In my short time on this earth I have seen a variety of automotive replicas, some in bad taste and others were respected attempts to ‘pull-it-off’. My friend Jason at AutoGuide.com discovered a video on GT Spirit of a peculiar Bugatti Veyron replica created from a BMW 6 Series. Jason says it best in his description of this ‘creation’ below.

This car began life as was a standard BMW 6-Series coupe. But after more extensive modifications to its exterior than Heidi Montag, it’s now a little Bugatti Veyron wanna-be. And while it might pass off as just that to some folks, those who know will just shake their heads in disgust. Truth be told though, the detail and amount of work that’s put into this project is overwhelmingly respectable. For the most part the conversion is well executed, and like we said, it could pass as a Bugatti Veyron to an unsuspecting layman.

We respect the work and the concept, but would we ever be caught dead driving this thing? Um… no!

[source: GT Spirit]

Some automotive enthusiasts have loved the Top Gear show aired on BBC for all 15 seasons. Others have seen just a few seasons. Nevertheless, many of us have a special place in our hearts for Top Gear as one of the most loved car shows ever. The latest season to hit DVD is Top Gear Season 13. We are giving people a chance to WIN a free copy of Top Gear Season 13 on DVD in addition to the book ‘Where’s Stig’.

How Can You Win?

LIKE us on Facebook for a chance to win by answering one of our questions on our Facebook page. The question will be posted today just before 12 noon so hurry and click LIKE on the Automotive Addicts Facebook page.

If you live in the Jacksonville, FL area (or surrounding areas), then you will have a chance to WIN a copy of Top Gear Season 13 on DVD or the ‘Where’s Stig’ book by coming out to our Automotive Addicts Cars and Coffee Saturday, October 9^th at 9am. We will be doing FREE raffle ticket drawings at 10am for a chance to WIN!

‘The new standard of the world’ so says Cadillac in the latest CTS Coupe and CTS-V Coupe commercials. After driving the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan I can somewhat agree with that considering that is the world’s fastest production sedan. Now that Cadillac has introduced a new CTS-V Coupe, it enters into a new category up against several other noteworthy sports coupes. Below are two new Cadillac CTS-V commercials further enticing me to buy one of these bad boys. Not sure if I want one but it sure is fast!

Enjoy the videos below!

Reportedly Ferrari will be launching a new 458 Spider GTS with a retractable glass roof. The 458 Italia was already rumored previously to sport a soft-top but now reports have hinted towards a retracting glass top similar to the one found on the 575 Superamerica. In such a system the glass roof would slide behind the passenger compartment.

There is no doubt that we will soon see some variant of a Ferrari 458 Spider/Convertible.

[sources: Worldcarfans / images: Jon Sibal, TeamSpeed]

The Ferrari 458 Challenge, a one-off race-prepped version of the Ferrari 458 Italia, was already revealed a few weeks ago and now Ferrari is releasing images of the 458 Challenge during its session at Vallelunga Race Circuit.

It was rather expected to see a new one-off version of the Ferrari 458 Italia to join the stable of other race-prepped Italian stallions. Just like any other race version of a Ferrari, owners should be stoked to have one that has more power and is lighter giving it an edge over the normal run-of-the-mill street-version Ferrari. Just to demonstrate how much more serious the 458 Challenge is vs. its predecessor, the 458 Challenge was able to corner at an astonishing 1.6g’s of lateral acceleration and lap Fiorano over two seconds faster.

[source: Ferrari]

It is rather obvious that forced induction is a major contributor to modern-day vehicles and it is here to stay. To further support that notion, Mercedes-Benz has officially introduced their new Twin-Turbo CL-Class CL63 and CL65 AMG cars.

The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine is gone and replaced by a smaller 536hp 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged unit now fitted in the CL63 (optional AMG Performance Package adds 27hp for a total of 563hp and 664lbs-ft of torque). That should be good enough for a 0-60mph run in 4.4 seconds or less. The CL65 AMG carries over its 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo with an additional 17hp making a total of 621 horsepower and 738lbs-ft of torque.

