Tuesday, July 26, 2011
SpyShots: B8 Audi RS4 Avant testing in Austria
Caught high altitude testing at the Großglockner in the Austrian Alps, this test mule's unmistakable flared fenders, aggressive front fascia, big brakes and 20" wheels all give away its true RS4 identity.
This next generation RS4 will most likely debut next year, in-step with the A4/S4's mid-cycle face lift. And under the hood, it is expected the new RS4 to share the same high-revving, 4.2-liter V8 as the RS5.
Click title for the source
New RUF supercar unveiled
Porsche tuning house RUF has unveiled the third-generation version of its CTR supercar.
The new CTR 3 features a raft of changes compared with the outgoing model, chief among which includes an all-new mid-engined layout, galvanised steel body and a longer wheelbase for “better driving stability at high speeds,” according to the firm.
Power for the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six cylinder engine has been increased from 690bhp to a heady 740bhp at 7100rpm, which is transferred to the road via a transversely mounted six-speed sequential gearbox.
Each of the turbos are fitted with their own intercoolers, positioned just in front of each 20-inch rear wheel. The front wheels are slightly smaller at 19 inches.
The new 1400kg CTR matches the previous generation car’s 0-62 mph time of 3.2 seconds, while 0-120mph takes just 9.6sec. The car will then continue on to a top speed of 236mph.
Confirming the car’s position as an out and out racer, it features an integrated roll cage, while the body is constructed of both a space-frame and modular tubular frame.
On the inside, customers will be able to spec a range of different interiors, from stripped-out racecar to sumptuous Alcantara and leather-clad supercar.
RUF hasn’t given any indication on pricing, but expect a substantial price hike on the previous version’s €217,444 price tag.
Click title for the source
New RUF supercar unveiled
Porsche tuning house RUF has unveiled the third-generation version of its CTR supercar.
The new CTR 3 features a raft of changes compared with the outgoing model, chief among which includes an all-new mid-engined layout, galvanised steel body and a longer wheelbase for “better driving stability at high speeds,” according to the firm.
Power for the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six cylinder engine has been increased from 690bhp to a heady 740bhp at 7100rpm, which is transferred to the road via a transversely mounted six-speed sequential gearbox.
Each of the turbos are fitted with their own intercoolers, positioned just in front of each 20-inch rear wheel. The front wheels are slightly smaller at 19 inches.
The new 1400kg CTR matches the previous generation car’s 0-62 mph time of 3.2 seconds, while 0-120mph takes just 9.6sec. The car will then continue on to a top speed of 236mph.
Confirming the car’s position as an out and out racer, it features an integrated roll cage, while the body is constructed of both a space-frame and modular tubular frame.
On the inside, customers will be able to spec a range of different interiors, from stripped-out racecar to sumptuous Alcantara and leather-clad supercar.
RUF hasn’t given any indication on pricing, but expect a substantial price hike on the previous version’s €217,444 price tag.
Click title for the source
Monday, July 25, 2011
New Porsche 911 uncovered
These are the clearest pictures yet of the highly anticipated new Porsche 911, spied testing in Germany.
Spotted joining the public road, the car is almost completely free from disguise. The car will be officially revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Look closely, and it’s possible to see how the firm’s designers have evolved the car’s legendary shape, adding sharper looking lights at the rear.
The front end of the car is different too, and there’s a new look bumper, plus different looking headlamps – which are more oval in shape than before. Still lightly camouflaged, the lights take inspiration from the 918 Spyder concept car, revealed at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The pictures also show the car’s new indicator arrangement, and modified hood opening, which is expected to give the car a more aerodynamic look. The side mirrors have also been moved onto the doors, rather than the wing.
As we have come to expect from Porsche, the new 911’s design is far from what we would describe as radical, however, drivers can expect a big boost in luxury, quality and functionality inside. According to sources, the refresh includes a Panamera-style centre console, and new leather trims.
Under the skin, the car shares its front suspension and steering set-up with the forthcoming Boxster and Cayman, however, the rear suspension remains unchanged.
Cars will continue to offer Porsche’s impressive PASM damper system, which allows drivers to choose between a series of different driving modes.
