Tag Archives: vehicles

News

BMW charges an extra 500 euros for the manual gearbox

Automakers are trying to squeeze more money out of their customers in various ways, like BMW which has started charging extra for the manual gearbox on the BMW M2.

“The vast majority of BMW cars are now offered exclusively with an automatic transmission, as few buyers are looking for a manual transmission. It would be easier if only automatic cars came off the assembly line. Instead we have a small number of customers looking for a manual transmission in the M2 series which creates additional complications and increases costs,” said CEO at BMW M GmbH Frank van Meel.

In the UK, buyers pay an extra £545 for the manual gearbox, while in Germany it’s €500. Frank van Meel justifies this by the fact that automatic transmissions are more practical, but that the manual gearbox will remain in the offer because it is more like a matter of tradition. “A manual gearbox is slower, results in higher fuel consumption and sometimes affects the top speed, so from an engineering point of view this type of gearbox no longer really makes sense,” said van Meel. He also admits that there are still a decent number of people looking for a manual gearbox, because that’s the only way they can experience the full potential of the car.

As automakers increasingly embrace automatic transmissions, it wouldn’t be a surprise if BMW’s manual transmission surcharge system became an industry-wide practice.

Source: BMW

Auctions

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is up for auction

The Porsche 911 Carrera is one of the most desirable collector’s cars, especially if it is a well-preserved example such as one of 528 imported to the US for the model year, 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe.

The Porsche 911 Carrera is powered by a 2.7-liter flat-six engine, equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, with a factory output of 167 hp (123 kW) and 168 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. It is mounted on forged 15″ Fuchs alloy wheels wrapped in 195/65 front and 205/60 rear Kumho tires.

This good looking car is one of 528 imported to the US for the model year. It is finished in Light Yellow, well maintained and in good condition. It is equipped with flared rear fenders, body-color headlight trim rings, dark chrome window trim and door handles, Carrera-script side lettering, a front spoiler, body-color impact bumpers, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

Inside, the high-back bucket seats are upholstered in black leather that covers the door panels and dashboard. The three-spoke steering wheel is also wrapped in black leather and behind it is a five-digit odometer that shows 68,133 miles and has rolled over. Additional equipment includes power windows, an analog clock, a JVC CD player, Polk cabin speakers, and a heated rear window.

The car comes with a clean California title.

The auction ends on September 25 and the current highest bid is $25,000 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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1974 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is up for auction
Auctions

2008 Conquest Knight XV is up for auction

At the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Conquest Vehicles unveiled a luxury armored civilian vehicle, the Conquest Knight XV. It is a limited edition vehicle based on a military design and built on a Ford F-350 chassis. One of only 100 examples planned to be produced, the 2008 Conquest Knight XV is up for auction.

This Conquest Knight XV is powered by a 6.8-liter Triton V10 engine with 325 hp (242 kW) and 400 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear or all wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. It sits on forged 20″ wheels wrapped in 40×15.50″ Nitto Mud Grappler Extreme Terrain tires.

The car is 6.1 m (240 inches) long, 2.5 m (98 inches) wide, and 2.5 m (100 inches) tall, with a ground clearance of 14 inches (360 mm). It is finished in black and is equipped with lifted suspension, disc brakes on all four wheels, armored windows and sunroof, hood scoop, stainless-steel running boards, body-color wheel arch extensions, front and rear night-vision cameras, and a side-hinged rear door.

Inside, power-adjustable seats are upholstered in black Muirhead leather with Knight shields on the backrests. In front of the driver is a Knight-branded steering wheel behind which is a digital odometer showing 15,229 miles. Additional equipment includes Wilton wool carpets, air conditioning, MOMO pedal covers, an Alpine touchscreen stereo, aftermarket speakers, a rear-mounted subwoofer, and dual LCD displays for the night-vision cameras.

The car has a clean Carfax report that shows no accidents or other damage. It comes with a clean Florida title describing it as a 2008 Ford Truck.

The auction ends on September 27 and the current highest bid is $54,500 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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