The CL63 and CL65 will get a slew of luxury amenities, driver aids and even Mercedes-Benz’s Direct-Steer system with a crosswind stabilization feature that changes wheel-load in the event that you get a strong cross-breeze. The MSRP of the new CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG has not been released yet but are expected to climb slightly from the previous $145,000 and $207,170 figures for the CL63 and CL65 AMG respectfully.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG Press Release

AMG 5.5-LITER V8 BITURBO ENGINE

Performance, innovation and efficiency in perfect harmony

July 24, 2010

Increased performance and torque, reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions – these qualities are perfectly united in the new AMG 5.5-liter biturbo engine. Mercedes-AMG is confronting the challenges of the future, and demonstrating that dynamic performance can be perfectly combined with fuel economy. The result: a maximum output (with the optional AMG Performance Package) of up to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

The new AMG 5.5-liter biturbo engine combines performance, innovation and efficiency to a previously unknown extent. This is made possible by a unique combination of innovative high-tech systems such as direct gasoline injection, twin turbochargers, air/water intercooling and the Controlled Efficiency stop/start function. The 2011 AMG CL models will be in U.S. showrooms this November.

Mercedes-AMG is systematically following the trend towards increasing efficiency: with a displacement of 5461 cc it is precisely 747 cc below the 6208 cc of the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. Nevertheless, it develops more output and torque. The 2011 CL63 AMG develops a peak output of 536 hp and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance Package these figures increase to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. The torque curve in particular shows that no other engine in this power class is able to match the figures delivered by the new AMG biturbo motor.

Despite an increase in horsepower and torque as compared to the naturally aspirated V8, AMG engineers have been able to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions considerably. With an estimated fuel savings of 27 percent, engine specialists consider this to be nothing less than a quantum leap. CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced by approximately 30.

These improvements in efficiency and environmental protection have no negative effects on the car’s performance. On the contrary, as the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo fully lives-up to AMG’s brand commitment to “performance”: the CL63 AMG accelerates from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). With the AMG Performance package, the highperformance Coupé reaches the 60 mph mark in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).

Combination of twin turbocharging and direct gasoline injection

Mercedes-AMG is presenting an attractive high-tech package with its combination of biturbo charging and direct gasoline injection with spray-guided combustion. The innovative injection technology brings distinct advantages to fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, thanks to higher thermodynamic efficiency. Particularly fast and precise piezo-electric injectors spray the fuel into the combustion chambers, ensuring a homogenous fuel/air mixture and highly effective combustion. An electric low-pressure pump delivers the fuel from the tank to a high-pressure pump in the trunk with a pressure of 87 psi. The fuel pressure in the highpressure rail is controlled between 1,500 and 3,000 psi on a fully variable and demand-related basis.

Two turbochargers and efficient air/water intercooling

Two turbochargers located next to the cylinder banks supply the eight cylinders with fresh air. At their maximum speed of 185,000 rpm under full load, the two turbochargers force 3,860 lbs into the combustion chambers per hour. The maximum charge pressure is 14.5 lbs, and 18.8 bar with the AMG Performance package. Thanks to their specific, compact construction – the turbine housings are welded to the exhaust manifold – there are significant space advantages and the catalytic converters also heat up more rapidly.

The new AMG V8 is the first turbocharged engine to dispense with the usual blow-off valve. This innovative solution enables the compressor housing to be made extremely compact. To ensure agile responsiveness with no time lag, all the air ducts in the intake tract are as short as possible. The wastegate valve, which reduces the pressure in the exhaust system during negative load changes, is vacuum-controlled via an electropneumatic converter. This allows dethrottling under partial loads, which in turn lowers the fuel consumption.

Like the existing AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, the new eight-cylinder directinjection unit uses very efficient air/water intercooling. The low-temperature cooler with its water circulation is space-savingly accommodated within the V of the cylinder banks. It effectively cools down the intake air compressed by the turbochargers before it enters the combustion chambers, and maintains a constantly low intake temperature under full load. A large radiator at the car’s front end ensures metered cooling of the water circulating in the low-temperature circuit. This guarantees a high output and torque yield in all ambient temperatures and operating conditions.

Extremely short charge-air ducting makes for outstanding responsiveness. The stainless steel pressure pipes for the fresh and charge air are produced by the hydroforming process, have a wall thickness of only 0.03 inches and are designed for very low pressure loss.

Aluminum crankcase with Silitec cylinder liners

The crankcase of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine is made of diecast aluminum. The low (dry) engine weight of just 450 lbs is the result of uncompromising lightweight construction methods, and leads to the car’s very balanced weight distribution. The bearing cover for the main crankshaft bearings is of grey cast iron, and is bolted to the crankcase for high rigidity. Cast-in Silitec cylinder liners ensure that the eight pistons operate with low friction.