The engine range is the same as that offered in the current 911 line-up. However, a new direct injection fuel system and stop and start promises to improve fuel economy by as much as 12 percent. Power upgrades are offered too, with the 3.6-liter flat-six Carrera model’s power and torque rising by 20bhp and 20Nm respectively, to 365bhp and 400Nm. The 3.8-liter unit in the Carrera S, meanwhile, gets 415bhp and 44Nm of torque.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, and the seven-speed PDK will be available as an option. Most buyers are likely to opt for the auto though, as around 80 per cent of current 911s feature the PDK dual clutch gearbox.
Click title for the source
New Porsche 911 uncovered
These are the clearest pictures yet of the highly anticipated new Porsche 911, spied testing in Germany.
Spotted joining the public road, the car is almost completely free from disguise. The car will be officially revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Look closely, and it’s possible to see how the firm’s designers have evolved the car’s legendary shape, adding sharper looking lights at the rear.
The front end of the car is different too, and there’s a new look bumper, plus different looking headlamps – which are more oval in shape than before. Still lightly camouflaged, the lights take inspiration from the 918 Spyder concept car, revealed at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The pictures also show the car’s new indicator arrangement, and modified hood opening, which is expected to give the car a more aerodynamic look. The side mirrors have also been moved onto the doors, rather than the wing.
As we have come to expect from Porsche, the new 911’s design is far from what we would describe as radical, however, drivers can expect a big boost in luxury, quality and functionality inside. According to sources, the refresh includes a Panamera-style centre console, and new leather trims.
Under the skin, the car shares its front suspension and steering set-up with the forthcoming Boxster and Cayman, however, the rear suspension remains unchanged.
Cars will continue to offer Porsche’s impressive PASM damper system, which allows drivers to choose between a series of different driving modes.
The engine range is the same as that offered in the current 911 line-up. However, a new direct injection fuel system and stop and start promises to improve fuel economy by as much as 12 percent. Power upgrades are offered too, with the 3.6-liter flat-six Carrera model’s power and torque rising by 20bhp and 20Nm respectively, to 365bhp and 400Nm. The 3.8-liter unit in the Carrera S, meanwhile, gets 415bhp and 44Nm of torque.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, and the seven-speed PDK will be available as an option. Most buyers are likely to opt for the auto though, as around 80 per cent of current 911s feature the PDK dual clutch gearbox.
Click title for the source
New VW Golf MKVII uncovered
The all-new VW Golf is coming – and here are the best pictures yet. The MkVII is due to debut at next year’s Paris Motor Show, and go on sale shortly afterwards. It’s been rebuilt from the ground up to provide more space, technology and safety features than any previous generation of the iconic hatch.
As the cornerstone of the VW range, it will spawn a host of new models, including a saloon – for the first time – a practical Golf Plus, an estate and a replacement for the Touran MPV, as well as a hot new Scirocco coupé. They are all due in 2013, with a new Tiguan and a replacement for the Golf Cabriolet scheduled for the following year.
But the key model is this five-door hatch, which the illustrators have recreated using inside information. Together with images of prototypes caught testing in Germany, they give us a clear idea of how next year’s most exciting new family car will look. As ever, the changes are evolutionary – but design boss Walter de’Silva has set out to give the styling a sportier feel. The front features a raked windscreen, two-bar grille and LED lights, while a square tailgate and wide wheelarches mark out the rear.
Other design cues include dramatic slashes in the sides – but there are big changes under the skin, too. The car is based on a new architecture called MQB, and the wheelbase has been lengthened. This is designed to make the newcomer more versatile than the previous chassis.
The MkVII will have a larger rear than rivals such as the Ford Focus and Renault Mégane, and promises more rear legroom, too. New engines and a host of hi-tech options will also be available. A wide range of TSI turbocharged editions will join the line-up. They will start with an efficient 1.2-liter 85bhp powerplant that returns 60mpg and emits less than 100g/km of CO2 for entry-level models.
There will also be a 1.4-liter unit, plus a new flagship 2.0-liter petrol turbo. This will deliver 220bhp in the next GTI, and 300bhp in a forthcoming four-wheel-drive R model. Diesel options will include 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI engines. All models will get stop-start as standard, and VW also plans a 100mpg plug-in hybrid, a mild hybrid and an all-electric version, called the e_BlueMotion.
Entry-level cars will drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, while flagship variants are expected to offer the firm’s seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox. And that’s not all, because the new Golf promises class-leading technology, too.
