Out on the roads around Valencia, the Q5 performs admirably given its height. Like all MLB Audis before it, the Q5 benefits from strategic engine placement thanks to clever positioning of the clutch or clutches behind the center differential – a move that allows the engine to be placed further back in the chassis.

Steering is also more direct than the Q7 and other previous Audis thanks to the new architecture. The positioning of the box means direct input to the tie-rods for more direct action and road-to-hand communication. Combine that with the variable weight and ratio Servotronic steering assistance and the steering experience is vastly improved for an Audi. Turn-in is direct and surprisingly satisfactory in a segment where this is not often a concern, much less a focus.

With around-town on-road driving compromising the entirety of our route, there was no chance to test Audi’s new dynamic ESP system that debuts in the Q5 as standard equipment. Even still, this electronic safety net boast on and off-road settings and can even sense a load on the roof rails and adjust the ESP accordingly.

Labels: Audi

AVS, quite simply, lifts valves higher and for a longer period of time to improve breathing and therefore engine performance at high revs.

Instead of securing the bigger lobe via a side-pin, the lobe in question is pushed onto the valve by moving a whole cam lobe unit (consisting of a smaller and bigger lobe) sideways on the cam shaft.

When it's time for the smaller lobe to take over again, the selfsame unit simply glides back along the cam shaft to its original position.

This side-ways motion (facilitated by oil, of course) is controlled by an electrically-activated ejector pin positioned above the cam lobe unit.

When this pin retracts, the cam lobe unit operates in its normal position, via the smaller lobe.

When the pin is ejected, it catches a spiraling groove in the cam lobe unit. As the groove spirals out of a straight line, its one side-wall runs against the stainless-steel tipped pin which pushes the whole unit up along the camshaft, to position the bigger lobe over the valve.

When the ejector pin is retracted, there is nothing to hold the cam unit in this new position any more, so it will glide back to its original position to resume valve lift via the smaller cam lobe.

Quite ingenious, actually, this system, which operates on the outlet-side only of Audi’s brilliant new 2.0-liter TFSI (with 155 kW and 350 Nm), but on both sides (inlet and outlet) of the 3.2-liter V6.

Labels: Audi

Not only do we see some serious pyrotechnics in play, but we also get a tiny first look at an Audi R8 cast somewhere in the movie. We're assuming it's a bad guy, considering there's no GM badge pasted on the quarter panel.

Labels: Audi

Both the 911 Turbo and 911 GT2 are will get the new 3.6-litre version of the horizontally-opposed, six-cylinder A91, with a 97.0mm bore and 81.5mm stroke (compared with the old engine’s 100mm x 76.4mm). This ultra-modern direct injection unit also gets twin turbochargers and intercoolers.

Official power figures are yet to be revealed, but Autocar sources suggest a 20bhp increase over the old cars, taking the four-wheel drive 911 Turbo up to 500bhp and the rear-wheel drive 911 GT2 to around 550bhp.

The updated rear-wheel drive 911 GT3 will get a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre version of the A91 engine with 102mm bore and 77.5mm stroke. It will receive a number of internal revisions over the engine used in the 911 Carrera S, including lightweight pistons. This should push power from today's 415bhp to nearer 430bhp.

Labels: Porsche

Huge amounts of grip; sharp, direct steering; quick-shifting automatic gearbox; excellent performance.

The four-wheel-drive Porsche 911 is now even better.

Labels: Porsche

Somebody please remind me why the station wagon has been dismissed as the culmination of uncool, the generic mom-mobile. The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is the most exciting and enjoyable compact car I've tested in years.

It drives like a sport sedan, hauls cargo like a small SUV or crossover and uses less fuel than smaller, duller cars.

If this is a mom-mobile, it's for one smokin' hot mom.

Labels: VW

As the exclusive Automobile Partner of the 2008 Olympic Games, Volkswagen Group China, together with its joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW Volkswagen, officially handed over 5,000 vehicles to the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG). The vehicles provide logistic support for the organizers, athletes, media and Olympic guests. Volkswagen technicians and service crews will supply round-the-clock support for the fleet, which comprises low-consumption, low-emission vehicles and has been christened the “Green Fleet”. The Magotan 2.0 TDI, Sagitar 1.4 TSI, Touran EcoFuel, Tiguan 2.0 TDI and Magotan BlueMotion models that make up the fleet were recently presented to the Main Press Center of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Labels: VW

Labels: Audi

Them's fightin' words, but when we're talking about a V10-powered version of the Audi R8, you'd better be taking them seriously. According to an Audi insider as reported by Auto Motor und Sport in Sweden, the more powerful R8 will set a new lap record for a production car at the Nurburgring. That would mean coming in under the 7:26 lap time claimed by the Corvette ZR1 (and taken by the Pagani Zonda F), and faster than the Nissan GT-R's 7:29, but the big question remains whether it could out-gun the GT-R V-Spec's purported 7:25.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

First, it turned the SUV into a seven seat with increased efficiency by using more aluminum to lessen weight. The 2010 Touareg will come with a 208kW 3.2 liter V6 petrol, or gasoline, engine or a 257 kW 4.2 liter V8. Diesels are also on the table with either a 2.7 or 3.0 turbodiesel being offered. All are matched with a six speed automatic gearbox.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

What begins as a "normal" GT2 turns into a 700-horsepower, 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) warp-enabled street predator when the TechArt people are through messing with it.

