BMW has revealed its Competition Packages for the 2014 M5 and M6 models designed to enhance handling and improve performance, shaving 0.1 seconds off its 0-62 mph sprint time.

Power output is upped from 560 hp to 575 hp with the Competition Package and is available for the M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible, and M6 Gran Coupe models. Vehicles equipped with the Competition Package are lowered about 0.4 inches with more aggressively tuned damping and sway bars. Improved traction comes from a modified control unit for the Active M Differential.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

20-inch M alloy wheels are outfitted onto each corner of the Competition Package-equipped vehicles along with a sport exhaust system featuring M twin tailpipes in black chrome. Those looking for even more performance from their M models can opt for the M carbon ceramic brakes.

No pricing was announced by the German automaker on the Competition Package.

GALLERY: BMW M5 Competition Package

GALLERY: BMW M6 Competition Package

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BMW has formally announced its 5 Series lineup for the 2014 model year, revealing the updated Sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo, and ActiveHybrid models.

Since the launch of the current-generation 5 Series, BMW has sold over one million units worldwide, and for the 2014 model year, the German automaker has tweaked its design, added new engine variants, and expanded the range of available equipment to build on the lineup’s success. The changes to the exterior are subtle, but include additional contour lines on the surround of the kidney grilles and newly structured lower air intakes. An extra crease was added to the rear apron and the taillights get a slight change to give it an even more striking appearance.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

Xenon headlights are standard on all models with Adaptive LED headlights available as an option. The side indicator lights are now integrated into the mirrors while the automaker has added its Luxury Line and Modern Line packages to the 5 Series lineup.

Minor interior changes include chrome trim on the Control Display while storage compartments and cup holders in the center console have been increased in capacity. The 5 Series Gran Turismo gets additional trunk space.

Added to the lineup is the BMW 518d, a four-cylinder diesel engine with 143 hp on the sedan and touring models. The top-of-the-line engine now offered on the 5 Series lineup is a new V8 unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology pushing out 450 hp. In total for the sedan and touring models, there are four gasoline engines and six diesel engines, including what’s offered on the M550d xDrive. The Gran Turismo has two gasoline engines and three diesel powerplants to choose from.

The ActiveHybrid 5 has also been slightly tweaked with its Proactive Driving Assistant to improve its intelligent energy management.

No pricing was announced for the 2014 BMW 5 Series lineup.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Touring

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

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As expected, BMW has unveiled its 2014 M5 sports sedan, giving it a rather quick update to the new body style that debuted just a year ago.

The changes are rather subtle for the 4.4-liter V8 powered sedan with 560 hp. Mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission, the new M5 can also be had with a Competition Package that cranks power output to 575 hp.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Facelift Leaked

As for changes, the front kidney grilles now feature the double-spoke slat design found on the M6 while there is now an added option for Adaptive LED Headlights. Standard on the 2014 M5 are redesigned taillights with strikingly thin LED strips.

Inside, the M leather steering wheel gets a redesign while storage has grown in volume under the armrest in the center console area. Chrome trim is now seen on the Control Display and for the first time, the German automaker is offering an optional Touch Controller for the infotainment system.

BMW Individual will offer new exterior color shades for the 2014 M5 including Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic, and other matte finishes. Exclusive leather shades include Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg.

Pricing for the 2014 BMW M5 was not announced.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW M5

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Infiniti is working on an all-new Q30 model, which is expected to be launched in the next two years.

According to global boss Andy Palmer, the Q30 will sit “between the Audi A3 and Audi Q3″ landing it in a niche market made possible by a three-way adjustable ride height system.

One thing Palmer stressed however is that the Q30 won’t be a rehashed variant of the Nissan Qashqai (sold in Europe), but rather it’ll be a “car that can span established brackets within the market.” The Japanese automaker will base the Q30 off its Etherea concept (above) which debuted at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and proves that Nissan and Infiniti will continue to enjoy success in cross-established car segments.

In the same intervie, Palmer also revealed that Infiniti has no plans to build a flagship sedan larger than the current M model.

GALLERY: Infiniti Etherea Concept

[Source: Autocar UK]

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Yesterday, Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder in production form and now we’ve gotten our hands on even more photos of the hybrid supercar.

Powered by a mid-mounted, 4.6-liter V8 mated to a pair of electric motors, the 918 Spyder makes 887 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. To bring it up to supercar status is a monocoque carbon fiber shell helping bring the vehicle to a respectable 3,615 pounds.

SEE GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder Detailed in Production Form

For a true driving experience, the 918 Spyder offers five different drive modes: E-Power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, and Hot Lap. As you can tell, the German automaker is not shying away from the fact that its latest supercar is a hybrid.

Best of all, nothing about the 918 Spyder’s styling shows that it’s supposed to be a hybrid. But in reality, the term hybrid isn’t exactly pairing up with being eco-friendly anymore; automakers are turning to the alternative powertrain to enhance performance of their vehicles without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder

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Audi’s high-performance cars will play an important role in both Audi and parent company Volkswagen’s growth goals.

“We aim to increase sales of high-performance cars by one third” in 2013, CEO Rupert Stadler said Thursday in a speech to shareholders.

Audi outpaced Mercedes to become the second-largest luxury automaker in 2011, and the brand is plotting to overtake BMW by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has an even more aggressive goal: to surpass Toyota and General Motors by 2018.

