Details on Audi’s future Engine and Drivetrain Details Leaks Out

Posted by Admin on May 31, 2008

Audi’s aggressive plan for world domination means more models equipped with more stuff. With Audi’s goal of reaching 1.5 million units sold worldwide by 2015, Audi’s got their work cut out for them.

Well, someone in the know over at Audiblog.nl has spilled a seriously detailed list of all Audi engines for all models through the 2011 calender year — along with all the release dates for new models!

In addition to the big engine news, the leakers claim that we’ll be seeing the rumored Audi A7 model in June 2010, along with an S7 version following later that fall, with a return to a smaller forced induction variant of the the next generation Audi S4. Check out the list below for details to see what’s coming up for Audi in the next 3 years.

Audi A1
Starting with the smallest in the grid, the Audi A1 will maintain the currently planned 1.4 TFSI, but will get an 86 HP 1.2-liter TFSI good for a little less power but a bit easier on European wallets.

Audi S4
It seems the B8 Audi S4 will be returning to its former twin-turbo V6 roots, and as early as this coming November. News of this return to roots is met with virtually all positive notes, considering the engine is to displace 3.0 L but grunt out 330 HP, only 10HP shy of the current iteration. Take out some weight and the same treatment for the Avant versions and everyone’s happy.

Audi S5
In September 2010 the S5 will also be dumping its current V8 heart for the same twin-turbo 3.0 L TFSI V6 in the S4. This will also be a cut in power, but like we said about the S4, it’s not giving up much and will lighten up that porky bottom line. What’s perhaps more interesting is the introduction of an Audi RS5. It will retain the same 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, but gets a whopping increase in power up to 450 HP. With such power on tap it’s a good thing there will be a new 7-speed to keep it in check.

Audi S5 Sportback
The previously unknown S5 Sportback will be on sale as of September 2010 and will get the 3.0 L twin-turbo TFSI mated to a 6-speed manual, or a 7 speed auto. We’re beginning to see a pattern emerge here with S-line engines, are you? Hopefully this new engine won’t have many teething problems.

Audi A7 Sportback
With a name like the Audi A7 “Sportback“, we’re expecting this as-yet unseen and unheard of version of the A7 will have a certain wagon look to it, but who knows? Perhaps it’ll be a big old 5 door. The A7 Sportback gets a 2.8L FSI, a 3.0 L TFSI, and a load of oil burners. And who would guess? An S7 Sportback? Yes, yes there will be. And this one gets a 4.0 L TFSI with 395 HP! While that’s no RS6 Avant, it’s not bad.

Audi R8 Spyder
When we got the first images of that Audi R8 V10, we couldn’t even guess on its release date. But now we know the plan is for the hardtop version of the upgraded V10-powered R8 to roll out in June of 2009, and those sun-loving Germans are going to chop the top off and give you the R8 Spyder in March 2010. The lesser 4.2 L V8 will be an option for the Spyder a bit later in the year, just in case you were interested.

Audi Q7
While there’s nothing earth shattering about the engine news on the Audi Q7 front, these docs report we can expect a facelift for the bulky SUV around August of next year. So, for the superficial in all of us, if you’re waiting to take the plunge, wait a year and see if you like the changes.

There’s an exhaustive breakdown of models, engines, and dates over at Audiblog.

Good stuff guys, but now all the surprises are gone, thanks a lot. (no, seriously) via WCF

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Good To Be F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton - Given TechArt Porsche 911 & Mercedes Benz CL for LA Rental Cars

Posted by Admin on May 30, 2008

Reigning Formula 1 Champion, Lewis Hamilton, apparently jumped right on the McLaren jet straight from his dominating victory in Monaco, and is hanging out in Los Angeles for a while.

And if you’re the best of the best in Formula 1 and in Los Angeles, you’re certainly can’t go hit up Avis to rent a Ford Focus. Well Claus Ettensberger, owner of the So. Cal. tuning shop CEC, to the rescue. Ettensberger was kind enough to provide Lewis Hamilton with a fully-kitted Techart Porsche 997 911 during his stay in L.A.
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First Look The New 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Posted by Admin on May 30, 2008

Just like good wine, women, and cheese, some things get finer with age — well so has the Mercedes Benz G-Class. This legendary tank-like King of SUV’s debuted way back in 1979, and hasn’t really seen many updates along the way. For 2009, Mercedes will keep the tradition going with a very lightly updated G-Class SUV.

From the outside, not much at all on the 2009 G-Class will change. Mercedes-Benz has updated the off-roader’s face with the new corporate grille, and updated wheels will help you differentiate your ride from your neighbor’s lesser 2008 model.

