The BMW X6 and its overwhelming success could not remain a dead letter. Circulating for some time now the persistent rumor that Audi is preparing to bring to market a model very comparable to that of helium called provisionally (but reliably ...) Q6, the new SUV from Ingolstadt have much in common with the rival Monaco. Starting from the line of large SUV-coupe.
Based on the same platform of the new Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne , a will of its original strength, leaving the Q7 more practical aspects such as interior space and luggage capacity. Characterized by size a bit 'smaller than the enormous Q7, Q6, the more inclined will have a windshield and a tail similar developments observed on the rear window and the design of the headlights to that of' A7 .
This sport utility featuring a cabin just four seats, will offer a range of V6 petrol and diesel as well as a hybrid variant based on the same mechanics of homologous versions of the Touareg and Cayenne. Entire range of engines will be combined with four-wheel drive.
Click title for the source
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Here are the first spy shot available of an Audi RS4 Avant mule spotted during a test run.
The car shown here is based on an Audi S4 Avant but is sporting some RS4-like modifications.
This mule looks to be riding higher than a standard S4 due to the larger RS wheels from the RS5, with RS logos on the front brakes (bigger than on the S4). The front bumper has also been changed to accommodate larger air intakes. At the back is still the S4 exhaust but under the hood the car is packing something challenging, we just are not sure what that is.
We can speculate, though, and perhaps it will be a a tuned-down version of the 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 rumored to be in development for the upcoming RS6 and RS7 variants. For those two models it will come with a power rating in the neighborhood of 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp). On the RS4, output may get dialed down to around the 450 to 500 PS (493 bhp / 367 kW) mark.
As for when this RS4 is due, it is hard to say. But given that Audi has put the RS6 on an expedited development track for a 2012 debut, we can hope that they're doing the same for the RS4.
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
Porsche has announced the new Panamera S Turbo.
The news comes a little earlier than expected, as we reported earlier that an unveiling at either the New York or Shanghai auto show was coming. The Panamera S Turbo will likely be presented at both those shows now.
The Panamera Turbo S does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph).
The power boost was achieved by means of new titanium-aluminum turbines for the bi-turbo system and an optimized engine management.
Porsche has also kept an eye on fuel-economy with the Panamera Turbo S which has a consumption rating of 11.3 liters/100 km when fitted with specially-designed 19-inch rims and low roll-resistance all-season tires from Michelin. Porsche also offers 20-inch wheels on the model.
Standard on the Panamera Turbo S is the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and the Sport Chrono Package Turbo.
The Panamera Turbo S is priced at €167,076 in Germany, including VAT, with deliveries beginning as of June.
Click title for the source
From the A3 to A8, with the TT and R8 in between, every model in Audi’s range is available with four-wheel drive. Well, expect one: the A1. The platform that underpins Audi’s supermini (and is shared with the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza) wasn’t built for four-wheel drive.
And that front-wheel drive chassis is exactly the reason why Audi’s hottest A1 hatch isn’t called S1 – thankfully Audi saw sense before the car unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show and decided not to sully a great name by attaching it to the back of front-drive supermini. Instead it's now the snappily titled 1.4 TFSI (136kW).
However, Audi is busy engineering a four-wheel drive version, which may underpin a Polo R and Cross Polo, but which will definitely form the basis of an even hotter A1. And in a rare move, the usually secretive German car company has let us behind the wheel of a prototype.
So what’s under the skin of the Audi A1 Quattro?
Just to confuse matters, the basis of the mule we tested in the colds of Canada was the front-drive 1.4 TFSI (136kW) that caused the controversy. The A1 prototype has Haldex set-up similar to the system used in the A3 and TT – rather than the Torsen-type unit on bigger Audis – with an electronically controlled but hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle. That means power goes to the front wheels until they lose grip, at which point the clutch transfers torque to the back axle.
What about the engine?
It’s the familiar 1.4-litre Twincharger engine from the VW Group, but in Audi oh-so-slightly-different guise. In the Polo GTI/Fabia vRS/Ibiza Cupra the super- and turbocharged four-cylinder petrol is good for 178bhp at 6200rpm and 184lb ft from 2000-4500rpm, but because Audi’s little hot hatch has to top the range it has an extra four bhp.
The supercharger toils away at low revs (it works from 1500rpm, and in most situations it’s disengaged by 2400rpm), while the turbo takes over by 3500rpm, and Audi says its high-rev usage means in can be larger and designed for efficiency.
Which all sounds very clever, and in the front-wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission-equipped production A1 1.4 TSFI equals figures of 47.9mpg and 139g/km. Audi hasn’t released any figures for this prototype, but the extra weight (around 90kg) and friction of the four-wheel drive system means those figures won’t be bettered.
