Blast from the Past: BMW E30 M3 EVO vs Mercedes 190E 2.5 16v

We discovered this scanned article from the 1988 September issue of Car Magazine comparing the BMW M3 2.5 Evolution I with the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 16v over at our friends at VW Vortex. The eloquently written comparison test by George Kacher is not only eye-catching but it also brought back many pre-internet era memories when as kids, we just couldn’t wait to get our hands on the latest car magazines and feed our four-wheeled obsession.

Check out the scanned article (click the pics to enlarge) after the jump along with a set of high-res pictures of the BMW M3 E30s and the Mercedes 190E 2.3/2.5/EVO that we managed to dig out of our archive. -Continued

Scans Via: VW Vortex

Video: Schumacher Takes VIPs for a Spin in F430 Scuderia

Having the chance to perform a few laps on the Fiorano race track with a Ferrari is one thing, but to do it with Michael Schumacher sitting behind the steering wheel of a F430 Scuderia is a once in a lifetime experience. From what we learned, this special event was organized exclusively for VIP Ferrari customers (sources of ours said that the admission price was around €8,000 or $12,500). We must say though that it’s kind of sad to see one of the best drivers in F1’s history downgraded to taking wealthy middle-aged men for joy rides… -Video after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it

Mugen Honda Freed: Jazz/Fit Minivan Sport Package

As with every model that comes out of Honda’s factory, the Japanese carmaker’s official tuning arm has presented a sport package for the Freed that was officially introduced on May 29 (see details here). Mugen’s offerings for the minivan version of the Fit / Jazz hatch include a full bodykit, silver or dark 16-inch alloy wheels and a sport silencer along with a more powerful brake system. –Image gallery after the jump

Audi TT Tuned by PPI

PPI Automotive Design is German based tuner that specializes on Audi models. Their latest tuning package called “PS” revolves around the new Audi TT featuring a series of upgrades to the body, the 2.0 TFSI engine, the suspension and the interior.

The company’s bodykit includes front and rear spoilers, side sills and carbon-fibre trim components for the door mirror housing and the tail panel fascias combined with black 19-inch alloys in Michelin Pilot Sport2 size 235/35 ZR19 tires. Inside, apart from the new sport steering wheel, PPI offers a variety of upgrades including special decorative trims and tailor-made leather upholsteries. –Continued

At the heart of PPI's tuning suite is the performance kit I for the TT’s base 2.0-liter Turbo FSI engine that’s boosts output to 245Hp at 5.100 rpm. and 366 Nm of torque between 1.800 and 5.000 rpm. PPI says that with the performance kit, the TT 2.0 TFSI sprints from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h, or 0,3 second faster than its production counterpart. The coupe’s top speed is electonicaly governed at 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Other improvements include the sport suspension that lowers the car's centre of gravity by 30 mm while a sports braking system with larger discs and multi-piston brake callipers is undergoing trials and it will be offered soon

Via: Motorpasion

2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Subtle Changes and new 5.5 V8

The never aging Mercedes-Benz G-Class that has been with us since 1979 (!) has been enhanced with a new V8 engine along with a few minor design and equipment changes. Leaving the restyled three-fin grille, the new alloys and the more user-friendly telematics technology aside, the 2009 G-Class is offered with a new 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 388 hp and 530 Nm of maximum torque.

This new V8 motor offers the G500 sportscar-like performance, with the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint completed in a mere 5.9 seconds. Just be sure there’s a gas station somewhere around whenever you decide to take full advantage of the V8’s power… -Pics after the jump