As with Ford’s latest Focus, an ‘eye’ installed in the front bumper will provide automatic speed limit warnings. It will also give a link to the advanced lane departure warning set-up. The new Golf will also be available with a system that helps the car avoid low-speed collisions, plus blindspot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, an advanced trip computer is expected to offer Web access, as well as the very latest sat-nav and phone connectivity systems. It will be a while before the MkVII hits the road, but it looks set to be well worth the wait.
Click title for the source
New VW Golf MKVII uncovered
The all-new VW Golf is coming – and here are the best pictures yet. The MkVII is due to debut at next year’s Paris Motor Show, and go on sale shortly afterwards. It’s been rebuilt from the ground up to provide more space, technology and safety features than any previous generation of the iconic hatch.
As the cornerstone of the VW range, it will spawn a host of new models, including a saloon – for the first time – a practical Golf Plus, an estate and a replacement for the Touran MPV, as well as a hot new Scirocco coupé. They are all due in 2013, with a new Tiguan and a replacement for the Golf Cabriolet scheduled for the following year.
But the key model is this five-door hatch, which the illustrators have recreated using inside information. Together with images of prototypes caught testing in Germany, they give us a clear idea of how next year’s most exciting new family car will look. As ever, the changes are evolutionary – but design boss Walter de’Silva has set out to give the styling a sportier feel. The front features a raked windscreen, two-bar grille and LED lights, while a square tailgate and wide wheelarches mark out the rear.
Other design cues include dramatic slashes in the sides – but there are big changes under the skin, too. The car is based on a new architecture called MQB, and the wheelbase has been lengthened. This is designed to make the newcomer more versatile than the previous chassis.
The MkVII will have a larger rear than rivals such as the Ford Focus and Renault Mégane, and promises more rear legroom, too. New engines and a host of hi-tech options will also be available. A wide range of TSI turbocharged editions will join the line-up. They will start with an efficient 1.2-liter 85bhp powerplant that returns 60mpg and emits less than 100g/km of CO2 for entry-level models.
There will also be a 1.4-liter unit, plus a new flagship 2.0-liter petrol turbo. This will deliver 220bhp in the next GTI, and 300bhp in a forthcoming four-wheel-drive R model. Diesel options will include 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI engines. All models will get stop-start as standard, and VW also plans a 100mpg plug-in hybrid, a mild hybrid and an all-electric version, called the e_BlueMotion.
Entry-level cars will drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, while flagship variants are expected to offer the firm’s seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox. And that’s not all, because the new Golf promises class-leading technology, too.
As with Ford’s latest Focus, an ‘eye’ installed in the front bumper will provide automatic speed limit warnings. It will also give a link to the advanced lane departure warning set-up. The new Golf will also be available with a system that helps the car avoid low-speed collisions, plus blindspot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, an advanced trip computer is expected to offer Web access, as well as the very latest sat-nav and phone connectivity systems. It will be a while before the MkVII hits the road, but it looks set to be well worth the wait.
Click title for the source
New VW Golf MKVII uncovered
The all-new VW Golf is coming – and here are the best pictures yet. The MkVII is due to debut at next year’s Paris Motor Show, and go on sale shortly afterwards. It’s been rebuilt from the ground up to provide more space, technology and safety features than any previous generation of the iconic hatch.
As the cornerstone of the VW range, it will spawn a host of new models, including a saloon – for the first time – a practical Golf Plus, an estate and a replacement for the Touran MPV, as well as a hot new Scirocco coupé. They are all due in 2013, with a new Tiguan and a replacement for the Golf Cabriolet scheduled for the following year.
But the key model is this five-door hatch, which the illustrators have recreated using inside information. Together with images of prototypes caught testing in Germany, they give us a clear idea of how next year’s most exciting new family car will look. As ever, the changes are evolutionary – but design boss Walter de’Silva has set out to give the styling a sportier feel. The front features a raked windscreen, two-bar grille and LED lights, while a square tailgate and wide wheelarches mark out the rear.
Other design cues include dramatic slashes in the sides – but there are big changes under the skin, too. The car is based on a new architecture called MQB, and the wheelbase has been lengthened. This is designed to make the newcomer more versatile than the previous chassis.