Volume sales of Audi’s high-margin performance cars will be critical for achieving both of those goals. During the first quarter, Audi accounted for 56 percent of Volkswagen’s operating profit.

“We want to, and we will, grow further in 2013,” Stadler said.

Currently, Audi is outpacing North American market growth with a 16 percent sales climb through april against seven percent overall growth.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Since its founding in 1936, Consumer Reports has become the go-to source for shoppers. From new refrigerators to bottles of wine, Blue-ray players to homeowner’s insurance, if it’s on the market it’s likely the non-profit organization has scientifically tested it. Of course the consumer watchdog is probably most famous for its vehicle reliability ratings.

Conscientious shoppers in the market for a new ride turn to the magazine’s pages for advice. They search out cars and trucks with most the red dots, and shun ones that get black marks. The group’s survey methodology, while controversial, paints a broad and easily understood picture for buyers.

To earn a coveted “Recommended” rating, vehicles must perform well in the organization’s testing and have a reliability score of average or better. But what about cars and trucks that fail to make the grade? Here’s a list of the Top 10 Least Reliable Vehicles according to Consumer Reports. If you’re familiar with their ratings you’ll know products from the Detroit Three typically don’t score as well as their Japanese competitors. Needless to say there’s trouble brewing in Dearborn. Team America… oh no.

The Jaguar F-Type is hitting dealerships in America this month with a starting price of $69,000, so the British automaker is launching an advertising and marketing campaign to promote its convertible sports car.

The campaign, titled “Your Turn” will shine the spotlight on Jaguar’s newest sports car. The campaign will be seen on television, movies, print, digital, mobile and tablet, in addition to a social media campaign.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Jaguar F-Type Priced From $69,000

Stars featured in the advertising campaign for the F-Type include San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, ESPN commentator Stuart Scott, and Playboy playmate of the year Raquel Pomplun. The F-Type will also be incorporated into a Jimmy Kimmel Live commercial, integrated with the USA Network’s Covert Affairs, and highlighted on Speed TV.

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GALLERY: Jaguar F-Type Ad Campaign

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BMW Performance Driving School instructor Johan Schwartz has set a new world record for drifting 51.278 miles in a new M5.

Of course the term “drifting” should be used loosely here, since competitive drifters would argue that this isn’t exactly drifting. Conducted at the BMW Performance Center, Schwartz kept the M5 sideways for 322.5 laps, which is no easy feat regardless. As far as the Guinness Book of World Records is concerned though, drifting can also describe doing a donut, which is essentially what previous records were.

Even more, the German automaker watered down the track in South Carolina, which undoubtedly helped keep the tires in check in order to sustain such a long “drift.” Considering the previous record was seven miles done by a Chevrolet Camaro in Abu Dhabi that was set in February, the 51.3-mile mark by BMW should hold up for a bit longer.

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GALLERY: BMW M5 Guiness World Record for Longest Drift

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While Mercedes-Benz was officially revealing the 2014 S-Class sedan today, the German automaker was also busy working on a coupe variant that is expected to arrive next year as a 2015 model.

Our spy photographers have spotted the S-Class coupe testing once again heavily camouflaged. But now that the new S-Class has been officially revealed, it’s easier to fill in the blanks as to how the coupe will look once it’s finally released.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Mercedes S-Class Officially Revealed

The S-Class coupe essentially replaces the former CL-Class lineup for Mercedes and is expected to share powertrain and models with the S-Class sedan. For now, the only model the German automaker has revealed is the S550, which is powered by a twin-turbo V8 with 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

GALLERY: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Spy Photos

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Porsche is celebrating the 100,000th Panamera leaving its plant in Leipzig, Germany, reaching a production milestone that underscores the Panamera’s success.

The Porsche Panamera is sold in over 120 countries and the 100,000th vehicle was a new Panamera S E-Hybrid finished on Rhodium Silver Metallic. The milestone vehicle drove off the assembly line and through a paper wall that was signed by employees beforehand.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Porsche Panamera Gets Gorgeous Photo Gallery

“In over 120 countries, Panamera customers drive a Porsche that is “Made in Leipzig” and sport this quality seal around the globe. The team and I are very proud of this,” said Siegfried Bülow, Chairman of the Board of Porsche Leipzig GmbH.

The new Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid has a combined system output of 416 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds. The Porsche Panamera has been in production since 2009.

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A full gallery of photos featuring the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class leaked today, showing off the German brand’s updated luxury cruiser. 

While official information hasn’t been released by the company, an early look at the car’s brochure has given us some tidbits of info. Proportionally, the S-Class retains its same wheelbase, though the car is longer, wider, and lower. Regular wheelbase models are 201.4 inches long and 74.7 inches wide with a wheelbase of about 120 inches. The extended version has a 204.6-inch wheelbase and sits at 206.5 inches from front to back.

SEE ALSO:Watch the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unveiling Live Streaming Online

Under the hood, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel is expected, along with a 4.7-liter turbocharged gas V8 with 449 hp, and even a hybrid version, which uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 hp. The engine info was taken from one page of a Euro-spec brochure, so expect more options to available here in the U.S.

On the inside, the new S-Class gets two 12.3-inch TFT screens, along with a climate control system that features active air filtering and perfuming.

GALLERY: 2014 S-Class Photos

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