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Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Audi's New R15
Audi has now revealed the first image of their R15 prototype that will debut next month at the Sebring 12 Hour race. After skipping the Sebring test days in favor of private testing, the car was caught finally caught last weekend.This new P1 prototype is drastically different looking from the outgoing R10 model. The most obvious change is the new wider 'platypus' nose with an aerodynamic air vent on top. At the rear, a smaller wing is fitted to suit new regulations and features curved wing mounts. The front fenders are cut to reveal gills behind the front wheel and help to direct air to engine. The R15 is powered by a heavy and robust diesel V12 in keeping with Audi's continued promotion of oil burners.
At Sebring, Audi will have to worry about both the upcoming Acura ARX-02a and long-time LMS winner Peugeot. This will mark a historic Sebring when three major manufacturers will complete for overall victory-two with entirely new cars.
BMW X5 M and X6 M may come in late 2009
In a surprising move, BMW is planning to release two new M-version models in late 2009. The two new models will be the first ever SUVs to receive the M badge.
The new BMW X6 is a surprising performer for a two-ton SUV. In late 2009 it will receive a performance upgrade in the form of an X6 M. In addition to the X6 M, BMW will release an X5 M. The X5 M will get the same Dynamic Performance Control found in the X6 to allow for better handling and a sportier feel.
The powerplant found in the two will be the already familiar twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found in the X6 xDrive50 and the 2009 BMW 750i. In ‘M’ form power will be bumped up to about 500 horsepower.
BMW Chairman: 3-Series Hatch Still a Go
BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the automaker is still committed to producing a smaller, cheaper luxury crossover to complement the upcoming Progressive Activity Sedan based on the rear-drive platform underpinning the new 7-series. The hatchback, which will be based on the smaller 3-series platform, is likely to offer the same engine options as its platform-mates.
BMW recently announced that it had given the go-ahead for production of the larger 7-series based PAS. Though the smaller 3-series based hatchback has been approved for over 18 months, no production date has been set. When asked if the financial crisis had nixed plans for the 3-series hatch, Reithofer said, "We haven't cancelled development for a crossover off the 3-series because it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money."
Reithofer has been studying proposals to build the vehicle at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, or the automaker's Rosslyn plant in South Africa. Autocar estimates that the 3-series hatch will not begin sales until 2011, with a cost of around €27,000 ($36,745). No target market was mentioned, but a U.S. debut is unlikely.
2009 BMW 7-Series is going to be All-Wheel-Drive
With the new 2009 BMW 7-series comes another option for the privileged few. BMW will offer all-wheel-drive on the luxury sedan starting in late 2009.
BMW has been doing final cold-weather testing of its all-wheel-drive 750i prototype in Rovaniemi, Finland. In late 2009, the option should become available to the public as an ‘xDrive’ version of the 750. This marks the first time all-wheel-drive will be offered on BMW’s flagship sedan. It should be a welcome addition to those in the north tired of driving Audi A8s and Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matics.
The xDrive system offered will feature the same technology as the xDrive system on the X6. That system allows torque to be distributed electronically to each wheel, there is an added feature, however, on the 7-series. The 7-series will get hill descent control for traveling down those treacherous snowy mountain passes. The 2009 BMW 750 with xDrive will be the first sedan in its class to offer this feature.
Expect to pay for ordering xDrive. The option will cost somewhere between $3500 and $4000 when it debuts. Impressively, it only adds 110 lbs to the vehicles already hefty 5700 lb curb weight. BMW also claims fuel economy does not suffer too badly with xDrive added.
BMW 7-Series Prices, Announces Increases Across Lineup
If you're looking to buy yourself a new Bimmer soon, do it quickly, before January 1st rolls around. Effective on the first day of the year, BMW will raise the prices of its vehicles by an average of .7 percent, according to a press release issued Monday.
BMW has been one of the most profitable car companies in the world in recent years, but the current economic downturn has not spared the premium brand. Sales are down 12 percent through November compared with the same period last year.
