Sport Wagon Search
BMW M550d Tri-Turbo Diesel Touring Unveiled
After months of speculation concerning an “M-Division diesel” and a new line of triple turbocharged engines, BMW has confirmed both rumors and unveiled the 550d xDrive Touring. BMW has also given this “M-diesel” treatment to three others: the 5er sedan, and the X5 and X6 SUVs. Before we inundate you will the brilliance of the 550d M-Touring, a fair warning to our North American readers: this is a Euro only affair.
As BMW’s first M-diesel model—the badge actually says “M550d”—the Bavarian automaker is following in Mercedes’ path, as they released their C30 AMG TDI diesel-powered wagon nearly a decade ago. Here at SWE—where we are devoted to utility, performance, and efficiency—you can easily guess our reaction: childlike giddiness. What could be better than a tri-turbo, high-performance, super-efficient diesel wagon?!
Enough context already—lets get down to the important details: the F11 M550d wagon features a 3.0L inline-six diesel engine. Yet this is no ordinary diesel—it offers direct injection, two smaller turbos, and one large turbocharger...
Full Story, Specifications, and Press Release
January 26th, 2012 (Source: BMW)
SWE Photo of the Day: Detailed E36 M3 Touring
Click here for updated photos of Gerald’s—recently detailed—custom-built E36 M3 Evo Touring. He’s made his M3 sport wagon even more utilitarian with the addition of a trailer hitch.
January 25th, 2012
SWE Photo of the Day: Touring > SUV
If you’re still trying to figure out why people buy SUVs, welcome to our world. As many sport wagons can to traverse difficult off-road terrain (we’re thinking of the Audi Allroad here) and haul plenty of people and cargo, what is the point of a gas-guzzler? Case and point: this BMW E46 Touring in the wild.
January 25th, 2012
2013 Audi RS6 Avant Spied
With the unveiling of Audi’s newest A6 and S6 Avants (internally code named “C7”), wagon enthusiasts the world over have been excitedly awaiting the RS6 Avant.
For those who don’t know, the RS6 is one of the most storied battlewagons of all time. The RS6—or Rennsport, literally translated as “racing sport”—first debuted in 2002 (code named C5) with a twin-turbo V8 producing 444 bhp (thanks to engine tuning from Cosworth). To compete with Mercedes’ E63 AMG wagon and BMW’s V10-powered M5 Touring, Audi designed the next iteration of the RS6 to be the world’s fastest production wagon (at the time in 2008). Featuring a twin-turbo 5.0L V10, the C6 RS6 Avant was Audi’s most powerful production car and was manufactured between April 2008 and August of 2010.
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January 25th, 2012 (Source: Carscoop)
SWE Photo of the Day: Arctic White S4 Avant
Let me dispense with my bias up front: there are few things cooler than a white sport wagon. As evidenced by this Audi S4 Avant (B7), white paint and the proper tint accentuates the wagon’s rakish form. With a 6-speed manual, Quattro all-wheel drive, a snowboard on the roof rack, and Audi’s venerable 4.2L V8 under the bonnet, this S4 Avant checks all the right boxes. Special thanks to Curtis for the photos!
Hit the jump to enjoy all ten photos of this gorgeous arctic white Avant.
January 23rd, 2012
Audi Avantissimo Concept: The S8 Avant That Never Was
Recently, two petrol heads were having a friendly conversation and I overheard one of them utter the phrase “Audi S8 Avant.” As a wagon enthusiast, it was obviously my duty to correct this gaffe; there was never a 5-door S8. Yet many may be surprised to learn that Audi did produce a concept that might have become an S8 Avant: the 2002 Avantissimo Concept.
Designed to be the pinnacle of station wagon luxury and refinement, the Avantissimo was displayed to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show. Featuring Audi’s venerable 4.2 liter V8—born from Audi’s direct experience with their R8 Le Mans racecar (not to be confused with the 2008 supercar)—with twin turbos, this Daddy wagon churns out an impressive 430 bhp. Power is transferred to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro system and a 6-speed automatic transmission. In many respects, the concept presages Audi’s epic first generation RS6 Avant, which debuted in 2002 and offered a similar 450 bhp twin-turbo 4.2L V8 matted to an automatic transmission...
Full Profile, Photos, and Press Release
January 23rd, 2012 (Source: Audi AG)
Fastest Wagons List Updated
January 20th, 2012
SWE Daily Photo: TDI in the Nasty Nati
For your daily visual wagon fix, check out this facelifted VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon. Featuring a 6-speed manual and super efficient turbo-diesel engine, the Jetta is one of the most efficient “green” wagon available on the North American market. This one was spotted in Cincinnati, Ohio.
More Photos Here...
January 20th, 2012
Rarified Estate: UK-Spec BMW 550iT 6MT
Every so often, we’re informed of a rare production wagon that we can’t ignore. An Scotsman named Graeme owns just such an estate. BMW made a wide variety of E61 5-series sport wagons, with the most well known being their V10-powered M5 Touring. Yet in focusing exclusively on the M5, the other very capable variants are too often overlooked. The 6-speed manual-equip U.S.-spec 535xiT and the UK-spec 550iT are two such examples.
