Grand Bentley: Spy shots directly from Crewe factory!

We found some spy shots of the new Grand Bentley directly smuggled from the Crewe factory. Have a look!

Under development with the code-name Project Kimberley, the new Bentley is slated to replace the aging Arnage sedan at the top of the company's line-up and do battle with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. With technological input from its sister companies under the Volkswagen auto umbrella, the as-yet unnamed Grand Bentley promises to take a big step forward from the Arnage, which still carries its mechanicals and platform from the days when the automaker was under the same roof as Rolls -- not in direct competition. The spy shots reveal mesh grilles, LED lights, a retractable hood ornament (like the Phantom's) and a swooping roofline reminiscent of the classic 50's-era R-Type Continental.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Grand Bentley

Source: Autoblog

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi: Production details and info for new navigation system in the Audi R8, TT and A3

Read here all the details about the updated navigation system for the Audi R8, Audi TT and Audi A3.

When does production start of cars fitted with the new system?
For A3 and TT, we're told production will start along with the MY2010 changeover. If it's a 2010 A3 or TT, it should have the new system installed.

For the R8, production will be slightly delayed by about 10 weeks. Officially, R8 production with the new system should begin in week 32. Why the delay? Audi wasn't specific, but we suspect it's got something to do with the R8's different layout. The CD changer in the R8 is mounted behind the seats and this area will likely need to be redesigned to a standard that meets Audi's quality demands in order to replace the changer and make room for iPod docking.

What about retrofits?]
Initial word on retrofits from Ingolstadt is that this is a 2010 thing only. We pointedly asked if you were to swap the unit into an older Navi-equipped car whether it would work and the answer was no. We asked if this was a software issue or a hardware issue (i.e. new or different wiring harnesses etc.) and were told it is probably hardware but that this has not yet been confirmed. In other words, replacement won't be plug and play but we suspect there will still be those who figure out a workaround given the resourcefulness of the online enthusiast community.

One last thing... A3/TT vs. R8 without Navi
This upgrade applies to all R8s as R8s get a screen even if they don't get navigation. That's not so in the case of the TT or the A3. Non navigation TT and A3 models don't get a screen and thus will not get the new level of iPod connectivity offered by these updated units.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi Navigation System

Source: Fourtitude

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: Comparison against Auto Union D-Type Grand Prix car

Very interesting comparison here of the Audi R8 V10 against the Auto Union D-Type Grand Prix car from 1939. Enjoy!

A starter motor that sounds like it's off a vintage aircraft turns over the 3.0-liter 3-cam V-12, and the first tentative cylinder firings suggest this is a gut-powerful, low-revving engine. Yet when it clears its throat and catches, the V-12 revs with ease, a sharp-edged roar as the tach needle climbs, heavy gear whine as it falls back. If you must dim your hearing...

Then Ian McFarland climbs into the wide seat of the mid-engine machine, reattaches the steering wheel and roars off down the straightaway, headed toward what look to be vintage racetrack pits. Squint a bit and you could almost see Hermann Paul Müller rushing up that same straight on July 9, 1939, winning the French Grand Prix.

You read of how the sight and sound of the German Grand Prix cars gave pause to the English and French as war loomed ahead in 1939, and this explains it. Sure sounds like a low-flying piston fighter plane.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Source: Road and Track

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

VW up!: Production costs only 900 Euro?

WorldCarFans is claiming that the production of the VW up! will only cost about 900 Euros. We have our doubts.

A report in Autocar claims the diminutive car will be manufactured in India at a cost of roughly €900. The company will then turn around and sell the cars for roughly €9,000.

Of course, this does not factor in the additional costs of either import & export taxes, nor does it include shipping & transportation fees. These costs will certainly cut into VW's profit margin on the car. However, the company could just as easily add a "destination charge" on top of the sticker price to maximize their profits.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW up!

Source: World Car Fans

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Gumpert Apollo Speed: Spy shots!

We are huge fans of the Gumpert Apollo, a car with an incredible amount of downforce, so we are happy to see new spy shots of the Gumpert Apollo Speed. Enjoy!

The Apollo uses a twin-turbo, 4.2L Audi V-8 that can produce 650, 700, or 800-hp, depending on sanity. Torque ranges from 627, 645, to 664 lb-ft. The superlative power coupled with a 2640-lb curb weight allows the Apollo to accelerate to 60 mph in three seconds. A trip to 124 mph takes 8.9 seconds, and gearing limits the top speed to 224 mph.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Gumpert Apollo Speed

Source: Notor Trend

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi A6: First impression of next generation

The cover of the current Autobild has a great impression of the next-generation Audi A6. Have a look at the evolved single-frame grille and those sporty, but still well-designed lines. Awesome looks!
Expect to see the new Audi A6 on the road from 2010.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A6

Source: Autobild

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi: How to import music with the new MMI and Jukebox

Here's a nice how-to report about how to import your music into Audi's new Jukebox which can be found eg. in the new Audi Q5. By the way, Japan had this feature for years already.