What’s this A1 like to drive?
Good. We only had a brief drive, and on a snow-covered circuit in the Canadian wilderness so of course the steering was light, but the A1 was also a hoot and able to perform long, lurid slides. There aren’t many four-wheel drive superminis around, so if /when the four-wheel drive system becomes available on lesser A1s it’ll give them a USP.
But importantly, the prototype had a manual gearbox. The VW/Skoda/Seat trio all feature a DSG ‘box which robs them of vital interaction (and the S-tronic transmission in the 136kW car will no doubt do the same) but this car is different. Why? Because Audi says it’s what it thinks customers will want. Hurrah!
The six-speed unit is slick and light, and it makes the car so much more enjoyable. And the engine, which many a road tester has found a bit boring thanks to its bias towards mid-range grunt, suddenly has an interesting crescendo. It sounds good too, rorty and a big rough – I can finally see the potential of this Twincharger engine.
Verdict
We can’t take too many driving impression away from our test, but we have discovered many positive things, chief of which is that Audi is trying to make more exciting cars. The production S1 won’t be a raw Clio Cup, but with its excellent interior it’ll be a formidable match for the JCW. A manual ‘box, circa-220bhp and four-wheel drive (to eliminate that Mini scrabble and torque steer)? The S1 sounds good to us.
Click title for the source
Here's a great set of spy shots of the upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 conducting what is likely one of its final rounds of testing on the Nürburgring.
The shots here show the next-generation 911 (998) with that adjustable rear spoiler both in action and at rest. This prototype is also sporting very little camouflage, with just a little masking around the eyes.
Relatively speaking, the next 911 gets a substantially redesigned body than the current 997 model. It's bulkier and rounder rear-end and stretched wheelbase give it a definitive new look. The car will be 56 mm longer than the current 911, with a wheelbase also stretched by 10 mm, and will be 11 mm shorter in height too.
Base engine will be a 3.4 liter Boxer engine with an output of 350 PS (257 kW / 345 bhp). The next Carrera S gets a 3.8 liter unit with 400 PS (294 kW / 395 bhp).
The 2012 Porsche 911 will be making its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The new Generation VW Scirocco which has been revived after many years of absence was indeed one of the most successful resurrections in the automotive history. This magnificent car also has a great customization potential.
Which is why after three years in the market, tuners can still come up with fresh ideas for modifying it. Here’s what Nurnberg-based tuner CSR Automotive has come up with to create a unique Scirocco.
Their body kit includes a single-frame front grille, side skirts and a rear apron from the O-Line-Design, the upper and lower rear wings, “bad-look” headlight trims and a stainless steel rear silencer with suitable outlets. What’s a pity is those carbon-look bits on the body which are actually foil and not real carbon. That’s uncool, but then using real carbon fiber would have raise the cost of the car beyond affordability.
For the wheels, they went to Schmidt Revolution and picked their insane Cirrus rims with carbon-look parts. These turbine-design wheels come in size 8.5×20″ with 235/30 ZR20 tires from Toyo at the front or 10.5×20″ with 285/25 ZR20 at the rear axles. Not sure sure if they’re very pretty, but they’re certainly unique. A complete set costs 3400 Euro.
Click title for the source
According to a recent report, Porsche will unveil the Panamera Turbo S sometime next month.
While nothing is official, the timeline matches up with the New York and Shanghai Auto Show. Furthermore, the original Turbo debuted at Auto Shanghai 2009 so it seems possible that the S could be introduced in China.
Under the hood, power will reportedly be provided by a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 engine that develops 550 PS (405 kW / 542 hp) and over 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This should enable the hatchback to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 188 mph (303 km/h).
If the reports are correct, the Panamera Turbo S will start arriving at dealerships in late June or early July.
Click title for the source
Meet the car of Audi’s future! Set to go on sale within the next two years, the German firm’s A5 e-tron Quattro prototype previews Audi’s latest hybrid Quattro drive train. And Auto Express is first behind the wheel.
To make the A5 e-tron, Audi has taken an A5 2.0-litre TFSI Quattro, disposed of the propshaft and added an electric motor to the rear axle.
With the propshaft removed, the transmission tunnel becomes the ideal place for the bank of lithium-ion batteries and a specially developed four-speed R-Tronic twin clutch gearbox.
A further electric motor has also been added just behind the TFSI engine which, when combined with the rear-mounted motor and petrol engine, produces 314bhp.
This ensures that the hybrid offers impressive performance – top speed is pegged at 142mph, but the 0-62mph sprint takes just 5.9 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than the quickest 2.0-litre petrol A5 on sale now.
