2006 Bmw M3 Base Convertible 2-door 3.2l on 2040-cars

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BMW M6 gets new Competition Package

With 560 horsepower on tap, the BMW M6 is already plenty powerful and capable. Those looking for an extra boost, however, may be interested in the new Competition Package. While BMW already offered a Competition Package before, the new one is even more powerful. Where the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the standard M6 produces 560 hp and the previous Competition Package boosted that to 575, the new one bumps it up to a nice round 600 – torque jumping from the standard 501 lb-ft to 516 with the new package. That means the M6 Coupe with the new package in place will now run to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and on to 124 mph in 11.8. Top speed is electronically limited (as usual) to 155 mph, but can be derestricted to 189 if you also specify the M Driver's Package. Of course, this upgraded M6 isn't all about straightline speed: the package also includes firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as a retuned differential, steering and stability control. Unique 20-inch alloys and black chrome tailpipes also form part of the package that will be available for the M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible starting in July. Before you get too excited, keep in mind this announcement is for Europe. We're standing by for information on US availability. In the meantime, check out all the details in the press release below. More potent Competition Package for BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible. Munich. In July 2015 BMW M GmbH will replace the existing Competition Package for the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible with an upgraded version. The new Competition Package has been developed with a keen eye on enhancing driving dynamics. It includes a power boost for the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology (BMW M6 Coupe/BMW M6 Gran Coupe/BMW M6 Convertible: fuel consumption combined: 9.9/9.9/10.3 l/100 km [28.5/28.5/27.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231/231/239 g/km)* of 29 kW/40 hp over the standard unit, to 441 kW/600 hp. Peak torque also rises, from 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) in standard tune to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), and is available across an extremely wide rev band – between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm. New personal best for the BMW M6 Coupe: 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.8 seconds. The three model variants impress with outstanding performance when fitted with the new optional Competition Package.

Recharge Wrap-up: BMW plans for retired batteries; automakers support dual-standard chargers

Toyota will test hybrids with silicon-carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. In Japan, Toyota has put the SiC power semiconductors into the power control units of a Camry Hybrid prototype and a fuel cell bus for a year-long test. Research suggests the SiC units will decrease electrical losses while managing power supply, thus improving overall powertrain efficiency. Current power semiconductors account for about 20 percent of electrical losses, and success with these tests could mean more efficient hybrids on the roads in the future. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Automakers from CCS and CHAdeMO camps are supporting dual-standard charging station networks. https://www.autoblog.com/bmw/, Volkswagen (CCS camp) and ChargePoint announced plans to build "express charging corridors" by installing about 100 DC fast chargers, many of which will support both types of charging. Kansas City Power & Light is partnering with Nissan (CHAdeMO camp) and ChargePoint to install DC chargers that "will charge any model of electric vehicle on the market." This leads the folks at Green Car Reports to look into whether this ends the looming standard war between automakers in the US. Read more at Green Car Reports. BMW, Bosch and utility company Vattenfall are making plans for a second life for retired BMW i3 batteries. The Second Life Batteries Alliance project will recycle the old lithium ion battery packs - which can still hold a charge - in off-grid storage and grid-stabilization applications, beginning with a grid storage system in Hamburg, Germany. Bosch has created a battery management algorithm to extend the life of the batteries and make sure they don't cause harm to Vattenfall's facilities. Read more at Transport Evolved.

Your guide to vehicle subscription services

They might be extremely limited in scope because of location availability, but vehicle subscription services are a growing trend that most luxury manufacturers are jumping on. Plans are expensive, but you're paying for much more than just the car typically. We highlighted four of the larger plans with a few more listed at the end. Care by Volvo Volvo launched its subscription service last year with its brand-new XC40. It was the only vehicle available for a time, but subscribers can now get an S60 sedan as well. Subscriptions are for two years, with the monthly price including insurance, a concierge service, wear-and-tear item replacements and all maintenance. You'll be able to drive 15,000 miles per year with whichever Volvo you choose, and although there are no options to extend that mileage, you can swap cars after a year. Pricing for the XC40 is $650 per month in base trim, while an S60 can be as expensive as $850 for the R-Design. Volvo's plan is to offer more cars soon through the service, but it's relatively limited compared to others right now. Porsche Passport Porsche has two levels in its subscription service: Launch and Accelerate. Launch will cost $2,000 per month and give you access to the Cayman, Boxster, Macan and Cayenne. All of those but the Cayenne can be had in "S" trim as well. Accelerate is where the fun really starts. For $3,000 per month you can choose from a fleet of 911s, including the S, 4S, Cabriolet and Cabriolet S. If those aren't enough, you can also get the Panamera 4S, Macan GTS and Cayenne S. There are no mileage limits and you can change vehicles as often as you'd like. Also included in the price is insurance, repairs, detailing and any maintenance. It might be extremely expensive and limited to Atlanta only, but this subscription service is second-to-none for what you get. Audi Select Audi just launched its subscription car service, and it's offered in one version for a flat fee of $1,395 per month. For that you'll have access to five different cars including the A4, S5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, Q5, and Q7. Not a bad range of vehicles, but it would've been neat to see the recently updated A7 in there too. Maybe in time. Like the others, insurance and maintenance are wrapped up in the price. Audi is allowing for unlimited miles and two car swaps per month here. In addition to that, you'll get two days of free rentals through Audi's Silvercar rental agency should you go on a trip.