All BMW nameplates are down, and the company has moved only 11,097 units of the new 1-Series coupe and convertible and just 4,116 examples of the X6 "sport activity coupe" through November. A price increase across the board of less than 1 percent seems a small price to pay for the financial carnage engulfing the automotive world.
Prices for the new-for-2009 BMW 7-Series pricing was also announced in the press release. The new flagship will set customers back $81,125 for 750i or $85,025 for the 750Li, including destination and handling charges. That's $3,500 more than the 2008 750i and $4,300 more than the 2008 750Li. The 760Li sedan does not continue for 2009.
Production of the 2009 7-Series models began back in November, and BMW says the sedan should be available in the spring. For more information regarding the brand new 7-series, check out our reviews of the 750i and 750Li.
BMW Won't Build Concept CS
Thanks in no small part to disappointing third-quarter earnings and turbulent economic trends, BMW canceled plans to put the stunning Concept CS sedan in production.
The CS, originally shown at the 2007 Shanghai motor show, would have been a premium luxury sedan like the 7-series, but with a sportier touch. Had it reached production, it possibly could have spelled the revival of the 8-series moniker (dead since 1998) and competed with other sports-luxury sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Yet in an effort to further reduce its overhead costs and aim for profitability, the CS program was nixed, mostly because management felt it would be near-impossible to make money on such a vehicle.
"At the moment we do not need that kind of brand shaper," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.
Instead, money that could have pushed the CS into factories and showrooms is instead being used on investing in future technologies. One example lies with the Project i, which has birthed the Mini E electric vehicle and promises to spawn ecologically-friendly city cars.
Bio-fueled 'Extreme Bentley' at Geneva Motor Show
Bentley is preparing to show its first bio-fueled production model at the Geneva Motor Show. The company has also released a mini site and is touting this car as its fastest, most powerful model yet.
Bentley announced its plan to jump on the bio fuel bandwagon at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month. By 2012 the company says all of its models will feature "flexfuel" powertrains.
Little else is said about this brazen Bentley. From the teaser picture it appears to be based on the Continental GT or Flying Spur. The car gives off a sinister aura with hood vents, large air intakes with dark mesh grilles and dark trim around the beady little headlights.
The new model must make some serious power to take the place as the fastest, most powerful Bentley yet. Currently, the fastest model is the Continental GT Speed with 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This new Bentley will have to do better than the GT Speed's zero to 60 mph time of just over 4 seconds and its top speed of 202 mph. We're expecting more details about the new model to emerge before its Geneva debut in March.
Friday, February 20, 2009
2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Revealed
Bentley confirmed today that it will debut its quickest ever convertible at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Just how fast is this portly 5478 lb convertible? Bentley says the Continental GTC Speed will charge to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 200 mph with the top up or 195 mph with the top down.The new GTC Speed is the final addition to the Speed family of Continentals that includes the GT Speed and the Flying Spur Speed. The same monster 600 hp W-12 engine from the other two models finds a home under the hood of the GTC Speed. The engine produces nine percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque than in a base GTC, and the power is still routed through a six-speed ZF automatic transmission to all four wheels.
GTC Speed models will be distinguished from lesser GTCs by their standard dark tinted upper and lower matrix grilles and wider twin-rifled tail pipes. The dashing drop top will wear 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires. The suspension is lowered and upgraded to enhance the car's cornering ability and a new trunk-mounted spoiler enhances high speed aerodynamics.
Some of the minor styling revisions for the 2009 GTC Speed pass on to the standard GTC such as the refreshed grille with a more upright appearance. The lower air intakes are also bolder and the headlights receive new chrome bezels. Both models will be offered in two new exterior colors as well as a new leather interior selection.
The 2009 models will also be offered with two new options. First, to haul the cars down to a stop, buyers can opt for the largest production passenger car brakes in the world. The brakes are fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic and span a whopping 420mm (about 16.5 inches) in the front and a mere 356mm in the back. The other option is a new adaptive cruise control system. The system uses a long range radar sensor that manages throttle and brakes and can bring the car to a compete stop.
