Audi is readying this stunning new R3 sports car, a mid-engined little brother to the R8 supercar.

The Audi R3 would – in effect – replace today's TT. ‘At the moment, both programmes run alongside each other, but as soon as production engineering begins, we must decide between the competing front- and mid-engine layouts for the TT,’ explains a source from Ingolstadt. ‘To keep the Audi a safe distance from the Boxster and Cayman, we are concentrating exclusively on four-cylinder engines.'

Labels: Audi

We see a car loaded up with test equipment and displaying several features visible via the open hatch. There appears to be no power open and close mechanism in action here (thankfully) and it seems the rear seats fold flat permitting a huge cargo area. Also, aft of the front wheel there seems to be a fender detail which could be a styled fender vent reminiscent of the Porsche Carrera GT.

Labels: Porsche

Just as the A5 uses the A4 platform, so the A7 will be based on the new A6. But the next-gen A6, which means a lightweight aluminium platform with various steel reinforcements.

Air suspension will be standard on high-end models, and unless sales don’t surpass the expected 40,000 units, four-cylinder power won’t happen. Instead buyers will be offered a based 2.8-litre V6 FSI or the new supercharged 3.0-litre V6. Oil-burning owners will pick between a 2.7-litre, and a 3.0-litre V6 with either one or two turbos. Then if you can make sense of it all, there will be various six and seven-speed manuals, autos and dual-clutch S-tronic boxes.

Audi will slot, no make that shoehorn, its 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 into the A7 to create an RS7, while the S7 will use a detuned version. Never fear though, because a hybrid version will be on hand to balance your polluting ways.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Futuremark, creators of the industry standard benchmarking software for graphics performance for OpenGL ES and DirectX APIs, has created a demonstration for Audi’s In-Car Graphics System future concept to be shown for the first time at NVISION in San Jose. It delivers a fully rendered car dashboard and all instruments shown in a 3D view, including 3D navigation using stunning and realistic effects and viewsas well as a 3D car infotainment system with vehicle info and cool 3D environmental controls rendered in real-time for on-road Automotive usage.

“We are delighted to work with Audi due to their professional expertise in the car industry,” said Petri Talala, Vice President and General Manager of the Handheld and Embedded Group at Futuremark Oy., “Audi is a leader in this field with sophisticated, real-time rendered and high quality content available for future infotainment systems, and being able to have our graphics engine experts and artists contribute to this effort is very special for Futuremark.”

Labels: Audi

The Volkswagen Group has taken its place among the world's top three automakers thanks to the Wolfsburg-based company's outstanding delivery figures in the first half of 2008. Rival Ford had to settle for fourth position.

"We are delighted that the Volkswagen Group has made it to the global automobile industry's top three for the first time. This shows that we are on the right track with our ever-stronger international presence and, above all, our product program. We will systematically push ahead with our growth course even in the present difficult market environment," Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented.

With 3.31 million vehicles delivered in the first half of 2008, the Volkswagen Group increased deliveries in the first six months of this year by 7.2 percent, moving up to third place in the global vehicle sales ranking and overtaking its rival Ford, which announced vehicle sales of 3.22 million for this period.

Labels: Volkswagen

A sign of just how significant the Russian market is for Volkswagen is demonstrated by the Tiguan; effectively immediately, this younger brother to the Touareg will also be manufactured at the new Kaluga plant near Moscow. The Jetta and the Passat are already being produced there. And indeed with the same precision and quality typical of Volkswagen. In Russia, the Tiguan is being offered in the versions “Sport & Style” and “Track & Field” (off-road version with larger front approach angle). A 110 kW / 150 PS strong 1.4 TSI is being offered on the entry-level versions of both variants. Its top speed of 192 km/h contrasts with a very low average fuel consumption of 8.4 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. The top model, the Tiguan 2.0 TSI (125 kW / 170 PS), is 200 km/h fast. Nonetheless, its average fuel consumption of 9.1 liters is also pleasantly low.

For the first time in Russia, Volkswagen is also presenting the new CC – the third variant of the Passat series that has enjoyed success across the globe. Background: with more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and the Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individually sculpted seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a vehicle that continues to be unique in the Passat’s market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

Upload your favorite driveway shot, and then you can put either the Cayman, Boxster, 911 Coupe, or Cayenne on your own personal pavement. Once done, you can save it as a JPEG (we had to add the file extension afterwards) to share with your friends.

Labels: Porsche

Production of the current Veyron is set to run out by 2012, with the recently launched soft-top Grand Sport version set to be joined by a more powerful ‘GT’ coupe before production ends.

Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bugatti’s engineering boss, thinks there is some latent power still waiting to be extracted form the 8-litre, quad-turbo W16. Currently the 746kW engine ensures the Veyron is good for 407km/h.

With the ‘GT’ version Bugatti is allegedly keen on a 434km/h top speed which would necessitate 895kW of power to overcome drag. Rumour has it the boys from Molsheim are aiming for a 920kW output on the ‘GT’, which means you’ll be able to run the climate control whilst attempting a top end run – nice.

If the ‘GT’ embodies all the alleged power increases it should be a fitting swansong to the Veyron range.

Labels: Bugatti

Labels: Audi

"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

Labels: Audi

Instead of just a chop-top treatment with a targa bar, this R8 gets fully reworked sheet metal from the A-pillars rearward. The signature side blades have been removed completely, as well as the pillar-mounted fuel-filler door. The engineers also have used a clever soft cover to give the appearance of a simpler setup at first glance.

Upon closer examination of the spy photos, it appears as though this R8 has a full convertible conversion similar to that of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The rear sail panels most likely lift and fold out of the way, while the engine cover flips rearward to make way for the folding roof. Once everything is stored, the engine cover flips back down over the folded top to give the R8 a clean, uncluttered appearance with the top down.

Labels: Audi

Given the dual exhausts, it would make sense for this to be the R32, however based on the timing and physical evidence – we concluded this prototype is more likely to be the upcoming GTI.

Sources are saying that the new GTI will be powered by a 157kW, 2-litre turbo.

Labels: VW

Based on the Caddy MPV, the Topos Sail concept's biggest attraction is its roof, which is covered in wood decking and surrounded on all sides by aluminum roof rails. The roof deck is designed for lounging in the sun just like on the deck of a yacht, and the panels flip up to act as back rests. The concept also features a nifty ladder built into the rear lift gate with wooden steps, as well as wood trim elsewhere on the vehicle's exterior.

Labels: VW

It will keep the 'GT3 RS' side sticker and the special coloured wheels, the decorative stripe, contrast-painted outside mirrors, rear wing endplates, and roll cage. The new GT3 RS will keep its top-speed of 311 km/h and a 0-100 time of about 4 seconds using a 415-hp engine.

Labels: Porsche

Hermès and Bugatti have now developed four new color schemes that draw inspiration from previous works delivered by the two companies. The color options include ‘Indigo Blue and Vermilion,’ ‘Indigo blue and Lime Green,’ ‘Black and Garance Red,’ and ‘Prussian Blue and Blue Jean.’ The new models are priced at €1.55 million without taxes (approximately $2.77 million) and will be available at the end of the year.

Labels: Bugatti

Except for the absence of the oval tailpipes – that would make it way too obvious – the car’s front skirt gives the model away as an RS.

Once it goes on sale, the production model will be sporting wide, oval dual exhaust outlets – a signature of Audi’s RS series of cars.

Although the car’s front gives it away as an RS5, it remains unclear what powerplant those air-intakes lead cooling to. However, sources indicate that the RS5 will be powered by the same twin-turbo V10 found in the Audi RS6 Avant. In RS6 guise, that powerplant is good for 426kW.

Labels: Audi

Both are packing the same twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 5.0-liter V10 putting out 580 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Both send power to all four wheels through a six-speed tiptronic tranny and both can be equipped with absolutely massive 420mm (front) and 356mm (rear) ceramic brakes.

Labels: Audi

While its German competition seems to lose more of its stylistic bearings with each generation of the very executive sedans that brought them to prominence, the A4’s progression has been one of steady updates that are both forward-looking and restrained. The current model’s broad, clean flanks with a high belt-line and subtly blistered wheel arches convey a muscularity that works to enhance, rather than hide, the car’s swollen size versus the last generation car. That kind of unfussed and powerful design language is found throughout the A4, including on the interior that manages to look at once premium and simple.

And it is, let’s face it, the A4’s diesel V-6, that most likely has you reading (and us writing) this piece in the first place. The TDi six is set to take America by storm in a big way, coming to U.S. Audi dealers ensconced in the company’s Q5 and Q7 crossovers. We’d like to believe that makes the powerplant an easy fit for the American lineup of A4’s as well. One might guess that if the German company with a history of performance vehicles—and a record for diesel-powered motorsports success—saw fit to include the engine in those largish to large SUVs, that the TDi would be something of a phenomenon in a smaller sedan – it is.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta SportWagen has style. In my opinion, a two-box wagon design is hard to screw up. Rooflines can flow all the way to the rear bumper, fender creases can begin at the front and end at the very back with no interruption. And when the designers start with a car as handsome as the Jetta sedan, their jobs are even easier.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

This 2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 E-Gear has been painted in exclusive matt chrome and had its 6.5-litre V12 engine’s power upgraded from 640bhp to 700bhp.

