autos sport

Did you know that Lincoln offered its mid-1980s Continental sedan and Mark VII coupe models with a factory-installed BMW straight-six turbo diesel? It may sound bizarre -to say the least- but it is true.

The BMW-sourced 2.4-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine, which was used in the shark-nosed 1980s 524TD, delivered an output of 115HP and was backed by a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. It was available optionally in 1984 and 1985 on the Continental sedan and Mark VII coupe models instead of the standard 140HP 4.9-liter gasoline-fed V8.

One of these extremely rare [since few buyers opted for the diesel] BMW-powered Lincolns has been found for sale on Craigslist with the asking price set at $2,800.

Here's the seller's description:

"This is a limited edition from Lincoln, it is only 1 of 2500 ever made. It has a 2.4 liter BMW turbo diesel form the factory. This car is in very good condition, It has always been stored for the winters and has no rust. The mileage is unknown because the odometer is digital in it dosen't work. It runs and drive great. It was purchased from an estate sale about 5-7 years ago. This car is all original. Seats are NOT ripped but worn a bit. This is a Rare car you will not find another one of these for a long time."

Via: VWvortex , Source: Craigslist

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BMW has released details of what it will be presenting at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Alongside the world premiere of the Concept 6 Series Coupé, 2011 X3 SUV and 5-series Touring are new engines, AWD and phone tech for the 5-series and an Efficient Dynamics version of the X3.

The Bavarian automaker is touting standard electromechanical servotronic steering (which adjusts the responsiveness of the steering depending on the vehicle's speed) along with optional Drive Dynamic Control, adaptive headlights, HUD and a "top view" rear view camera available across its 2011 X3 range.

An EfficientDynamics variant of the X3 with stop-start technology and a six-cylinder engine / eight-speed automatic transmission combo will also be shown, but will not be available in the US and Canada.

BMW will also unveil several new engines for its latest 5-series range, including a 3.0-liter in-line six 525d producing 204 hp (150 kw) and a 528i with 258 hp (190 kw) for the Touring (wagon). A twin turbo straight-six 535d diesel with an impressive sounding 300 hp (220 kw) will also be offered in both body styles.

An all-wheel-drive derivative of the 5-series sedan and Touring called xDrive - which will be available with both 535i and 530d engines - will also be officially launched (again, not available in the USA and Canada). xDrive will also be available as an option on all Gran Turismo models and as a sedan-only 550i model.

The 5-series will also get the options of a hands-free tailgate from Q2 2011 and ConnectDrive, which allows Blackberry and iPhone integration. Now you can read and dictate emails from the comfort of the driver's seat, while your back seat passengers take advantage of the wireless internet access. No word on pricing information, of course.

New accessories for the M3 focused on the areas of aerodynamics and the interior, along with M-sport packages for the 5-series sedan / Touring and X3 SUV will also debut in Paris.

By Tristan Hankins

The tuning specialists over at AC Schnitzer in Germany have endowed the latest BMW 5-Series saloon, codenamed F10, with exterior and interior styling accessories, as well as hardware upgrades.

The company's engineers got under the bonnet and came up with a performance upgrade for the 530d's straight-six turbo diesel pushing output from the 245HP to 286HP. Optimizations for the rest of the diesel range, including the 520d, 525d and 535d models in Europe, are also under development and will become available soon, according to AC Schnitzer.

There's also a new sport exhaust system with chrome tail pipes that offers a throatier tone and is available on the 550i and 535i petrol, and 535d and 530d diesel models.

To improve handling, AC Schnitzer has come up with some minor enhancements to make the 5er more sporty on the road, including stiffer springs that lower the vehicle's road height by 25mm and an 8-piston caliper brake system for the front axle.

Buyers can choose from two different alloy wheel designs that are available in sizes 19- and 20-inches. The 20s are fitted with high performance tires size 245/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 R 20 on the rear.

For the exterior, there's a body kit package with a new front spoiler, a chromed twin kidney grille, side skirts, roof and boot lid spoilers, and a rear apron incorporating a diffuser.

Inside, the cockpit and steering wheel can be trimmed in black carbon fiber with silver accents, while the tuner also offers aluminum foot rest and pedal sets, gear knobs trimmed in leather and aluminum (with or without the digital gear display) and an aluminum cover for the i-Drive system controller.