New proof that BT is more than copper phone lines and Bob Hoskins - today it's launching a GPS security kit for your motor.

Ingeniously dubbed Trackit, BT's new service consists of the wireless fob you see pictured and a series of black boxes that a professional chap/chapette installs in your car.

When a kitted-out car is stolen without the fob in the vicinity - in your pocket, for example - a signal is silently sent to BT. It then passes on satellite coordinates to the cops and you get a text telling you your car is now being driven by a hoodie-wearing nipper.

Labels: Audi

There’s no denying that the Toyota Prius has garnered its fair share of attention. Toyota sells all they can build, while the car’s owners group has become a rather enthusiastic following despite the Prius’ relatively frugal equipment and uninspiring teardrop shaped packaging. Such success begs the question- could technology-driven Audi do a small hybrid just as well, if not better, and in a more stylish package?

The Q7 Hybrid is an interesting prospect, but I think I have an idea for a more frugal offering. It would be one that showcases Audi’s own core competencies and could theoretically be built at a reasonable cost, given it would use an existing platform… that of the A3 5-door.

Should Audi build something like an A3 Hybrid, I for one would be there in line to put down my deposit. Ingolstadt has become quite proficient at being strong in performance like their rivals from Munich, but Audi’s brand identity is synonymous with technology and their well-known motto ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ makes the brand more credible in its presentation of a TDI Hybrid laden with technology like all-wheel drive and DSG or even more gluttonous options like Navigation plus or alcantara suede seats. Near as I can tell, such an offering would be right in line with the unique and out-of-the-box thinking target customer Audi has in mind with the A3. It would be a halo car with a conscience.

Labels: Audi

The New Year will see S line sports versions of the Audi A3, A4 and A6 making an even bolder statement of Vorsprung durch Technik through styling upgrades for the A3 and A6, specification improvements for the A4 and the introduction of new S line Special Edition models. All the newcomers in the now even more desirable Audi S line range are available to order now for delivery in early 2006.

- S line versions of A3 and A6 upgraded to include additional exterior sports styling features
- Enhanced specification for S line versions of A4 Saloon and Avant
- New A3 and A4 S line Special Edition models also now available
- S line model prices range from £19,730 OTR to £47,170 OTR

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The Volvo V70R and the Audi S4 Avant are perfect examples of these dual-purpose machines. At first glance they look like ordinary wagons but closer inspection reveals subtle spoilers, sexy wheels, chunky rocker panels and a splattering of little badges here and there. The Audi has two little red-and-gray S4 tags at either end (and two rather tasteless V-8 patches glued to the fenders) while the V70 just has a pair of chrome Rs and some R indentations on its 17-inch wheels. In isolation, I like the look of the boxy and stealthy V70R, but the Audi is the matinee idol of this pair even if it can't disguise its sporting intent as successfully as the Volvo. The 18-inch wheels pour out of the wheelwells while the quad tailpipes let everyone in your wake know they've been passed by something very serious indeed.

Indeed, the Audi's interior is, by and large, a better place to be than the Volvo's because of its higher-quality materials, more natural ergonomics, and better driving position. The Volvo's interior is bigger, though, particularly in the back where the Audi lacks legroom and the seats are a little too snug for family use.

That said, on-limit driving isn't something you do a lot of in wagons, even if they do have performance pretensions and for most driving situations the Audi's more intimate steering, nicer transmission, and distinctive V-8 growl make it a more enjoyable machine to pilot, while its better quality, higher residual value, sportier seats, and vastly superior ride quality place it firmly ahead of the Volvo in this comparison.

The Volvo's bigger cabin, better on-limit balance, surprising pace, and stealthier appearance just aren't compelling enough reasons to choose it over the Audi, even if it is more than eight grand cheaper. The S4 Avant wins this bout, so now you know where to trade in your minivan.

Labels: Audi

For the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI the VW & Audi performance tuning company B&B (www.bb-automobiltechnik.de) has put together a program that catapults the standard version’s already powerful 200 horsepower to an explosive 350 horsepower strong machine.
The 5-level engine program starts off with an electronics alteration and a slight increase in boost to enhance the 2.0 liter engine to massive 240 horsepowers and 350 Nm for only 998,- EUR. In the following stages the 2.0 TFSI engine is then successively enhanced to 250, 286, 300 and finally awesome 350hp and 450Nm at the last EVO-R stage. To achieve these performance levels our B&B technicians exchange the standard motor against a completely modified engine with new B&B special pistons, connecting rods, a special cylinder head and a large turbocharger. Extensive changes to the charge air cooling and and the injection system are also undertaken. To further reduce exhaust gas temperature and back pressure a special exhaust system has been developed for the Sport A4 with a large downpipe and a high-performance racing catalyst. Oil temperature is kept at an optimal state in this “hot” engine through the installation of a thermostat-controlled Slim-Line oil cooler. Our extremely powerful Porsche-stomper blasts from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and the EVO-R stage’s speed limitation doesn’t set in until 260km/h. To secure optimal safety at these extreme speed levels B&B is also offering height adjustable coilover suspension sets in different variations next to exclusive 18” and 19” wheels, 4- and 6-piston brake systems, and a smooth and precise short shift. The Audi A4’s look finally can be spruced up with the newly developed, original and astounding 7-piece body-styling kit.

Labels: Audi

Volkswagen has targeted its Autoeuropa plant in Setubal, Portugal, as the leading candidate to produce VW’s next range of niche vehicles, including a sporty Golf-based coupe due in 2008, according to Automotive News Europe.

Sources say VW officials met in Portugal on 24 November to discuss the project. If chosen, the Autoeuropa plant would add about 50,000 units a year of niche vehicles.