The result is 0-62mph (100kph) in 3 seconds and a top speed of 220mph – up from 211mph.

To help with this performance increase, the Murcielago has been fitted with a uprated gearbox and exhaust system while new brakes and suspension will improve the Italian car’s already-exceptional handling.

With a full service history and 5,000km on the clock you can get your hands on it from London-based dealer Mayfair Prestige for £340,000.

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

It’s significantly larger but retains the same mammoth grille and clean side profile. The headlights drop last year’s scalloped frames for a more consolidated design, but there’s now a strand of optional LEDs that snakes its way around the main bezels and ends at the inboard turn signals. Wicked cool.

Inside, the wraparound dashboard looks similar to that of the related A5/S5 coupe. Even in our all-black test car, the cabin felt warm — certainly a step beyond the 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class – and considering the fact that German sport sedans do inviting interiors like Kevin Costner does acting, it’s nice to see Audi take the lead. The company’s MMI system is standard. It works a screen that sits top and center in the dash, and if you have to go the knob-based route, this works eminently better than BMW’s iDrive.

Labels: Audi

There might be compelling reasons to bring Polos over here, especially the diesel versions. Why? Because they get incredible fuel economy, better than most hybrids. The Polo 1.4 TDI is rated at 41/62 miles per gallon in the European driving cycle.

But there’s an even more fuel efficient Polo. Introduced last year, the Polo BlueMotion is a mileage champ — thanks to a combination of light weight (2,389 pounds); improved aerodynamics; a 79-horsepower three-cylinder turbodiesel engine with direct fuel injection; very tall gears in the 5-speed manual transmission; and low rolling-resistance tires.

Labels: VW

I drove the new Jetta SportWagen the day after I drove a Porsche Cayman S and — sorry boy-racer types — I'd much rather have this wagon than the Cayman S. It was more comfortable and more practical, which made it more fun for me to drive. It also had some surprising details that helped it score well on the Weekend Athlete tests.

For starters, while the interior was tan, the cargo area was black — all the better to hide dirt and stains. With other cars I've tested, if you want the dark cargo area you have to get the dark interior — which usually restricts what exterior color you can have. This is just such a simple combination that I don’t understand why more automakers don’t do the same thing.

There's also a ton of room in that dark cargo area with the backseats upright. I fit all my camping gear in easily. Another surprise was the cargo shade. Normally I find those things annoying – always getting in the way, not doing what I want them to do. With the Jetta wagon, there was so much room back there I could use the shade to actually cover my gear.

Labels: VW

The four-door CC wears a coat of DuPont "Pepe Pepper" paint, which reportedly combines silver, brown, and gold hues. A similar color is found inside, where "latte"-colored seating wears bronze piping; dashboard trim and door panels are also colored to match.

Labels: VW

One might expect a comparatively small displacement 3.8L six cylinder to be high strung and hard to drive around town, but nothing could be further from the truth. Having recently driven several cars with larger displacement V8s, this is an entirely different animal. There is none of the rumble and low frequency pulsing that you get in a V8. Rather, the six is perfectly smooth and balanced and the sound of the Porsche boxer is unlike almost anything else on the road. It has a mechanical, almost turbine-like sound that builds in intensity as the tach needle rotates clock-wise. The numbers may not indicate a particularly strong engine at the bottom end, but there is a surprisingly fat torque curve. No, it doesn't generate the kind of thrust you get from a Vette, but it just pulls insistently.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Lamborghini, Others

A clever new option on the Audi A3 Cabriolet should make parking a breeze. Not only does the Parallel Parking Assist software inform the driver if a space is suitable, it then manoeuvres the car into it automatically for you.

At speeds of up to 19mph, the A3 can scan a row of parked cars and emit an audible beep when a big enough gap is found. Once one has been selected, the system takes over full steering control of the vehicle, leaving the driver to make any final adjustments after the hands-free manoeuvre has been completed.

Labels: Audi

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli edition which debuted at the international GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Austria last May is due to arrive in Australian dealerships on or shortly after the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in October.

According to our unconfirmed sources, the Golf GTI Pirelli, which is powered by a tweaked version of the standard 2.0-litre TFSI engine to produce 169 kW (up from 147 kW) and 300 Nm (up from 280 Nm), will arrive in Australia under a strictly limited supply of just 300 units.

