BMW - Repair and Service Redwood City - BMW's new M4 will spawn a GT3 racer - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW is set to unveil a new generation of its M4 coupe in September, and on Tuesday the automaker provided a first look at the car's GT3-spec racing variant.

BMW's motorsport division completed the first rollout test of the M4 GT3 in Dingolfing, Germany, on Saturday and will soon head to France's Circuit of Miramas for a proper shakedown test.

The M4 GT3 has been developed alongside its road-going cousin, but it won't be ready for a while still. Following its shakedown test, it will undergo further testing throughout 2021, including in some race conditions, before the start of deliveries in time for the 2022 motorsport season—when new regulations are due to be introduced for GT3 competition.

One of the rules deals with vehicle platforms for homologation. It allows for race cars derived from vehicles that use platforms originally developed for cars with more than two doors, as is the case for the CLAR platform found in the latest 4-Series family. Under the old rules, a race car based on the M4 wouldn't have been allowed.

 

2021 BMW M4 spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Power in the M4 GT3 will come from a version of the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 fitted to the X3 M and X4 M. The new engine, which in its highest state of tune at present generates 503 horsepower, will also power the M4, as well as the M3.

The transmission will likely be a sequential unit. In the M4 road car (and the M3), buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.

BMW won't race the M4 GT3 itself. Instead, the automaker will target customer teams looking for a competitive option for GT3 competition. BMW's current offering in the segment is the M6 GT3.

“With our new GT3 project, we are emphasising the significance of BMW M Customer Racing,” Jens Marquardt, BMW's motorsport chief, said in a statement. “With the introduction of the new GT3 regulations for 2022, the BMW M4 is the perfect base.”

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1126358_bmw-s-new-m4-will-spawn-a-gt3-racer

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Service Redwood City - To Keep Your Tires in Great Shape, Just Do These 4 Things - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

Keeping your tires in great shape is one of the most important parts of caring for your ride. Their condition affects performance at all levels, and driving with tires that are not up to the task can be dangerous. Caring for well-made, high-performance summer tires, like the Yokohama ADVAN APEX, will help ensure you are maximizing the performance of your vehicle.

Here are four simple ways to keep your tires in top shape while you’re at home:

1. GIVE YOUR TIRES A ONCE-OVER

Start by inspecting your tires with a simple coin test. Insert a penny headfirst into the tread grooves of your tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head you’ll need to replace your tires quickly.

For a more in-depth, accurate inspection, try using a tread depth gauge. Tires that are at 2/32” are considered legally worn out and will need to be replaced.

In addition to the tread depth, you’ll also want to inspect your tires’ tread appearance, looking for indications of irregular wear, such as one-sided wear or cupping.

When you replace your summer tires, keep in mind that the Yokohama ADVAN APEX tires have exceptional extended tread life as compared to other high-performance summer tires. Their micro-silica compounds and rounded ribs optimize contact with the road, thus reducing uneven wear.

2. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

 

Tire pressure affects everything from ride and handling to gas mileage, so it’s important to get it right no matter what you drive, and ultra-high performance tires are no exception.

Driving with improperly inflated tires is not safe and can also negatively affect your car’s performance. Underinflated tires increase your risk of hydroplaning, and should always be avoided. On the other hand, overinflated tires create less contact patch with the road, which compromises overall traction in dry and/or wet conditions. In both instances, your tires will wear unevenly and reduce the length of their lives. 

For everyday driving, you’ll want to check your cold-PSI inflation pressure which is the manufacturer's recommended levels and can be easily found printed on most driver’s doorjamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. Don’t get confused! The recommended PSI is the number you’ll want to inflate your tires to — the one listed on your tire’s sidewall is the maximum amount of air that the tire can hold. 

And be sure to check your pressure monthly — or more, if the weather is fluctuating. Keep in mind that the best time to do the test is in the morning, prior to driving. The sun’s heat and friction from the road can artificially inflate the reading. 

3. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING LINES UP

Wheel alignment is just as important as proper tire pressure, as misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear prematurely, and can even damage the suspension.

This is especially critical on high-performance vehicles, which are optimized to provide the best overall handling experience when properly maintained. Things such as caster and camber can drastically affect your tire’s wear directly impacting the tread life. When a vehicle is misaligned, it forces the tire to roll or pivot in a manner it was not designed for. This may result in uneven wear, vehicle drift/pull in one direction, and you may experience subpar performance from your car.

4. ROTATING IS ESSENTIAL

 

Even if your tires are in good shape, it’s important to rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Rotating your tires distributes natural wear evenly, helping to ensure that they last as long as they are designed to and you maximize your investment in your tires. You should incorporate tire rotation into part of your regular oil change or vehicle inspection.

If your vehicle has staggered fitment, meaning it has different sized tires and wheels on each axle, make sure you rotate the tires side-to-side, instead of front-to-back.