Drilled pulsation holes in the crankcase lead to a higher output and fuel savings under partial load: above the bearing blocks there are longitudinally drilled holes which connect adjacent crankcase cavities. Normally the upward and downward movement of the pistons causes air to be forced into and extracted from the sump, which leads to increased internal friction losses and therefore a reduction in output. The pulsation holes prevent this by ensuring effective pressure compensation between the cavities.

The forged crankshaft of high-grade 38MnS6BY steel alloy rotates in five main bearings, has eight counterweights and has been optimized with respect to torsional rigidity, inertia, low rotating masses and a long operating life. A twomass viscous damper mounted at the front reliably eliminates vibrations. Each connecting rod journal on the crankshaft carries two forged, cracked connecting rods. In the interests of low mechanical friction and high wear resistance, the lightweight pistons have a metallic contact surface. Pressure-controlled oil-spray nozzles in the crankcase ensure that the highly stressed piston crowns are efficiently cooled.

Four-valve technology with variable camshaft adjustment

Perfect charging of the combustion chambers is ensured by large intake and exhaust valves, of which there are four per cylinder. The exhaust valves, which are subject to high thermal loads, are hollow and sodium-cooled. Four overhead camshafts operate the 32 valves via low-maintenance, low-friction cam followers. The infinitely variable camshaft adjustment with a range of 40 degrees on the intake and exhaust sides depends on the engine load and engine speed, leading to outstanding output and torque values. This also results in consistent idling at a low speed.

Depending on the engine speed, valve overlap can be varied for the best possible fuel/air supply to the combustion chambers and efficient removal of the exhaust gases. The variable camshaft adjustment is carried out electromagnetically via four pivoting actuators, and is controlled by the engine control unit. The camshafts are driven by three high-performance silent chains, which have considerable advantages in noise comfort compared to cylinder roller chains.

Efficient oil supply and water cooling

Efficient oil delivery under all load and operating conditions is ensured by an oil pump with an electrically controlled compression stage. The oil pressure can be varied between 29 and 48 psi, which has advantages in terms of friction and fuel consumption. An extraction stage integrated into the oil pump for the two turbochargers prevents oil from being mixed into the charge air and exhaust gases, thereby helping to reduce emissions even further. Both the sump and the extraction point have been optimized for maximum lateral acceleration and efficient lubrication. The oil capacity is 11 quarts.

The combined water/oil cooling system is a particularly innovative solution: initially the engine oil only flows through the oil/water heat exchanger. If the cooling performance of the very compact cooler is insufficient, the flow is directed through the external engine oil/air cooler by an oil thermostat. The advantage of this system is that the engine oil warms up (via hot engine coolant) more rapidly. A selectable water thermostat ensures rapid warming of the coolant when starting the engine and driving off.

The engine coolant is cooled using the particularly effective crossflow principle. There is a transverse flow of coolant through both the crankcase and the cylinder heads. Additional cooling slots in the cylinder head ensure more efficient cooling of the combustion chambers, which has advantages during combustion: it enables earlier ignition timings to be chosen without incurring the risk of knocking.

Highly efficient engine electronics for every function

All the engine functions are executed and controlled by a particularly efficient Bosch MED 17.7.3. control unit. This state-of-the-art engine computer not only controls the direct gasoline injection, charge pressure, camshaft adjustment and variable oil supply, but also communicates with all the other onboard control units. The microprocessor has more than 30,000 different parameters and functions stored in its memory, and is able to perform up to 260 million individual operations per second. To reduce the load on the engine control unit, the eight individual ignition coils have an integral electronic module known as an ignition amplifier at each cylinder. These ensure a strong ignition spark at all engine speeds and under all load conditions. Eight highvoltage powerstages are responsible for highly precise fuel distribution to the piezoelectric injectors.

Effective emissions technology with new catalytic converter boxes

The requirements for the exhaust system of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine were complex: low exhaust emissions, compliance with country-specific standards and a characteristic AMG engine sound. The CL63 AMG complies with all the current EU-5 emission standards, as well as meeting all the requirements of the US market (LEV-II standard, On-Board Diagnosis II and lambda sensor diagnosis).