The myriad changes include new bodywork that improves the car's aerodynamics, updated chassis components, a customized and caged interior, and a laundry list of underhood modifications. The turbos, intercoolers, headers, electronics, pressure sensor, air filter and exhaust system all get updated by TechArt, facilitating the transformation from factory supercar to ballistic missile with wheels.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Others

So we flat out put it to an executive over dinner and the answer was surprising. The RS4 and RS5 will get a high-revving engine like the outgoing RS4. The high-rev applications in the R8 and B7-generation RS4 have impressed Audi’s engine development teams and they wish to continue in that direction with the next-gen of Audi’s hottest models. First comes a high-revving V10 in the R8 this fall, then an assumed V8 in the RS4 and RS5.

Labels: Audi

Despite claims made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves as recently as May that a petrol-electric Q7 SUV hybrid was in the works, latest reports indicate the project has been shelved. Speaking with Germany’s Der Spiegel, a spokesperson for the company said that the Q7 won’t be fitted with a hybrid system because sales predictions for such a vehicle were too low.

Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen confirmed back in March that the Q7 hybrid had been ruled out for the U.S. market, the single biggest market for hybrid vehicles and SUVs. Instead, Audi will develop other hybrid models and continue to work with Porsche and Volkswagen to develop the technology.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

A trim man with a playful twinkle in his eye, Jacoby is a self-described "non-German German." His aides say that refers to his international upbringing — his father was in the German Air Force, and he traveled a lot as a child — and to his eager embrace of the USA. He's so quick to laughter and lightheartedness that Jacoby cuts a stark contrast to any stereotypes of "very, very businesslike" German auto officials, says COO Mark Barnes.

To prove that his company's diesels are clean, Jacoby takes a tissue, holds it over the exhaust pipe of a 2009 Jetta TDI while the car is running and displays the still-white tissue to a reporter. Then, with deft comedic timing, he blows his nose with it.

Labels: VW

The production VW MR should be situated somewhere between the two concept cars. The R was an aesthetic study that previewed the new VW stylistic approach for the beginning of this decade, while the EcoRacer was more engineered than designed (its looks seem to have been compromised for efficiency). With Audi assembling the sports-luxury version of the car, and SEAT going for the sports-latino market share, we can imagine that VeeDub will get the eco-model.

Labels: VW

Porsche has finished off its hat-trick of new 911 releases today by releasing the details of two new Targa models, the Targa 4 and Targa 4S. This follows the release of both the regular coupe and open-top cabriolet models back in June, and the first models - dubbed model code 997.5 - will hit dealers in September. The Targa's distinction, of course, is the 16.58 square-foot glass roof that splits in two sections to open an oversized sunroof. The "4" of course implies that both models use Porsche's all-wheel drive system.

From there, the updates to the Targas are similar to those across the rest of the line. Two flat-six engines - a 345-hp 3.6-liter in the Targa 4 and a 385-hp 3.8-liter in the 4S - supply power and employ new direct-injection technology. The big transmission news is Porsche's new dual-clutch gearbox for the two-pedal crowd, while added creature comforts fill the cabin. A base Targa 4 will start at $89,500, while a 4S starts just into six-figure land, at $100,100. They'll arrive after the other new 911s, in October.

Labels: Porsche

Indeed, those who weren't blown away by the GT Speed's styling instantly understood this car's class when the doors were opened. Most Bentleys use a herd's worth of cream-colored leather and a felled forest of wood veneer to impress the client, but the GT Speed ditches the bark entirely for dark-tinted, textured aluminum panels and two colors of leather. The top of the dash, center console and upper portions of each door are upholstered in dark gray leather with contrasting red stitching. The rest of the doors, the seats and part of the steering wheel, however, are wrapped in hide the color of cow's blood. It's a deep red that's rich, elemental and more than a bit eye catching.

Labels: Bentley

Labels: Audi

The latest package includes the tuner’s trademark flashy wheels but it also comes with a bevy of useful aero and power mods.

The most striking feature of the car is the forged 20in alloy wheels, available in two different styles. These protect a set of eight-piston callipers biting 15in discs and performance pads. A set of stiffer springs also improves handling and lowers the ride height by 25mm.

The rest of the exterior remains stock-standard but underneath the sheet metal is a range of performance modifications that boost output of the 4.2L V8 engine by 37hp (28kW) – up to 457hp (341kW).

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi, VW

It's big enough to be useful — bigger, in fact, than the outgoing version, and as big as a late 1990s VW Passat wagon, which was a mid-size at the time.

The cargo space is about the equal of a Ford Edge crossover wagon (1,954 litres with the rear seats down). The VW is nice and roomy because the compact independent rear suspension doesn't intrude into cargo space.

As for pricing, it's manageable. The basic Trendline starter wagon lists for $23,475 and the far more fuel-efficient TDI diesel model (6.8 litres/100 km city and 4.8 highway) starts at $25,775. A loaded gasoline Highline goes for $29,375 and the diesel Highline TDI tops out at $31,675.

The point is that the diesel comes at about a 10-per-cent price premium for about a 35-per-cent improvement in fuel economy. Many buyers will think that's more than a fair deal and will go diesel.

The numbers are only part of the story here, though; it's the driving that is equally telling.

My tester was a mid-level Comfortline model with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission ($28,875) and the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. It accelerated well enough from a standing start, but it was the firm ride and sharp handling that I applauded most.

Labels: VW

The 16" (41cm) long two-tone blue model offers a stunning level of detail, including opening doors, hood and trunk, a spare tire in the front and reproduction air-cooled engine in the back. The 1,626 piece kit is recommended for patient adults and retails for $119.99.

