Monday, February 22, 2010

Hamann's 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M to debut in Geneva

Hamann Tycoon Evo M

Last year Hamann introduced the BMW X6-based Tycoon, and while the widebody kit gave the crossover a mean look, it was only backed up by a mere 360 horsepower from the twin-turbo inline-six. That horsepower deficiency will soon be resolved as Hamann plans to introduce the Tycoon Evo M at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Under the hood is the X6 M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that only needs a high-flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU to reach 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. Hamann claims that the extra 115 horsepower is good for a 4.2 second sprint to 62 mph and a top speed of 186 mph.

Along with the additional power, Hamann has also developed a revised widebody kit to fit the X6 M. The fenders have been widened 60mm, and LED running lights are now featured prominently on the front fascia. Additional upgrades include lightweight 23-inch forged wheels and aluminum and carbon fiber interior accessories.

[Source: Hamann Motorsport]

PRESS RELEASE:

HAMANN-Motorsport, the renowned specialist for exquisite refinements of BMW-automobiles shows its latest developments on the 80th Geneva Motor Show. The masculine show-piece on the HAMANN exhibition stand with 200 square metres is the world premiere of the 670 hp/493kW strong and 300 km/h fast TYCOON EVO M based on the BMW X6 M.

The TYCOON EVO M – powerful appearance with striking design

Already the shape of the TYCOON EVO M with its impressive broad built gives a good hint of what is to be discovered. Mainly responsible for that are the front and the rear wing extensions made of light composite materials. These let the body expand by impressive 60 millimetres. Additionally, the HAMANN designers enhanced the sides with the newly designed side skirts. The distinctive hallmark of the front is the apron with the four striking LED daytime running lights. But the body set does not only emphasise the appearance, enlarged air inlets in the front and the carbon bonnet allow an optimised air ventilation of the engine compartment. At the X6 M rear, HAMANN also replaces the original skirt with an own development. This makes room for the earthy sounding sports exhaust system with the centrally positioned double end pipes. The rear view of the TYCOON EVO M is perfected with beautifully designed rear- and roof spoilers. All of those components produce a low-swirling airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.

Rich performance enhancement thanks to optimised exhaust gas flow

In addition to the spectacular shape of the TYCOON EVO M the HAMANN engine department added a powerful performance enhancement for the serial engine. The most significant component for the performance enhancement and responsible for the dynamic and earthy sound of the TYCOON EVO M is the stainless steel high performance exhaust system with metal catalysers. A newly programmed map for the serial motronic completes the upgrade and suspending the speed limit of 250 km/h allows unrestrained driving pleasures.

As a result of the modifications, the X6 M now offers 670 hp / 493 kW at 6,000 r.p.m. and 780 Nm torque at 1,500 – 5,650 r.p.m. This is a surplus of 115 hp and 100 Nm compared to the serial version. Therefore, the all-wheel accelerated from 0 to 100 in only 4,2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

Varying rim designs and sizes

Specially adjusted to the increased requirements of the TYCOON EVO M, the refining specialist presents varying wheel designs and sizes. A highlight concerning styling and technology is the rim model UNIQUE FORGED ANODIZED produced in most modern forged technology. The dynamic shape of the delicate, anodised cross spokes does not only lead to a dynamic and striking look, but also results in an even weight distribution and therefore guarantees higher bearing loads. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel in the dimensions 11.0 x 23 at the front- and 12.0 x 23 at the rear axle, combined with wheels measuring 315/25 R 23.
The light alloy wheels are especially emphasised with the HAMANN lowering kit. Progressively coiled springs at the front axle and a modification kit for the rear axle thereby lower the centre of gravity of the Sports Utility Vehicle by approx. 40 millimetres.

Most noble interior applications underline the motor sports atmosphere

In addition to the existing factory-provided interior, HAMANN offers accessories made of black-anodised aluminium in combination with carbon applications. Pedals and foot rest render motor sports air and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An three-spoke sports steering wheel additionally render the TYCOON EVO M a dynamic overall appearance. For the luggage compartment in the back of the X6 M, HAMANN offers an elegant and practical boot mat with diamond-shaped decorations and an embroidered logo.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com.

Cadillac to set up new distribution network in Europe, diesel dead

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Amidst all the turmoil at General Motors last year, Cadillac lost a large chunk of its European distribution with the collapse of its partner, the Kroymans Group. General Motors has now decided to make a renewed push into the continent with its premium brand and is setting up its own distribution network to handle sales and service.

Cadillac Europe will handle the task of marketing the CTS and SRX in all of their various incarnations. The CTS Sportwagon and Coupe will join the sedan following the coupe's European debut in Geneva next week. Europe was actually intended to be the primary market for the Sportwagon since drivers there don't seem to have the aversion to that body style that Americans do. Later this year, the SRX joins the party and Cadillac will continue to offer the big Escalade hybrid to the three of four people that are interested.

Unfortunately, according to Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork, the much-anticipated 2.9-liter turbodiesel V6 that was announced three years ago at the Geneva Motor Show is no longer part of the plan.

Audi RS5 brochure images leaked!



A hot RS version of Audi’s sleek A5 coupe has been rumoured for long, and now we can confirm its existance and possible debut at next month’s Geneva show, thanks to these leaked brochure images.


Not much is known technically, but some parties have said that the RS5 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with around 450bhp and 450 Nm.


From these images, we can see that the RS5’s redline is set at about 8200 rpm, so we’re looking at a high revving screamer here. Also gathered from the brochure is the lack of a manual option; Audi’s S-tronic auto transmission is pictured here. Options will include three types of front seats and four wheel designs. But no flat bottomed steering wheel?


This blog will be in Geneva to cover one of the main events in the motor show calendar, so stay tuned for live pictures and info, should the RS5 make a blazing debut in Switzerland. More images after the jump!

New Kia Optima to make New York debut in April!


The next generation Kia Optima, known as the Magentis in some markets, will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show, which opens on 2nd April.


Based on the design sketch, we can see that Kia has ditched the distinctly three-box, uninspiring looks of the current car for a sleeker and sexier design. Of course, the actual car will be toned down from this, but we expect a looker based on Kia’s recent track record. The Korean brand promises “bold, athletic and sporty visual energy” for its D-segment challenger.


Little else is known for now, but Kia has revealed that the new Optima is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, and features a “significantly longer wheelbase”. For reference, the current car measures 4,800 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.


The Optima will go on sale in the USA late this year, while European sales will start in spring 2011. More images after the jump!

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