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A German tuning outfit called PP-Performance has put the 2012 BMW M5 on a Maha dyno, and the numbers returned were 444 horsepower at the wheel, 553 at the engine, and a "corrected number" of 574 hp. Max torque came in at 532 pound-feet (721 Newton/meters).

Compare those figures to the official numbers of 560 horses and 502 lb-ft. If the 444 number is accurate, then no matter how you slice it on horsepower – whether you use the numbers from BMW or PP-Ps figures – youre losing around 20 percent from the engine to the wheels. However, adjusting for driveline and twin-turbo losses, that puts things right about where they should be. The 30-lb-ft surplus of torque, on the other hand, is the kind of surplus no one would complain about – again, assuming its accurate.

Follow the jump for video of the dyno run, and for another vid of the M5 being taken to 293 km/hr (182 mph). And with that second vid, try to ignore the fact that the terminal velocity attempt is being conducted on an engine with just 40 kilometers on it...

 Ford van faithfuls are currently facing the demise of one of the most iconic work vans of all time. Dating back to 1961 the Ford E-Series has been the mainstay of American work vans. That all changed with the new One Ford ideology and the 2014 Ford Transit.

Ford initially confirmed that the Transit would receive the popular 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine, but would not confirm what diesel engine would also be available. The last iteration of the E-Series lost its diesel option because the new 6.7 liter Power Stroke V8 was simply too large. That meant that it was also out of the question to fit into the snub nosed Transit. The 6.7 liter Power Stroke is the only diesel engine that Ford currently offers in the U.S.. Due to size limitations it was clear that Ford was going to have to bring a brand new diesel engine to the American market. 
This never before seen engine is a 3.2 liter Power Stroke five-cylinder diesel engine that Ford confirmed is related to the engine currently available in the global Ford Ranger. This engine is a modern common-rail diesel that offers 197 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque in its global configuration. Federal emission regulations make it necessary to have a urea consuming selective catalytic reduction system as well as a diesel particulate filter. On the upside this engine is expected to be B20 (20 percent biodiesel) compatible.

A five-cylinder diesel engine seemed like the least likely choice. Competitors are bringing V6 diesels to the U.S. market and it seemed likely that Ford would follow suit. Though a quirky engine may be the perfect match for this European transplant.

Ford has gone out on a limb offering a van that seems to be an ocean away from its predecessor. Is this engine the right size for the job? As a work vehicle would you choose the Power Stroke over the latest EcoBoost technology?

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company 

Adding one more vehicle to the R-line ranks, Volkswagen has just introduced the Beetle Convertible R-Line today at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

The R-line trim is an appearance package that adds “performance inspired” features to VW’s vehicles. The Beetle R-line gets 19-inch aluminum wheels, low profile tires, R-Line badges and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The interior gets metallic accents all around, including stainless-steel R-line scuff plates and aluminum sport pedals. A new leather-wrapped flat bottom steering wheel is fitted along with leather seats. For tech the car gets keyless entry with push-button start and a Fender audio system.
Under the hood remains the turbo four-cylinder that makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft. A sports suspension is also added as part of the Beetle Turbo package.
 The R-Line starts with a standard Beetle Turbo Convertible but adds unique 19-inch aluminum wheels on lower-profile tires, LED daytime running lamps and Xenon headlamps. Naturally, there are R-Line badges aplenty both on the interior and exterior, and we must say, the whole package looks pretty darn snazzy.