BMW X4 concept leaked, debuts in Shanghai

Expected to be based on the X3

The first pictures of the BMW X4 concept have leaked to the web.

Set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, the concept closely resembles the X6 and features a sporty front fascia with a prominent grille and LED-infused headlights. We can also see a sculpted hood, a distinctive roofline and a dual exhaust system.

BMW has already announced plans to build the X4 at their plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The company hasn't revealed when it will go into production but development chief Herbert Diess recently confirmed the model will be launched in 2014.

Engine options are expected to carryover from the X3, so expect choices to include a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 bhp (179 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque as well as a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 bhp (224 kW) and 300 lb-ft (406 Nm) of torque.

Source: Autowp via automonthly

via Worldcarfans

World Superbike teams complete final day of private testing at Aragon

from twowheelsblog

Just a week before the start of the second round of the World Superbike championship at Motorland Aragon, Pata Honda, Kawasaki, Fixi Crescent Suzuki and Ducati’s SBK test team completed their three days of private testing at the Motorland Aragon circuit.

While the first two days of testing was slightly hampered by strong winds, the final day [Thursday] was limited by rain showers, however Tom Sykes continued to be fastest rider overall with a best lap in 1’57″2 while testing new chassis new components some engine improvements.

Team mate Loris Baz, who has recently took part in the official pre-tests at Magny Cours with Team Kawasaki SRC ahead of the 2013 Bol d’Or endurance race also found some improvements ahead of next Sunday’s double header.

Tom Sykes said, “I think that my wrist is about 80% and my ribs 98% back to normal, so that was good. I was able to ride the bike again without too many limitations. We had some rain in the final afternoon but we had already finished just about everything we had wanted to do at the end of the second day. We were going to do a couple of long runs on two different settings today but the rain interrupted that. We have put a lot of laps on our tyres here and we still have all of race weekend to check out the final tyre situation for raceday. This test has also brought us some benefits in performance.”

WSBK Aragon test unofficial day 3 results:

1. Tom Sykes - Kawasaki - 1′57″2
2. Leon Camier - Suzuki - 1′59″0
3. Niccolò Canepa - Ducati - 1′59″3
4. Leon Haslam - Honda - 1′59″7
5. Jules Cluzel - Suzuki - 1′59″8
6. Matteo Baiocco - Ducati - 1′59″9
7. Loris Baz - Kawasaki - 2′00″0
8. Jonathan Rea - Honda - 2′00″0

2013 Nissan GT-R snow testing in Hokkaido, Japan

In Rikubetsu, northern Japan

Nissan has recently conducted some in-depth testing with the slightly revised2013 GT-R.

The Japanese company is trying to convince us the GT-R remains a proper supercar even on snowy roads like the ones in Rikubetsu, Hokkaido in northern Japan. Nissan performed a series of tests with the most recent version of the R35, testing its acceleration, braking, skid pad performance and hill start.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is powered by an updated V6, 3.8-liter twin-turbo producing 550 HP (404.5 kW) and 627 Nm (463 lb-ft) which now offers improved response from mid and upper rev ranges. Better stability and sharper handling are also attributes of the tweaked model, along with tuned dampers, springs and anti-roll bar.

It runs the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 2.7 seconds so it's 0.1s faster than its predecessor. The recently introduced Track Edition loses the rear seats and receives a stiffer suspension setup, special brake cooling guides, custom front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts, as well as higher grip front seats.

Source: Nissan

from Worldcarfans

Kenny Roberts Jr.'s 1996 Yamaha YZR500 on sale for $ 200,000

from TWOWHEELSBLOG

Being the son of such a living legend as ‘King’ Kenny Roberts brings great responsability and loads of pressure, but Kenny Roberts Jr. managed to secure his own place in racing history winning the World Championship of the 500 cc class in 2000, the last one ever clinched by a Suzuki machine, getting the best of a young Valentino Rossi (back then in his maiden year in the premier class with Honda) and fierce rival Max Biaggi (Yamaha).

However, the Californian begun his career in the 500 class in 1996 with a Yamaha YZR500managed by his dad Roberts (who had won 3 consecutive titles from 1978 to 1980, becoming the first American rider to win the World Championship), and that little piece of history (that you can admire in our photo gallery) is now up for grabs for $ 200,000. All you need to do to place your bid for this awesome piece of art is clicking on this link, where you will find more pics and more info on the subject..

We are talking about the original bike used by Kenny Jr. in his rookie year, when he finished 13th in the overall standings with a 4th place in Brno as the best result of the season. Up to this day, the Roberts represent the only case of father and son pair to have won at least one title each in the GP top class.