Just a couple of  days ago we reported about the all new Alpina B3 that’s about to launch in this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Coming with 4 doors, 410PS and enhanced looks and luxury, compared to a standard F30 3 series sedan, it is the M3′s cousin (from the luxury side) everyone is waiting. Reading the detailed German price list, though, had us stunned, as the all new B3 comes with 20″ wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sports and an Akrapovič stainless steel exhaust system as standard. These are not something you expect to see in a small luxury sedan.

We expect more information and media material to be made public tomorrow, as it’s the official launch date, but until then, take a look at the 20 page price list found below, and join our official forum discussion on the all new B3 (here).

Download the Alpina B3 Price List here: BMW_ALPINA_B3_BITURBO_Preisliste_2013_03_DE

Posted in: BMW

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

PRESS RELEASE

Ingolstadt, 2013-02-21

• Highly efficient plug-in hybrid with 150 kW (204 hp) system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) system torque
• From 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds
• 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg)

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Posted in: Audi

PRESS RELEASE

12 February 2013, Goodwood

The question of Power…

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today publishes the second image of its next model, Wraith, a hand-built motor car that exudes hallmark Rolls-Royce luxury and comfort whilst possessing a character defined by Power, Style and Drama.

For 108 years, effortless power delivery has been inherent to the Rolls-Royce brand promise. This image depicts Wraith’s muscular rear haunches – a visual cue that gives bold expression to Wraith’s promise of dynamism. A sense that this is a car set to move with purpose on its driver’s command.

And so to the question of Power. In times gone by, when asked the question, Rolls-Royce would simply reply, “Adequate, Sir”. However, for Wraith we feel it right to be a touch more explicit:

“More than ample.”

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Posted in: Rolls-Royce

Who said that the horsepower war was over? Well, whoever it was, he is wrong, as Mercedes-Benz just unveiled the C6 Edition 507. As the name suggest, this special C63 comes with 507hp (373kW), a 50hp increase over the previous model. The torque is also increased by 10Nm, reaching 610Nm which results in a 0-100km/h time of 4.2sec (for the coupe and sedan version, or 4.3sec for the estate) and an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h. The increased power also comes with AMG’s composite braking system featuring red calipers as standard.

The C63 Edition 507 comes with the familiar M156 naturally aspirated 6.3l V8 engine with the technology originating from the C63 Black Series, in the form of forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft, which result in a weight reduction of 3kg. The hood with the two distinctive openings for heat expulsion also originate from the Black Series model, while the new light-alloy cross-spoke wheels with 235/35 tyres in the front and 255/30 in the back are exclusive to the Edition 507.

The C63 Edition 507 will be officially shown in the Geneva Motor Show, from March 5, 2013, with the sales releasing scheduled for April 8 and market launch in Germany for June 2013. The price is not yet announced, but it will include a voucher for attendance of a driver training session at the AMG Driving Academy. For more details, you can find MB’s full press release and photo gallery after the jump.

Source: [Daimler AG]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz’s midsize sedan, the W212 E-Class, was first introduced in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show. So, three model years later, it’s time to discuss a facelift. With a considerable number of prototypes of the facelifted model driving around the broader area of Stuttgart, one was finally photographed undisguised.

As it can be seen in the above photograph, the headlights have been replaced with a totally new, one-piece design, featuring new light graphics and probably the latest LED technology. The front bumper is also revised, with what appears to be a considerably less angular design, compared with the current model. The rear is also changed, with slightly different taillights and rear bumper. We are expecting some changes in the standard equipment and the engines as well, but it’s still too soon.

Please join our forum discussion and share your opinion on how successful the E-Class design is and whether you find the facelift to be more refined than the current E, here: E-Class facelift forum thread

Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has got the new financial year off to a flying start. The company managed to increase sales, revenue and operating profit significantly in the first quarter of 2012. Porsche increased its worldwide sales by 29 per cent to 30,231 vehicles. Compared with the same quarter the year before, revenue was up 32.4 per cent to 3.025 billion euro. Operating profit reached 528 million euro, 18.4 per cent more than in the first quarter of 2011. That put Porsche’s operating return on sales at 17.5 per cent. Moreover, already in the first quarter the sports car manufacturer took on 725 new employees (+4.7 %), giving Porsche AG a total worldwide labour force as at 31 March of 16,032 employees.

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Posted in: Porsche