Updated BMW Z4 GT3

BMW Motorsport has tweaked its Z4 GT3 racer for the 2011 season.

Following a successful competition debut last year, the modifications have focussed on improving the car’s aerodynamics. Other big changes include the fitment of an updated electronic management system for the 4.4 litre V8 engine, a new control unit for the actuators and the move to a two-paddle gearshift.



Available now to privateer race teams, the Z4 GT3 costs €315,000 plus VAT (around £278,500 or US $456,250 at today’s exchange rates). There’s still no sign of a street legal version, unfortunately.



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BMW Z4 GT3

Mercedes Concept A-Class

Mercedes-Benz looks to be taking its A-Class in a totally different direction. The Concept A-Class, which will be unveiled at this month’s Auto Shanghai show, eschews the tall, short mini-MPV shape of the previous two A-Class generations for an altogether more dynamic appearance.

A low stance and long bonnet completely change the proportions, while the complex swage lines along the side and the front-end styling echo the CLS. It certainly looks very different, and the more conventional body could allow the entry level Mercedes-Benz to take sales from its BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 competitors.



As with most show cars, there are plenty of features on the Concept A-Class that are unlikely to make it into production. The dashboard treatment is a prime example, as it has a stretchable and translucent textile covering, which apparently ‘enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible’…



The Concept A-Class retains a front-wheel drive configuration, with power coming from a BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder petrol engine producing 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). No performance, economy or emissions figures have been released, but Mercedes-Benz is claiming that a combination of turbocharging and direct injection will benefit all three measures. Drive is via a new dual-clutch transmission.

Centennial Edition Corvette

Chevrolet is celebrating its 100th anniversary by launching the 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette. Essentially an appearance package, it will be available on all current Corvette variants, including the ZR1.

Distinguishing the Centennial Edition is Carbon Flash Metallic paintwork, satin black aluminium wheels (19” front / 20” rear for the Z06 and ZR1-based versions, 18” front / 19” rear for everything else), red brake callipers, satin black graphics and a unique Corvette badge. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is also included in the specification.



The black colour theme continues on the inside, where the instrument panel and doors are covered in Ebony leather, and the seats are upholstered in the same leather with suede micro-fibre inserts. Completing the look is plenty of red stitching and embossed centennial logos on the headrests.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette will be available in dealers this summer.



Before that though, a Z06 Centennial Edition - the 100th 2012 Corvette produced - is going to be put up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson event in West Palm Beach, Florida, on the 9th of April. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.



Images © GM Corp.



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