Bentley estimates the GTC Speed will account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production. Expect pricing for the 2009 GTC to be just under $200K with the GTC Speed ringing up somewhere north of $215,000.
Bentley Power on Ice Event Set for February 2009
For the fourth year in a row, Bentley Motors is hosting their Power on Ice event. For 7,590 Euros (approximately $9,867), the team of Finnish rally star Juha Kankkunen will briefly instruct drivers in the art of ice driving in a Bentley Continental, before turning them loose on a frozen lake outside Kuusamo, Finland.Juha Kankkunen, a native of Finland, is a renowned rally driver. In March 2007, he set a record for driving on ice using a Bentley Continental GT.
This is the fourth year Bentley Motors has hosted the Power on Ice event. The 7,590 Euro price tag includes first-class accommodations at the Ruka Peak Hotel, meals, and all activities for one person. Alternative accommodations are available for a premium, with the most expensive option-a Ruka Peak Cottage-rounding out at 8,990 Euros ($11,672). A family package-all inclusive for two adults and three children-is also available for 24,980 Euros ($32,346).
Five trips are planned, each lasting three days. The first trip starts on February 16th, and the last starts on March 4th. More information about the Bentley Motors Power on Ice event is available at its website.
Bentley May Offer Diesel Engines In Near Future
With the announcement of the Porsche Cayenne TDI and Touareg 3.0 TDI, Audi’s 3.0 liter turbo diesel engine will be seen in at least eight different models in Europe. It comes as a surprise, but the next place we see that engine may be in a Bentley.With the recent changes in European regulations giving tax breaks to diesel buyers, the notion of a diesel Bentley - at least in Europe - seems rational. Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn told Auto Motor und Sport that Bentley will react to changing market conditions, and that he could imagine a six-cylinder turbo-diesel in a future Bentley.
The diesel engine Winterkorn refers to is the new common-rail twin-turbo 3.0 liter V-6 currently being developed by Audi. The engine is rumored to produce upwards of 300 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque and will debut in the next generation Audi A8 at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
2009 Bentley Azure T at LA Auto Show
We never thought the Bentley Azure lacked anything. Apparently someone did as Bentley has just created an even more outrageous version of its $300,000 convertible: the 2009 Bentley Azure T.The Azure T uses the same ZF six-speed automatic transmission and 6.75-liter V-8 as in the normal Azure, but tuned for more performance. The engine is tuned to produce 500 hp and a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque. The upgrades seem to work, as the Azure T beats the normal Azure to 60 by 0.4 second (5.2 vs. 5.6) and has a top speed of 179 mph (up from 171 mph).
In order to stop this two-and-a-half ton monster, Bentley uses brakes the size of a dinner plate. The front rotors measure 16.5 inches in diameter (the backs are a "mere" 14 inches in diameter) and are the largest brakes available on any production car. There are also optional carbon/silicon brakes with eight-piston calipers. For comparison, the Corvette ZR1 uses 15.5 inch front carbon ceramic discs (same as the Ferrari FXX front discs) and 15 inch rear carbon ceramic discs (same as the Ferrari Enzo front discs).
The transmission and suspension also receive tuning upgrades. The transmission can be set to drive, sport, or manual. While the suspension is the same double wishbone setup (front and rear) as the normal Azure, it has been tuned for a sportier feel and offers a sport setting that can be activated independently of the transmission sport setting.
For those wondering if people will be able to tell your Azure T apart from your neighbor’s Azure, there are design differences inside and out. The Azure T comes with a dark tint grill and ‘Le Mans’ front wing vents. Perhaps the coolest details that differ in the Azure T are the milled aluminum ‘Jewel’ gas cap and the engine-turned black aluminum gauge cluster instead of the normal parchment colored gauge cluster.