Labels: VW

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

The two-litre TFSI petrol engine combines forced induction, direct injection and a variable valve-lift system to produce its peak torque of 350Nm from 1500 to 4200rpm and deliver a claimed 155kW, pushing the Q5 from 0-100 in 7.2sec and on to 222km/h at the expense of 8.5 litres/100km .

The two-litre TDI uses common-rail fuel-injection to develop a claimed 350Nm from 1750-2500rpm and 125kW at 4000. Audi quotes 9.5sec for the 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 204km/h while using 6.7 litres/100km in the combined cycle.

The three-litre V6 TDI is the heavyweight of the Q5 range, churning out a claimed 500Nm from 1500 to 3000rpm and 176kW at 4000rpm. 0-100km/h, we are told, requires 6.5sec and top speed is 225km/h, at an average cost of 7.5 litres/100km.

The two-litre diesel drives through a six-speed manual gearbox but the two-litre petrol and three-litre diesel have a seven-speed, dual-clutch, semi-auto transmission that can be set to change gears automatically or as a quick-shifting manual, optionally also via paddles.

Labels: Audi

The car is expected to replace the VW Passat Lingyu in China by 2010, and will also go on sale in the USA. The car is planned to be the same size as the currenty Toyota Camry, but at the usual VW price.

VW are planning to build a new production plant in Chattanooga, USA which will produce the NMS by 2011, which could lead to Chinese made VW NMS’ models being sold in the US for a year.

Labels: VW

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

"The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they're looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value." Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen showcase the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen models, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California. Vehicles are currently available to test drive at local Volkswagen dealers, both models will be available for sale this August.

Labels: VW

Due in early 2011, the new Passat will adopt similar styling to the recently launched CC including the sleek headlights and contoured body. The new model is also expected to grow in size, getting closer to cars like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of interior space.

The car’s running gear will be based on the new modular platform design spawning the Audi A4 to A8 line of cars, but a range of unique engines will be offered. The new lineup will be dominated by VW’s next-generation of compact engines, starting with a 1.2L TSI with 105hp (80kW) followed by a similarly powered 1.6L TDI. V6 engines will still be available and will include a 260hp (194kW) 3.2L V6 and a 300hp (224kW) 3.6L unit reserved for the R36.

Labels: VW

The new, smaller Cayenne will be a more performance-oriented model while also offering more fuel-efficient options.

The new Cayenne had been rumoured to adopt the Q5's running gear, but it now appears that it will continue to be based on the Touareg platform. Despite bearing the same basic architecture as the current-generation SUV, the new Cayenne will be considerably smaller than the existing vehicle.

Tipped as a hard-core performance crossover, the new model will likely feature both V6 and V8 engines in both naturally aspirated and turbo forms. A diesel and hybrid option are also expected, both of which will be shared with the upcoming Panamera sedan.

Power levels will range from about 208kW from an entry-level V6 and could top out at close to 375kW in a twin-turbo V8 model.

Labels: Porsche

The front end is borrowed from a 911 GT3, although the rest of the chassis is unique, and has been constructed using strong yet lightweight carbon and kevlar fibre. With its low roof, the car is only 1.18 metres tall, while an extreme bodykit practically scrapes the road surface. Both features are crucial to help achieve the 254mph top speed – 1mph higher than a Veyron!

Under the bonnet, the GT9’s engine is sourced from the 996-generation Porsche 911 Turbo. Reworked turbos, dry sump lubrication and a gold-finished induction plate boost power to 973bhp and torque to 964Nm. And as the car weighs only 1,326kg, it should cover 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds.

Potential buyers need to be just as quick to get their hands on a GT9, though – only 20 examples will be made, each with a price tag of £394,000.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Bentley

Labels: Audi, VW

As Volkswagen readies the next-generation Golf, to be launched in September, the scale of the changes at Volkswagen's design department becomes clear.

Put simply, when former Volkswagen Group R&D chief Martin Winterkorn returned to the company in January 2007 as chairman of the management board, having been in academia in the interim, he looked at Volkswagen's upcoming designs and binned the lot.

De'Silva's design deputy, Klaus Bischoff, explained 'We had done the Golf but we had to start again. We had done the IROC concept car too, but to make it into the Scirocco we had to change not just the nose but also the rear and the sides.'

Any other casualties? What about the Polo? That's been around for a long time now and seems to have fallen off the UK buyer's radar. 'Yes, the Polo was revised too from the proposed redesign. We started again, which takes a long time. The new one will be lower and wider. It's another reinterpretation of our new design language and it could be even more radical than the new Golf will be. It's a completely different direction, and it will be masculine and sporty.'

Bischoff also confirmed that the Beetle, 10 years old this autumn, will be replaced by another reinterpretation of the original rear-engined Beetle, proving that Volkswagen still thinks there's life in the retro-reinvention idea. There will also be a minor facelift for the flagship Phaeton, followed by a major one; Bischoff designed the original's interior and remembers Volkswagen Group overlord Ferdinand PiΫch insisting on interior quality better than a Bentley's but at much lower cost.

Labels: VW

Inside Line has learned that the 2009 Audi R8 is sold out and that there is a waiting list of more than 18 months for the German automaker's performance flagship, according to Audi of America spokesman Christian Bokich. The 2009 Audi R8 is priced $3,500 higher than the outgoing model, Audi announced on Monday.

The 2009 Audi R8 Quattro manual starts at $113,700, including a $1,200 destination charge. The 2009 Audi R8 Quattro R tronic is priced at $122,700, including shipping. The destination charge on the Audi R8 increased by $200. Destination charges on other '09 Audi models increased from $775 to $825.

