Audi TT-RS, Audi TT-RS Roadster: New spy shots!

We found some fresh and juicy spy shots of the Audi TT-RS coupe and Audi TT-RS Roadster. Great!

The TT RS will naturally use quattro all-wheel drive to keep all that grunt in check. Audi will use a single turbo – not the twin-turbo set-up that other media have speculated upon.

That 2.5-litre five-pot comes from a far-flung corner of the VW empire: the North American Jetta. And if a five-cylinder, turbocharged, 4wd Audi sports coupe rings any bells (Ur Quattro, anyone?) that's deliberate. Expect many connections to be made in the marketing material.

With the latest version of Audi’s S tronic twin-clutch box, the RS is said to hit 60mph in around five seconds – putting it firmly in supercar territory.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi TT-RS, Audi TT-RS Roadster

Source: Car Magazine

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Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: Not coming to the US

Again and sadly confirmed: the awesome Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro will not find its (official) way to the US.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI was first revealed in production trim at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year but withheld key information, such as when the vehicle would eventually go on sale and what its specifications would look like, until last month. Now Audi has reportedly revealed that the Q7 V12 TDI will not be coming to America.

The new Q7 will be the world’s first passenger vehicle powered by a V12 TDI engine, and will go on sale at the end of the year, complete with a 500hp (368kW) and 737lb-ft (1,000Nm) output. Americans, however will have to make do with the 3.0L variant of the Q7, reports Car and Driver. The decision to snuff the brawny SUV for the U.S. market was based on sales volume projections and expected demand - both of which were very low. Europe, on the other hand, can't get enough diesel engines in general, and is expected to love the big V12 TDI.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

Source: Motor Authority

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Audi A4: 5 stars rating from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program

Great news for the Audi A4 which received 5 stars from the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.

Audi's new-for-'09 A4 just garnered top 5-star crash and rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA awarded the A4 5-stars in its NCAP, or New Car Assessment Program.

NCAP tests all new vehicles at 5 mph above U.S. crash test requirements, resulting in a 35 mph frontal crash test and a 38.5 mph side crash test. It then awards cars from one to five stars based on their performance in those tests.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A4

Source: The Car Connection

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Audi A8: New Transporter 3 trailer released

A new trailer for Transporter 3 has been released showing some Audi A8 glory. Will be a must see movie in November!

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A8

Source: The German Car TV

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VW: More information about VW's 2-seat sports car

We found some additional, but different information about VW's new 2-seat sports car.

The modular chassis is said to use clever new kinematics in the new strut-based suspension system that does away with the need for pricey, Golf-style multi-link axles. Money pinching is crucial here, but not at the expense of delivering a fun-to-drive, pointy sports car.

To this end, R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg has disclosed to CAR that the new affordable sports car will use parts-bin steering, brakes, electronics and DSG twin-clutch transmissions. Bearing in mind some of the expertise out there on Planet VW, that’s no bad thing…

You bet. CAR Online has already revealed the new sub-Boxster Porsche sports car and Ingolstadt is developing its own budget mid-engined sportster in the shape of the Audi R3.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW

Source: Car Magazine

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VW Golf GTI: Wallpapers for your desktop pleasure

Here's some eye-candy to decorate your desktop: the new VW Golf GTI.

The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Golf GTI

Source: Serious Wheels

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Porsche 911: PDK launch control demo video with Hurley Haywood

Great demo video here of the new Porsche 911 PDK launch control system with nobody less than Hurley Haywood. Enjoy!

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche 911

Source: The German Car TV

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Porsche 911: RUF electric concept on pictures

We have told you earlier that RUF is working on a full-electric Porsche. And here it is!

Ruf Automobile has gone public with its stunning electric eRUF concept car, which is obviously based on a Porsche 911. The automobile packs a three-phase electric motor that puts out around 200-horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, and it can reportedly go from nothing to sixty in under seven ticks. The juice is provided by a Li-ion phosphate battery pack that produces 317-volts / 480-amps and is constructed from 96 individual cells, and combined with the power garnered by the regenerative braking system, it can cruise up to 180 miles before needing a ten-hour recharge.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche 911

Source: Engadget

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Lamborghini Estoque: Just teasing? Next is a coupe?

Street word has it that the Lamborghini Estoque is just a teaser for something else coming: a coupe.

As it turns out, Lamborghini might have been joking with its Estoque concept. Love it or hate it, the Estoque concept could be the fore-runner in a far more exciting project involving some stylistic choices to be played with. According to Audiblog.nl the company could be considering a project along the lines of a four seater coupè with front engine.