Labels: VW

It looks fantastic, and I can’t remember when I last said that about a car with a VW badge on its grille. Its lines and proportions are not just well judged and fluently executed; there’s real eye-catching beauty here. Better still, Volkswagen has followed the lead of the Mercedes CLS and created an elegant car that retains its rear doors – and therefore a large chunk of the practicality of the saloon on which it is based. There’s even a vast boot.

Indeed you could argue that Volkswagen has done a better job than Mercedes: to my eyes not only is the Passat CC even better-looking than the CLS, but if you open up those rear doors and have a peek inside, you’ll discover it’s more spacious too.

Labels: VW

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Alex Jenner-Fust, editor of evecars.com said: ‘The Audi A3 won over all the judges with its impressive combination of talents. It looks great: it’s neither too feminine nor flashy, but classy and well styled. It’s easy enough to get a child seat in the back and the soft-top roof leaves more boot space than a folding hard top. Drivers will be rewarded with almost 40mpg, too. It’s a great all round no-compromise package and truly deserves our top accolade.'

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

At the track's inner ring, we're greeted by the largest sea of seamless, unstriped asphalt we've ever seen. VW has set up several temporary demonstration courses with orange traffic cones, and we'll soon see what they're all about. We have come to see the future of mobility as Volkswagen envisions it.

The displays of the day fall into one of two categories — driver assistance technology or autonomous driving technology. Some of it is ready for prime time, but most of it needs more development before you can start checking option boxes at your local dealer. Regardless, it's a fair assumption that most of what we're seeing here is more science fact than science fiction.

We start with the driver-assistance technologies behind the wheel of a standard-production Passat CC. The highlight of this particular car is Lane Assist, which uses a camera, mounted inside above the rear-view mirror, to look at the road; a processor then reads the visual data and determines the left and right edges of the lane. If the car wanders to either edge without any definitive input from the driver, the car will steer itself back into the lane via input to the electromechanical power steering system.

The sensation is that of bouncing off some invisible force field. The driver, however, must keep his hands on the wheel, or the system will belt out an audible alarm if it thinks you're leaving all of the driving to the computers. Remarkably, the system detects even the most minor steering input from the driver, meaning there is no resistance from the car in making gentle lane changes.

Labels: VW

Despite consistent rumors of the firm's eventual demise after that, head-honcho Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen says that another supercar and possibly an ultra-lux saloon (four-door to all you poor people) could be in the cards for 2012. In an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions, alternative-fuel powerplants will also be on the drawing board.

Labels: Bugatti

Bentley has said it is unlikely to produce diesel models, even though key competitors such as Porsche are bringing them to market.

According to a senior company source, Bentley has been conducting customer clinics to ask buyers what they think of diesel models - and most have been opposed to the idea.

He added that the company is also opposed to the idea for business reasons: “a lot of our cars are sold in the US and Asia and these are not diesel markets. We cannot make it stand up just developing a diesel model for Europe.”

Labels: Bentley

One potential powertrain option is the same 4.2L V8 as the RS4, however power will be boosted to 450hp and it will likely get the option of Audi’s newly upgraded S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox along with a manual transmission. Other sources claim it may use a derivative of the V10 from the RS6, however this is likely to be too expensive for a car that will have to compete in price with its aforementioned German rivals.

The previous model was unable to use the dual-clutch gearbox because it was limited to just 320Nm, however the latest version of the gearbox can handle torque figures of up to 550Nm and engine speeds of 9,000rpm, which could allow the RS5 engine to rev even higher than the lofty 8300rpm in the old RS4.

Labels: Audi

The unique S5 was called the ‘Evo’ and it featured a 420hp (313kW) version of the standard model’s 4.2L V8 engine as well as Audi’s new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Apart from the more powerful engine and dual-clutch gearbox, the S5 Evo was equipped with the same specifications as the standard S5. This meant that it used the same quattro permanent four-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40% to the front and 60% to the rear axle. The Evo also featured a button for ‘comfort’ and ‘sports’ mode, the latter providing quicker gearshifts, better throttle response and a firmer ride.

Labels: Audi

Audi A4 Driving Challenge, available as a free download from the App Store, is an overhead-view racing title that uses accelerometer- and screen-based controls to let the user drive the new A4 through a series of five progressively more challenging courses. Alongside the game, Audi has also launched an iPhone-formatted website for the A4, offering users content on the A4, specialized videos, wallpapers, an exterior color customizer, and a dealer locator.

