FEBRUARY 10, 2016

(Chevrolet images)
Good news for hardcore driving enthusiasts, the Chevrolet Camaro 1LE SS performance package is back for 2017. Geared for increased handling and track performance, the V8 models feature a new performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the magnetic ride dampers, a segment-exclusive electronic limited slip differential, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires and optional Performance Data Recorder (PDR). Lateral acceleration will exceed 1G. (The Camaro SS V8 is shown above with the optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory.) The 2017 1LE performance package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6 for the first time. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE will deliver an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. (The Camaro below is shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory and special green concept color.)

(BMW images)
If you find the BMW 7 series to be too boring, this is the all-new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive, the third generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series offered in the US. The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive "stands for luxury paired with precision dynamics, effortless performance and comfort at the highest level," according to BMW PR minions. What's it got? A new, totally tricked-out 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine with twin-turbos, gasoline direct injection and Valvetronic. It puts out 600HP between 5750 rpm and 6250 rpm, while the maximum torque of 590 lb-ft is available from 3000 rpm. It goes 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor. The top speed is up to 193 mph (preliminary BMW figure). Add a bunch of tweaks to the suspension, brakes, wheels (20" ALPINA CLASSIC), tires, bodywork and interior details, etc., to justify what should be a very stiff price. The two exclusive paint finishes, which are a hallmark feature exclusive to BMW ALPINA machines, are ALPINA Blue metallic and ALPINA Green metallic, although other colors from the BMW color palette will be available. The 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive will be available in September 2016 at selected dealerships. Price will be announced closer to market launch.

(Audi)
We didn't think the 5-door Audi h-tron quattro concept vehicle unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show was all that, but the hydrogen-powered electric vehicle received the EyesOnDesign Award for the best Concept Truck at the Detroit auto show. (It's not a truck either, but hey, they have to be able to spread their awards around to multiple manufacturers to justify their existence, apparently.) Positioned between the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 SUVs, the Audi h-tron concept is 5' 1" tall, so it’s much lower in height than the two production models, which begs the question about the "truck" designation even more. The most interesting details? It has a 110-kW fuel cell combined with a compact lithium-ion battery that acts like a turbocharger to supply extra power during hard acceleration. And an impressive drag coefficient of 0.27. Audi claims the h-tron quattro will have a range of up to 373 miles.

Check out the latest episode of The High-Octane Truth on AutoextremistTV below. -WG