You can take music from a “burned” CD but be aware that the 3G MMI Jukebox is somewhat particular about what brand of CD you use, as well, the format must be MP3. Now when it comes to an iPod or similar device, you have to tranfer the music onto an SD card first and import it or you can use a memory stick, however if this is the case you will need a special designated Audi cable to transfer the music (Cable part #4F0 051 510 G). The jukebox system works very well and is very convenient. If I were to make a suggestion it would be to put the music you plan to import onto an SD or flashcard because the import is much quicker then from a burned MP3 CD. The process to import the music is very simple but make sure on the 3G MMI that you are using a card 4GB or less.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi Jukebox

Source: I am Audi

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi: 135ft monument unveiled at Goodwood

Audi has unveiled its massive monument at Goodwood to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary during the Festival of Speed.

This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union streamliner and new Audi R8 V10 suspended at either end. Standing 135-feet tall and weighing 40 tonnes, as they say in Britain, the piece is made entirely of steel to support itself without braces or cables. Gerry Judah is the designer, as he has been for Goodwood's featured art installations since 1997 when he first designed one for Ferrari. This is also the second time he's produced a piece for Audi, the first one being back in 1999.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi

Source: Autoblog

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Porsche Panamera: Diesel, hybrid and high performance model in the works

Porsche is planning a diesel, a hybrid and a high performance model of the Porsche Panamera.

Porsche has already confirmed that it will offer a hybrid version of the Panamera after the gasoline Panameras make their market debut later this year (no official date on when the hybrid Panamera will arrive in dealerships). According to AutoCar, Porsche is also planning a diesel version of the new Panamera and is looking to use existing Volkswagen diesel engines.

Porsche is also said to be working on an even faster Panamera that will sit above the Turbo model. It will use the same strategy as the Cayenne GTS and will do away with the Panamera Turbo’s standard air suspension and replacing it with steel springs.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche Panamera

Source: eGM Cartech

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

VW Jetta SportWagen: TDI has 81% share of sales in US

The diesel variant scored a whopping 81% share in sales of the VW Jetta SportWagen. Nice!

The Jetta SportWagen once again posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,982 units. Clean diesel TDI's accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.

"Volkswagen of America is encouraged by the momentum of our clean diesel TDI sales," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "It appears that U.S. consumers are starting to realize the many benefits of today's clean diesels--vehicles that attain more than 30 percent better fuel economy while emitting 25 percent less greenhouse gas emission, all without sacrificing driving dynamics," Barnes added.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Jetta SportWagen

Source: Autoblog

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi A7: Coming end of 2010

The Audi A7 will come end of 2010 and is clearly targeting the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A7

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Audi A6 3.0T quattro: US review

Nice review here of the Audi A6 3.0T quattro. Have a read!

Nestled between the cylinder banks is a belt-driven compressor huffing enough air through the manifold to deliver 300 peak horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,850 rpm. In the A6, the engine was developed to deliver instant, seamless acceleration at freeway speeds. And it does. Flawlessly. The belt driven blower means turbo lag is nonexistent and with this much grunt available at the flick of an ankle, it could easily replace the V8 before long. Although the engine – shared by the 333 hp 2010 Audi S4 – has been slightly detuned, the 4,123-pound A6 gets to 60 mph in just under six seconds and you'll never be struggling to merge onto the highway or make a pass on a two-lane road.

Also updated for 2009 is Audi's all-wheel drive setup, and like the versions employed on the new A4 and A5, the reworked Quattro system features a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split. Approaching the limits of grip, the A6 offers a more balanced feel, eliminating much of the understeer traditionally associated with 50/50 AWD platforms. Power is transferred via a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that allows the shift lever to be pushed to the right for manual gear selection.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A6 3.0T quattro

Source: Autoblog

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

VW Passat CC: Winner of Red Dot Design Award

The VW Passat CC has won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.

The red dot award is just the latest award the CC has collected for its exterior design. Other awards already nabbed include the IF Product Design Award 2009 and the Australian International Design Award.

The process behind choosing the winners for the red dot awards is exhaustive, with design experts from all over the world collaborating to evaluate each entry in the competition's numerous categories. The design experts are changed each year to keep the selection process as impartial as possible and ensure that the awards remain an effective indicator of good design.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Passat CC

Source: Motor Authority

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Porsche Panamera S: Review

Interesting review here of the Porsche Panamera S.

It’s a highly impressive car. The ride is Mercedes S-class smooth in the softest of three suspension settings; the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox manages to be both silky smooth at car park speeds and engagingly direct – with no loss of refinement – at faster speeds; and the V8 is a peach. For the most part you’ll barely hear the engine, but accelerate hard and a dramatic V8 hammering seeps into the cabin as the power builds with a lovely, creamy linearity to the 6500rpm redline.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche Panamera S

Source: Car Magazine

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder: New photos released

Lamborghini has release some nice new photos of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Enjoy!




Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Source: Autoblog

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more