Labels: Audi

It's a little more expensive than we first predicted - £49,890 - but does come with Porsche Active Stability Management, 303bhp and that tasty two-tone body/wheel combo. It’s been lowered by 10mm too.

Labels: Porsche

A quick snick into 'D' from the new PDK gear selector, and off you go.

There's the usual fluffy pick-up you get with all dual-clutches from a standstill, but once on the move, the PDK changes like any other dualie - a seamless translation from one gear to the next.

The detail is broadly similar to the hardware we've got used to seeing in VW and Audi product; one clutch takes care of 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and reverse, while another smaller unit tackles 2nd, 4th and 6th. You think that sounds complicated? You should read the programming booklet - this gearbox is a technological monster that tries very hard to be a gearbox fetishist's dream.

That programming directly affects the driving experience too. One of the ways Porsche has increased fuel efficiency in the PDK-equipped cars is to programme the software in 'D' to always go for the highest possible gear in any given situation - hence you can find yourself tooling around town at remarkably slow speed in 5th gear at 1,500rpm.

Actually it just goes to show how flexible the engine really is, and how often any car would be more than capable of pulling higher gearing and unloading the engine - but it still makes you feel like you might stall when you look down and see a high number on the dash display and an unlikely low number on the speedo.

Of course, when you need to kick down, the PDK senses throttle position and can drop to second gear in roughly a third of a second, providing the kind of response you'd expect from a Porsche.

Labels: Porsche

The tuning house has tweaked the car's 5.2-liter V10, nudging output to 584 horsepower, thanks in part to a new free-flow sport exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU. The engine mods are matched by a suspension upgrade and a set of custom black-spoke alloy wheels.

You'll notice such exterior enhancements as a carbon-fiber rear wing, but the LP560 otherwise doesn't look dramatically different after it passes through the IMSA garage.

Labels: Lamborghini

In addition to offering the S tronic gearbox on selected gasoline and diesel versions of the all-new 2009 Audi Q5 compact SUV, which hits European dealers in the fourth quarter of this year, Audi is dropping it into the European-spec 2009 Audi S5 as a replacement for the coupe's optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Although this S tronic gearbox is being marketed under the same name as the Borg-Warner-developed, six-speed twin-clutch transmission (previously known as the Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG) in the U.S.-spec Audi A3 and Audi TT, it's a completely different unit. Parent company Volkswagen AG engineered it in-house and it will be built at VW's factory in Kassell, Germany. Cooling is significantly improved on the new S tronic, thanks to a vacuum booster that effectively doubles the amount of oil available to lubricate the twin clutches, and this helps the transmission cope with higher engine torque loads — up to 406 pound-feet (550 Nm), says Audi. The older S tronic transmission tops at 258 lb-ft (350 Nm). Moreover, because the clutches and oil pump are oiled separately from the gearsets and differentials, this S tronic gearbox can be more easily packaged with the longitudinal engine layouts used in most Audis, including the new Q5 and the A4, A5, A6 and A8 families.

Labels: Audi

A wave of “green” is washing over Ingolstadt: after two years of research, the “Travolution” team has developed a trend-setting concept to improve traffic infrastructure. Investment amounts to a total of about €1.2 million. AUDI AG and its venture partners presented the results today, with further joint pilot projects to follow.

“Travolution blazes the trail for innovative traffic management of a magnitude unique in Germany. The result is a functioning prototype for the traffic control of the future,” said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Audi Board Member for Human Resources. Aside from Audi, participants include the city of Ingolstadt’s Office for Traffic Management and Geoinformation, the Professorial Chair for Traffic Engineering at the Technical University of Munich, and GEVAS software GmbH.

The system that was presented today is used at 46 traffic lights in the municipal area of Ingolstadt. In this process, software optimizes the entire network of traffic lights, significantly reducing the duration of stopping times for cars.

An additional part of the project is called “The informed driver.” For this, three traffic lights have been equipped with communications modules that send the time for the next green phase to the car’s on-board computer. Audi has made an Audi A5 and an A6 Avant available as test vehicles for this part of the project. The drivers of these cars are informed through the Audi MMI infotainment system at what speed they should travel in order to drive through the intersection without having to stop.

“The car thus becomes a component of the networked world,” said Michael Dick, Audi Board Member for Technical Development. “The successful completion of this project shows that Audi recognized early on what is needed to deal with developments in traffic, and has set a course for it.” Travolution optimizes the flow of traffic, which results in lower fuel consumption – and offers relief to local residents.

Labels: Audi

Volkswagen's up! minicar will be switched from a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout to a front-engine, front-wheel-drive arrangement when it goes on sale in 2011. According to VW CEO Martin Winterkorn, "Our engineers favored a rear engine and fought until the end for that solution." Unfortunately, the rear-engine layout had to be nixed due to cost constraints and the limitations it imposed on passenger space.

Volkswagen originally planned to launch the up! in Europe sometime in 2010, but the architecture switch has bumped back its sale date by four- to five-months, meaning it will likely hit showrooms in early 2011.

Labels: VW

While the posting asks for a bachelors degree, the ad says an M-B-A is desired. You must apply online to get an invitation to an August 6th Purchasing Career Day.

The Tennessean also featured a full page ad declaring Volkswagen's venture into Tennessee. It also features a Choo-Choo and a VW Bug, with the Bug asking how it can get somone to write a song about it (in reference to the Chattanooga Choo Choo.)

Labels: VW

The 2010 Porsche Panamera will be offered with a choice of three engines and will be priced from about $127,000 for the base V6 model to $198,000 for the full-house turbo V8 all-wheel-drive edition.