The turbochargers are welded to the exhaust manifolds, while air gap-insulated manifolds with a wall thickness of only 0.04 inches ensure a rapid catalytic converter response. For efficiency and to save space, this concept has a tandem catalytic converter housing on each side of the vehicle: adjacent to the firewall, two thin-walled ceramic substrates are grouped into each housing. This solution makes the previous, additional underbody catalytic converters unnecessary. The two ceramic substrates differ to ensure rapid and efficient emissions control: the front one is coated with palladium, while the rear one has a bimetal coating of palladium and rhodium. One lambda sensor per row of cylinders is located in front of each catalytic converter housing, and there is a lambda diagnostic sensor between each of the two thin-walled substrates.

The lambda sensors are necessary for demand-related lambda control. In all operating conditions, the components of the intake mixture can be precisely controlled to avoid damaging the catalytic converters. This also benefits fuel consumption under full load, as the mixture can be leaner than in engines without this control system.

Twin-pipe AMG sports exhaust system for a characteristic sound signature

The twin-pipe AMG sports exhaust system has a pipe cross-section of 2.76 inches from the manifolds to the rear silencers. When designing the sound, the aim was to create a perfect synthesis of aggressiveness and the comfort on long journeys that is the hallmark of a Mercedes. The goal of the developers was to achieve an emotional experience when accelerating and rev-matching, but unobtrusiveness at constant speeds. Unpleasant frequencies or droning noises were effectively eliminated during a series of painstaking tests. The sports exhaust system emits a sonorous eight-cylinder sound that is typical of AMG, while the striking chrome twin tailpipes feature a new design.

PRELIMINARY EQUIPMENT LIST – 2011 CL63 AMG

Standard Equipment

Comfort/Convenience

* COMAND system with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation
* Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
* Voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
* 11-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, HD Radio®, in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer, in-dash SD card reader, media interface, & SIRIUS® satellite radio
* Central controller with 8″ COMAND display
* Power tilt/sliding sunroof
* Rear window sunshade
* Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and cornering lights
* KEYLESS-GO
* Electronic trunk closer
* PARKTRONIC with advanced Parking Guidance
* AMG premium leather interior
* AMG performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles
* AMG instrument cluster with RACETIMER
* AMG 14-way power heated and active ventilated front seats with adjustable
* lumbar support and memory
* Drive-dynamic multicontour front seats with 4-level massage
* Interior ambient lighting feature

Performance/Handling

* 536 Horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
* 590 lb-ft of Torque @ 2,000 – 4,500 RPM
* Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 4.4 sec.
* Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
* AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission with Sport, Comfort and Manual shift modes
* AMG-specific power-assisted speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
* AMG-calibrated Active Body Control (ABC) suspension
* Front: AMG-calibrated 4-link independent with antilift control and stabilizer bar
* Rear: AMG-calibrated multilink independent with antisquat and antidive system
* AMG high-performance two-piece braking system
* Front: Internally ventilated and cross-drilled 15.4″ discs with dual sliding calipers
* Rear: Internally ventilated and cross-drilled 14.4″ discs with sliding calipers
* 20″ AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels
* 255/35 ZR20 (front), 275/35 ZR20 (rear) high-performance tires
* AMG sport exhaust system with dual twin chrome tailpipes
* AMG aerodynamic sport styling

Safety/Security

* New vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty
* Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ emergency calling and convenience system
* New vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty
* Mercedes-Benz maintenance system
* 24-hour roadside assistance program
* Steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones
* 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
* ISOFIX anchor and tether system for child seats
* Adaptive dual stage front airbags including driver knee airbag
* Side airbags mounted in front and rear
* Full-length head protection curtain
* NECK-PRO active head restraints
* 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and Brake Assist
* AMG 2-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* PRE-SAFE® (predictive occupant protection system)
* Roll-over sensor
* Anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer
* Night security illumination
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Panic button remote key
* Emergency trunk release inside cargo area

Optional Packages

Premium 2 Package ($TBD)

* Rear view camera
* Drive-dynamic multicontour front seats with massage
* Night View Assist PLUS with Pedestrian Detection

Driver Assistance Package ($TBD)

* DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake
* Active Blind Spot Assist
* Active Lane Keeping Assist

AMG Performance Package ($TBD)

