BMW 1-Series M Coupe Allegedly Laps the Nürburgring in 8:12" Making it Faster than E46 M3

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is pretty fast on paper. Reaching the 60 mph (96 km/h) mark in just 4.7 seconds is no small feat, but nowadays, it seems that performance cars need to have a respectable “Ring” time under there belt to command respect. Now, a forum member of the 1Addicts fan site who calls himself "SteveD" claims that the Ring time for the 335-horsepower strong M model is 8 minutes and 12 seconds.

If true (and according to the Nürburgring lap times list posted on Wikipedia), this means the entry-level M model is 10 seconds faster than the E46 M3, on par with the E86 Z4 M Coupe, but 7 seconds slower than the E92 M3 .

Of course, just because something is posted on a forum, doesn’t necessarily make it true. However, it seems that “SteveD” is none other than Steve Davies, a UK journalist who writes for Skiddmark. When asked where did he received the info, "SteveD" wrote “directly from BMW when we filmed the car”.

And indeed, Skiddmark does feature a piece about the 1-Series M Coupe and it contains the information posted on 1addicts. Still, we’re going to take this one with a grain of salt until we have the official confirmation.

You can see how the 1 Series M Coupe's alleged 'Ring lap time compares with other models from BMW and other makers in the list below.

By Csaba Daradics

Nurburgring Lap Times as Posted on Wikipedia:

• E46 M3 CSL - 7:50

• E90/E92 M3 - 8:05

• E63 M6 - 8:09

• 1 series M coupe - 8:12

• Z4 M-Coupe - 8:12

• E60 M5 - 8:13

• Alpina B3 Biturbo - 8:14

• Z4 M-Roadster - 8:15

• Alpina Roadster S (Z4) - 8:15

• E46 M3 - 8:22

• 335i E92 Coupe - 8:26

Other Models Compared:

• 911 Carrera S PDK (997.5) - 7:50

• Audi R8 4.2 - 8:04

• Cayman S - 8:04 (by Walter Röhrl)

• Audi RS4 - 8:09

• Audi TT-RS - 8:09

• BMW 1 series M coupe - 8:12

• Aston Martin V8 Vantage - 8:13

• Mercedes C63 AMG PP - 8:13

• Corvette C6 - 8:15

• Cayman S - 8:16 (Sport Auto)

• Porsche Boxter S (987.5) - 8:18

• Lexus IS-F - 8:18

• 2010 VW Golf R - 8:23

• Audi S5 (2007) - 8:26

• Audi TT-S (2008) - 8:29

Source: Skiddmark , Via: 1Addicts

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Back to the Future: Formula One Racecar Lapping the Nürburgring Circuit in 1967

The Nürburgring circuit is called “The Green Hell” for a good reason. Measuring 24.4 km (15.2 miles) in today’s combined version that uses a part of the Formula 1 track, it’s not an easy circuit to master. Complete a fast lap was even more difficult in the late ’60, when Formula 1 was nowhere near the high-tech parade it represents now. Back then, fearless drivers raced cars with skinny tires that had very few, if any safety features and weren't exactly easy to drive.

Check out the video after the break to see 1967 Formula 1 car running the Green Hell. At the time, the Nordschleife measured 22.8 km (14.2 miles) and had 174 turns.

By Csaba Daradics

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Real Life Red Bull X1 to be Shown at GT5 Launch Party in Madrid

We were quite impressed with the virtual Red Bull X1 Prototype, the fastest car in the upcoming fifth installment of the Gran Turismo series. This time, Evo Magazine reveals that Red Bull has decided to build a scale model, which will be shown at the GT5 launch party in Madrid, in a few weeks time.

As previously reported, the virtual X1 will feature a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine, producing 1,483 hp (1,106 kW) and – new piece of information – 526 lb-ft (713 Nm) of torque.

According to Red Bull's older press release, the X1 can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in a mind-boggling 1.4 seconds, 120 mph (193 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and last but not least, 200 mph (320 km/h) in a mere 6.1 seconds.

Should by any chance the X1 become a reality, an important question arises: who will dare pilot this thing as it can effortlessly generate 8.25 Gs during cornering?

