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The new BMW 3 series coupe is about to be released. The flagship coupe at this stage before the 414 hp M3 is released, will be the twin-turbo direct injection 335i with inline six-cylinder engine and 306 hp and 300 lb-ft +/- of torque. BMW's magnificant xDrive all-wheel drive system will available for the first time as an option on the coupe.

The power and torque of the twin turbo 335i result in outstanding performance. The 335i Coupe accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, or 0-100kph in about 5.5. Top speed is 150 mph, when equipped with sport package.

I expect to see this new BMW 3 series coupe on these shore in September. I expect it to be a great seller for BMW.... I simply love turbo cars. Audi has dropped them, Mercedes uses a few of them, but it looks like BMW is making the investment in turbo's and I hope that there are more to come.

Sourced from autospies.com and bmwusa.com

Over the past three decades Brazil has worked to create a viable alternative to gasoline. With its sugarcane-based fuel, the nation may become energy independent this year. Brazil’s ethanol program, which originated in the 1970s in response to the uncertainties of the oil market, has enjoyed intermittent success. Still, many Brazilians are driving “flexible fuel” cars that run on either ethanol or gasoline and allow the consumer to fill up with whichever option is cheaper – often ethanol. Countries with large fuel bills such as India and China are following Brazil’s progress closely.

The US is taking small steps towards the use of ethanol, but its process, relying on corn, is lengthier and more expensive. In addition, countries such as Japan and Sweden are importing ethanol from Brazil to help fulfill their environmental obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Running cars on carbohydrates instead of fossil fuels may not be a new idea, and ethanol has drawbacks such as high water content can damage engine parts over the long term, and ethanol burns at a higher temp to conventional oil based petrolium therefore creating starting problems in the morning if the temp is cool. The thing is that ethanol offers an attractive alternative as oil prices climb, and it is possible to make the stuff from pretty much anything that you can brew alcohol out of.

New Zealand / USA does not grow sugarcane to my knowledge, therefore the corn option seems to be the best bet although sugarcane based Ethanol is more potent than corn based ethanol. Brazil has got to the point now that they can get about 6000 liters of ethanol from 2.5 acres of land. When they started in 1975 with their project that was at 2500 liters. Brazil is the world leader in this technology. I think that they are going to reap their rewards from now on as the really have everything covered from spending money in their own country to power their vehicles, to excess power generation created by the ethanol plants which in turn sell the power to the local grid..... All very self sufficient.

I think that NZ should take advantage of Brazils knowledge and start producing Ethanol in NZ to subsidise our dependence on international oil. The other option is to do as Sweden and Japan is doing and importing Brazilian Ethanol for the time being until an infastructure can be created. It is not going to be difficult to get flex fuel vehicles produced for the NZ market, and hey.... It is green and good for the environment.

Time that someone within the governement looks into this.

Mercedes-AMG presented the E 63 AMG for the first time at the New York International Auto Show today. Powered by the new, naturally aspirated AMG V8-engine, which develops a maximum output of 378 kW/514 hp and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres from a displacement of 6.3 litres, the E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all time.
This car / beast is available as a stationwagon and a sedan.

The 6.3 litre engine was developed completely independently by AMG, this hot V8 engine is the world’s only power unit to combine the high revving concept with a large displacement so they say. The result is around 20 percent more torque than from comparable engines in this output class. In line with Mercedes AMG tradition, the new powerpack is hand-built in the AMG engine workshops on the "one man, one engine" principle. Thus equipped, the E 63 AMG Saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (Stationwagon: 4.6 s). The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, although I am sure you could get over 300kph out of her if there was not limiter.

This will be a smoking hot vehicle. I just hope that the electronics don't ruin the drive.

It has been an exciting change in Formula one so far this year. The qualifying is very interesting, the new V8's are getting through the teething problems, and hasn't Nico Rosberg with Williams been rather impressive setting the fastest lap during a race on his maiden outing in a F1 car?

The first two races have been dominated by 05 Champions Renault with both Alonso and Fisi taking the top step on the podium each. McLaren have been a bit down so far this season, but I am predicting that the Australian GP in Melbourne will bring them to light. Kimi and Juan Pablo are wanting the spotlight, as is Jenson Button of Honda.