* Top speed delimitation to 186 mph
* Power increase (+27 hp/74 lb-ft)
* Carbon Fiber engine cover

Stand Alone Options

* Wood/premium leather steering wheel
* Heated steering wheel
* SPLITVIEW Dual-content viewscreen
* 20″ AMG Twin 5-Spoke forged wheel
* Carbon Fiber Trim

Paint

Black, Magnetite Black, Jade Green, Capri Blue, Flint Grey, Barolo Red, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White

Upholstery

Black Premium Leather, Savanna/Cashmere Premium Leather, Ash/Grey Premium Leather, Sahara Beige/Black Premium Leather

PRELIMINARY EQUIPMENT LIST – 2011 CL65 AMG

Standard Equipment

Comfort/Convenience

* COMAND system w/ 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation
* Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
* Voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
* 11-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 with HD Radio® ,SIRIUS® satellite radio, & media interface
* Central controller with 8″ COMAND display
* Power tilt/sliding sunroof
* Rear window sunshade
* Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and cornering lights
* KEYLESS-GO
* Electronic trunk closer
* PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
* DISTRONIC PLUS with Parking Guidance and Active Blind Spot Assist
* Rear view camera
* Night View Assist PLUS w/pedestrian detection
* AMG exclusive leather interior with V12-design diamond cross-stitching
* AMG performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles
* AMG instrument cluster with RACETIMER
* AMG 14-way power heated and active ventilated front seats with adjustable lumbar support and memory
* Drive-dynamic multicontour front seats with 4-level massage
* 8-way power heated and active ventilated rear seats
* Interior ambient lighting feature

Performance/Handling

* 621 Horsepower @ 4,800 RPM
* 738 lb-ft of Torque @ 2,000 – 4,000 RPM
* Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 4.2 sec.
* Top speed: 186 mph (electronically limited)
* AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed transmission with Sport, Comfort and Manual shift modes
* AMG-specific power-assisted speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
* AMG-calibrated Active Body Control (ABC) suspension
* Front: AMG-calibrated 4-link independent with antilift control and stabilizer bar
* Rear: AMG-calibrated multilink independent with antisquat and antidive system
* AMG high-performance two-piece braking system
* Front: Internally ventilated and cross-drilled 15.4″ discs with dual sliding calipers
* Rear: Internally ventilated and cross-drilled 14.4″ discs with sliding calipers
* 20″ AMG twin 5-spoke forged alloy wheels
* 255/35 ZR20 (front), 275/35 ZR20 (rear) high-performance tires
* AMG sport exhaust system with V12-design dual twin chrome tailpipes
* AMG aerodynamic sport styling

Safety/Security

* Active Lane Keeping Assist
* New vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty
* Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ emergency calling and convenience system
* Mercedes-Benz maintenance system
* 24-hour roadside assistance program
* Steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones
* 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
* ISOFIX anchor and tether system for child seats
* Adaptive dual stage front airbags including driver knee airbag
* Side airbags mounted in front and rear
* Full-length head protection curtain
* NECK-PRO active head restraints
* 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and Brake Assist
* AMG 2-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* PRE-SAFE® (predictive occupant protection system)
* Roll-over sensor
* Anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer
* Night security illumination
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Panic button remote key
* Emergency trunk release inside cargo area

Stand Alone Options

* SPLITVIEW Dual-content viewscreen
* Carbon Fiber Trim

Paint

Black, Magnetite Black, Jade Green, Capri Blue, Flint Grey, Barolo Red, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White

Upholstery

Black Exclusive Leather, Savanna/Cashmere Exclusive Leather, Ash/Grey Exclusive Leather, Sahara Beige/Black Premium Leather

[source: Mercedes-Benz]

Well the Volt is on its way to the market and boy it was like watching your own baby being born yes its beautiful and educating but damn it seems like it took forever.  Now with the limmeted release in their chosen few areas that were decided may make some people disgruntled. You know that slight feeling of prejudice when you are not the chosen one, and that scales all areas of humanity. Enough of my ranting about being dissed because I do not live in one of those chosen areas. I will just borrow my brothers and test drive his when he gets it.