The latest details on the four-door Porsche, as outlined in the German magazine Autobild, include the news that a new full-hybrid option for the Panamera will mate a 300-horsepower V6 gasoline engine with a 100-hp electric motor, enabling the driver to select from any combination of the two propulsion sources.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche

Tweaks to the four-door's form include a more upright grille, chromed headlamp bezels, bolder lower air intake and new rear bumper with black valance and bright taillamp bezels, revised suspension springs, anti-roll bars and dampers, revised Servotronic power steering, a retuned exhaust system, plus additional acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheel-arch liners to further reduce noise intrusion into the cabin. The stability control now has a selectable 'sport traction' mode for later intervention and carbon-ceramic brake discs are optional with 20" wheels.

New features available include radar-based active cruise control, a 1,100-watt, 15-speaker Naim digital sound system and new 19" Pirelli UHP tyres. There are also three new paint colours and four two-tone paint combinations to choose from, new wood and chrome trim options, and piping for the leather seat upholstery, now available in two new colours. Other new options include a full-width rear seat with fixed central seat and multi-adjustable outer seats, an iPod/MP3/USB interface and park distance control with new screen graphics.

Labels: Bentley

TFSI engines in various states of tune and a hybrid option will power the A1 – which goes on sale late in 2009.

A 1.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection (TFSI) four-cylinder engine producing 110kW and 240Nm and driving through the new seven-speed S tronic DSG gearbox will be the primary powerplant.

Internal combustion drive is augmented by a 30kW electric motor, which thrusts out 200Nm of torque, and is positioned on the rear axle. This unit drives the car exclusively at lower speeds or provides extra muscle (and all-wheel drive) under full throttle.

The concept's lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from a standard electric plug, will keep the Quattro Metroproject (as the A1 is grandiosely named) moving for about 100km.

Economy minded buyers can choose between a 1.2-litre 63kW petrol, and diesels ranging from 1.6-litres and 66kW to 2-litres – all with common rail direct injection.

Buyers requiring more spirited performance should have a 125kW option available in the 1.4 TFSI engine available to them too.

Audi drive select – already available in South African on the latest A4 – and magnetic ride should endow the smallest of Audi’s with very tidy ride and handling capabilities.

Labels: Audi

If you haven’t noticed yet, we got a really terrific Audi R8 to drive here at MotherProof.com. My opportunity to drive it happened to fall on my son’s and my husband’s birthdays. We decided not to throw birthday parties this year, instead we spent time together — as well as indulged in the R8 (even if it was only two of us at a time).

For my son’s birthday, bowling and video games were on the itinerary. Fortunately for me (if not Mother Earth), these places were far enough apart to allow for a couple trips on the highway in the R8 — with a few twists and turns tossed in. Liam, 6, sat next to me in his booster seat (with the airbag off, of course) with a huge grin pasted across his face. He just loved this car.

Labels: Audi

Audi is increasing its lead in infotainment technology even further. A new generation of the MMI, the supreme solution for multimedia, communication and operation, has been announced. With a high-capacity hard disk, a DVD drive and fast processors, it is much more versatile and its performance is higher than ever before. The new MMI's first appearance will be in the A8 luxury sedan, but before long it will also be available for two other model lines.

With the very high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and LED backlighting, this monitor supplies an exceptionally sharp image with plenty of contrast. Even in poor light conditions, the colors are intense against the black background.

As before, there are elegant crossfades between the individual screen displays, an effect that makes the overall impression created by the graphics even more fascinating. If the driver alters the automatic air conditioning settings, the new ones appear in a small screen panel for several seconds. This pop-up window doesn't occupy very much space, so that the MMI user can still see the main screen content at any time.

On the big screen, the stage is set for another of the new MMI system's attractive innovations: the way that maps are presented when the navigation system is in use. The driver can choose between the conventional two-dimensional view and the new 3D images. These feature a birds-eye perspective of the map area, with plenty of carefully presented detail. As in an atlas, the various heights above sea level are shown in different colors, and the most important buildings in large cities appear in three dimensions.

Labels: Audi

Volkswagen has resurrected plans for an affordable, mid-engined coupe and roadster as part of an image building campaign as it sets about fulfilling its ambitious target of selling over five million cars a year by 2018.

According to Volkswagen chairman, Martin Winterkorn, the company is planning to unveil a concept version of a lightweight two-seater at the LA motor show in November. If reaction is positive enough then the new car, which has been styled under the leadership of Walter da Silva, could be in showrooms as early as 2011.

“We are working on a mid-engined concept for the Los Angeles motor show,” a senior source revealed to Autocar, “It is the fifth time in as many years that we have created such a car but this time, more than any other, the signs are looking good that we will get a production green light.”

The new Volkswagen roadster is described as being a cut-priced alternative to the Lotus Elise, designed to be stylish and lightweight while offering genuine performance and class-leading fuel economy.

Power will come from mid-mounted four-cylinder petrol engines, with Volkswagen’s 168bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a new 125bhp 1.6-litre TDI common-rail diesel both being considered for use. Drive will be supplied to the rear wheels by a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Labels: Porsche

Each is hand built, with authentic Bentley cross-over hand-stitching. And the colour schemes match those of the famous luxury cars. The inside metal reflects the paint job on the outside, while the outer leather is taken right from the seats.

The metal carry handle is even modelled on the motor's door handle, and is satisfyingly chunky.

Under the bonnet you've got Microsoft Vista, a 64 bit processor, and a 160GB hard drive. There are also 12 direct access keys for quickly getting to the point.