This could be Lamborghini’s response to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Lamborghini Estoque

Source: Eurocarblog

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Audi RS: Future will bring plenty of S-tronic, but no diesel

An interview with Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development at Audi and Stephan Reil, quattro GmbH's technology development boss reveals the future of the Audi RS models: plenty of S-tronic, but no diesels!

Considering the Audi R10 TDI diesel's impressive racing record, I asked whether diesel might figure in a future Audi RS model. After all, AMG has sold diesel models in Europe and Audi tantalized us with the screaming V12 TDI in an R8 concept at the 2008 Detroit show. Mr. Hatz reiterated that transmission and packaging problems ultimately killed the idea of an RS8 TDI variant, but pointed out that putting that engine in the (European) Q7 makes that a Q7 RS in everything but name. It is a quattro Gmbh product, but the company is loathe to apply the RS designation to any tall, heavy SUV. He admitted, however, that the 500-hp, 738-lb-ft V-12 monster DOES indeed fit in the Lamborghini Estoque's engine bay, and Lambo literature hinted at the possibility of diesel power. But as for the normal range of RS products, the diesel engine's characteristics don't fit very well with those of the target Audi buyer. This could change, though, and if demand is strong for the forthcoming TT TDI (again in Europe only), maybe something will change.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi RS

Source: Motor Trend

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Audi: Meet The Beckers viral movie is hilarious!

Audi of America has released a new viral movie called "Meet The Beckers" and they make outright, hilarious fun of the sterotypes of their competitors. It's definitely a must see! More episodes to come.

"Meet the Beckers" chronicles a couple driving to the family home (mansion) for a reunion. They seem normal and even likable. The video also shows other members of the Becker clan heading to the reunion, but they're driving a BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus RX350. Instead of pointing out the virtues of Audi vs. the competition, the four-ringed automaker hammers home the long standing stereotypes associated with the other players in the luxury market. The creepy couple in the BMW convertible cuts off a Prius and the driver has a Bluetooth headset on his ear. The Mercedes owner is an old man with a hot young bride, and he he drives away with the wipers going and his blinker on. The Lexus owners are yuppies with twins who appear to have a devil-worship problem. This is laugh till you cry stuff, folks, and an absolute must watch.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi Meet The Beckers

Source: Autoblog, thanks to Kobla for the tip

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Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: Driving scenes video

Awesome driving scenes video here of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. What a beast!

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

Source: The German Car TV

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VW, Audi, Porsche: New information about the new low-cost, mid-engine sports car

It's no secret any longer that Audi and VW are thinking about a new low-cost, mid-engine sports car and we have more information for you.

At the Los Angeles auto show in November, Volkswagen will unwrap a new mid-engine sports car concept. This marks the third iteration of a theme that started in 2003 with the Concept R and continued in 2005 with the EcoRacer.

The proposal we'll see in L.A. pursues three different strategic goals:

* For Volkswagen, it provides an attractive product in a niche that has long been defined by the Mazda Miata.
* For Audi, it offers the opportunity to switch the next-generation TT from the current FWD/AWD platform to a much more prestigious and more dynamically rewarding mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
* For Porsche (which recently cleared another legal hurdle in its quest to take control of VW), there's a chance to join the fray with a modern successor to the rear-engine 356.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW, Audi, Porsche

Source: Automobile Mag

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VW Jetta TDI: Long-term test report

Inside Line has started a long-term test report of the VW Jetta TDI.

The 2009 Jetta TDI comes equipped with a fair number of luxury features as standard equipment, as VW has positioned this car as the top of the Jetta line. Among them are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, iPod-friendly aux input, an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a 10-speaker audio system. That TDI designation also means the Jetta in question is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4 fueled by ultralow-sulfur diesel.

Making 140 horsepower is one thing. Making 263 pound-feet of torque at only 1,750 rpm is something else. And mixing these figures into a sedan body weighing 3,364 pounds and cranking out an EPA rating of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway is something fantastic.

Helping the Jetta on its way to these hybrid-esque numbers is Volkswagen's industry-changing DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Jetta TDI

Source: Inside Line

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VW Golf GTI Pirelli Edition: Arrived in Australia

The VW Golf GTI Pirelli Edition has arrived in Australia and is available for order.

