Yes, it’s another set of videos of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, but we're not complaining. This time, the Raging Bull supercar was caught at the Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi racing circuit just outside of Rome, Italy. Unfortunately, the three clips are quite short – up to 12 seconds each, but at least we get a taste of the 700-horsepower V12 engine’s sounds. Watch them after the jump.
Now here’s some news we weren’t expecting. The Chrysler Group announced today the premiere of a new variant of the 2011 Dodge Charger bearing the TBi moniker, which stands for Turbocharged Boosted Induction. The Charger TBi is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine sourced from sister company Alfa Romeo. The Italian flavored 1.75-liter powerplant is the same one found on a variety of Alfa models including the Giulietta and 159, as well as the upcoming 4C sports coupe previewed in Geneva last month.
On the 2011MY Charger, the force-fed four-pot delivers a maximum output of 225HP and a peak torque of 250 lb-ft / 340Nm at just 1,900 rpm.
The Detroit automaker said that the gasoline engine “ensures performance that matches or exceeds that of a 3.0-litre V6 whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder unit”. The new powerplant will be matched exclusively to a new automatic "TCT" twin dry clutch transmission with eight gears.
According to Dodge, the Charger TBi completes the standard 0-60mph sprint in 8.1 seconds while returning an estimated average fuel consumption of 25mpg city and 32mpg highway. In comparison, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 model is rated at 18mpg and 27mpg respectively. More details are expected to be released before the end of the day so stay tuned.
VW has released the first aftermarket accessories for its facelifted Eos coupe-cabriolet in the form of new aerodynamic, styling and practical accessories. In particular, VW proposes a tailgate spoiler, stainless steel muffler tips and a rear protection bar finished in high-gloss chrome. The spoiler is applied directly to the bootlid and promises to improve the car’s aerodynamics at high speeds
The chrome bar gives the Eos an extra “bling” factor, while also protecting the edge of the tailgate. It simply sticks to the lower rim of the tailgate, without damaging it in any way. Rounding off the exterior styling propositions is a new 17-inch alloy wheel design called “Azuro”, which is painted in silver and has five double spokes.
For the car's interior, VW Accessories offers three different trim sets, each consisting of five decorative pieces that apply to the doors and the dashboard. Available colors include carbon, aluminum and piano.
Cycling fans can order a bicycle rack that can transport up to two bikes, with an extension kit for a third one available. Finally, Volkswagen has developed a special luggage set for the Eos, made up of two branded suitcases.
The updated Eos was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November 2010, featuring new headlights and grille, revised bumpers, redesigned taillights and an upgraded equipment list.
Say hello to the automotive industry’s most expensive and elaborate April Fool’s Joke; the BMW M3 Pickup Truck. While other makers turn to photoshops, the Bavarian firm went ahead and developed an actual car, going as far as testing it on the Nurburgring race track.
The sport ute packs the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine under the bonnet as the rest of the M3 range, which includes the Coupe, Convertible and Sedan models, adding a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos or 992 pounds.
The load bed itself is clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a M vehicle – up to 20 standard 46-inch golf bags, according to BMW. It’s also the first M3 to be equipped with a trailer tow hitch.
BMW said the kerb weight of the pickup undercuts that of the M3 Convertible by around 50 kilograms or 110 pounds. Interestingly, BMW’s designers also fitted the M3 Pickup Truck with a Targa top, which shaves another 20kg or 44 pounds and at the same time, lowers the car’s centre of gravity when removed.
Despite the removal of the rear passenger compartment, the company says measurements in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group’s Aerodynamic Test Centre showed a Cd factor on a par with that of the BMW M3 Coupé.
Official lap times have not yet been released, but BMW pointed out that the needle in the dial vouched for a top speed of 300 km/h or 186mph.
Of course, the M3 Pickup Truck won’t be heading for production, but BMW said the one-off model is earmarked for use as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH.