Expect to see it on sale later this summer at Selfridges for about £10,000. Ouch.

Labels: Bentley

IF the stories are to be believed that the motoring industry is heading for meltdown, then somebody better have a quiet word with Audi.

Recession, credit crunch and economic downturn are clearly not words being banded about in the German giant's boardroom.

While it is fair to say that some marques are experiencing tough trading times, it is proving the complete opposite for Audi.

Life has never been so good for the premium luxury brand as they remain on track to sell more than a million cars globally this year.

And more than a 10th of these will be found on British roads.

Just when you thought that it couldn't get any rosier for the leading motor manufacturer, well, it does, with the arrival of their best model to date, the Q5.

Having driven the Q5, I can comfortably predict that it is going to be a massive seller and will certainly double that target figure.

Just as when the TT coupe first appeared on the scene and there was a queue of buyers a mile long, the newcomer will undoubtedly become the must-have motoring fashion accessory.

Labels: Audi

We like: Stylish looks with convincing feeling of luxury, good legroom in rear for this class, adaptive chassis control and loads of technical goodies.

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The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the most significant makeover of the Gallardo since the car's introduction in 2003, is proving to be one popular vehicle. Lamborghini announced late Thursday that it has compiled a six-month waiting list for the car, even before its U.S. rollout later this summer.

The announcement was timed to coincide with the delivery of the first Gallardo LP560-4 here. The car was delivered to New Yorker Benny Caiola, Jr., whom Lamborghini described in a statement as a "noted Italian car enthusiast and collector." Caiola bought the car at a local charity auction during the 2008 New York Auto Show. Caiola said he has "owned nearly every [Lamborghini] model."

The LP560-4 went on sale across Europe in June with a price tag of $222,000.

Labels: Lamborghini

Among the highlights of Dr. Williamson's collection are a 1931 Bugatti Type 55 "Jean Bugatti Roadster," a road-going version of the Type 51 Grand Prix racer with styling inspired by Ettore's son Jean, and a 1928 Type 35B Grand Prix featuring a 2.3-liter, overhead cam supercharged eight-cylinder engine that was originally owned by champion driver Louis Chiron and raced throughout Europe. However by far the finest machine featured at Gooding & Company's auction will be a 1937 Type 57SC Atalante Coupe, a unique collaboration between Ettore and Jean featuring a groundbreaking design for its time. Many other significant vehicles will be hitting block as well, including a 1914 Peugeot created by Ettore early in his career and a 1941 Indy car built on a Bugatti Type 31 frame and suspension.

Labels: Bugatti

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Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest carmaker, may bring a subcompact car similar to its Polo to the U.S. as record gasoline prices spur sales of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Construction of an engine plant in North America, probably in Mexico, also is under study, Stefan Jacoby, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America Inc., said yesterday in an interview.

Adding a new small car in the U.S. would help Volkswagen tap demand for compact models exemplified by a 31 percent jump in 2008's first six months, when the rest of the market shrank 10 percent. The Polo, sold chiefly in Europe, is similar in size to Toyota Motor Corp.'s Yaris or Honda Motor Co.'s Fit.

``We are considering bringing these cars here,'' said Jacoby, 50. ``It's too early to give a timeline for when.''

Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, didn't immediately provide fuel-economy figures for the Polo. A U.S. version probably would come after a future redesign of the current model, spokesman Steve Keyes said after the Jacoby interview.

Labels: VW

Right now the leading contender in Europe appears to be the Skoda factory in Vrchlabi, Czech Republic. The up! based cars will be sold in several styles and under several VW Group brands. The basic version is intended as a city car that offers more utility than competitors like the Smart ForTwo. VW wants the up! to be able to accomodate four adults comfortably when needed although it will primarily be used for two occupants. With two people aboard, the up will still offer plenty of room for luggage for a trip or groceries.

Labels: VW

Audi R8 race car in GT3 specification
Engine Audi V8 4163cc, 440HP
Weight 1250kg
Carbon body parts
FIA safety roll-over
120 litre FIA fuel tank
6speed Holinger sequential gearbox
18inch rims (Front 8,5inch, Rear 11inch)
Build for sprint as well endurance racing
Also deliverable in GT4 spec

Labels: Audi

This photo from the German wave of the Q5 press launch just was just released this morning. Much like the off-road appearance package offered on the Q7, it appears the Q5 will get its own more rugged look as an option at least in Europe.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The production Panamera is a large car – it’s almost five meters long and two meters wide and the base version weighs in at around 1800kg. Owners of the top-of-the-line 4.8L V8 Turbo model will be looking at a kerb weight of almost 2 tons. Porsche will launch the Panamera with three engine choices – a 3.6L V6 with 300hp, a 4.8L V8 with 405hp, and a 4.8L Turbo model with approximately 520hp. Even with the base model you’ll be able to hit 250km/h on the Autobahn, but if you decide to buy the Turbo you can nudge 300km/h, according to Autobild.

Porsche will use the Panamera to showcase its commitment to green motoring with the introduction of a hybrid model using the 3.6L V6 mated to a 110hp electric motor. Porsche’s hybrid drive system will allow drivers to use any combination of the two engines, much like today’s Toyota Prius.

Base prices will begin at €80,000 for the V6 RWD model and go up to €125,000 for the Turbo AWD variant. Porsche will expand its workforce by almost 1,000 to cater for Panamera production and the company hopes to sell 30,000 units a year. Sales will begin in early 2009 but only the V8 models will be available at first.

