VIDEO: Chris Harris Takes 2012 BMW M5 F10 for a Spin on the Ice

After the first couple of somewhat cryptic teaser films, BMW allowed Evo Magazine�s Chris Harris to sit behind the wheel of its upcoming 2012 M5 sports saloon and share the video with the rest of the world.

The Bavarian company is still keeping mum on the performance details, but officials confirmed that the twin-turbocharged V8 lump that replaces the outgoing M5�s 507HP V10 will have more oomph than on the X5 M / X6 M. �Do you really think we would give it less than an X6M?�, BMW officials told Harris. In the X6 M, the twin-turbo V8 kicks out 555HP and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque.

So what were his initial thoughts about the car after a quick test drive of a pre-production M5? �It felt like an M-car in the correct sense: purposeful, but not too aggressive,� Harris wrote. �To me this car feels like its DNA has been drawn from the E39 M5. It�s a less frenzied machine than the one it replaces: it has torque and flexibility but still the killer pace every M5 owner requires.�

Source: Evo

VIDEO

First Interior Photos of Lancia�s Version of the Chrysler 300, the 2012 Thema

Even though Lancia's press site still has only one exterior photo of the Thema (who needs more when you can take a look at the Chrysler 300?), the Italians went straight to posting the first interior pictures of their American-sourced flagship sedan. If you like drama, don't read on, this isn't for you. Believe it or not �ahem- the 2012 Lancia Thema's interior looks exactly the same as Chrysler's.

Our �spot the differences� approach led to the conclusion that, Lancia logo aside, everything else in the cockpit is identical to what one can see in a Chrysler 300. Except of course the different leather upholstery and trim color scheme chosen for the photo shoot. The two sister cars share the blue-tone instrument panel lighting and the analogue clock as well, however, in this color and trim setup the Thema looks a bit more refined than its American counterpart.

It's not like we weren't expecting the interior of the Thema to look exactly like the 300's, but it's still worth a post. So, which trim do you like better?

By Dan Mihalascu

2012 LANCIA THEMA

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2012 CHRYSLER 300

BMW�s M Division Presents its First Ever Bicycle, the Carbon Racer

Initially created to facilitate BMW�s racing program, the Bavarian firm�s M Gmbh division gradually expanded its activities to include the development and manufacturing of the company�s sportiest production cars, and more recently, crossover and SUV models as well. Now, the M brand is entering new territory with the introduction of its first racing bicycle, the M Bike Carbon Racer.

The highlight of the bicycle is the lightweight carbon frame that has been developed in-house by BMW�s M division. The German company states that the frame is extremely light and stiff, absorbs shocks, and is absolutely corrosion-free. The bicycle also comes equipped with Shimano Ultegra gears and tips the scales at just 7.4 kg or 16.3 pounds.

The frame is finished in an anthracite carbon look, while the colored accents on the rims, handlebar grips, and saddle inlay are painted in the typical BMW M red color.

Prices have not yet been released, but BMW said that the M Bike Carbon Racer will be available from select dealers as well as online on the firm�s website from June 2011.

BMW M Bike Carbon Racer (anthracite)
Frame height: 52 cm, 54 cm, 56 cm, 58 cm, and 60 cm
Frame: Full carbon with BMW M logo
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-6700
Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra FD-6700
Cassette: Shimano CS6700, 11�28 sprockets, ten-speed
Weight: 7.4 kg

PHOTO GALLERY

Aston Martin Video Shows the V8 Vantage S on the Track

Aston Martin released the first driving footage of its new V8 Vantage S. Available as a coupe or a roadster, the S is more powerful than the standard V8 model, has a different gearbox and a track-oriented suspension.

The 4.7-liter V8 powerplant has been tuned to deliver 430HP and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 10HP and 20 Nm respectively. The Vantage S also sports a new 7-speed Sportshift II transmission, which has shorter gear ratios and changes gears 20 percent faster than the standard 6-speed box offered on the V8 Vantage. The company didn't reveal details about the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, communicating only the top speed - 305 km/h (189 mph).

The suspension received new springs and dampers, while the front brakes are larger than on the standard model. On the outside, the V8 Vantage S has a new front bumper sporting a large air intake and a splitter, prominent side sills and a redesigned rear bumper.

You can get a taste of the Vantage S� V8 soundtrack by watching the video below, which was shot at the Ascari circuit in Spain. If you can get past the annoying music, that is...

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

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PHOTO GALLERY

Kia Recalling 70,115 Optima Sedans Over Transmission Flaw

Kia has issued a recall on 70,115 Optima sedans manufactured from September 29, 2005, through June 13, 2007 because of a problem related to the transmission that can cause the cars to roll even while they are in park. The company said that in some cars, the transmission shift cable may have been installed incorrectly and can become detached from the shifter. If that occurs, the car would stay in the last used gear before detachment, even if the driver moves the shift lever to the park position.

�If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash,� said Kia In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA].

The South Korean automaker said that there have been no reported injuries related to this condition.

The safety recall for the 2006-2008MY Optima sedan is expected to begin this month.

PHOTO GALLERY

McLaren's MP4-12C GT3 Racer Completes First Tests [with Video]

After a photo preview at the end of last year, the racing version of McLaren's all-new supercar has been revealed in England, where the car undertook its first shakedown tests. Built by McLaren GT, a new company set up by the McLaren Group and CRS Racing, the MP4-12C GT3 had its debut test outings at the MIRA proving ground facility and the Silverstone Circuit.

Based on the standard MP4-12C, the GT3 version uses the same one-piece carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75 kilograms (165.3 lbs). Spectacular race spec composite body panels and a fixed rear wing have been added to the MP4-12C GT3, while the new aerodynamics package includes a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

�The car is around 100mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system which we have tested in the McLaren Simulator. Having now experienced this new set-up in the 12C GT3 car, I�m delighted with the progress we are making,� said Andrew Kirkaldy, McLaren GT project manager. The MP4-12 C GT3 uses the same 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine from the road car, tuned to race specification. The unit is linked to an all-new racing gearbox developed by Ricardo and fitted with paddle-shift system.

The tests were a good occasion for McLaren to introduce its newest test driver, 26-year-old Alvaro Parente, with the company planning to have a team of six test drivers by mid-2011. The shakedown will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA certified circuits across Europe. Details about the driver line-up and race programme for the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will be revealed after these tests. Starting next year, McLaren GT will also supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars for privateers.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

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PHOTO GALLERY