I like what GM has done from the beginning too the end of the development process of this vehicle from the human standpoint. From a sexy yet un usable prototype they produced a design that is almost enthusiast worthy but can satisfy the Eco and Techno geeks that usually buys these types of environmentally sound looking cars. Unlike those hideous creations by Toyota and Honda the Chevy Volt has a considerable amount of style to unlike the crap GM has been throwing on the street prior to the last 7 years.

Even though a good portion of the remnant are still deadly to the environment if stored in large quantities I still consider the volt to be an advanced species of automotive technology. We are still evolving we will get the correct combination sooner or later. All in all the entire platform looks atractive and solid and their quality in vehicle manufacturing has improved dramatically over the past five years, so the recipe for a good hybrid soup is in place lets just hope build it and they will come is still happening in this economy.

As we all are aware of by now GM buried it original electric car over a decade ago at the same time I saw Toyota testing battery powered RAV-4s on the city streets of New York with plug in charging stations. I wonder where we would be today if they had stuck with it. Anyway the Volt looks like a top notch piece of work even if they had to be kicked in the backside to make it. Lets pray that they won’t ditch it like the EV1 for their own ill-gotten gains, but pursue a more environmentally sound form of transportation for the goodness of the human race. Haa haa I kill myself sometimes, like those greedy bastards give a crap.

The major questions that haven’t been answered yet is what will the carbon foot print of the power plant be once we have to plug in a couple million of these babies and I mean all manufacturers that are producing hybrids, or if I have a power outage can I just go start her up and power my house till the rolling blackouts have stopped because my HOA won’t allow me to put solar panels on my roof since their property value may go down. Oops their I go ranting again, please forgive me.

By design it says drive me like you love me, come play with me you will have fun, Relax I have you covered, let’s see where the edge of this envelope is and push it. And yes its looks a little sweet almost auto eye candy worthy. Back to reality and is a responsible investment that should have been made a long time ago.

Here is the link that will give you almost every bit of info you need to get to know more about the Volt: http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/future/volt.do#

PRESS RELEASE

Chevrolet Volt Adds Four States To Launch

* Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut join California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.
* Chevrolet Volt can handle a full range of climates and driving conditions

AUSTIN – Chevrolet is adding Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to the launch markets for the Volt, Ed Whitacre, General Motors chairman and CEO, announced today. Whitacre said the company is expanding the initial launch of the groundbreaking electric vehicle in response to intense interest in the Volt from customers across the country.

Today’s announcement brings the initial Volt retail markets to seven, including California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. The retail launch in Texas and New York will begin with Austin and New York City in late 2010. The balance of Texas and New York, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, are scheduled to begin receiving Volts in early 2011.

“We can add markets as diverse as Texas and New York because the Chevrolet Volt can handle both urban commuting and longer trips, in Austin summers and Manhattan winters,” Whitacre said. “The Volt can be your primary vehicle, giving you the freedom to drive gas-free without the stress of planning every trip around the battery’s charge level.”

The Volt is the only electric vehicle that can operate under a full range of climates and driving conditions without limitations or driver concern of being stranded by a depleted battery.

“Chevrolet is extending the Volt launch to additional states because of strong customer interest and our confidence in all aspects of the vehicle and battery,” said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director.

The Chevrolet Volt is capable of about 340 miles total driving range, with electricity driving the car at all times. For trips as long as 40 miles, the Volt gets its power solely from electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, an engine-generator seamlessly engages to extend the driving range to about 300 miles on a full tank of gas.

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation survey, the average driver in America commutes less than 40 miles per day, meaning Chevrolet Volt owners may never use gasoline or produce tailpipe emissions in everyday driving.

A portable 120-volt vehicle charge cord that can recharge the Volt using a standard residential outlet comes standard with every car. Volt’s intelligent charging technology enables the Volt to be charged from a standard 120-volt outlet in about nine to 10 hours, or from a standard 240-volt outlet in about three to four hours. The first buyers of the Volt also may be eligible for one of 4,400 free 240-volt home charging stations from ECOtality, Inc. or Coulomb Technologies, under a program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Whitacre also announced that Chevrolet will add five Texas electric utilities and five Northeast utilities to a Department of Energy development and demonstration program that provides Volts and charging stations to key utilities. The program allows the utilities to study charging station installation process, vehicle charging, and customer feedback. The Texas utilities include: Austin Energy, CenterPoint Energy, CPS Energy, Oncor, and American Electric Power. In the Northeast, Chevrolet is partnering with Con Edison, New York Power Authority, Northeast Utilities, National Grid, and Public Service Electric and Gas.