Labels: Porsche

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The Lamborghini Registry lists only six "works" SV/J models, all featuring the Jota bodywork. The one seen here is chassis number 4892, and it will be auctioned off at the upcoming Russo and Steele classic car auction in Monterey. It's tough to tell what the car will go for since the SV/J models rarely ever change hands, but you can bet it won't be a paltry sum.

Labels: Lamborghini

In order to preserve the Audi R8's superior handling characteristics, expect the future open-air R8 to use a removable targa top instead of a full convertible like the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.

The R8 targa will likely share the coupe's mechanicals, including a 420-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Under the agreement, Bang & Olufsen will supply sound systems for a broad range of important Audi models. These new sound systems represent the next generation of the sound systems currently available for Audi A8/S8 and Audi Q7.

“Every addition to Bang & Olufsen’s range for Audi is significant in terms of our partnership,” says Vice President Jens Peter Zinck, head of Bang & Olufsen’s Automotive Department. “Equally, it is important for the continuing development of Bang & Olufsen’s car-fi business.”

Although no date for the introduction of the new systems for the Audi models has been set, the aim is to roll out the first sound system under the new agreement no later than 2010.

Labels: Audi

The 998 mule is wearing modified 997 body work, with the addition of blistered wheel arches hinting at a widened track and a makeshift wing providing additional downforce. According to KGP, the quad exhaust tips pulled from the Carrera S aren't fitted as flush as the 997 model, so space is likely tight in the rear, while the roll cage proves that the new platform is still in its infancy. Expect the 998 911 to debut late in 2010.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche

For the next-generation of the Golf Cabrio, due to go on sale sometime next year, VW is expected to build the new car completely in-house.

There will be numerous engine choices for the new Golf including a new 1.6L TSI engine developing 200hp (147kW) as well as a high-performance 2.0L version with 260hp (194kW) in the GTI – the latter is depicted in this new rendering.

To keep costs low VW will use a conventional folding soft-top but noise and weather insulation should be comparable with a hard-top.

Labels: VW

Labels: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. The announcement is an important element of the company’s overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its customers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the next decade.

“The U.S. market is an important part of our volume strategy and we are now very resolutely accessing that market,” said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG. “Volkswagen will be extremely active there. This plant represents a milestone in Volkswagen’s growth strategy. We will be selling 800,000 Volkswagens in the U.S. by 2018, and this new site will play a key role. This, along with our growth strategy, is a prerequisite for the economic success of the company in the dollar region. We look forward to establishing an important mainstay for ourselves when we become the biggest European carmaker there.”

“This is a significant step forward in achieving our goals in the U.S. market and a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to the North American consumer. Today’s decision is a fundamental part of our new strategic direction in the U.S. and our five-pillar strategy,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Chattanooga is an excellent fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life and a long manufacturing tradition.”

The company will build the facility in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Chattanooga. The 1,350-acre site is 100 percent owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County and is certified as an industrial megasite by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Enterprise South is adjacent to Interstate 75. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.

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The name “Robust” has also been confirmed as nothing more than a working codename which may change before the truck reaches dealerships.

Labels: VW

The next Audi RS4 will be supercharged, the R8’s V10 will be naturally aspirated and we won’t be seeing an Audi that’s smaller than the A1 supermini any time soon.

Labels: Audi

The car nuts over at Web Rides TV put the two vehicles through a "Super Lap" consisting of a slalom, a straightaway, and two sharp turns to see which vehicle would come out on top. The result produced an entertaining video, some great sounds and a very clear winner.

Labels: Audi

The revised Boxster S and Cayman S models will get direct injection and the new seven speed PDK transmission along with a limited slip differential. That DI is responsible for an increase of 25 ponies to 320 hp along with 273 lb.-ft. of torque in the Cayman. Lesser models don't get the DI, but will get a displacement bump from 2.7- to 2.9-liters and a corresponding jump to 265 horsepower. The Boxster and Boxster S each offer ten fewer ponies than the Cayman.

Along with the new PDK transmission, which produces faster shifts than the conventional six-speed manual 'box, the Sport Chrono package will be available along with Launch Control.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche

"OMG! It's Paris Hilton's car!" The bikini-clad blond with waiting-for-a-nuclear-blast sized sunglasses was impressed by the big black Bentley. "How much does it cost?" "How fast does it go?" "How did you get one?" An Abercrombie of bathing suits gathered around the British-built German car in the late summer sun. I didn't have the heart to tell them they were worshipping a false idol. So what if the Bentley Continental GTC is a four-wheeled Poptart, famous for being famous? Discretion is the better part of valet parking. I'd save my bubble-bursting for the Best and Brightest. And here you are. And here we go…

The Bentley's lines are clean and purposeful. In keeping with the Bentley Boys' Blowers, the Conti eschews Aston grace and Ferrari flair to emulate a raging locomotive. To that end, the Bentley's hood rises up with all the subtlety of a Dodge Ram. Make that a drunken Dodge Ram; the GTC's headlights angle upwards, as if they're about to roll backwards just before the car, well, passes out.

Labels: Bentley

Audi of America said that as of July 9, the decision has been made to offer the Q5 in the U.S. with a 3.2-liter V6 FSI direct injection engine and a six-speed Tiptronic transmission.

Audi of America confirmed that the Q5 will be the first Audi offering here with the Generation 3 MMI (Multi Media interface) and navigation with real-time traffic information. The U.S.-spec Audi Q5 goes on sale in the first quarter of 2009 as a 2009 model-year vehicle. Pricing has not yet been announced.