But perhaps more impressive are Audi’s claimed efficiency figures. Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, the A5 hybrid will return 104mpg while only emitting just 64g/km of C02 emissions.
The A5 e-tron can drive on electric power alone for around 30 miles, but this does cut the top speed to 62mph. The batteries are recharged by the petrol engine, which is managed by an on-board computer, or can be topped up from a household plug. The batteries take around two hours to fully recharge.
The even better news is that the all-wheel drive Quattro system hardly notices the missing mechanical link between engine and rear axle. Audi has developed software that manages the distribution of power to all four wheels virtually seamlessly. The system monitors the grip of all four wheels constantly, and sends toque to where it’s most needed. 
Click title for the source
Monday, March 28, 2011
580-hp and 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds – there’s nothing not to like on the Audi RS6, besides the fact that we want a new one. If Dutch paper De Telegraaf is to be believed we might just get our wish next year.
According to a report by De Telegraaf, Audi is currently working on a new RS6 for a 2012 debut as a 2013 model year. That is well ahead of the usual schedule for the introduction of Audi RS variants. The new-generation Audi A6 just made its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but Audi wants to bring the new RS6 to the market as soon as possible to compete against the new BMW M5, which will debut next month and will go on sale later this year.
So what’s going to be under the hood? We’re not sure yet but rumor has it that Audi will drop the 5.2L V10 for a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making close to 600-hp.
We’ll have to wait and see.
Click title for the source
Friday, March 25, 2011
Life at Porsche is set to get a whole lot busier! Not content with ambitious plans to refresh its current line-up over the next three years, the German firm is seeking VW Group approval to add a new front-engined coupe and convertible to the range.
If the firm gets the nod from VW’s board, the new cars will be based on the second-generation Porsche Panamera platform, which is due to arrive in 2014. Once the Panamera is launched, the firm will add a smaller, two-door coupe to the range – which is being referred to internally as the Pajun, short for Panamera Junior.
The smaller coupe will be front-engined, recalling the old 928, and use the same six- and eight-cylinder engines as the larger car. It is unclear whether the new car will be rear-drive only or offer four-wheel-drive on top-spec models like the Panamera.
We expect to see the coupe later in 2015, with a convertible model expected to join the range a year later. A shooting brake estate model is also a possibility, offering buyers a cut-price rival to the Ferrari FF.
The new models are also likely to share components with the next Bentley Continental GT, particularly now former Porsche R&D boss Wolfgang Dürheimer has been installed as Bentley’s new chief, signaling the VW Group’s desire to increase economies of scale at its luxury brands.
The second-generation Panamera and new Pajun will join the range after a host of new models break cover.
Last year we got the all-new Cayenne SUV, and this year we’ll see an all-new 911, which will arrive at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, to join hybrid and Turbo S versions of the Panamera.
The new Boxster is scheduled for Geneva in 2012, with a new Cayman and long-wheelbase Panamera in early 2013.
Porsche has already confirmed that its Audi-Q5-based Cajun SUV and 918 Spyder will arrive in 2013, then comes the Panamera and new coupe and convertible models. A smaller roadster, based on the VW BlueSport concept is also in the pipeline.
Click title for the source
Porsche has plans for a new mid-engined supercar that, if approved by bosses at parent company Volkswagen, will take it into direct competition with Ferrari, McLaren and sister firm Lamborghini.
Conceived as a regular model rather than a high-priced, limited-edition production special, the new two-seater is intended to be positioned above the 911 but below the the 918 Spyder. Roadster and coupé versions are being discussed.
This would pitch the new Porsche into the same price territory as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.
“We’re looking to extend the range,” Porsche boss Mathias Muller revealed in a recent interview. “We’ve got an idea to do another mid-engined model. We’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.”
Muller suggests that the new supercar has already progressed beyond the initial drawing board stage. “We have ideas on styling and design, which we will continue to develop in the coming months,” he revealed. “We’ll also evaluate the economic side and then decide [whether to push ahead].”
The Boxster, Cayman and 911 use unitary steel construction, but it is believed that Porsche is considering extensive use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic to reduce weight. Recent low-volume models at Porsche, including the Carrera GT and 911 GT2 RS, have given the firm experience in lightweight construction.
The business case for the new supercar is rumoured to focus on annual global sales of between 2500 and 3000 — around half that of the 911 Turbo and its various derivatives, including the GT2.
An alternative plan to borrow heavily from the second-gen Audi R8’s aluminium spaceframe architecture was never given serious consideration, according to a senior source. The initial proposals for the new Porsche supercar follow a similar parts-sharing strategy to that undertaken with the Boxster/Cayman and 911, which have a 60 per cent commonality.
