Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Porsche 918 RSR To Promote Virtues of Hybrids

Porsche 918 RSR
Porsche 918 RSR

A Porsche is about emotion and passion," he told Inside Line. "We want to get our customers excited about the possibilities provided by hybrid technology. Until now, the Toyota Prius was the hybrid, and we need to change perceptions. In the long term we have to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. This is not just about climate change; it's also about protecting the world's oil reserves."
Porsche is currently developing two hybrids: a Prius-style battery system for use in road cars and a flywheel accumulator solution for racing. The former will be used in the 918 Spyder supercar, which will debut next year. The latter, developed in association with the Williams F1 team, debuted on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and features in the 918 RSR.

Audi launches R8 5.2 FSI in India

German luxury car manufacturer Audi announced the launch of the much awaited all new Audi R8 5.2 FSI for India, strengthening its position in the super sports car segment


Propelled by the powerful V10 engine which makes a staggering 525PS of power and 530Nm of torque, the new Audi R8 V10 goes from zero to 100 km/h in a scant 3.9 seconds, and boasts a heady top speed of 316 km/h! This combined with the lightweight aluminium body built around the Audi Space Frame chassis and the company’s proprietary Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system also makes for a sharp handling package which matches, if not bests, some of the top supercars in the world. The R8 5.2 FSI will be available with a six-speed manual transmission or Audi’s R-tronic electro-hydraulic manual gearbox which manages ultra fast gear changes.
Audi R8
Audi R8

Speaking on the occasion, Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India said, “The Audi R8 V10 exemplifies our belief in developing and delivering world class automobiles to sports car enthusiasts in India. Embodying our philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik,” every Audi R8 5.2 FSI is hand-built and demonstrates paramount engineering excellence that is skillfully blended with distinct design cues which will enable us to establish new benchmarks in the performance sports car segment”.
Audi R8

Audi Q3 details uncovered

Audi Q3 
Audi's response to BMW's X1 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK/GLC is nearing production and some details are begin beginning to emerge - although not, thus far, any official pictures.
Nevertheless, it's expected to look much like the Cross Coupe quattro concept, first shown at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.
What is known is that it will be based on a shortened version of the MLB (A4, A5, Q5) platform and engine options at launch will include a two-litre TFSI with either 125 or 155kW and a 125kW TDI, mated to either six-speed manual or DSG transmissions.
Later additions to the range are expected to include a 177kW, three-litre TDI and a 248kW, supercharged three-litre V6 - as well as a hybrid variant.
Emissions are expected to range from 158 to 184 g/km.
The VW Group has invested R2.8 billion in the development of the Q3, and plans to build about 80 000 a year at the Seat plant in Martorell, Spain, starting early in 2011.
Expected a world premier with much fanfare at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the first deliveries in Germany at the beginning of October 2011. 
Audi Q3

Monday, January 17, 2011

Project Kahn Unveils 2011 Audi Q7 Wide Track

2011 Audi Q7
2011 Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 is big and it’s bold, so tuning companies all over the world try their hardest to make their mark by selling aftermarket parts for customers wanting to stand out even more. One such tuner is Project Kahn, who has just released a new kit for the 2011 model. The aggressive customization package gives the SUV some strong features that are as aggressive as anything that is currently on the market.

The Kahn Q7 Widebody Aerodynamic Styling Package includes Wide Wheel Arches, Front Wings with Vents, Front Spats, Rear Bumper, Exhaust Trims and Rear Roof Wing. The package fits well with the factory panel lines, while also proving a more sporty feel. When cruising in Audi’s giant, the aesthetic large-dynamiter wheels will make sure everyone knows this is one of Afzal Kahn’s conversions.

Audi A1 named 'car of the year'

Audi A1
Audi A1

The Audi A1 has been hailed by What Car? magazine.
The model was named car of the year and best supermini at a ceremony in London.
Meanwhile the Range Rover Evoque was named the most exciting car of the year, despite its launch not being for another six months, and the Land Rover Discovery took the best 4x4 prize for seventh year.
Nissan's all-electric Leaf vehicle bagged the new ultra-low carbon prize, being called "a slice of tomorrow's motoring today" by Steve Fowler What Car?'s editor in chief, while the Jaguar XF was named the best executive car for the fourth consecutive year.
Mr Fowler said of the A1: "If ever there has been a car that has hit the nail squarely and firmly on the head, the Audi A1 is it.