The MkVII will have a larger rear than rivals such as the Ford Focus and Renault Mégane, and promises more rear legroom, too. New engines and a host of hi-tech options will also be available. A wide range of TSI turbocharged editions will join the line-up. They will start with an efficient 1.2-liter 85bhp powerplant that returns 60mpg and emits less than 100g/km of CO2 for entry-level models.
There will also be a 1.4-liter unit, plus a new flagship 2.0-liter petrol turbo. This will deliver 220bhp in the next GTI, and 300bhp in a forthcoming four-wheel-drive R model. Diesel options will include 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI engines. All models will get stop-start as standard, and VW also plans a 100mpg plug-in hybrid, a mild hybrid and an all-electric version, called the e_BlueMotion.
Entry-level cars will drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, while flagship variants are expected to offer the firm’s seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox. And that’s not all, because the new Golf promises class-leading technology, too.
As with Ford’s latest Focus, an ‘eye’ installed in the front bumper will provide automatic speed limit warnings. It will also give a link to the advanced lane departure warning set-up. The new Golf will also be available with a system that helps the car avoid low-speed collisions, plus blindspot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, an advanced trip computer is expected to offer Web access, as well as the very latest sat-nav and phone connectivity systems. It will be a while before the MkVII hits the road, but it looks set to be well worth the wait.
Click title for the source
Porsche confirms the 550 Spyder
Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has told a German newspaper that the brand is mulling a revival of the classic 550 Spyder.
The open-top 2-seat racer would be less-expensive than the current Boxster model, Mueller told the daily Handelsblatt in an interview.
"I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous 'James Dean' Porsche would be well-received by our customers," said Mueller.
We've previously reported on details surrounding a possible new entry-level Porsche model which would slot beneath the Boxster.
That model is said to be scheduled for launch in the summer of 2014 and would come with a (rear) mid-mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter unit with around 200 PS (147 kW / 197 bhp). The starting price for this new entry-level Porsche will be around €39,000 - about €8,000 less than the current Boxster.
Click title for the source
Porsche confirms the 550 Spyder
Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has told a German newspaper that the brand is mulling a revival of the classic 550 Spyder.
The open-top 2-seat racer would be less-expensive than the current Boxster model, Mueller told the daily Handelsblatt in an interview.
"I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous 'James Dean' Porsche would be well-received by our customers," said Mueller.
We've previously reported on details surrounding a possible new entry-level Porsche model which would slot beneath the Boxster.
That model is said to be scheduled for launch in the summer of 2014 and would come with a (rear) mid-mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter unit with around 200 PS (147 kW / 197 bhp). The starting price for this new entry-level Porsche will be around €39,000 - about €8,000 less than the current Boxster.
Click title for the source
Porsche confirms the 550 Spyder
Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has told a German newspaper that the brand is mulling a revival of the classic 550 Spyder.
The open-top 2-seat racer would be less-expensive than the current Boxster model, Mueller told the daily Handelsblatt in an interview.
"I can imagine that such a modern version of the famous 'James Dean' Porsche would be well-received by our customers," said Mueller.
We've previously reported on details surrounding a possible new entry-level Porsche model which would slot beneath the Boxster.
That model is said to be scheduled for launch in the summer of 2014 and would come with a (rear) mid-mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter unit with around 200 PS (147 kW / 197 bhp). The starting price for this new entry-level Porsche will be around €39,000 - about €8,000 less than the current Boxster.
Click title for the source
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New steering wheel design for the Audi Q7
 |
| New steering wheel design for the Audi Q7 |
Audi Q7 has included a new steering wheel – and two new steering wheels. The new steering wheel of the heavy weight corresponds to the current Audi design, as we already know from the new models A1, A6, A7, A8 and the A5 just revamped.
By fitting the model, the Ingolstadt company slowly but surely leave of trapezoidal wheel, the first time in 2004 was used in the A8 W12. In the future, the customer can choose between two different steering wheels are: a sport (see above) with a round impact absorber and three (actually 3 1 / 2) and spoke of something rather squashed-looking model with four spokes.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Video: AWE Tuning - Behind the Scenes
U.S. aftermarket company AWE Tuning takes you behind the scenes, and into some of the tricks of the trade that have helped them unlock the performance of Porsches, Audis and VWs for over 20 years.