Autoeuropa currently builds the Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra. The Galaxy’s production will end next month, while the future of the Sharan and Alhambra is unclear.

VW already has said it will make 45,000 to 50,000 units a year of the Eos coupe convertible at Autoeuropa. Quality issues have delayed the car’s launch at least two months, VW said.

Labels: VW

Koslowski, 52, went to the dealership in July intending to buy a previous-generation Passat on a friend's recommendation. When she expressed an interest in the newly delivered car, it was unwrapped, test driven, purchased and delivered the next day.

Turns out, it was the first new-generation Passat sold in North America.

“I knew it was an early model. So when I got a surprise call from Len Hunt (then VW of America executive vice president), I thought he was going to tell me I was the first person in New England to buy one,” says Koslowski, a country club caterer who traded in a Pontiac Bonneville. “But he said it's more than that.”

Labels: VW

It was P. Diddy. Now it's just Diddy. It was Jetta GLI. Now it's just GLI. When you're struggling with an identity crisis, less often is more.

Hip Hop impresario Sean “Puffy” Combs, aka Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, is struggling to remain fresh and relevant with a young, fickle audience constantly looking for something new.

The interior is simple, but the surfaces are low-gloss and richly textured for a premium, Teutonic look. The GLI also gets real aluminum trim in place of the fake stuff, and it is used tastefully.

What really sets the GLI apart from the pack is its engine and suspension. It features the stunning 2.0T intercooled and turbocharged gasoline I-4 that is one of the best 4-cyls. on the market.

The suspension also is a treat. Stiffer spring rates and increased diameter roll bars front and rear are added to the Jetta's already competent setup that includes a multilink rear suspension. The result is a very controlled ride at speed and during cornering, but it is not overtly stiff like so many performance-oriented cars costing less than $25,000.

The GLI's cabin is extremely quiet, even at triple-digit speeds, meaning it delivers on its claim of autobahn-bred German engineering, even though it is built in Mexico. Thanks to a black honeycomb mesh grille with a red surround strip, blue-tinted windows, red brake calipers and optional 18-in. wheels, the GLI also manages to look a lot less like a suburban grocery-getter than its Jetta sibling.

Nevertheless, the Jetta and GLI should find their way back into younger buyer's hearts, at least those who can look past the slightly pudgy exterior and appreciate its inner strengths: a great powertrain and fine German engineering.

Labels: VW

The on-line merchandise boutique not only offers an extensive range of items, but for orders placed before 11 December there’s also the option of merchandise packed in a special gift bag.

Shoppers looking for the ultimate automotive gift can choose from the official Lamborghini merchandise collection, which includes products from gloves to bags, models to mugs, posters to polo shirts. Prices range from under £10.00 to over £3,000.00.

And, on selected merchandise ordered on-line before 11 December, a special gift-bag option is available for just £5.00 extra (subject to availability). The perfect Christmas solution for the automotive enthusiast, your chosen gift comes in a black PVC bag with yellow cord and yellow tissue packing, meaning all you have to do is write the Lamborghini gift-tag and put it under the tree.

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: VW

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Instead of making race car noises on your big-wheel, you do it behind the wheel of your real car. All is going well, and you are enjoying life….but then you go and make what could be the biggest mistake of any car enthusiast’s life. You get married.

Yes, that’s right, marriage. Marriage has been the downfall of almost every friend that I know when it comes to their car habit. They’ve gone from driving their Porsches around and being playboys to becoming mini-van or sport-utility vehicle chauffeurs. They’ve sold off their weekend race cars to buy trucks that handily carry the useless things the better half makes you buy from Home Depot.

So what do you do when the better half tells you to get rid of your fun car and buy an SUV? Run to the nearest Chevy dealer and buy a Suburban? I don’t think so. Let’s face it, you want a Suburban as much as you want a hole drilled in your head.

Well, thankfully, the folks over at Audi have come up with a solution to all your problems, the new Audi S4 Avant. The S4 Avant is more true to being a sport utility vehicle than most of the monstrosities I see rolling down the road these days. As much as people do not want to admit it, most sport-utes are just bloated station wagons with big tires and poor gas mileage anyway. Maybe I’m missing something, but where exactly does the sport in “Sport Utility” come from again?

The S4 Avant solves these problems by addressing both the utility needs of a family, along with the sporting needs of a true enthusiast. The S4 Avant seats five people comfortably, has 59 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded (or 27.8 cubic feet with them up), does the quarter mile in under 14 seconds, and can still be taken out on a race track for weekend lapping sessions.

Labels: Audi

he 2006 A4 2.0T that recently showed up at our front door was not only a front-driver, it was also equipped with Audi’s multitronic automatic transmission. Optional with the base engine and standard on the V6, multitronic is a sophisticated CVT, or constantly-variable transmission, and is the only automatic offered on non-quattro A4s.

In most ways, the FrontTrak car is no different than its Quattro siblings. The real difference is in the way multitronic operates. Rather than having a conventional gear set, the CVT uses a pair of stepless cones connected by a heavy-duty chain to continuously change the input-to-output ratio.

There are several theoretical advantages to a CVT. Since there are no gears to change, power delivery is uninterrupted, resulting in a smoother riding experience for both driver and passengers. The transmission also keeps the engine in its peak torque range for optimum acceleration and maximum fuel economy.

Starting at $28,840, the 2006 A4 2.0T FrontTrak is among the most affordable Audis. Fully loaded, or test car came in at $35,810, which still keeps it competitive among its European peers. But this A4 is more than just a decent entry-level German sedan; it’s a rolling display of some the most advanced automotive technology available today.