In 2005, BMW unveiled the 550iT Touring with a new, higher-performance 4.8L V8. Featuring the last iteration of the N62 V8 family (code named N62B48), the 550 produced 367 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque—nearly matching the never-produced E39 M5 Touring. With this impressive power, the 550 Touring sprints to sixty in just 5.3 seconds and is capable of top speed of 175 when the electronic governor is removed...
Full Profile and Photos
January 19th, 2012
SWGreen: 875-bhp Bio-Powered Ferrari FF
The Ferrari FF is a revolutionary shooting brake. As the first four-wheel drive, four seat Ferrari, the FF had to overcome its birth as a pariah (to the tastes of Ferrari purists). But with its 651bhp V12 that revs to a stratospheric 8,000 rpms, most critics were quickly won over. To make the FF even more potent, several aftermarket tuners have advocated differing performance strategies. There’s the typical stage one tune with a revised exhaust, an intake, and an ECU flash. For even more power, many tuners (like Novitec Rosso) add forced induction in the form of twin superchargers. Yet, the FF has emissions befitting a twelve-cylinder engine, and these tuning schemes only exacerbate its carbon footprint. Enter the rarely seen and “green” performance tune: Bio-ethanol engine conversions.
Norweigan firm Customized.no offers this ethanol conversion for the new Ferrari FF. And the price is right too. For under $3,000, FF owners can install (or in all likelihood, pay to have installed) the full conversion kit. And don’t worry, it doesn’t require the installation of an LPG tank. Best of all, it appears that Ferrari is open to working with Bio-ethanol tuners, as a Ferrari dealership actually performed one of the first conversions.
By running E85 ethanol—85% ethanol and 15% gasoline—the modified FF produces an additional power output of 23%. That means the E85 FF yields a serious 875-bhp...
Full Profile, Specifications, and Photos
January 19th, 2012 (Source: Carsuk.net)
CLS Shooting Break Spied
Astute readers know that Mercedes confirmed production of their CLS “Shooting Break” several months ago. While the CLS wagon is imminent—and Mercedes has previewed the design language of the rakish 5-door with its “CLS Shooting Break Concept” —this is one of the first spy photos of the production CLS wagon (thanks to KPG photography).
Fortunately, early fears that the CLS would be a 4-door hatchback (think BMW 5er GT) and not a wagon can now be disproved. Like the E63 AMG BiTurbo Wagon, This Benz will feature luxury, performance, and practicality. Other than its new stylish rear-end, the CLS wagon should feature the same powertrains and amenities as the current CLS saloon. Expect the base engine (in the CLS550) to be a twin-turbo 4.6L V8—boasting 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque—and paired with Merc’s 7-speed automatic...
January 18th (Source: KPG Photography)
SWE Daily Photo: C63 AMG on ADV1's
This Mercedes C63 AMG Wagon has been outfitted with 19-inch ADV1s with the ADV08 track function. The wheels have a brushed titanium center and a polished gunmetal lips. Excellent choice!
January 17th, 2012
Veyron Killing Grocery Getter: 950 bhp RS6 Avant
The C6 Audi RS6 Avant is one of the greatest sport wagons of all time. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0L V10 engine—which produces a healthy 580 bhp—the RS6 is the most powerful production wagon in automobile history. And with those two snails, this four-ringed uber-wagon has invited countless tuners to improve Ingolstadt’s recipe. We’ve highlighted efforts by MTM (with their 214 mph RS6 R), B&B, Abt Sportsline, and Kicherer, but have not given Essing Dieseltuning the attention they deserve.
The Dutch firm stands out for one big reason, and one big number: 950 bhp. Of course torque has also been increased…by nearly 70% —to an astronomical 711 lb-ft. With this kind of power, Essing’s RS6 is more than an M5 Touring killer—it’s a Veyron-killing grocery getter...
Full Profile, Specifications, and Photos
January 17th, 2012 (Source:Autojunk.nl)
XF Sportbrake Rendered, Again
After a recent round of spy photos showing Jaguar’s upcoming XF “Sportbreak,” a gentleman over at PS-Garage has illustrated what the new wagon could look like (revised from this previous drawing). Drawing heavily on the spy photos, Ivan Martinovic has rendered the 5-door Sportbreak is all its glory. Of course, this would be the standard V6 or V8 model—not the expected XFR Sportbrake that really gets our blood boiling.
While Jaguar has confirmed that an XFR Sportbrake is headed for production—with at least 510 horsepower and a 5.0L supercharged V8—the Anglo-British company has remained mum on selling the grocery getter in America...