The legendary tyre tracks are now being extended by the new Golf GTI Pirelli, with completely new Pirelli high-performance tyres too. They are wrapped around powerful 18inch Pirelli wheels in Titanium look. The car’s interior has been upgraded with partial-leather sports seats with an embedded tyre tread pattern. Instead of the current GTI’s 147kW, the new car converts 169kW into forward propulsion. If needed, a 245 km/h top speed is within the car’s capabilities. In 6.6 seconds the Turbo-FSI propels the GTI Pirelli to 100 km/h from a standstill.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Golf GTI Pirelli Edition

Source: Full boost, picture by VWvortex

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Lamborghini Estoque: Interior photos revealed

We found some of the first interior photos of the new Lamborghini Estoque. Enjoy!

As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Lamborghini Estoque

Source: Autoblog

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Porsche Panamera: Coming with diesel and as convertible?

Rumors are flying around that the Porsche Panamera might receive a diesel and convertible option later on.

At launch, the rear-wheel-drive Panamera will come with a 300-hp 3.6L V6 from V-Dub. A 400-hp 4.8L V8 will also be available along with a turbocharged 500-hp version. Porsche has already confirmed a hybrid Panamera for 2010 that will reduce fuel-consumption by 30 percent.

According to Automotive News, the Stuttgart based automaker is now considering a diesel version along with a targa top version for the Panamera as well.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche Panamera

Source: eGM Cartech

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Porsche 911 Carrera: Review of the new PDK double-clutch transmission

We found an interesting, but not a favorable review here of the new PDK double-clutch transmission by Porsche.

PDK stands for Porsche Delight Killer. Sad but true: the German automaker’s engineered most of the fun out of it. Like ye olde Tiptronic, the PDK really likes to upshift. I started out normally from rest at an intersection. Before I reached the other side, PDK had shifted twice. By the time I reached 30 mph, I was in seventh; I felt like I was driving a Trabant with an aromatic leather interior. PDK behaves like a student project designed to extract maximum mpg from what used to be a high performance sports car.

Back when I drove the new BMW M3, I wondered why I needed all those shift modes. Now that I’ve driven PDK, I longed for a few of those shift modes. Porsche gives you one, otherwise, its paddle for yourself. To make matters worse, PDK is not particularly PDQ. Upshifts are not noticeable but downshifts are lurchy and slow, even when performed manually. On top of all this, the ergonomics of the steering wheel controls are awful. Again, upshifting feels OK. But downshifting requires that you almost reach behind the wheel for the change. Not to put too fine a point on it, PDK ruined my 911 experience.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche 911 Carrera

Source: The Truth About Cars

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Bentley Arnage Final Series: Wallpapers for your desktop pleasure

Since its debut in 1998 the Arnage has conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the last decade the car has undergone a process of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market.

To celebrate 10 years of the Arnage, 50 years of its mighty V8 engine and 90 years of the marque, Bentley Motors will launch its limited edition model at the Paris Motor Show next week.

Called the Bentley Arnage Final Series, the new model features a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupe, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon – a grand finale, for the grandest of Bentleys.

Hand crafted at Bentley’s Crewe facility, the Final Series is an exclusive run of 150 cars, a unique example of the marque’s flagship created to bid ‘farewell’ to the highly successful Arnage line in the most appropriate manner and style. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explains:

“For 10 years, Arnage has enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon market. The Final Series is a celebration of the Arnage era as Bentley prepares for the next generation of its flagship model.”

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Bentley Arnage Final Series

Source: Serious Wheels

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Bugatti: What's new for 2009?

Not many news for 2009 from Bugatti, but nice to be reminded.

2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4: No significant changes.

2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport : The new Grand Sport is an open-top or targa version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. It's powered by the same midmounted 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine used in the coupe. It's good for 1,001 hp and an unbelievable 922 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive supercar also packs a beefed-up seven-speed version of its excellent dual-clutch gearbox.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Bugatti

Source: Inside Line

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Audi S5: Spy shots? Coming with 3.0 TFSI?

We found an interesting source saying that the next-generation Audi S5 which is expected for early next year will receive the new 3.0 TFSI engine, also used in the new Audi S4 and leaving the V8 for the Audi RS5. Anyway the picture above looks more like the Audi RS5 to us.

Looks have received subtle revisions over the current car, but we know that under its bonnet the new S5 gets Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in place of the current model’s 4.2-litre V8.

The new motor made its debut in the recently-revealed S4, and although its 329bhp is slightly down on old V8’s 339bhp, it has more mid-range torque and a broader powerband.

The revised S5 will also benefit from the option of a seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission and the latest iteration of Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system, which uses a torque vectoring active rear differential to assist cornering.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi S5

Source: Autocar

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