Ferrari and Michael Schumacher took the # 2 place on the podium in Bahrain which was the best result for them since Indy 05 which was a bit of a farce. The improvement looks to be there with Ferrari, so keep an eye on them. Massa is proving to be a rather good match for Schumacher.

Honda is showing some potential too, although it looks like Reubens is being out shone by Button. I think that like Jacques Villeneuve, Reubens likes the car set up perfectly then he can bolt on up the standings. Looks like Honda need to move quickly in setting up Reubens car.

I am really hoping that Jacques Villeneuve can pull something out of the hat this year, it is possible although BMW seem to be a little down on power at this stage. His performance in Malaysa was rather impressive, but he is on the same engine for Melbourne, so he may be a bit light on the throttle during practice and at the beginning of the race. Time will tell, but I know that Jacques still has it in him.

So watch the race this weekend. It is a pity that Murray Walker turned down the opportunity to do the commentary for the Australian race. But he will be there as a Honda representative, so he may pop up sometime during the race. I hope so.


Nico Rosberg of Williams Cosworth F1

The 2006 F1 season is about to start with the first race in Bahrain this weekend. Current world champ Fernando Alonso is tipped to be challenging the podium along with Kimi Raikkonen, former and 7 times world champ Michael Schumacher, and expect good results from Button and Barrichello of Honda.

The season is going to be interesting with tyre changes allowed and new v8 engines replacing the v10's with exception of Torro Rosso, which will be using the rev limited V10. Maybe just maybe Toro Rosso will be in the position to get some reasonable results in the first couple of races with new drivers Liuzzi, and Scott Speed of USA.
Speed with his apt last name will be the first American on the f1 grid since 1993.

BMW took over Sauber, and dumped Williams or visa-versa. Red Bull took over Minardi and is now called Scuderia Toro Rossa. Honda brought out BAR, and now is just Honda. Midland took over Jordan. Super Agri is running old 2002 Arrows chassis and is a new team with Honda support, and Williams is partnered with Cosworth.

There is plenty of driver changes and the qualifying format has changed, so I am predicting that 2006 is going to be one of the most interesting seasons since..... last year. I can't wait to get up in the middle of the night to watch races on the speed channel. I'd like to attend either Indy or Montreal this year...?

Now this is a beast of a car....In its debut year 2006, the brand-new CLK 63 AMG will debut as the official FIA safety car for the 2006 Formula 1 season. With its 354 kW/481 hp AMG normally aspirated 6.3-litre V8 engine, its modified brakes, suspension, cooling and exhaust system, and an extensive package of lightweight components, the fast-paced coupé is well prepared for its responsible role on the Formula 1 racing circuits. The first outing for the CLK 63 AMG safety car will be at the Bahrain Grand Prix (March 9 to 12, 2006)...

Just for the record I am hoping BMW and Jacques manage to pull a few pleasant surprises and podiums this year in F1.

The CLK 63 AMG safety car will be piloted by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer, what an exciting job that would be.... I have never seen a pace car spin off, but that would certainly create something to talk about.

Anyways look for a road version of this massively powered coupe in dealerships soon.

Committed to developing the best performing vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special high performance version of BMW’s 7 Series luxury sedan. It is about time that BMW got on the 500hp plus luxury sedan band wagon. AMG has been getting ahead of BMW, but it looks like BMW are now fighting back. The 2006 BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan with the scintillating performance of a supercharged, 500hp V-8 engine.

To power the BMW ALPINA B7, ALPINA specially developed a higher-performance version of BMW’s 4.4-liter, 90-degree V-8 engine and mated it to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel mounted shift controls. The motor produces 500 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with maximum torque of 516 lbs.-ft. at 4,250 rpm, and propels the B7 from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. ALPINA 21-inch wheels carry Z-rated performance tires, while the sport-tuned suspension includes Active Roll Stabilization. The B7 aerokit includes a rear spoiler to improve stability, handling, and performance at high speeds.

With this new model, BMW will raise the benchmark for the segment in terms of performance, refinement, technology, and luxury. Approximately 200 US-version cars are planned for the 2006 model year, with a release date in July 2006.

I am not the biggest fan of the wheels, but the rest is great.......