Video: AWE Tuning - Behind the Scenes
U.S. aftermarket company AWE Tuning takes you behind the scenes, and into some of the tricks of the trade that have helped them unlock the performance of Porsches, Audis and VWs for over 20 years.
Video: AWE Tuning - Behind the Scenes
U.S. aftermarket company AWE Tuning takes you behind the scenes, and into some of the tricks of the trade that have helped them unlock the performance of Porsches, Audis and VWs for over 20 years.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Video: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) caught undisguised
Here's a video of the upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera shot on the road near the Zuffenhausen factory in northern Stuttgart. We're not sure whether this is a cloaked Porsche production teaser or an independent spy video.
We get to hear that new Carrera sound as it is emitted from that quad-piped exhaust, although, the camera car is a Panamera Turbo (see reflection at 4:08) so one has to pay attention to make the distinction.
Also, have a look at those taillights as this blue-green metallic 991 prototype goes through the tunnel.
Click title for the source
Video: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) caught undisguised
Here's a video of the upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera shot on the road near the Zuffenhausen factory in northern Stuttgart. We're not sure whether this is a cloaked Porsche production teaser or an independent spy video.
We get to hear that new Carrera sound as it is emitted from that quad-piped exhaust, although, the camera car is a Panamera Turbo (see reflection at 4:08) so one has to pay attention to make the distinction.
Also, have a look at those taillights as this blue-green metallic 991 prototype goes through the tunnel.
Click title for the source
Video: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) caught undisguised
Here's a video of the upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera shot on the road near the Zuffenhausen factory in northern Stuttgart. We're not sure whether this is a cloaked Porsche production teaser or an independent spy video.
We get to hear that new Carrera sound as it is emitted from that quad-piped exhaust, although, the camera car is a Panamera Turbo (see reflection at 4:08) so one has to pay attention to make the distinction.
Also, have a look at those taillights as this blue-green metallic 991 prototype goes through the tunnel.
Click title for the source
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Audi A6 rendering
Here is the latest rendering of the new A6 coming to rival the BMW X6.
No further details at this time.
Click title for the source
Audi A6 rendering
Here is the latest rendering of the new A6 coming to rival the BMW X6.
No further details at this time.
Click title for the source
Audi A6 rendering
Here is the latest rendering of the new A6 coming to rival the BMW X6.
No further details at this time.
Click title for the source
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition at 324 km/h
If you thought the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro concept was impressive, take a look at MTM's Nardo Edition.
On the occassion of the annual Nardo Highspeed gathering attended by select tuning companies such as 9ff, G-Power, SpeedArt and MKB, MTM modified the engine to produce 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It sends power to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, which enables the A1 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph).
The only special modification made to improve aerodynamics was the use of wheel covers.
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition at 324 km/h
If you thought the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro concept was impressive, take a look at MTM's Nardo Edition.
On the occassion of the annual Nardo Highspeed gathering attended by select tuning companies such as 9ff, G-Power, SpeedArt and MKB, MTM modified the engine to produce 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It sends power to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, which enables the A1 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph).
The only special modification made to improve aerodynamics was the use of wheel covers.
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition at 324 km/h
If you thought the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro concept was impressive, take a look at MTM's Nardo Edition.
On the occassion of the annual Nardo Highspeed gathering attended by select tuning companies such as 9ff, G-Power, SpeedArt and MKB, MTM modified the engine to produce 500 PS (368 kW / 493 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It sends power to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, which enables the A1 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph).
The only special modification made to improve aerodynamics was the use of wheel covers.
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
VW Touareg TDI sets record on World's Longest Highway
Volkswagen can now lay claim to another world record thanks to the efforts of off-road driver Rainer Zietlow and his team of adventurers. The crew packed into a Volkswagen Touareg TDI and covered the entire span of the Pan-American Highway from start to finish in 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes. The trip covered 14 countries and 16,000 miles of near non-stop driving. TÜV NORD Mobility verified the time, which beat out the previous record holder by a full three days.
The journey began on July 2 in the southernmost portion of Argentina and clipped through a variety of challenging conditions. The team faced a sandstorm in Chile and treacherous muddy roads in Alaska, but preplanned fuel stops helped cut the team's time down as much as possible.
Zietlow and his teammates also played a bit of a philanthropic role by donating 10 cents for every kilometer traveled to two Latin American villages to help combat childhood poverty.
Click title for the source
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