Volt production begins late this year at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility. Pricing has not been announced.

Chevrolet Volt “Freedom Drive” To Celebrate Newest Launch Markets

* Chevrolet VoltAge

* Chevrolet Volt making a four-day, 1,776 mile trek from Austin to New York City
* Chevrolet is using social media to allow fans to connect with the Volt team throughout the drive via the following sites:

o Chevrolet Volt on Facebook
o @ChevyVolt on Twitter
o Chevrolet on Posterous
o ChevroletVoltAge.com

AUSTIN – To celebrate Chevrolet adding Texas, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to the launch markets for the Volt, this unique electric vehicle with extended range capability will be driven 1,776 miles from Austin to New York, while passengers post real-time updates along the way.

The drive will demonstrate the unique capabilities of the Volt, the only electric vehicle that can operate under a full range of driving conditions and climates without limitations or driver concerns of being stranded by a depleted battery.

“This drive is a demonstration of the freedom the Volt will provide customers – freedom to drive where you want, when you want,” said Tony DiSalle, director of product marketing for Chevrolet Volt. “Whether you are driving 50 miles or 1,750 miles, the Volt is the only electric vehicle that can be a family’s primary car.”

Fans can follow the Volt’s journey on Chevrolet’s various social media properties, including the Chevrolet Volt Facebook, the @ChevyVolt Twitter account, the Chevrolet Posterous page, and the ChevroletVoltAge.com page, where viewers will find photos, videos and text updates on the Volt’s location and performance. The team will be using the hashtag #VoltDrive during the event.

Over the course of the four days, the Volt will stop in Little Rock, AR on July 1; Nashville, TN and Roanoke, VA on July 2; Washington, D.C. and Frederick, MD on July 3; Philadelphia, PA and finally, New York City on July 4.

The “Freedom Drive” will demonstrate Chevrolet Volt’s unique capability of driving approximately 40 miles as a pure electric vehicle, with a total driving range of 340 miles, with electricity powering the car at all times and speeds. For trips of up to 40 miles, the Volt gets it power solely from electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a sophisticated engine-generator seamlessly engages to extend the driving range to about 300 miles on a full tank of gas.

According to AAA, the Volt will join approximately 34.9 million travelers crossing the country to celebrate the 2010 Fourth of July holiday. AAA predicts that automobile travel will continue to be the dominant mode of transportation, with travelers taking trips at least 50 miles away from home.

The company is accelerating the national launch of the revolutionary electric vehicle in response to intense interest in the Volt from customers across the country. Today’s announcement brings the initial Volt retail markets to seven, including California, Washington D.C. and Michigan. The retail launch in Texas and New York will begin with Austin and New York City in late 2010. Chevrolet dealers in the balance of Texas and New York, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, are scheduled to begin receiving Volts in early 2011.

Volt production begins late this year at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility. Pricing has not been announced.

[source: General Motors]

Facts:

• Only 30 limited-edition Frozen Gray M3 coupes will be made for the U.S. market.
• They will get a special paint scheme, M3 Competition package as well as other distinct features.
• Delivery of the first batch will begin in June, and priced around $79,000.
• The purchase price will also have track time at the BMW Performance Driving School.

BMW is building a limited run of 30 2011 Frozen Gray M3 coupes for the U.S. market, priced at $78,900. The sticker includes shipping and a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax.

BMW’s limited-edition model marks the 25th anniversary of the M3. The M3 began production in Germany in 1986 and didn’t reach our shores until 1988. The latest model was launched in 2008.

The BMW engineered matte paint on the Frozen Gray M3 gives it a special metallic luster. This is supposed to give the M3 a sculpted character the Frozen Gray effect is supposed to highlight the contours and give it a more athletic appearance compared to normal exterior colors with gloss finish. To me the color looks dead and makes the car look boring. To make this luster, a special BMW Color System (silk matte clear coat) is applied over the Space Gray Metallic base coat. I will repaint mine primer black to get that really good athletic look.

BMW said it will begin taking customer orders by phone (800-245-4269) at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, June 21. The first cars will be delivered in late June, and the production run will end in late July.