Full Story
January 16th, 2012 (Source: PS-Garage.com, Rendering by Ivan Martinovic)
The Touring Evolution: Custom E36 M3 Evo Sport Wagon
“The grass is always greener on the other side,” is a common refrain here at the SWE. With high-powered battlewagons being unveiled annually across the pond, Americans have few options when it comes to a production sport wagon—which is why enthusiasts in the States frequently build their own custom wagon projects. Look no further than the Ferrambo (Ferrari-powered Nash Rambler Wagon) or Supra-powered Datsun 510 as proof. Yet this “grass is greener” mentalit still endures—especially when it comes to an English gentleman named Gerard and his awe-inspiring E36 M3 Evo Touring build.
We’ve presented the quasi-mythical M3 Touring here before—namely BMW’s E46 M3 Prototype and a custom E91 M3 Touring—but have never shown an E36 M3 Kombi. Like all M3 wagons, BMW never built a production E36 M3 Touring, and thus the charge was left an enthusiast. Gerard set his sights high when building this M3, aiming to replicate what a factory M3 Evo Touring would have been (plus a few upgrades here and there)—even down to the smallest details...
Full Build Profile and Photos
782 hp Hennessey CTS-V Romps Quarter, Standing Mile
If you’re a wagon fanatic, you’ve undoubtedly seen Hennessey’s 700 horsepower CTS-V “Hammer Wagon.” But have you seen it run the quarter mile with drag slicks and a 75 horsepower dry nitrous shot? Or have you seen it break the CTS-V record for the standing mile? Watch and learn kids, watch and learn.
This CTS-V wagon actually belongs Mrs. Hennessey—fortunately she was nice enough to let John borrow it. What a gal. So long as he had the Hammer Wagon for the day, Hennessey decided to break the CTS-V record for the standing mile. At the “Texas Mile,” John Hennessey personally piloted his CTS-V wagon and achieved a terminal velocity of 189.7 miles per hour. In only 5,280 ft. Which is faster than a Corvette ZR1—GM’s fastest production car, ever. Just image a day with this supercharged superwagon on the Bonneville Salt Flats—its one of the world’s fastest wagons...
Full Story and Videos
January 12th, 2012 (Source: Youtube)
Sport Wagon Sex Appeal: The 1973 Volvo 1800ES
In 1973, Englishwoman Marilyn Cole was selected as Playboy’s “Playmate of the Year.” She was gifted with an automobile befitting her sensuous body: The Volvo 1800ES shooting brake. Evolving from the original P1800, the 1973 “ES” model offered a spacious rear boot and innovative all-glass tailgate—which would be inspiration for later Volvos such as the C30 T5 hot hatch. Offering a 125 horsepower four cylinder and a 4-speed manual transmission (with overdrive!), the 1800ES was no muscle car, but its refined styling more than compensated for this power deficit. One of the greatest Volvo wagons of all time, the 1800ES is rarely given justice these days. Luckily, Marilyn Cole provides us a modicum of appreciation for the finer things in life.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo targets Cooper S, VW GTI
When Hyundai introduced the Veloster hatchback last year, we were intrigued to say the least. While clearly an underpowered econo-box, the Veloster delivered practicality with uniquely aggressive styling. With its 40-mpg efficiency, a sporty 6-speed manual, and a much-advertised 500-mile range to boot, the Veloster outsold both the Scion tC and Honda CR-Z (then again, what didn’t outsell the CR-Z?). Yet with its naturally aspired 1.6L four banger, the standard Veloster was never a “hot” hatch, and therefore we never gave it any attention—until now.
At the on-going 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai has revealed the “Veloster Turbo.” By adding a twin-scroll turbocharger to the standard Gamma 1.6L engine, and a new performance intake manifold and exhaust system, Hyundai has increased the Veloster’s output to a healthy 201 horsepower and 194 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of just 2,800 lbs—lighter than both the VW GTI and Cooper S—the Veloster Turbo should scoot to sixty in about 7 seconds, if not slightly less...
Full Profile, Photos, and Press Release
January 9th, 2012 (Source: Hyundai USA)
Volvo Amazon vs. Ferrari 599 GTB
Frequent Sport Wagon Enthusiast readers will notice that if there’s one thing that we love, it’s a wagon smoking a supercar. Better yet, a wagon trouncing a Ferrari (although we have great respect for Ferrari’s new FF shooting brake).
This was the inspiration for our community: a vehicle that is all things to all men (and women)—versatile, efficient, and fast. Dominating the speed qualification is Mattias Vöcks’s custom Volvo Amazon, built for the 2006 SEMA show. With a 600 horsepower 2.8L I6 (from the S80 T6) and a 6-speed manual, Vöcks’ Amazon has captured our attention several times before. Just recently, he skunked a Ferrari 458 at a Swedish Air Base.
Now Vöcks—an engineer for Koenigsegg—has tackled a more formidable 12-cylinder rival, the 599. Boasting 612 horsepower from its Enzo-derived 6.0L power plant, the 599 is no joke—unless it’s pitted against Vöcks’s Amazon.
Hit the jump to enjoy a wagon’s triumph.
January 7th, 2012 (Source: Youtube)