“It is entirely possible that we could use a front end that’s similar but not necessarily the same as the 911’s, including components such as the axle and suspension,” said our insider. “The rear end wouldn’t be unlike that of the Boxster/Cayman in architectural terms, just bigger to accommodate a larger mid-mounted engine and gearbox installation, while providing greater overall length and width than the 911.”
Engine plans are less clear. But to compete with the 458 Italia, Gallardo LP560-4 and MP4-12C, the new Porsche will need in the region of 550bhp to 600bhp.Options include a version of Porsche’s 3.8-litre flat six, which in its ultimate twin-turbo form, as seen in the GT2 RS, currently kicks out 620bhp.
A production version of the RS Spyder race car’s 3.4-litre V8 is also a possibility. Such a unit is showcased in the 918 Spyder, where it is claimed to produce 555bhp on its own and 756bhp in combination with a 201bhp electric motor.
Click title for the source
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Project Kahn has unveiled a new styling package for the Audi A5 3.0
Drawing inspiration from the R8, the car features an aggressive front fascia, a modified rear bumper and a trunk-mounted spoiler. Elsewhere, there's a lowered suspension (which reduces ride height by 35mm), a four-tailpipe sport exhaust system, and 21-inch RSL alloy wheels.
To spruce up the cabin, designers added quilted Nappa leather seats, billet aluminum pedals, stainless steel kick plates, and a revised instrument cluster.
Currently available for order, the completed A5 Sport Coupe is priced from €36,254
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
With the Panamera proving to be a resounding sales success, a new report is indicating Porsche is developing a smaller model to target the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Tentatively dubbed the Pajun - for Panamera Junior - the car would mix traditional Porsche styling with a four-door coupe design. In essence, the idea mimics the philosophy of the Cajun by taking a successful model and building a smaller, cheaper version of it.
Under the hood, engine options would reportedly carryover from the Panamera so expect petrol, hybrid, and diesel variants.
While nothing is official, Autobild is reporting the Pajun could be launched in 2016 with prices starting at €60,000.
Click title for the source
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Audi has launched a technologically advanced prototype version of its long-wheelbase A8 to showcase the future of in-car broadband technology.
The A8 L is equipped with ‘long-term evolution’ (LTE) broadband technology that offers download speeds of up to 100Mbps. Current in-car 3G connections only allow for download speeds of around 14.4Mbps.
LTE is 4G technology that is much faster than traditional GSM and UMTS connections that underpin 3G connections, and also has extra bandwith to allow for more devices to be connected at once without a drop in speed, even at peak times. This will allow passengers in the A8 to stream music, hi-definition videos and other data on up to six devices.
Previous UMTS internet set-ups in the A8 have not dropped connection even when travelling at 125mph, although how fast you have to be travelling before the LTE connection would drop has not been revealed.
Audi, which has worked with communications firm Alcatel-Lucent on developing in-car LTE, has said it is “now getting automotive LTE technology ready for series production”.
Click title for the source
These latest spy shots show an Audi S6 prototype on its way from a German port to Swedish Gothenburg.
Looking tastefully restrained, the S6 is distinguished by sportier fascias, aerodynamic side skirts, and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Additionally, we can expect the production model to feature a revised grille and faux aluminium mirror casings.
Under the hood, power will likely be provided by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine which will also be used in the Bentley Continental GT. It is reported that this engine is using a single turbo version in the Bentley and will produce 415 hp. However, this is no good for the S6 as it's less than the outgoing 5.2-litre V10 that develops 429 hp. Surely, Audi will engineer output to be higher. Exactly how much, we'll have to wait and see.
Click title for the source
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The latest from Volkswagen is that the second-generation New Beetle is officially being revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. Early word on the Beetle is that it is dynamically far sportier than the current model.
A source in Wolfsburg said the new Beetle "is so much sportier now. It's much more appealing to male buyers as well." Some off-the-record remarks tell of a Beetle thus equipped that is better on the track with the VW Golf R.
Click title for the source
Monday, March 21, 2011
Porsche has announced it will be taking orders on the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid which it hopes to produced in a limited run starting in 2013.
Porsche would like to begin production in September 2013 on a limited series of 918 units at its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant in Germany.
Starting prices in Europe at €645,000, subject to VAT and country-specific charges.
In the United States pricing will start at $845,000.
In order to spur sales, Porsche is bundling the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid with the special edition 911 Turbo S. Only customers who order a 918 Spyder will also be able to get their hands on the limited series 911 Turbo S, in coupe or cabriolet form.