Labels: Audi

An eagle-eyed reader was minding his own business when he happened to spot a Volkswagen Scirocco in San Francisco, which is interesting in itself because the revived model is not available in the United States. Even more interesting was the fact that the car prominently displayed a TDI badge on its flanks, meaning that there is an oil-burner underhood.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

Nevertheless, the GTI has its own unique feel. Its throttle and brakes have been calibrated to be more sensitive and intuitive to driver inputs, while its speed sensitive power steering possesses the same transition; it's weighted more heavily and feels crisper. These alterations make the sporty Volkswagen feel more alert, like a true sports compact.

Labels: VW

Labels: Bugatti

For the first time we can see the proper hood sculpting, and an almost completely clean look at the character development on the Panamera's side panels--including the fender vent just aft of the front wheel. A little cladding still remains on the front bumper, on the rear flanks below the taillights, and on the taillights themselves. Some minor tape effects also remain, but do nothing to obscure the car's shape. Other than that, this Panamera prototype looks to be running around naked, finally embracing its birthday suit.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: Audi

Slummed it in the Audi R8 again this weekend. Had to drive to Monterey to see what all the rich people were doing in Pebble Beach. Apparently all that news of a recession hasn't hit the upper classes as there were more new Ferrari's, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces than I could count.

That said, I didn't see another R8 once. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough, maybe there was a Deutsches Autoerscheinen that I missed, who knows, but the R8's rarity cemented its status as the ultimate anti-Ferrari. People waved, smiled and otherwise seemed to enjoy seeing something other than a bright red F430 with shiny tires. The fact that I left our long-termer covered in bugs and brake dust only added to the effect.

Labels: Audi

Dubbed Audi R-S-Street, the vehicle comes with a power increase from 580 hp to 700 hp. The extra horses make the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.3 seconds, the 0-124 mph is made in 13 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 173 mph.

In order to deliver better stability the car not only received a new suspension system that lowers the car by 25 millimeters, but also gets a new rear air diffuser. A new exhaust system is used for a better sound of the engine. The body kit of the vehicle includes carbon fiber mirror covers and front lip spoiler. What is really special at this car is the custom body paint and the custom 22 inch wheels which complement the kit.

Labels: Audi

"In the latest tests, the Tiguan's performance is a standout," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It sailed through the front and side crash tests without a single downgrade for structure or measures of injury likelihood recorded on the dummy. This is 1 of 4 models in this group that afford superior crash protection in their class. This is a huge change from just 5 years ago when most small SUVs were rated either marginal or poor in our side test, and standard side airbags and electronic stability control were rare."

Electronic stability control is important because it can help drivers avoid many crashes. It helps drivers maintain control in the worst situation -loss of con- trol at high speed -by engaging automatically when it senses vehicle instability and helping to bring a vehicle back into the intended line of travel, often with- out the driver knowing anything is wrong. This feature lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about half. It lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash by as much as 70 percent.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

On September 22, two drivers in a car named Willie One (a Volkswagen Diesel Jetta fueled by BioWillie) will set out from midtown Manhattan following the course of the infamous Cannonball Run. Less than 40 hours later, they’ll arrive in LA. Taking advantage of the increased fuel efficiency of the diesel engine and Willie One’s extra large fuel tank, they won’t stop to refuel or even for bathroom breaks

Labels: VW

Labels: Porsche

At the Gooding & Company auction at the 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Bugatti sale set an all-time Pebble Beach auction record.

Labels: Bugatti

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours last weekend, and chassis number one was promptly auctioned off the following day by Gooding & Company for the obnoxious sum of $2.9 million. "Standard" pricing for the ultra-exclusive convertible is set at €1.4 million, or about $2 million, so a paltry $900,000 for the privilege of owning the first one is totally worth it.

Labels: Bugatti

It’s fair to say that the folks at Audi have found their styling muse. After we swooned over the shape of the new S5 coupe, Audi basically added two doors to the design and called it the A4. It’s less zoomy-looking than the coupe, but it’s still sexy—unmistakably Audi—and won’t be confused with any other Auto Union offerings.

In order to combat the inherent handling handicap that is inescapable in this front-heavy drivetrain layout, the A4’s wheelbase has been stretched six and a half inches, to 110.6. That, combined with a reduced front overhang, means the weight distribution moves astern—55.5 percent of the new A4’s 3860 pounds are over the front wheels, which is about three percentage points less than the case of the last V-6 Quattro A4 we tested. To further improve the A4’s dynamic prowess, the all-wheel-drive system favors the rear wheels with a 40/60 front-to-back torque split.

How’s that for progress? What’s more, curb weight is up by just 40 pounds despite increases in overall length and width of 4.6 and 2.1 inches, respectively.

