Tag Archives: vehicles

BMW M Series is giving up on dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

BMW is giving up on the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), but will still offer manual transmissions in several models at least until the end of the decade. This news was recently confirmed by Dirk Hacker, BMW M’s head of development.

Research and user experience have shown that today’s classic automatic transmissions are a better and more comfortable solution for everyday use in different conditions.

The first model that will not use a dual-clutch transmission is the new generation BMW M5, which will arrive soon. Power will be transmitted through an 8-speed automatic transmission that was already offered with the current M2, M3 and M4 CSL models. Hacker also stressed that DCT transmissions will likely still be available for some BMW models, but not the M-badged ones.

The BMW M5 is still in the development and testing phase, and its arrival is expected early next year. Although there is not much information about the performance of this model, some rumors say that the new generation could be a hybrid, mentioning a combination of a twin-turbo V8 engine and a single electric motor with a total output of 644 hp (474 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque in the entry version, and 738 hp (543 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) in the XM Red Label model. As a reminder, the current BMW M5 is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine with 617 hp (454 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.

Source: BMW

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Spofec Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II with 685 HP

When the Rolls-Royce Phantom was unveiled in 2017, the British car manufacturer did not plan a sports car but a full-sized luxury limousine. However, the German tuner Novitec presented the Spofec Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, equipped with a special equipment kit that raises the car’s performance to a higher level.

First and most important, the engine. The car is powered by a twin-turbo 6.75L V12 engine with 685 hp (504 kW) and 745 lb-ft (1,010 Nm) of torque. The increase in power is achieved thanks to a plug-and-play control module with injection and ignition maps, as well as a modified turbine pressure control. As a reminder, the standard Phantom has 563 hp (420 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model.

At first glance, the most attention-grabbing are the polished and brushed 24″ SPOFEC SP3 (Vossen) wheels wrapped in 295/30 R24 tires, while other carbon components give a sporty-elegant look. These include a new front fascia, a new spoiler that reduces the lift of the front axle, and a new one-piece panel with a subtle wing on the trunk lid.

The car is equipped with a modified adaptive air suspension that allows it to be lowered by an additional 40 mm compared to the standard model. When the car moves at a speed of more than 140 km/h, the suspension returns to its original level.

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Source: Novitec

Modified Porsche 911 996 Classic Club Coupe sold for $1.2 million

In 1997, Porsche unveiled a new model, the Porsche 996. It was the internal designation for the 911 model, which is now becoming very popular among enthusiasts of the German automaker. It was produced until 2004, and one example, the Porsche 911 996 Classic Club Coupe, was recently sold for $1.2 million.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Porsche held an auction where 75 cars were sold, including a one-of-a-kind 1998 Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe. The car was inspired by the 911 Sport Classic (997), and the restoration took two and a half years. It iz finished in Sport gray metallic color, and got a set of Fuchs-style light rims with white and blue lines. Also, it is a combination of the best that Porsche has.

It is equipped with a ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, and a roof similar to earlier Carrera GT models. Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather with blue stitching and Pepita, and the same combination covers the door panels. The central console, dashboard and steering wheel are wrapped in black leather with blue stitching. For a better atmosphere, a modern infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto system is installed.

When it comes to the powertrain, it should be noted that the original 3.4L flat6 engine with 296 hp (218 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque was removed during the restoration, and the 3.6L flat6 engine (from the 911 996.2 GT3 ) with 381 hp (280 kW) and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque, was installed. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

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Source: Porsche