Details on the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid are still sketchy. Porsche says it will come with a mid-rear mounted V8 displacing "more than 4.0 liters" producing around 500 PS (368 kW / 493 bhp). Two electric motors, one on each axle, will add 160 kW / 218 PS to that output total and making the 918 Spyder an all-wheel drive supercar. Transmission will be the seven-speed double-clutch PDK.
The 918 Spyder will do the 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) sprint in just 3.1 seconds and will have a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).
A liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery provides the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid with a range of around 16 miles (26 km) in electric mode and with a top speed over a limited distance of 151 km/h (94 mph).
Consumption will be impressive for a car with over 700 horses. Porsche claims the 918 Spyder will sport a 3.0 liters/100 km fuel-economy rating and CO2 emissions of just 112 g/mile (70 g/km).
Click for Full Size
Click title for the source
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The new A9 will have a modern design, two doors, and a large radiator grille with four rings. This the new flagship model for 2014 will be a Luxury Mobile based on the A8, but with an even higher quality interior. Two versions will give it a coupe with a fully retractable side windows and a convertible soft-top. The intention from the Ingolstadt brand is to top the Mercedes CL and SL attack. The A9 will be priced from 80,000 €
Click title for the source
New details on Porsche's junior SUV have emerged just after the company confirmed the Leipzig plant as the production site for the new car. German magazine AutoBild reported that Porsche will launch the compact SUV in a three-door body style adding that the Cajun will have a sporty character to differentiate it from the Audi Q5.
Porsche originally intended to launch the Cajun as a five-door model, but later decided it would be better to start off with a three-door variant since it doesn't want to affect the sales of the Q5, upon which the Cajun is based.
The Stuttgart automaker also feared that a five-door Cajun might threaten the Cayenne as well, so the company is said to have decided to give its smaller SUV a much more dynamic appearance. However, Porsche did not exclude a five-door version in the near future.
In order to hide the family relationship with the Audi Q5, the Cajun will have unique body panels and a coupe-like profile, wider and lower body, shorter wheelbase and smaller front/rear overhangs. According to AutoBild, the Porsche will offer room for four passengers.
On the technical side however, the Cajun will be similar with the Audi Q5, sharing components such as steering, transmission, axles and the four-wheel-drive system. The suspension, braking and dynamic control systems will be developed by Porsche, in order to give the car a much sportier handling.
The Cajun is rumored to be offered with four units at launch including a 2.0-liter turbo petrol with 240HP, a 3.0-liter turbo petrol V6 with 290HP, a 2.0-liter diesel with 190HP and a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 265HP.
Porsche will later release performance upgrades for the diesels - with 204 and 300HP respectively – while the gasoline V6 unit could spawn a 350HP version. Further plans include a hybrid model, which will be technically identical to the Audi Q5 Hybrid. The Cajun is expected to be launched in late 2012 or early 2013.
Click title for the source
Friday, March 18, 2011
News from Ingolstadt suggest that Audi is about to expand their SUV lineup by adding a performance-oriented crossover to Rival BMW X6.
They might be bit late to the game, but they proved with the A7 – which arrived years after Mercedes CLS dominated the market – that they can still get a fair share. The new crossover is reportedly called the Q6 and will have the same coupe-like SUV shape as the BMW. Think of it as a jacked up A7!
The car won’t be using Q7 or Q5′s underpinning though, as it’s supposed to fill the gap between the two. So the four-wheel-drive platform of VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne would be good. It will also get the same range of V6 and V8 engines as the aforementioned cars.
Click title for the source
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Porsche announced a new version of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid for this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race. It’s simply called GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 like a new software!
And like a new version of a software it features many upgrades. It gets more power, well the electric motor does, it’s lighter by 20 percent, and it also has slightly different looks and better aerodynamics.
To make sure the car won’t fail this time around on the ‘Ring, Porsche has revised the systems and made the world famous flywheel that propels the car’s hybrid system more efficient. You can still spot the flywheel in place of the front passenger seat spinning in its cocooned carbon fiber case! They’ve also lightened the car by 50 kg. These changes are not meant to make the car any faster, but more efficient.
That means the car can do more laps on one single tank of fuel than before and that means less time wasted in the pit.
The output of the car’s flat-six remains 470 bhp but the revised electric motors make 200 bhp which is only occasionally used for overtaking, gaining traction or in the corners when the situation gets a little tricky.
As you see in the picture below Porsche has also given this car a Formula 1-style steering wheel with all the data and buttons littered all over it. That’s to make it more ergonomic and easier for the driver to operate, thus making him more efficient at the job of driving.
Click title for the source
