Embattled manufacturer Volkswagen has submitted what it claims is a fix for its controversial diesel powertrains to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and California Air Resource board. While specific details are not known at this stage, Volkswagen confirmed last Friday that the plans were submitted. In addition, VW has […]
Alexi Falson
Alexi is an automotive road tester and news editor at PerformanceDrive. He appreciates the complexity of modern vehicle engineering and loves to keep his hands greasy working on motorbikes and cars. He prefers wagons over SUVs, vans over utes and reads more news than your Grandma.
Volkswagen admits 3.0 TDI fitted with emissions cheating device
And so the story continues… Volkswagen Group in the USA has admitted to environmental watch-dog EPA that an additional 75,000 vehicles have been equipped with illegal software. Earlier in the month the EPA asserted that VW had equipped its 3.0-litre TDI V6 powertrains with a defeat device. Volkswagen Group has […]
2016 Alpina B5 bi-turbo revealed with 800Nm V8
Alpina, the legendary aftermarket tuner and manufacturer, has just announced the 2016 model year update for the BMW 5-Series-based B5 bi-turbo sedan and wagon. The 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine has been reworked, now pushing out 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque. The result of this tinkering has turned an […]
Volkswagen Phaeton factory could close to save money – report
Rumours are circulating that Volkswagen is considering the closure of one of its factories to maximise savings. Specifically, its ‘Glaeserne Manufaktur’ plant (transparent) in Dresden. The transparent factory, based in Dresden, Germany, produces the VW Phaeton sedan but with an output of only eight per week. VW’s new CEO Matthias […]
HPerformance tunes the Audi TT RS, insane 5-cylinder power
Welcome to the “Black Hawk” Audi TT RS by HPerformance, based on the previous-gen TT. It shows how much potential that howling five-cylinder engine has. Previous generation Audi TTs have in the past received some criticism for being somewhat like a shandy-drinker in the company of beer enthusiasts… Now however, […]
Mercedes-AMG increasing V12 production to meet demand
In a surprising move, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it is actually increasing the production of its bi-turbo AMG V12 powertrain. Contrary to almost every trend rolling through the automotive industry of late, AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, will increase production of its V12 powerplant by expanding its manufacturing capacity […]
1491kW Lamborghini Huracan breaks half-mile world record (video)
A Lamborghini Huracan built by Underground Racing has set a new world record for the fastest half-mile sprint, topping out at more than 380km/h. The record was smashed by a Verde Mantis Huracan, from Underground Racing. It was achieved by hooking the V10 powerpant up to a twin-turbo respirator, surgically […]
Bugatti Chiron will offer “More luxury. More of everything” – CEO
When it comes to hypercar successors, some are created more equal than the rest. This sentiment has been echoed by Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer, who claims that the Veyron successor will offer “more of everything”. Along with a “cleaner design”, and “even more luxury”, the upcoming ‘Chiron’ (name not confirmed […]