Labels: Audi

It was my first time in the car and I quickly found that everyone, and I mean everyone, notices the R8.

I didn't really mind most of the attention, though I did feel weird receiving it in such an expensive car that wasn't mine - especially when several people had the moxie to ask what it cost. At that point, I felt compelled to tell them I didn't own it. Others just asked what it was, whether it was a new model, or who was letting me drive it.

Labels: Audi

Call us Berlin North. A German production company set up shop yesterday at the Duke Street parking garage in Kitchener to film a commercial for the 2009 Audi A6.

Most of the ad was shot in Toronto, but for the final day of the four-day shoot, the crew came to Kitchener to take advantage of the unique open-air helix or corkscrew-style garage. There used to be a similar garage at Toronto's Eaton Centre, but it was torn down a few years ago.

"This company knew exactly what they wanted. They wanted the helix," Scott said. The garage is listed among 6,300 filming locations on the Ontario Media Development Corporation's database.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

We're assuming it was in town for the Monterey Historics as it was tooling around with a quartet of Lamborghinis. Colter was quick with his phone and able to grab exterior shots from each angle, a pair of interior shots and even photos of the direct-injection, 200 HP, 2.0-liter TSI mill.

Labels: VW

220kW for $64,990. That’s $295 per kilowatt. On a bang-for-buck basis, Volkswagen’s new Passat R36 sedan is impressive for a premium European performance sedan.

While the performance version of VW’s large 4WD is the company’s most powerful vehicle (258kW) , the Passat R36 is the quickest Volkswagen in the world.

In our longest track stint of about 10 laps, the brakes provided excellent pedal feel as well as consistent stopping performance – the latter crucial for the kind of heavy braking required on parts of Phillip Island’s challenging track.

The R36’s 3.6-litre V6 plays its part, too, delivering an engaging exhaust note and an eagerness to rev smoothly. Acceleration is strong rather than spectacular, though, and the engine delivers a better punch in its mid range rather than top end, thanks to peak torque (350Nm) that is flat all the way from 2400-5300rpm.

The DSG transmission can be left in auto Sport mode, where downshifts will be accompanied automatically by throttle blipping.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

The prototype seen here is sporting a fixed roof (though this could only be a temporary measure) as well as an oversized rear wing and new diffuser. Other clues hinting that this could a new RS Boxster are the plastic rear window (designed to save weight) as well as the full roll cage and carbon ceramic brakes.

Labels: Porsche

CEO Stefan Winkelmann denied rumors of a two-wheel-drive Lamborghini LP560-2 and confirmed that Lamborghini’s Motorsport future. An official announcement will come within a few weeks.

Labels: Lamborghini

Here’s a brand whose stable of engines houses some of the most potent diesels on sale today. And for 10 years, Audi has also produced one of the most popular small coupés: the TT.

Under hard acceleration, there’s a pleasing overtone of turbo whistle and an engaging exhaust note, although the unit still sounds slightly gruff.

The pay-off is the massive 350Nm of torque the engine produces. What’s more, it’s available from only 1,750rpm. Mid-range punch is impressive, making the TT feel significantly more powerful than its 168bhp output would suggest.

Labels: Audi

Audi's eighth-generation A4 Avant wagon, just released in South Africa along with a V6-engined, range-topping sedan, is an intriguing mixture of looks and practicality, sportiness and utility, luxury and load-carrier.

And, as near as I could tell within the limits of a launch-day ride-'n-drive, it hasn't compromised any of those attributes.

Anyone who has ever driven a VW Beetle – or a Porsche 911! – will tell you that it is difficult to overstate the advantages of such a layout in terms of handling.

So, even without the latest generation of Audi's adaptive suspension and Bosch electronic stability system, it would handle better than its predecessor. With them, it's awesome.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Lovers of both fuel mileage and torque can finally rest easy; Volkswagen of America is now officially selling its 50-State-approved, clean diesel engine in either the Jetta sedan for $21,990 or Jetta SportWagen wrappers for $23,590. Equipped with the six-speed DSG transmission, both Jetta gets an EPA rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway.

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The Gold Coast edition is distinguished by a body kit that'll be sold as a factory option on other CCs, 19-inch wheels that aren't currently in production but hopefully will be later in the 2009 MY or at least for 2010, and special paint and interior colors.

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As you'd expect, Bugatti hasn't just hacked the roof off the Veyron and gone to the pub. The windshield is slightly higher, the daytime running lights have been tweaked and then there's the showpiece: a removable, transparent polycarbonate roof, which blends the A-pillars into two painted carbon fiber strips that lead into the massive air intakes feeding the 1001 hp, quad-turbocharged, W16.

