After the first example of the CLS55 AMG, collaboration between Mercedes and IWC returns to create a limited sports version. This time its the turn of the SL63 AMG, which has just been renewed and equipped with the V8 6.2 at 525 hp and the new shift, Speedshift MCT.

Production will be limited to 200 units, all in the exclusive kashmir white colour and equipped with AMG’s aesthetic kit with details in carbon fibre. Carbon also dominates the internal panels, in contrast to the Tappa Brown leather, also unique to this version. The cars are equipped with Mercedes’ most permissive speed limitator, coming in at 300km/h.

Lucky customers of the Mercedes SL63 IWC Edition will also receive a precious IWC watch, but no price has yet been released.

Continue reading: Mercedes SL63 AMG IWC Edition

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The debut of the five doorSeat Ibiza will happen next June 14. For three door model, that as we expected will be called Sportcoupè you’ll have to wait from anywhere between August and September, when what seems to be the true heir of the Geneva Bocanegra will arrive in showrooms.

In Germany the five door “base”, equipped with a 1.2 70 hp, will cost around 12,190 euros while other petrol models, from 86 to 105 hp will be around 13,390 and 15,760 euros respectively. Diesel models are from 14,790 for the 1.4 TDI 80 hp, and reach 15,390 for the 1.9 TDI 90 hp, with the 105 hp selling at 17,660 euros.

All versions have the ESP series and four airbags, while amongst the optional extras you can choose from further airbags, adaptable headlights and the new seven gear DSG. The increase in size has done well for room and boot size (now at 292 litres), but hasn’t added anything to weight, in addition cutting consumption and emissions by ten percent compared to the previous model.

Continue reading: Seat Ibiza: details and German pricing

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Finally the Alfa Romeo Mi.To soap opera of the last few months is drawing to a close with the final episode, including precious photographs published by Autoweek, revealing the interior without its camouflage.

The compartment is enriched with carbon finishes and leather seats without diminishing the sporty sensation of the bodywork and driving dynamics. The central console in shiny material combines with the general dark environment that dominates. The only thing missing is the third open compartment so characteristic of all Alfas. Of note however are the seats which appear quite wrap-around, though any hopes of seeing a Ferrari-style steering wheel with manettino dials to change the Alfa DNA have been dashed, with the dials appearing next to the gear shift as per the prototypes.

Via | Autoweek.nl

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In the end, time has passed quickly for the new Ferrari and knowing that it’s already come around we were a little so-so about the news, waiting for October and Paris. But we reported the news that in May we would know something about the highly-expected Maranello, and now we’re enthusiastically indulging in the sound of the V8 presented on the mini-site.

What else can we say? There are only several days left until May 20 when at 7pm the nervous wait will be over and we can show you pics of the new Ferrari but the countdown still shows more than 70 days - we’re not sure we can handle the wait.

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It’s raining prizes for BMW who, keeping to its traditional commitment in excellence, has again in 2008 cleaned up at the 10th International Engine of the Year awards. In an article dedicated to the 2007 edition, BMW won prizes in five of the 11 categories.

The best engine of the year is the 2.0 twin Turbo Diesel at 240 hp for the moment utilised on the BMW 123d. But the Munich company has also won in the 1.4-1.8 litre category with the 1.6 petrol turbo, fruit of collaboration with PSA. Then there was also the best in the 2.5-3.0 litre category with the 3.0 twin turbo petrol. A specific mention also went to BMW Motorsport that came off with awards in for the M3 four-litre V8 in the 3.5-4.0 litre category, and also the M5’s V10 five litre.

Continue reading: 10th International Engine of the Year: BMW dominates

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Always denied by the Germans, the baby Cayenne is slowly coming to light with some prototypes spotted on the Nurburgring. The new VAG group associates have launched the possibility that Porsche will use the base of the new Audi Q5 to make its own compact SUV, as has already happened for the Cayenne with the Volkswagon Tuareg and the Audi Q7.

The spirit should be sporty with V6 engines but also V8 coming from the big sister, sports handling and power from 280 to 500 hp, with technological pearls such as direct injection and double-clutch shift on arrival on the restyled 911. There’s also a possible hybrid version and as we’ve already seen for the Cayenne, a V6 3.0 TDI Audi engine. Perhaps this last news is what hurts fans more than a Porsche range with two SUVs.

Via | MotorAuthority.com

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Audi will collaborate with Japanese giant Sanyo in the planning of hybrid technology for the next generation VAG group cars. Until now the Volkswagon group has invested in streamlining internal combustion engines, first diesel then petrol, reaching levels of excellence while also delaying the release of hybrid models that other competitor companies are already realising.

To make up for this, they’re relying on the experience of Sanyo, especially so as to not limit hybrid models to niche cars such as the SUV Audi Q7 and the Volkswagon Tuareg. It’s possible that the first models to benefit from this new technology will be the Volkswagen Up! and the Audi A1.

With thanks to “GT-R Slave”

Via | MotorAuthority.com

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According to Autocar reports, the count-down for the second McLaren road model has already started: the ticking should stop in 2010, when the coupé P11 aiming at Ferrari’s F430, will be on sale. 2011 will then see the debut of the mysterious P12.

The first, equipped with a V8 of about 550 hp, will be based on an engine present in the Mercedes and modified by Cosworth, and which will be of smaller size and reduced weight compared to current competitors: the use of high quality, prestigious materials will be a perogative. This is together with the privilege of being assembled at the McLaren base in Woking, beside the track car and the spider version, expected for the following year.

2011 will see the debut of the P12, F1 inheritor planned with some compromised fun: a lighter weight and the V10 at more than 600 hp should be essential elements.

Via | Autocar

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With a rightly proud media release, Porsche demonstrates its victory in the 10th International Engine of the Year competition in the category of Best Performance Engine.

The 3.6 cylinder boxer turbocompressed that equipes the 911 Turbo and the GT2 has been awarded by the English in Engine Technology International, thanks to excellent votes from 65 journalists of the field, from 30 countries. Judging criteria includes performance, consumption and technological innovation.

After a victory in the three and four litre classes in 2007, Porsche is celebrating this new important recognition, “putting in the backgroun rivals such as Ferrari, Nissan, BMW and Audi”. The 911 Turbo engine has been equipped for the first time with a variable geometric turbine (VTG) which, thanks to the control of exhaust gas on the turbine, enables an optimum use of the compressor, improving it especially at lower revs.

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Confirmation of the production of the Seat Bocanegra Concept revealed at Ginevra has arrived. The prototype seen at the show previews the aspects of the next three-door Ibiza, expected for November with the name Sportcoupè: but especially it will have the black nose reflecting the mean look of the Cupra, 2009, which as a showcar makes itself noticed for its chrome finish.

The good news is that the Cupra will maintain most aspects of the Bocanegra such as the front air vent design. Designer Luc Donckerwolke, ex-Lamborghini, has declared that given the success won for the prototype, it would be unthinkable to change the series’ version.

The Cupra will be equipped with a 1.4 TFSI at 180 hp and the new DSG seven gears and together with the new Toledo will be the most important news in 2009. The Toledo will be based on the old Audi A4 series but dressed up in Seat style.

Continue reading: Seat Ibiza: three doors in November and the Cupra in 2009

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