Latest news with #BMWM5
NZ Autocar
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Next Audi RS 6 will have electrified powertrains only
Both hybrid and electric performance A6s are being readied for 2026, the former based on a V8 engine. Camera mirrors may be an option for next RS 6. Whatever the choice, all RS 6s will be electrified for the fifth generation of the go-hard large family Audi. And the electric variant will be the first full EV for Audi Sport. A competitor to BMW M5 and i5 M60, the new RS 6 will be the most powerful version yet, as you'd expect with an additional power source on board. It is likely to produce up to 544kW in combustion-engined form. And it will also come in both saloon and wagon versions, something not offered by Audi in 15 years. A couple of years back, Audi Sport was intending to take the RS 6 fully electric. But sluggish EV sales have convinced it to extend the life cycles of key ICE models to the middle of the 2030s. The electric RS 6 e-tron will use Volkswagen Group's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings. But the hybrid example will run on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. In other words, an update of the MLB mechanicals it already uses. Power galore Expect the 4.0 twinturbo V8 petrol engine to be carryover. To meet Euro 7 emissions legislation, it combines with a plug-in hybrid system that has a motor mounted in the gearbox. A similar powertrain is used in Porsche's Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. There, it is good for 575kW and 1000Nm, sufficient for a sub 3.0sec sprint time. Audi will likely be chasing similar spirited performance. The electric RS 6 e-tron will run a dual-motor, four-wheel drive powertrain similar to that in the S6 e-tron, only with greater output. Expect around 500kW and 950Nm. It should almost give the RS e-tron GT a run for its money. Audi is expected to give the RS 6 e-tron similar paddle and sonic treatment to the Ioniq 5 N, for greater driver engagement. The engineers are also working on a 'progressive torque curve'. The EV will use the same 95kWh (usable) battery as the A6 e-tron but it won't have as much range, around 640km. Styling will involve the usual amped up aggressive appearance compared with their more mainstream stablemates. Cue wider wheel arches, a bigger diffuser and spoiler, and a lower, wider stance. Read our review of the S5 Avant here. The PHEV will feature bigger air intakes and central tailpipes. Both models will be 4900mm long. Expect the PHEV to be around 2090kg, and the RS 6 e-tron to weigh in excess of 2500kg. Audi Sport will likely employ a new active suspension system similar to that used on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Brakes will likely be carbon ceramic units with 10-pot front calipers.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2026 Audi RS6: V8 to live on alongside new EV
The 2026 Audi RS6 won't ditch its V8 engine but it will gain a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system and be sold alongside the electric RS6 e-tron, marking the first time the Audi Sport division has offered both electric and combustion-powered RS6s. According to Autocar, the next RS6 is expected in European showrooms in 2026 with Australia following shortly after, and Audi has been testing a V8 PHEV powertrain – much like that employed by the rival BMW M5. The move comes after a previous decision to make the next RS6 full-electric only was reversed after slower than anticipated sales for electric vehicles (EVs) saw the company ditch plans to sell only EVs by 2033. The strategic rethink also saw Audi confirm it would develop a new line of internal combustion engines to play a role in expanding its lineup of hybrid vehicles. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Instead of ditching the electric RS6 e-tron in favour of a hybrid version, however, Audi will offer customers both. The 2026 RS6 e-tron, like the A6 e-tron it's derived from, will sit on the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings, with the 2026 RS6 hybrid using the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture like the new-generation Audi A6 it's based on. The ability to produce both is helped by other brands within the Volkswagen Group, including Porsche, continuing to offer internal-combustion-engine hybrids alongside EVs, splitting development costs across more models. While the RS6 is a rival to the BMW i5 M60 and BMW M5 PHEV, given its similar size and price, the move more closely resembles the decision by BMW's M division to introduce both EV and hybrid models of the next BMW M3 on different platforms. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Further hedging its bets, Audi will offer the RS6 in sedan and wagon body styles – reintroducing the sedan for the first time since 2010 – according to Autocar. The next RS6 is set to be the most powerful RS6 yet with the hybrid version expected to use a further developed version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 – used by Porsche and Bentley – which makes 453kW/850Nm in the current RS6. Teamed with plug-in hybrid tech including an electric motor integrated into the transmission and a lithium-ion battery, power will jump to as much as 575kW/100Nm – the output the powertrain makes in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. This endows the Panamera with a 2.9-second 0-100km/h time and 325km/h top speed. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Those sorts of figures, if achieved in the RS6, would outmuscle the latest G90 BMW M5's performance, which sees 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and a 305km/h top speed from its 727kW V8 PHEV. The RS6 e-tron is expected to build on the current Audi S6 e-tron – due in Australia this year with a 405kW/856Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain – by some margin and will be offered with the same 94.8kWh battery as the standard A6 e-tron. Audi's current high-performance EV is the RS e-tron GT performance, which produces 680kW and does the 0-100km/h dash in 2.5 seconds. A source told Autocar, however, that the RS6 e-tron is unlikely to be as powerful though there will be a 'solid increase' over the S6 e-tron. Both petrol-hybrid and EV RS6s will look the part, with pumped-up body work, larger front air intakes as well as large alloy wheels housing high-performance brakes. More details are expected ahead of the 2026 Audi RS6's official unveiling, expected sometime later this year. MORE: Everything Audi
The Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Mansory unleashes customisation and Power Boost for the Latest BMW M5
RENOWNED for its unapologetically flamboyant designs and performance enhancements, Mansory has unveiled its latest tuning programme for the new generation hybrid BMW M5. The tuner has tackled the sedan's dual reputation for speed and substantial weight, introducing a blend of aggressive styling, power upgrades, and subtle weight-saving measures. Visually, the Mansory-enhanced M5 takes on a much bolder identity. A prominent carbon fibre bonnet with integrated air vents dominates the front, paired with a more pronounced splitter and modified intake trim–all fabricated from carbon fibre to reflect Mansory's signature material of choice. The front fascia is not only more aggressive but also intentionally dramatic. The transformation continues along the side profile. Carbon fibre details extend to the side gills, streamlined side skirts, and mirror caps. For added flair, the vehicle features Mansory's signature fender shields, evoking a Ferrari-esque influence, contributing to a more exotic visual identity. At the rear, the M5 is reimagined with an oversized diffuser and a centrally mounted triple tailpipe setup, proudly showcasing the upgraded sports exhaust system. Additional aerodynamic elements include a lip spoiler and a roof-mounted spoiler, both enhancing the sedan's sporty silhouette. Even the rear reflectors have not escaped attention, now framed in carbon fibre trims that resemble ventilation outlets. In an effort to counter the M5's significant 2,445 kg curb weight, Mansory has introduced a set of ultra-light 22-inch forged wheels with a multi-spoke design. Although the tuner has yet to provide concrete figures on the weight reduction, the wheels are expected to offer marginal improvements in performance and handling responsiveness. Under the bonnet, Mansory has left the M5's electric motor untouched, opting instead to focus on extracting greater output from the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The powerplant now produces a formidable 838hp and 1,150Nm of torque–an increase of 121hp and 150Nm over the standard version. These enhancements are expected to translate into notably sharper acceleration and road presence. The engine bay is completed with a carbon fibre engine cover branded with Mansory's logo, reinforcing the tuner's commitment to high-end detailing. While no updates have yet been confirmed for the chassis or suspension setup, Mansory has hinted at further developments to come, suggesting future upgrades may focus on handling dynamics and ride refinement. Inside the cabin, Mansory continues its tradition of bold interior makeovers. The reimagined cockpit features a striking black and orange leather upholstery scheme, complemented by bespoke floor mats and sportier pedal covers. The overall theme reflects the tuner's flair for luxury combined with motorsport-inspired aesthetics. This latest iteration of the BMW M5, reworked by Mansory, brings with it not only a sharper aesthetic and significant performance gains but also reinforces the appeal of personalised, high-performance vehicles in the electrified era. As with all Mansory creations, exclusivity and presence are guaranteed. Here, BMW Group Malaysia recently launched the BMW M5 at the MY BMW World 2025 exhibition for RM1,188,800.
