96 Vortec 350 Ecm on 2040-parts.com

BMW M550d xDrive confirmed. X5 M50d & X6 M50d likely

BMW M550d xDrive arriving March 2012 (M5 pictured) We’ve been talking about the BMW triple-turbo diesel for a long time. As far back as Spring 2009 we reported BMW were working on a triple-turbo diesel, which we expected to see the light of day first in the BMW X5. It took more than two years for BMW to catch up with our story on the triple-turbo diesel, but we finally had BMW man  Brian Watts confirming the new diesel, but that it would turn up as the M550d.

The AW list: 10 best cars to modify

For many, a car right off the showroom floor just isn’t good enough. Luckily, there’s the aftermarket to help cars make more power, handle better and (sometimes) look better. Below are AW’s picks for the 10 best new cars to modify.

Porsche 918 Spyder: New specs and new photos

The Porsche 918 Spyder specification have been revealed Porsche has tried to keep weight in check on the 918 Spyder, but having a big, heavy electric hybrid setup on board hasn’t made that easy, and nor has making that setup 4WD. So Porsche has built the monocoque chassis from carbon fibre reinforced polymer to keep weight in check, despite which the 918 Spyder still comes in at a weighty 1640kg, even in ‘Weissach’ trim (more in standard guise). So Poprsche has had to be clever about the way they use the power they have on offer.