re-commissioned
£48,000-£50,000

1987 Aston Martin Zagato Volante

Extremely rare, 1 of 37
£45,000-£60,000

1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Body by Thrupp & Maberly. Engine, body and interior restored
£130,000-£155,000

1955 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Stunning body on uprated XK140 chassis
£45,000-£55,000

1937 MG TA Special

All aluminium body, built to very high spec, demonstrated at Le Mans Classic 2004
£25,000-£35,000

1937 MG TA

Well-known 'Team Rosbif' racing T-Type. Raced extensively from early sixties onwards in the UK and Europe
£23,000-£28,000

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Imported to the UK in early 1960's
£12,000-£18,000

1969 Chevrolet Camaro 396 SS Convertible

Genuine numbers-matching 396SS in restored condition
£30,000-£40,000
1968 Ford Escort AVO Rally

Absolutely correct period rally car, beautifully restored.
£35,000-£45,000

1939 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith by Mulliner & Co

A stunning Razor-Edge saloon with a 6,000 hour restoration.
£30,000-£40,000

Tesla to partner with Toyota to Build Electric Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors have announced that they intend to cooperate on the production of electric-vehicles, parts and production system and engineering support. Toyota will purchase a $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned IPO.

Toyota will invest $50 million for a private placement of Tesla common stock and the state of California will provide a sales tax abatement to Tesla for capital equipment expenditures to tool up the plant. Musk estimated that the abatement will amount to about $20 million over the next several years.

The NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. - plant located in Fremont, only 17 miles from Tesla's new headquarters, ceased operations on April 1 after producing its last car, a red Toyota Corolla S believed to be destined for a museum in Japan.

The first car to roll of the production line will be Tesla's Model S electric sedan which costs around $57,400. While Tesla will still be late to the game when compared to the LEAF or the Volt, this amps up the company's reputation ten-fold. For a recent study just named Toyota as one of the top three companies consumers would buy an EV from.




Press Release

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

May 20, 2010 - Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. - Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla's currently planned initial public offering.

"I sensed the great potential of Tesla's technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that 'venture business spirit,' and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla," said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. "We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota's legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of "contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles," and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.


Tesla Motors Announces Factory in Northern California
Silicon Valley factory will become the home of the Model S sedan

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the birthplace of the vaunted Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California's Silicon Valley, very near Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.