Campaign ME
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Advertising in the Middle East: Bravery, buzz and bold ideas
There's a different kind of energy in the Middle East. It's not the type you find in trend reports or cultural decks. It's faster, louder, and more committed to the power of a big idea. A big energy rooted in bravery and ambition; this mindset has made the region a creative proving ground for some of the world's most ambitious experiential work. In a market where every brief starts with 'a world first' or 'never seen before' expectations are high, and attention is earned through action with bravery and creativity and it doesn't have the luxury of playing it safe. The best work here is daring, deeply expressive, and often logistically outrageous, and that's exactly what makes it effective. Bravery We've had the chance to create experiences that historically only this region would embrace. We've projected dragon holograms over the pyramids for OSN and HBO. We shout beyond traditional launch events by helicoptering an unseen BMW M5 over the Dubai skyline to launch it against the city itself. To break through the noise of the world cup we needed something that had never been done before so we created a floating football pitch in the desert during the Qatar World Cup. Buzz These ideas weren't built to check boxes. They were built to ignite conversation, grab attention, and deliver an emotional impact that stays long after the event ends. It's important to note that none of them would have worked without clients who were ready to trust us and the region's instinct for scale, drama, and Middle East Energy. Because while the rest of the world still talks about purpose and authenticity, the Middle East has moved forward. The conversation here is less about what's true, and more about what's possible. That shift, from authenticity to entertainment and shared emotion is key to why this region stands apart. People may value what's true, but they remember what moved them, in other words people don't make decisions based on what's logical, but what feels meaningful. That logic applies everywhere, but in the Middle East, it's amplified. Bold ideas It's not just that the region rewards ambition. It expects it. Brands that thrive here are those that show up with courage, not caution. They understand that success in experiential marketing isn't found in strategy decks or recycled ideas, it's built in real-time, with the understanding of what people want to feel. Experiences must be dynamic, rooted in local relevance, and executed with a level of craft that turns heads and earns attention. That mindset has shaped the way we think about scale. Big isn't just a tactic. It's a necessity in a market where cultural conversations are already loud. In this context, experiences are designed not just to be seen, but to be shared, talked about, and remembered. These aren't gimmicks. They're actions. They show the world what's possible when creative ambition meets cultural momentum. They prove that experiential marketing doesn't need to sit on the sidelines of a brand strategy, it can lead it. Too often, global brands arrive with ideas that have already worked somewhere else. Safe concepts. Predictable activations. But what works in London or New York doesn't always translate. The Middle East demands a different rhythm. A faster pace. A creative process that isn't afraid to rewrite the brief halfway through because something more exciting came up. This flexibility is one of our region's strengths. It creates space for instinct and spontaneity, two qualities that don't always sit easily within traditional marketing structures. But when the conditions are right, they produce results that traditional thinking never could. For global marketers watching the region the message is simple: if you want to understand the future of experiences, don't just study the Middle East, get involved. Partner with teams who know the pace and pressure. Trust the feeling over framework. It's a mindset and a new understanding for what audiences want, what brands can do, and what creativity looks like when you stop playing safe, Middle East energy is where bravery and madness thrive, and that's exactly what the world needs more of right now. By Simon Walsh, Executive Business Director, LIGHTBLUE.
Top Gear
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
This is Mansory's take on the G90 BMW M5
This is Mansory's take on the G90 BMW M5 You be the judge. And while you're doing that, consider the 4.4-litre biturbo V8's now good for 838bhp... Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 6 Might we interest you in some automotive smelling salts to clear that Monday fug? Mansory has the goods with its new G90-generation M5 kit, and we'll get on to those looks in a second. First, a power check. The P850 takes the hybridised 4.4-litre biturbo V8 even further: performance is up from 727bhp and 737lb ft to 838bhp and 848lb ft. It should mean this G90 beats the previous F90's 3.4s 0-62mph sprint - a feat the standard car... cannot. Advertisement - Page continues below Aside from the extra power, Mansory has sculpted in a series of lightweight carbon fibre body components, which, ironically, probably bloat the M5's 2.4-tonne weight even further. They've been coated in that strange pastel-like paint seen on several other Mansory products, like the MXC Pergusa, with orange highlights spawning across the body and brake calipers for more shock and horror. The M5 also gains forged 22in 10-spoke alloys - probably the subtlest thing about the package - and a new bonnet that features a sort of scorpion tail exoskeleton frame, with a central pillar that meets the glow-up grille. Beneath it, the engine gets a similarly themed cover. At the posterior, Mansory has added a small rear wing and a revised triple sports exhaust system, which it says looks 'stunning'. Like we said, we'll leave you to make that call. Advertisement - Page continues below Pricing for the P850 package has yet to be disclosed, but do consider you'll need £111,605 for the base car. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
