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I had originally tried to submit this review multiple times using the "New Car Review" feature, but the website, maddeningly, kept blocking me for some stupid reason, even though I was within the character limit and all fields were filled. At the end of my tether, I've decided to just post up a new thread so that my write-up is not wasted. So here goes: Well, that was the review, I hope you liked it. I really hope the interface is improved and the forum makes it a lot easier for us to submit reviews, especially longer ones. And please, *please*, retain the typed text if you're going to block the submission of a review. If I hadn't saved my text before clicking submit, the experience would have been even more agonising than it already was. Oh, the promised quick overview of the other cars: the B3 biturbo was a nice ride, but I found lots of turbo lag, which remained even in Sport mode, and that dampened my enthusiasm for it. The D5 biturbo (the first turbo diesel I've ever driven) was nice, and even though the car didn't feel that "grunty", it did have plenty of torque enabling easy overtaking. I also got a sneak peek at the B4 biturbo coupe, which they had kept covered under a sheet. The car is being kept under wraps for the planned launch this weekend, but I got more than a quick peek under the sheet - in fact, they were gracious enough to let me sit inside and even snap a few pics (for private consumption only). They've asked me to keep the details of this car a secret, and I will honour my word, but suffice it to say that it's stunning! Don't miss the chance to see it at the unveiling from 28th to 29th March at ALPINA Singapore (8 Chang Charn Road).

[ Unlike the Italians, Germans are more eloquent in their art of disguise. This, particularly in the way their performance cars are made. Ferraris and Lamborghinis scream supercar with their vivid, attention catching colours, while the Merc AMGs, BMW Ms and Audi RSes are quick to have you mistake them for just another motoring staple. And here, we may have another example of a wolf in sheep's skin. On the outside, nothing quite separate this A6 Avant from its tamer siblings. The usual suspects are absent - no range-topping 'RS' kit or badge. What it has though, are adequately sporty S-line dressings. And a set of 20-inch rims - which does not look overtly large in those wheel arches. Here comes the exciting part. A 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 diesel engine, giving the A6 Avant enough power to dish out the century sprint in 5.3 seconds. That's about just half a second slower than the RS4. Then there's the chunky 650Nm of torque, which makes driving in our urban landscape a breeze. The Avant (Audi's speak for wagon) has become an icon in the world of automotive shapes. And we reckon it just adds to the uniqueness of the car's overall preposition.

Details here: http://www.mercnews.net/2011/04/mercedes-b...v8-biturbo.html

The new 2011 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG made its online debut a week after the presentation of the facelifted CL63 AMG luxury coupe. The two cars share the same AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, which replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 unit. In the 2011 S63 AMG, the hand-built 5.5-liter V8 which combines direct petrol injection with bi-turbocharging and a start/stop system, pushes out 544HP at 5,500 rpm and 800Nm of peak torque between 2,000 and 5,500rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance German saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite an increase in output of 19HP and 170Nm over the outgoing naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, Mercedes says that with a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km, the new S63 AMG is more economical than the previous model. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been reduced by almost 30 percent at 244g/km. The updated 2011 model year S63 AMG is distinguished on the outside by the "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards. It also get a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 or 275/40 R19 tires. On the Inside, there's a revamped instrument cluster with an "AMG V8 Biturbo" starting screen, while the leather upholstery has been enhanced with new contrasting color stitching. Lastly, the revised S63 AMG will be offered in both short and long wheelbase versions. The market launch is planned for end of September.

730 hp / 537 kW, 1,320 Nm and 350 km/h The Mercedes SL-Class is set to continue its long success story after the latest product update. The BRABUS engineers and designers have left no stone unturned to make the roadster even sportier and more exclusive. Equipped with the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo twelve- cylinder twin-turbo engine that delivers 730 hp / 537 kW, the SL 600 turns into the world's most powerful roadster. 0 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds speak to its prowess as does its top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h. More power by increasing displacement is one of the core philosophies behind the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. The displacement of the twelve-cylinder three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters with the help of a billet steel crankshaft, larger cylinder bore, special pistons and piston rods. The conversion also includes re-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with special camshafts. The peripherals of the twin-turbo engine also play a large role in the engine's power yield. The BRABUS engineers have also developed a completely new turbocharging system with two larger turbochargers and more efficient intercoolers. Metal catalysts with low back pressure let the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine breathe more freely. Special mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics coordinate perfect interaction of the new components and guarantee an optimal symbiosis of maximum power yield and running smoothness. But that's not all: The engine also offers exemplary clean emissions and excellent fuel efficiency in light of the available power. Like all BRABUS high- performance engines the most powerful engine in the product lineup is lubricated with ARAL Synthetic Oil. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine offers impressive performance: Rated power output jumps from standard 517 hp / 380 kW at 5,000 rpm to 730 hp / 537 kW at just 5,100 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 830 Nm to 1,320 Nm, available from 2,100 rpm. Custom engine mapping ensures that peak torque in the car is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm. Performance of the powerful two-seater speaks volumes: With a sprint time of 4.0 seconds from rest to 100 km/h, 10.5 seconds to 200 km/h, 29.5 seconds to 300 km/h and an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h the BRABUS SV S 12 Biturbo roadster is one of the fastest sports cars in the world. Form and function at the highest level of perfection: The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement parts are available for all current SL models and give the SL a sporty yet elegant appearance while at the same time providing aerodynamic benefits. At high speeds they reduce lift on the front axle and thus further improve directional stability. For the latest SL generation the BRABUS designers have developed a strikingly styled front fascia whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large central air inlet further optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes. The high-quality Pur-R-Rim BRABUS front fascia with its four auxiliary headlights is designed to be fastened to the original mounting points and thus simply replaces the production bumper. The BRABUS rocker panels smooth the airstream between the wheel arches and come with a useful extra feature: Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on an inside door handle activates four LED entrance lights on either side of the car. They illuminate the ground next to the vehicle and help to avoid unfortunate missteps in the dark. The BRABUS designer suit for the new SL is rounded out by the BRABUS rear fascia with integrated diffuser. It too was designed to replace the original part and fits precisely in its place. Just as important for a customized look are one-piece or multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock light- alloy wheels that can be mounted on the two-seater in various designs and diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The largest possible version for the R 230 series SL features multi- piece BRABUS Monoblock VI, S or E wheels in size 9Jx20 in front with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. On the rear axle the wheels measure 10.5Jx20 with Pirelli or Yokohama tires in size 305/25 ZR 20. For further improving the incredible handling of the latest SL roadster BRABUS has developed an electronic module for the ABC suspension that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters. The BRABUS high-performance brake system handles even extreme stress without any signs of weakness. It features vented and cross-drilled 375x28-mm mega-size discs and 12-piston fixed calipers on the front axle. The rear axle features vented and cross-drilled 355x28-mm discs and six-piston fixed calipers. Luxurious and highly customized interiors are yet another BRABUS specialty. The list of available product ranges from exclusive accessories such as genuine carbon-fiber door sills with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels with heated rim and shift paddles. Also available is a speedometer with 360-km/h dial and genuine carbon- fiber interior trim in various colors. In addition the company-own upholstery shop creates especially exclusive BRABUS interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.