However, under the hood is where the Mercedes G-Class will see some major revisions. The Mighty Merc’s G500 5.0L V8 will get the horsepower bump from 292 all the way up to 382 — a 90 horse improvement. Also, its torque will be improved from 336 lb-ft to 391.

And the other engine under the hood will be the AMG version of the G-Class. This mighty cruiser will see a 7 horsepower increase, totaling an even 500HP.

Of course, the best part about the G-Class though is still the solid “thud” you get when you close any of its doors.

They just don’t make ‘em like they used to… unless its a G-Class.

Full Press Release is below:

Stuttgart - It has been the definitive cross-country vehicle since 1979. It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers’ polls and constitutes the gene pool for a Mercedes-Benz SUV family that now numbers four model series in all. It is, of course - the G-Class. It has been in production for 29 years now, making the G-Class by far the longest-serving passenger car model series there has been since Mercedes-Benz came into existence in 1886. And its haul of superlatives is set to grow still further, because the G-Class is subject to continual updating that keeps it in touch with the very latest motoring technology. This time, once again, the exterior has only been modernised to a limited degree quite deliberately. The advances mainly centre on the vehicle’s telematics, along with the new 5.5-litre V8 engine that is available for the G 500. From the outside, the newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18‑inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature. The model range continues to comprise three different body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which are either powered by the fuel-efficient V6 CDI engine generating 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres or a new, mighty 5.5-litre V8 petrol unit with an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque. This new engine propels the G‑Class to sports-car-like performance*: the dash from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 5.9 seconds. New telematics generation with useful extra functions The latest edition of the G-Class is equipped with the advanced, more user-friendly generation of telematics technology. A Bluetooth hands-free system for mobile phones is built in as standard. A new media interface can also be specified as an option that allows an external music storage device to be linked up to the off-roader’s on-board electronics and control system. Audio tracks appear in the instrument cluster and in the centre console’s colour display, and can be simply called up by using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The audio device’s battery is recharged at the same time. The Audio 20 CD including a built-in six-disc CD changer is standard for the G 320 CDI models. This unit includes a dual tuner for superior radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, as well as a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies. There is also a Bluetooth interface which establishes a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle’s hands-free system. COMAND APS standard on G 500 All G 500 model versions feature the COMAND APS infotainment system with a built-in six-disc DVD changer. The system’s specification includes hard-disc navigation with a tracking function outside digitised areas, telephone operation, plus a special off‑road menu. COMAND APS also incorporates the new LINGUATRONIC system with extended functionality. The voice-operated control now recognises whole-word commands, which can be spoken by anyone without the need to train the system first. The system is simply activated by means of a control on the right of the multifunction steering wheel. It can be used for making a call by saying the telephone number, controlling the audio system, calling up the global address book and operating the navigation system. COMAND APS may also be combined with the optional TV tuner and reversing camera. There are other equipment options too: for the ultimate in listening pleasure there is the Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system with 12 high-performance speakers and an output of 450 watts, while climatised seats offer enhanced seating comfort for the driver and front passenger. G-Class: a success story that spans three decades The classic Mercedes-Benz Cross-Country Vehicle serves up a majestic blend of high-performance powertrain and dynamic handling control systems. In addition to permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, as well as three differential locks which can be engaged at the push of a button. Since Mercedes-Benz first commissioned Magna Steyr in the Austrian city of Graz to produce the G-Class in 1979, close on 200,000 have been built. And this enduring success story is far from over: the “G”, as it is affectionately known, will continue to round off Mercedes-Benz’s high-calibre line-up of SUVs alongside the GL, ML and GLK‑Class, and is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009. New model available from September 2008

Popular Entries: Mercedes Benz, G Class, AMG

2009 Ferrari California Shot Going Topless

Posted by Admin on May 30, 2008

Ferrari has been going all out advertising their brand new “bargain” Ferrari, the Ferrari California. With a fancy countdown timer on their very own Ferrari California Microsite, to pictures every week it seems.

Now, Ferrari has released some photos of the California going Topless. And no, not because some buffoon crashes the car into a truck. But actually going topless on purpose.

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Popular Entries: Topless, Press Release, Ferrari, California, Convertible

Top Gear & BBC Thinking About Firing Jeremy Clarkson Over Speeding 186 MPH On British Public Roads?

Posted by Admin on May 29, 2008

Top Gear host, and all around politically incorrect gent, Jeremy Clarkson is again facing some criticism from road safety activists over some comments Clarkson made in an interview with Daily Mail columist Rosie Boycott. Actually, it’s more than just criticism — it’s an outright call for his firing from his fellow countrymen.
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Popular Entries: Jeremy Clarkson, Veyron, Bugatti, BBC, Top Gear