If you stow the roof at home for the world's fastest open-air, four-wheeled experience and the heavens decide to open, a folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be – according to Bugatti – "opened like an umbrella." With the soft-top in place, speeds are limited to an incredibly low 130 km/h (81 mph), otherwise, the Grand Sport can hit 252 mph with the polycarbonate roof and 224 mph with the top removed.

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Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save weight and improve dynamics. The engine lineup will likely mirror the current range, starting with a 2.8L petrol V6 and topping out 4.2L V8 FSI and possibly the carmaker’s new 6.0L V12 TDI. There will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The 6.0L W12 engine is reportedly being phased out due to its high costs and emissions.

The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability.

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Audi's Q7 is a terrific looking crossover that can get the job done when it comes to carrying cargo and people.

Quattro all-wheel drive, a dynamic shift program, hill descent assist, electronic stabilization program, speed sensitive steering, satellite radio, a rearview parking system with rearview camera, and quite a bit of safety equipment.

When it comes to looks, crossovers generally share the same styling elements: a sloping, sleek roofline, elongated taillights, an aggressive looking grille and large, round wheel well cut-outs.

While Audi's Q7 has some of those elements, it looks more coupe-like.

The trademark Audi grille is both classic and contemporary. And the huge chrome wheels shout elegance, too.

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The new Audi TT TDI. The world's first 50mpg sportscar.

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The unmistakable Volkswagen front-end, with two cross-struts and a centrally placed Volkswagen logo between trapezoidal headlamps is highlighted by the ground effects on the CC Gold Coast. A high-end tri-coat paint, DuPont’s Pepe Pepper, features a rich mix of gold, brown and silver tones that compliment the cars design characteristics.

The rear end of the coupé is also marked by large-surface dual taillights that produce an unmistakable visual image day and night. A spoiler with additional rear-end ground effects helps further enhance the vehicle’s sporty nature. The CC Gold Coast sits on 19 inch propeller style wheels, which provide a combination of sharp style and improved curb appeal.

Volkswagen’s attention to detail is shown off in the interior of the CC Gold Coast with four ergonomically formed sport seats wrapped in luxurious leather, a combination of Latte Macchiatto, Cornsilk with Bronze Piping on the seats with matching accents on the dash and door trim.

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At the end of a most excellent day spent behind the wheel of a 385-hp C4S Coupe, our synapses crackled as though we'd been straddling a lightning bolt. So visceral was our reaction to the car's unfettered capabilities that a series of fast laps at the Michelin proving grounds left us as giddy as if we'd been sucking on a bottle of pure ozone.

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Integrated into the restyled front bumpers of both models are new LED daylight driving lights which are currently all the rage overseas.

The rear boasts the most significant change, adopting the new LED taillight design which made its first public debut in the new 911.

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Safe ’n’ sturdy still sums it up. Despite the conditions, the S3 is gripping hard and finding good traction, so speed across country is not in doubt. That’s backed up by the engine, which now seems to deliver its power in a more progressive, less explosive fashion.

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As it turns out, journalists were hypnotized by the R8, claiming it to be a miracle on wheels. A $150,000 car ended up being proclaimed the Car of the Year by the AJAC, which only a handful of Canadians will be able to purchase, since only a few hundred copies of the car will be sold here. It seems that some of my colleagues at the AJAC need to get their head checked out.

Still, the R8 has done wonders for the company's image; as Audi cranks out new models, like the A4 and A5, they borrow styling cues from the flagship and bring its style down to more affordable levels. The R8 is a rolling advertisement.

Saying that the R8 draws attention on the streets is an understatement. This car attracts more people around it than a dropped french fry gathers seagulls in a McDonald's parking lot. The car is large but very low, so it immediately grabs the eye in flowing traffic. The contrast-coloured side blade also looks unique.

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For sports car enthusiasts concerned about high gasoline prices, MyRide.com has come out with a list of the top 10 fuel-efficient sports cars. The guide was based on the EPA's annual fuel-cost ratings. It assumes 15,000 miles of driving -- 55 percent city and 45 percent highway.

The lowest fuel cost vehicle on the list is the Audi TT Coupe at 26 miles per gallon with annual fuel cost of $2,501.

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The seats are good though – really grippy, and with adjustable side-bolsters – while the chunky, sculpted wheel is nice to hold and the backlit instruments with their blue needles look cool. It all feels pleasingly robust, too, though neither as posh nor as sporty as an RS Audi.