Once you know what to look for, it won’t take much work to keep your tires in top shape so they deliver the performance they were designed for. And investing in a great summer tire like the Yokohama ADVAN APEX, which is designed to provide superior handling and ultimate grip, is the perfect way to start.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/sponsored?prx_t=4uQFAT6VEAsLgQA

 by Yokohama Tire

Porsche - Repair and Service Redwood City - Jeff Zwart to tackle 2020 Pikes Peak in this bare-carbon Porsche 935 tribute - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

With 700 horsepower being channeled to the rear wheels in a vehicle that weighs a tick over 3,000 pounds, it’s safe to say that Porsche's modern 935 would be one of the most frightening cars in the automaker's current lineup to drive in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. 

If there’s anyone with even the slightest chance of taming the beast on the mountain, it's filmmaker and avid Porsche fan Jeff Zwart, who has tackled the race to the clouds no less than 17 times—12 of those behind the wheel of a 911.

He's managed to accumulate eight class wins in that time and will soon be on the hunt for a ninth. Zwart is set to compete in the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, piloting a bare-carbon example of the modern 935 in the Time Attack class designed for track and race cars based on production models. The car is owned by fellow Porsche collector Bob Ingram and is being run in support of Road Scholars, a Porsche restorer run by Ingram’s son Cam.

Jeff Zwart will race this Porsche 935 tribute in the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Zwart has already spent considerable time with the car, describing it as the “most approachable race car” he's driven in years. He's well aware that it is based on a road car, and thus has traction control and ABS.

The modern 935 shares its bones with the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS. It isn't homologated to any particular race series; rather, it's a serious performance machine for track enthusiasts (and collectors). Just 77 were built and one recently sold for $1.5 million at auction, or almost double the original price.

The 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is currently scheduled for August 30. No doubt after the run we'll have an awesome video filmed in the purist style Zwart is renowned for.

source:  https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1128857_jeff-zwart-to-tackle-2020-pikes-peak-in-this-bare-carbon-porsche-935-tribute

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport spawns SVR Carbon Edition - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

A new generation of the Land Rover Range Rover is expected next year, and a new generation of the Range Rover Sport is likely not far behind it.

For the current models, Land Rover is introducing minor updates to see out the vehicles' twilight years. The British automaker on Wednesday announced the latest round of updates which are being introduced for the 2021 model year.

For the Range Rover Sport, there's a new Carbon Edition range-topper based on the Range Rover Sport SVR sledgehammer. It features carbon fiber accents throughout, including on the center section of the hood. Carbon fiber is also used for some of the cabin accents and the engine cover. Completing the look is a set of 22-inch light alloy wheels with a gloss black finish.

No extra power has been added. Like all Range Rover Sport SVRs, the Carbon Edition comes with a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 good for 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system form the rest of the drivetrain.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE Silver Edition

Also new for 2021 is a Silver Edition based on the Range Rover Sport HSE. This model sports a silver finish known as Shadow Atlas on some of the exterior parts, along with 21-inch light alloys with a gloss black finish and contrasting diamond turned accents. For the interior, piano black accents are standard.

Buyers of the Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic can add a new Premium Black Pack design package, and all 2021 Range Rover Sport models can be fitted with an improved cabin air filtration system. The system uses nano-sized charged water particles to extract particles from the incoming air, even those smaller than 2.5 micrometers.

The 2021 Range Rover Sport range kicks off with the SE priced from $70,850. At the other end of the spectrum, the SVR Carbon Edition is priced from $131,350. Both figures include destination.

For the regular Range Rover, the 2021 model year also sees some new special editions added, including a limited-edition 50th anniversary model.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1128873_2021-land-rover-range-rover-sport-review-price-photos-specs-info

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2021 Audi A7 55 TFSI e is a svelte plug-in hybrid priced from $75,895 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi is introducing a new model for 2021 aimed at buyers who don’t want to sacrifice style in the name of eco-friendliness.

It’s called the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro, and it adds plug-in hybrid technology to Audi’s stylish liftback.

 

2021 Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid

The new model is due in showrooms this fall and will arrive with a starting price of $75,895, including destination. This makes it about $6,000 more expensive than the base A7 Sportback.

The model gets a few extras beyond its powertrain, though. For example, it comes standard with the A7 Sportback's S Line styling pack, as well as matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, a surround-view camera, and a digital instrument cluster with displays specific to the model.

2021 Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid

The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a single electric motor integrated with the transmission, in this case a 7-speed dual-clutch 'box. Total system output stands at a healthy 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available from 1,250 rpm, and drive is to all four wheels. As a result of that grunt, the vehicle can scoot from 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph.

Powering the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e's electric motor is a 14.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the luggage compartment floor. Despite that placement, Audi says the vehicle retains the same cargo room as the standard A7. The battery makes pure electric driving possible, though an EPA rating is still pending.

2021 Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid

The vehicle also has an advanced computer system that can create predictive strategy controls for the EV, hybrid and energy regenerative modes based on traffic, distance to destination and even road gradients to help boost economy. Using map data, the system can also inform the driver on when best to lift off the accelerator, say for an example for an upcoming turn or intersection.

The A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e is the third plug-in hybrid to be added to Audi's current lineup in the United States, joining the Q5 55 TFSI e and A8 60 TFSI e already on sale.

source:  https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1124987_2021-audi-a7-sportback-review-price-photos-specs-info

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com