In addition to the special paint scheme and custom interior upholstery, the Frozen Gray M3 Coupe is fitted with the M3 Competition package, which includes wider-offset 19-inch alloy wheels, a lowered suspension and sport mapping for the electronic damping control and electronic stability control. The car also gets the Premium and Technology packages as standard.

The BMW’s 414-horsepower 4.0-liter M V8 is matched with the M double-clutch transmission (M DCT), which is supposed to give you 0-60-mph acceleration at 4.5 seconds that is 0.2 seconds lower from the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The full price includes one day at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I will ask if I can deduct that or use it for a car that is worth track time.

As you may tell from some of my comments I am not too happy with this so called limited addition M3. I know people with nothing better to do with 19 Gs but I do. There is nothing too special about this so called special addition M3 and I really expected more from BMW. You can probably get the same thing by paying the extra $2,500 for the competition package and get the same affect but if you want a trinket to put in your garage and see if it increases in value be my guest.

Press Release

Nearing the 25th anniversary of the original BMW M3, BMW of North America today announced a production run of thirty identically-equipped 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupes for the United States. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe features a special matte-gray paint with a deep metallic luster to further accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3.

Unique Fox Red / Black bi-color Novillo leather interior is also specified. This is the first and only opportunity to obtain Frozen Gray Metallic exterior paint on the M3 for the 2011 model year in the United States.

BMW M enthusiasts will be able to reserve a 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Monday, June 21, 2010. The first 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupes will become available for delivery in late June 2010 through Authorized BMW Centers, and the production run will be completed by the end of July 2010.

A complete equipment list is provided at the end of this press release. MSRP will be $77,600 Including $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.

Each 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe will be powered by the now famous 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower M V8 and equipped with BMW’s M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). Also specified is the new M3 Competition Package, which adds an exclusive set of 19-inch wheels and other upgrades. Additionally, each purchase of the 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe will include a one-day enrollment at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe continues the tradition of innovation and passion for driving by incorporating key changes to the M3′s dynamic qualities. The equipped Competition Package reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes unique 19″ wheels with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe is also equipped with the M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) which lowers the 0-60mph acceleration time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7 (6-speed manual).

Introducing Frozen Gray Metallic Paint.
The special BMW Individual matte paintwork on the Frozen Gray M3 adds a rare metallic luster to the vehicle. Compared to conventional exterior colors with gloss finish, the sculpture-like character of Frozen Gray paint highlights the athletic contours of the M3. To achieve this luster, a special BMW ColorSystem silk matte clear coat is applied over the Space Gray Metallic base coat.

25 Years and Four Generations of BMW M3.
Racing provided the reason for the original M3′s 1986 creation. BMW produced the M3 as a road-going homologation version of its 3 Series to gain eligibility to compete in the German Touring Car Championship. Popularity and strong consumer demand substantiated the case to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car as it evolved along with the underlying 3 Series, the company’s most popular vehicle. In 1988, North Americans met the BMW M3 for the first time, and its high-revving 2.3-liter inline-4 with 192-hp became a legend on this side of the Atlantic.
The next generation M3 arrived in the 1995 model year with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter) 240-hp inline-6 powerplant. That car began the next chapter of M3 Racing history which lasted a decade on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1997 the first M3 Sedan joined the family and the M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter.

The third-generation M3, available from 2001-2006 as a coupe and convertible, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing a remarkable 333 hp from 3.2 liters. From the 2002 model year, this M3 marked BMW’s first offering of the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) for the United States.
The fourth and current generation M3 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible, featuring an all-new 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8 engine with eight individual throttle bodies and an 8,400-rpm redline. Showcasing its remarkable performance envelope, the newest M3 Coupe serves as the basis for the M3 GT2 race car, which successfully competes in endurance races against the most exotic cars from around the world in the American Le Mans Series.

Equipment List: 2011 BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe
BMW Individual Frozen Gray Metallic exterior paint.
BMW Individual bi-color (Fox Red with Black) Novillo Leather interior.
M DCT Transmission
Competition Package
Electronic Damping Control, 19″ light-alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sport mapping for EDC and DSC.
Premium Package – Power folding mirrors, universal garage door opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Novillo Leather, Carbon Leather trim.
Technology Package – M Drive system, Comfort Access system, Navigation system, Voice Command system, Real Time Traffic Information system.
Heated Front Seats
Rear Park Distance Control
Enhanced Premium Sound System
Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription
iPod and USB Adaptor