The 3.2-liter V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Audi of America said the Q5 with this engine sprints to an estimated 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. It noted that the S tronic transmission will not be offered in the U.S., only the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Labels: Audi

To launch the Audi R8 in Brazil, Bullet created a launch event, "The Art of Performance," which combined an orchestra of 41 musicians, one maestro and three Djs from the German Bauhouse group along with visual wizardry from Campana to create a performance masterpiece.

Masterpiece is the right word to describe this effort. Like an orchestrally-choreographed movie score, this aural and visual extravaganza is perfectly timed and does a nice job illustrating the car's finer points.

Labels: Audi

The new platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and will feature increased use of aluminum to keep weight down. It will also be slightly sportier and adopt styling influences from the recently launched Tiguan SUV.

This early test hack is still wearing the current Touareg’s sheet metal but several key differences reveal that it is in fact the next-generation model. These include the wider rear bumper and misaligned fuel filler cap. The front of the car also features a different intake system, which is also positioned lower than on the current production model.

The new engine lineup will start with a 280hp (208kW) 3.2L V6 petrol engine and top out with a 345hp (257kW) 4.2L petrol V8. A pair of diesel engines will also be on offer including 2.7L and 3.0L turbodiesels. All the engines will be matted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Labels: VW

A cheaper replacement for the Volkswagen Passat developed primarily for the United States will likely go into a U.S. plant that Volkswagen AG is expected to announce this week. Eventually, a Jetta replacement also could be assembled there.

Making one or both cars in the dollar zone with U.S. components is crucial to VW's plan to increase group U.S. sales to 1 million by 2018: 800,000 VW vehicles and 200,000 Audis.

The Passat replacement would cost about $20,000, considerably less than the nearly $25,000 with shipping for today's model. The car would be bigger to compete with the Toyota Camry.

The compact sedan is being designed to fit better in a segment dominated by imports such as the Honda Civic, VW executives say.

Labels: VW

The Perak state government plans to set up a world class city in conjunction with the vehicle brand `Volkswagen’ (VW) as a tourism product which is popular worldwide, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

He said the first VW City in the world would offer a variety of services and products linked to the German-made vehicle.

“In view of the increasing number of enthusiasts collecting the VW vehicles throughout the world, it is not impossible that this tourist city would be equipped with services to supply spare parts and an exhibition gallery for the VW brand,” he said when launching the Ipoh Volkswagen Carnival at Dataran Ipoh, here Saturday.

Labels: VW

Once again the Cayenne will be the first of the three new SUVs with a release date of about the first half of 2010. Its cheaper brother, the Touareg, isn’t due to make an appearance until late 2010 at the earliest.

The new Cayenne will address fuel efficiency issues with a hybrid and diesel model in the line-up.

Labels: Porsche

American actor Robert Downey Jr was gifted a Bentley worth 200,000 dollars by movie bosses for the success of the movie ‘Iron Man’ in which he played the lead role.

The movie, which was based on the comic book superhero Iron Man, became the box office hit of the year and earned more than 500 million dollars worldwide.

Downey Jr was so impressive in his role that the producers gave him the car as a thank you gift, Star magazine reported.

"Robert was shocked when they gave it to him. But he was so grateful and is so happy," Contactmusic quoted a source as telling the tabloid.

Labels: Bentley

The Q5 is a line drawn straight down the middle of the medium-sized SUV class. It’s well built and the perceived quality is high. It handles tidily which is all it will ever need to do, while it will manage any off-road work should you be in the minority who ever leave the Tarmac. Those four rings on the nose are still a strong hook for many buyers and we see no reason why Audi won't sell as many Q5s as it can make.

The engine, Audi’s latest common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, is quiet, potent enough that it’s (just about) all you’ll ever need and reasonably economical too. Just think: 42mpg on the combined cycle on a biggish SUV.

Labels: Audi

JAMES BOND star DANIEL CRAIG is obviously no good with numbers.

Here are the actor and girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell out shopping in Hollywood on Thursday with a personalised registration reading 002 on his Audi.

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Yesterday, I was back in the California desert, testing the effectiveness of the air conditioning of a Dodge Caliber SRT4 that's in the Automotive Traveler garage this week. And what did I find as soon as the thermometer hit 120 degrees? Two lightly disguised Volkswagen Golf Plus 2.0 TDIs! There's was no camo on the tail, so they weren't hiding anything there, but the blocker in the Nissan SUV was doing all he could to stop me from getting a good, clean shot of the front; obviously there was something they'd prefer I not see.

Labels: VW

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Labels: Porsche

Apart from the PDK's stated performance advantage — 4.5 seconds to 60 mph, or two-tenths of a second quicker than the six-speed manual for the standard 911 Carrera (and 4.3 seconds if you pop for the overblown Sports Chrono Package Plus) — we expect that in these economy-focused times, Porsche may choose to highlight how PDK pushes the latest 911 to deliver some fist-bump-worthy fuel efficiency.

A basic 911 Carrera currently is rated at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, or about 22 mpg combined. But for the new 911's driveline, the combination of the newly direct-injected horizontally opposed six-cylinder engines and PDK make the new 911 some 13 or 14 percent more efficient than the current car, so a rear-drive 911 coupe might generate something approaching 25 mpg combined. Not too shabby.

Porsche's conventional manual trumps the PDK 'box in terms of transmission losses. However, the PDK's seventh gear allows the engine to operate in a sweeter spot of its operating range which improves overall powertrain efficiency. Though it is a tall cruising gear, 7th gear in the PDK still provides enough mechanical advantage that the 911 can reach its top speed, while PDK's 1st- through 6th-gear ratios are essentially identical to those of the six-speed manual.

Labels: Porsche