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It's been styled under Walter de' Silva and borrows from VW's vast parts bin to keep development costs low. The source tells Inside Line that this project is resurfacing for "the fifth time in [five] years" but expresses optimism that the project will reach fruition this time, possibly to be assembled in Germany by VW's longtime partner Karmann.

To keep weight down and performance strong, VW is said to have referred to Audi about aluminum space frame construction. This has fueled some two years' worth of rumors — and attendant denials from Ingolstadt — that there could be an Audi R4 version of the new model. The rumored car has been described as a cut-priced R8 and could use more powerful Audi engines like the new EA888-based 211-hp, 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine and an upcoming 204-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter TDI common-rail diesel instead of the more frugal VW power plants.

Another intriguing idea: VW majority shareholder Porsche is said to have shown interest in the new project, opening the way for a possible resurrection of the 914.

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With its rear spoiler, fender flares, and aggressive stance, the GTS is the best-looking Cayenne of the bunch, in my opinion. Sharing my opinion was some dude in a crappy Ford Aspire, who gave me an approving head nod after I burbled by his car.

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Key Highlights
• Sales: A6 is segment leader in worldwide sales (vs. BMW 5 series and Mercedes E class).
• Design: New front/rear lighting and front bumper/grille design; LED lighting technology for both front DRL and side mirror lighting; new wheel program, and interior accent updates.
• Engines: All-new powertrain: 3.0 TFSI V6 with 300 hp for the USA; A6 is the only car in its class to continue to offer 100% direct injection engines.
• All-wheel drive: newly implemented 40/60 asymmetric rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive on A6 models.
• Suspension/handling: Upgraded suspension for optimizing comfort and dynamic handling.
• Safety: New optional side assist (blind spot detection).

Market
• The A6 sedan and Avant sells over 12,000 units per annum in the USA.
• Key competitors are BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E class.

Design
• New front headlamps with optional LED daytime running lights.
• New foglamp, front bumper, and front grille design
• New rear 2-piece rear LED lighting for the sedan with special night-time optical view similar to A6 Avant.
• Typical Audi interior design is modern and sophisticated, with clear attention to detail, now enhanced with aluminum interior accents.
• New wheel program.
• New aluminum accents on steering wheel and other areas.
• Soft armrests of the doors to increase comfort.

Technology
• New 3rd Generation MMI comes to the USA for model year 10 in Fall 2009.
• Instrument cluster uses higher resolution graphics.

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Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator.

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On the upside, the Tiguan's handling is downright sporty, with appropriate levels of body roll and precise steering. As electric power steering goes, this one's pretty well calibrated, making parking maneuvers effortless without overassisting once you're in motion. The Tiguan begs to be driven quickly and tossed about, and thanks to its relatively low center of gravity, good roadholding and a standard electronic stability system, that's not the irresponsible act it would be in many SUVs.

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Volkswagen's Hydrogen Fuel Cell concept vehicle, the HyMotion Tiguan, will travel from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles, Calif. over the next 13 days as part of the National Hydrogen Road Tour, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the California Fuel Cell Partnership, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Hydrogen Association. A dedicated Web blog, http://vwhydrogentour.com/ will provide daily updates and photos from the historic trip.

"Volkswagen is thrilled to join with our federal and state partners and other OEMs to be part of this historic event highlighting hydrogen's potential as a future energy source," said John Tillman program manager, U.S. Advanced Powertrain Research Program, Volkswagen Group of America. "Volkswagen has long been committed to fuel efficient vehicles and this is evident in the research and engineering behind the Tiguan HyMotion. With water as the only byproduct, this incredible vehicle has zero emissions and has a top speed of 93 miles per hour."

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The Porsche 911 is a lot like a Coke bottle. (Follow me on this one, please.) Think about it: Both have shapely, wider-at-the-hips figures. Both have evolved over the years for purposes of weight savings and to stay fresh. And, when opened up, both provide a distinctive sensory experience.

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Nine rare Lamborghinis, including one of the earliest 350 GTs and a Miura owned by the chairman of Marriott International, will be among the headliners this year at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The collection of Lamborghinis also will include several rare cars from the Italian automaker's storied 46-year history, including five from the 1960s, a 1977 Countach LP 400 Bertone and a 1996 Raptor Zagato coupe.

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The convertible version of Audi’s R8 supercar has been spotted testing in Germany without a hint of camouflage material. These latest images of the test car reveal that the new convertible will gain a conventional fabric roof but misses out on the R8’s trademark aluminum side blades.

Other major changes for the new Spider that are expected to make it to production will be additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll-over bars. The placement of the fuel filler ca