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Evo Magazine, Via: GT Planet

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VIDEO: Red Bull X1 is the Fastest Car in Gran Turismo 5

The Red Bull X1 will be the fastest car in Sony's forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 - that is, if the game ever comes out… To prove this, Sebastian Vettel was asked to do a lap of the Nürburgring race track. As you'd expect, it was done in record time and you can witness it by watching the video after the break.

This is all fine and dandy, but the X1 doesn't exist in real life. However, the science behind it is very real, so, if it were to be built, it would be the fastest vehicle on Earth. Let's check out some [virtual] facts and numbers.

On paper, the X1 measures 0.98 m (38.58 inches) tall, 2.18 m (85.82 inches) wide and 4.75m (187 inches) long - or about the same length as an average family sedan.

Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces in theory 1,483 hp (1,106 kW) at an equally astonishing 15,000 rpm! That's right: 283 horses more than the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

To say that something this powerful is fast is an understatement. The X1 could easily reach 450 km/h or 280 mph, while the Veyron Super Sport maxes out at 431 km/h or 267 mph. Then again, that's in real life...

As for the other performance figures; 0-60 (0-96 km/h) comes in 1.4 seconds; 0-120 mph (0-193 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and 0-200 mph (0-320 km/h) in a truly incredible 6.1 seconds.

These numbers are a possibility because the X1 is not just insanely powerful, but also very light. According to the designers, it tips the scales at a mere 615 kg (1,356 lbs) - almost on par with a 1959 MINI, or with Mark Webber's weight, when cornering at 300 km/h (186 mph) and enduring 8.25Gs! Oh man, that is jet fighter territory! Oh, you really have to build this Red Bull, you really do.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: 1970 Dodge Challenger Taken to Triple-Digit Speeds on the Autobahn

Now here's a dream come true: taking an old-school muscle car - in this case, a black 1970 Dodge Challenger - out on the Autobahn and winding it out. This bad-to-the-bone vintage ride appears to have been lightly modified or restored so as to not rattle to pieces, although there's no way of knowing for sure until the owner drops us a line (do it, 66PaleRider).

Whoever the driver is, there's no denying that the long-haired fiend has got a pair; pushing old muscle up to 130+ mph in any instance has been known to get a little shaky. The last time yours truly tried such a feat in the old Stang, I recall a trail of white smoke about a mile long and desperately seeking an off ramp (but man was it fun).

Repair results were better than expected, but the lesson was loud and clear: unrestored 289s have a bit of trouble getting up higher than 90 and shouldn't be pushed. In the case of this '70 Challenger, though, we see that's not really the case.

Enjoy the vids below, and if anyone knows some info about the car, send it on over. I smell a feature.

By Phil Alex

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Spied on and about the 'Ring

The next-gen Mercedes SL63 AMG has officially been caught testing, aaaaaaaannnd...there it is. Much like the SLS and recently-revealed CLS, the front end of Merc's new hardtop roadster will sport a more in-your-grille fascia (punny, I know). It's so blunt and brutish, I'd say the German firm's stylists could have been helping Dodge with the 2011 Charger.

Up front you'll notice the padded bra covering wide-mouth AMG intakes, while the bigger alloys are there to house bigger AMG stoppers. Suspension and other special bits will probably be as differentiated as the current generation's lineup ("sportier" and "edgier" and so on), and the interior should feature an SL version of the new kinked center stack we're seeing in Benz's sporty models.

As for the car's powertrain, no surprises here as the SL63 will be motivated by AMG's all-new 5.5 liter Bi-Turbo V8 (still don't like that it's a "63" model, no matter what reasons are thrown behind it) hooked to a 7-speed automatic. The engine currently puts down 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque in the facelifted CL63 AMG, but those numbers could be tweaked by the time the new SL debuts.

Much like previous models, we can expect a speed de-limiter and probably a performance package that would bump the hardtop convertible SL63s output up to 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, throw in some bigger wheels and tires, and add some carbon fiber in the engine bay.

By Phil Alex

Vauxhall Astra VXR Nürburgring Crash with Videos

Some guy in a Vauxhall Astra VXR Nürburgring Edition went to the notorious Nordschleife to try to live up to the name on the side of his car and made a booboo. Hey, no sweat, these things happen all the time.

