In news that will surprise almost nobody, Audi has announced that it will be swapping the S5’s 4.2L V8 engine in favour of a lighter, almost as powerful, and much more fuel-efficient supercharged V6. Just as it did with the S4 range. The charged six will pump out 245kWs and a healthy 440Nms, meaning that only the power figure has dropped - down 15kWs - so Audi fans needn’t worry about performance.

It’s unlikely that the 4.2L V8 will disappear from Audi specifications lists just yet, as there’s every chance a twin-turbo version could see duty in new iterations of the S6 and S8. Both of which are currently powered by a de-tuned version of Lamborghini’s 5.0L V10 and could benefit from the improved handling and fuel efficiency the V8 could potentially provide. More...

Consumer research firm Strategic Vision's Total Value Index is a measuring tool that combines what consumers have to say about their vehicles with various ownership measures calculated by Strategic Vision. Variables incorporated into the index include a consumer's expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, and expected resale value. The Value Index has determined consumers are looking for the best pricing along with quality cues that indicate a vehicle's long-term value.

In the Total Value Index for luxury SUVs, the Q7 managed to beat out such strong competitors as the Mercedes-Benz GL and ML models, the Lexus GX 470, and the BMW X5. Standard equipment, technical innovations, and affordability in class were all used as vehicle measuring points in the Total Value Index. More...

Channel 4 have a great review of the new Mercedes .... on their site - Here is some of their findings, but you can read the full review on the link below

Overview

Facelift is too strong a word for the revised Mercedes M-Class. The big 4x4 is making do with the mildest of aesthetic revisions and a minor tweak for the V6 diesel models.

The biggest change is that the Sport trim has been set further apart from the SE trim, with more aggressive styling and huge 20" wheels, plenty of shiny metal work and a razor-effect front grille.

Four engines carry over, a 187bhp and 221bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, a 302bhp twin turbo V8 diesel and two petrol's, a 5.5-litre and 6.2-litre V8. The old 3.5-litre V6 has been dropped.

Equipment increase across the range, but so does the price. The SE is now £250 more expensive while the Sport trim rockets by £2,500, but Mercedes says this more than covers the cost of the new kit.

The big ML news comes next year with the arrival of Mercedes' all-new hybrid power train, but for now is this 'facelift' enough in a struggling segment to take the battle to the BMW X5? More...

At Best Car we always try to be the first to provide industry changing deals, and this week we have done just that!  To help businesses who are suffering with this 'supposed' credit crunch, we are putting out these great headline deals which should perk up those credit crunch blues

First up...

How about a fantastic Audi A4 2.0 TDI 143 SE 4dr on a 24 Month Contract with 10,000 miles p/a FOR JUST £197.34 a month

Next... More...

BMW is back with another rendition of its ActiveHybrid system—this time in its flagship 7-series—with the world debut of the BMW Concept 7-series ActiveHybrid in October at the 2008 Paris auto show.

The automaker pairs the car’s twin-turbo, direction-injection, 4.4-liter V-8 engine with an electric drive for what is known as a mild hybrid—meaning the car cannot operate on electricity alone. Rather, the electric motors reduce fuel consumption and emissions—BMW claims by 15 percent—through such means as an automatic start-stop function that turns the vehicle off when it otherwise would be idling.

The idea is to make the car more efficient without compromising performance. The conventional version of the new 2009 7-series with the V-8 offers 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque and BMW says that is not diminished—in fact, the 20-hp electric motor will boost acceleration. Combining the two powertrains should produce about 415 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque, we are told. Channeling the power is an eight-speed automatic transmission. More...

Porsche has continued its tradition of only implementing minimal changes to the styling of its iconic 911 range for the current model’s midlife facelift, but at the same time engineers have introduced a wide range of new technologies to keep the car up to date and competitive as the world's favourite luxury sports car.

Highlights of the update include all-new flat-six power units displacing 3.6 and 3.8-litres featuring direct-injection, and the option of the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch transmission, both of which inprove performance and fuel economy.

At the moment the only models in the 911 range to receive the updates are the Carrera and Carrera S, both available in either coupe or cabriolet body styles. Updates for the other models, including the 911 Turbo, 911 GT3, and 911 GT3 RS , as well as the respective 911 Targa models, will come in the near future. More...

While it may be a little late to the dual-clutch party, in BMW's situation this may be a case of better-late-then-never. Before the year is out, BMW will be offering drivers of the 335i Coupé and 335i Convertible the option of a new seven-speed double-clutch sports automatic transmission,replacing the previous optional 6-speed Steptronic gearbox. The six-speed manual will remain as standard.

The new seven-speed transmission delivers faster acceleration than the six-speed manual, reduces fuel consumption and emissions and can be controlled via the gear selector or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. As with other dual-clutch setups, the seven-speed double clutch transmission shifts without interrupting the drive from the engine to the rear axle, enhancing acceleration and shifting comfort.More...

Best Car Finder are pleased to announce the launch of a stunning new deal on the new Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE in both Saloon and Estate versions and too top it all off we are throwing in GSM Phone Preparation for Free!!

Our stunning two year deal is based on a 3+23 profile and with 10000 miles allowance a year it comes in at £289.99 plus VAT for the Saloon and £299.99 plus VAT for the Avant (Estate Version).

So Hurry whilst stocks last!!!

Go to our Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE 4dr Deal

Go to our Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE Avant Deal

Would it surprise anyone if a mid engine car won the Cannonball Run across Europe, not really. But it would if you said it was a 74bhp Smart Car.

The Union Jack liveried Smart Fortwo Brabus was driven by Essex duo Adrian Hull and David Ward. They actually beat a vast array of 6 figure value super cars and despite being overtaken by all and sundry they gained advantage by not having to stop for fuel as often as the rest.

The Smart Cars excellent fuel economy will be put to the test again later in the year at the Lands End to John O Grotes Challenge and of course automatic qualification into next years Cannonball Run.

Why not own you own Cannon Ball Run winning Smart Car?

Why worry about what your car will be worth in 2 or 3 years time? Earlier this month, EurotaxGlasses, the industries premier vehicle valuation specialists stated that they expected used vehicle values to drop by up to 12 % between now and the end of the year. Meanwhile 4x4 operators could experience depreciative hits on their vehicles of nearer the 20% mark.

This is where contract and leasing come into themselves. Why set a value on a personal loan or hire purchase that turn out to be what you expected? Many people are concerned with the change over figures at the end of their ownership period and the start of their new car purchase. It may seem like a long way away but do you really want to lose extra 12% on your cars value in 2 to 3 years time.More...