People get a little antsy in the pantsy, lose their concentration, and wreck their car. The real point of interest here is the potential costs involved (other than that of a damaged car and pride).

Thanks to folks from 'Nurburgring.co.uk', we have a breakdown of some costs - no word on if they're official - involved with accidents at the 'Ring.

Don't forget to watch how it played out in the vids below.

By Phil Alex

Cost of an accident at the Nurburgring:

• Base fee for attendance of armco truck: €150
  
• Removing damaged armco: €10/metre (x2 or x3 or x4 for multiple-height sections)
  
• Replacement armco: €31/metre (x2 or x3 for double/triple height)
  
• Removing damaged armco posts: €5.10 each
  
• Replacing armco post: €39 each
  
• Safety car attendance: €82 per 30 mins (car + 2 people)
  
• Circuit closure: €1,350 per hour
  
• Recovery truck: €190 (inc VAT)
  
• Hospital stay & air ambulance:
  

Everything except the recovery truck is then subject to 19% VAT.

Via: Diariomotor , Costs: Nurburgring.co.uk

BMW's M3 GT2 Snatches Victory from Porsche's 911 Hybrid at Nürburgring 24 Hours Race

The Nürburgring had a eventful weekend hosting its eponymous race, giving two of Germany's biggest names the chance to go at it for a day. BMW and Porsche both showed up looking to be strong contenders again this year (Porsche has won for the past four years).

Stuttgart-based Porsche finally debuted its much-hyped GT3 R Hybrid (more details here) on the track, but the car gave out 22 hours and 15 minutes into the race. Just because the end result was a DNF does not mean that it didn't put up one hell of a show, holding the lead for eight hours.

Porsche factory driver Joerg Bergmeister says he "heard a loud noise at the rear of the car and suddenly the power went."

While the hybrid may need a little more development before anyone goes and starts up a new racing series, Porsche's regular GT3 RS proved just fine. The road-racer, which was driven to the track from Weissach, came in 13th overall.

As for the big winner of the day, that would have to be BMW.

The M3 GT2 came in first after 154 laps. Four of the top ten finishers were BMWs. BMW got ten "class wins" this year, and a little less than 1/3 of all the cars entered were Bimmers. As for history, this year's enduro really locked in BMW as the 'winning-est' touring car manufacturer in history.

BMW M director Mario Theissen says, "The tension was enormous for all of us, so the relief was all the greater when the car crossed the finish line. I must say a big thank you to every single member of the team. Everyone worked perfectly together. Thanks also to our loyal fans, who have taken us to their hearts after a five-year break and given us such great support."

By Phil Alex

2010 Nürburgring 24 Hours Race Results:

1. Müller/Farfus/Alzen/Lamy (D/BR/D/P), BMW M3 GT2, 154 laps
2. Farnbacher/Simonsen/Keen/Seefried (D/AUS/USA/D), Ferrari F430 GTC, + 3:54.1 minutes
3. Rostek/Ludwig/Bronzel/Winkelhock (D/D/D/D), Audi R8 LMS, + 1 laps
4. Hartung/Söderlund/Sandström/Öhlin (D/S/CH/S), BMW Z4 GT3, + 2
5. Jöns/Breslin/Stuck/Heyer (D/GB/A/D), Audi R8 LMS, + 2
6. Alzen/Schwager/Jäger/Bert (D/D/D/D), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, + 3
7. Werner/Müller/Priaulx/Adorf (D/D/GB/D), BMW M3 GT2, + 4
8. Zehe/Schelp/Roloff/Bullitt (D/D/D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S, + 4
9. Aust/Adams/Übler/Grossmann (D/D/D/D), BMW Z4 GT3, + 5
10. Weiland/Forbes/Riemer/Horn (D/D/D/D), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, + 6
11. Gayday/Kruglyk/Basov/Schratz (UKR/UKR/R/D), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, + 7
12. Dumbreck/Schoysman/Tanaka/Hoshino (GB/D/J/J), Nissan Z33, + 9
13. Simon/von Saurma/Asch/Harris (D/D/D/GB), Porsche 911 GT3 RS, + 9