Bentley to Lay Off Factory Workers
Here's evidence even the worlds wealthiest are starting to feel the recent economic downturn. Bentley is laying off up to 300 workers from its Crewe factory as the luxury marque's sales fall. The Crewe factory is responsible for turning out the Continental lineup.The factory had been running three shifts three days a week to produce the necessary cars, but as sales fall, it will reduce the night shift workers and run two shifts per day, four days per week. Some workers will be moved to the new shift pattern while Bentley is looking for voluntary cutbacks and may be forced to layoff up to 300 workers.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid slated for U.S. Market
In order to stay competitive in the luxury SUV market, Audi has determined it must offer a hybrid powertrain. Although the German automaker first considered putting a hybrid drive system in the larger Q7, the dollar's weak value against the euro made the business case impracticable. It has thus determined that the system will instead launch in the smaller Q5.The news comes from an interview by Automotive News Europe with Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen group. Hatz says that the company must offer hybrid technology to compete with vehicles like the current Lexus RX400h and the BMW X6 hybrid that will launch later this year.
Despite the confirmation of a new hybrid powertrain, Audi is putting greater stock in its diesel engines. According to Hatz, the development of a hybrid powertrain is three to four times more expensive than for a standard drivetrain.
Since the company will soon have the hybrid technology in a production from, Hatz says it makes for a "negative business case" to only offer the drivetrain in one model. The Q5 hybrid will first launch in the U.S. in late 2010. If the new model does well, Audi may offer the Q5 hybrid in Europe and explore the use of hybrid technology in more of its vehicles.
Third-Generation MMI System Debuts in the 2009 Audi Q5
Shortly after BMW debuted its iDrive system, Audi and Mercedes-Benz followed suit with their MMI and Command systems respectively. With BMW’s recently redone iDrive, Audi felt the need to update its MMI system to debut on the 2009 Q5.Audi’s new MMI system features a new joystick control on the central knob that can be moved in eight directions. The new joystick allows users to move a cursor on the navigation screen and “point-and-click” to get directions to a location instead of entering the location in or scrolling through a list. In addition to adding a joystick to make the navigation system more useable, Audi has also added a 3-D map display function. The 3-D function displays a birds-eye view of the map area and presents the various topographies and buildings in “near-authentic-detail.”
With the new MMI system, Audi updated the voice recognition feature so the user no longer has to spell out every word. The user can now simply say the location and the navigation system will understand the complete word. The new MMI even understands several different languages, just in case you’re in Canada and need to get direction from a French-Canadian.
Selecting the music to play on a long trip has been made even easier thanks to the new joystick feature that allows the user to seamlessly scroll through title menus and screen selections. While the joystick makes it easier to operate Audi’s MMI, complete audio controls are also found on the multifunctional steering wheel. With 10 GB of audio file capacity, an updated Sirius interface, and the ability to play SD cards and CDs in various formats, the user should never have to listen to the same song twice on long road trips.
The new MMI features two processors- an 800 MHz chip and a 500 MHz digital signal processor- to allow all applications to run smoothly and simultaneously. An NVIDIA graphics processor is used to run the 3-D navigation. Look for the third generation MMI to start appearing across Audi’s lineup shortly after 2009 Q5 deliveries begin.
Audi Drops out of 2009 American Le Mans Series
Audi announced today that it was "adjusting" its motorsports presence in 2009. This means the team was a pioneer for the "Green Racing" initiative of the American Le Mans Series will no longer be lapping the tracks in the U.S. and Canada.Instead, Audi will be putting its focus on the new R15 TDI sport prototype that it is developing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The R15 TDI is a re-worked race touring car A4 for the DTM circuit. It will also concentrate its motorsports efforts on the newly developed R8 LMS for customer use in the GT3 class
Since the year 2000, when the brand entered the ALMS, Audi has been influential in bringing the series up to its current level of popularity. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport admits the decision to withdraw was a tough one. Audi has won the LMP1 title nine-times in a row with the R8 and the R10 TDI.
The R10 TDI had a big hand in Audi's launch of the TDI technology in its road cars in the U.S. Currently, the Q7 is available with a 3.0-liter TDI engine and a TDI engine will find its way into the new A4 later next year. Further proof of the technology transfer is the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept that debuted in Detroit last year.
Audi AG will continue its involvement in Europe through 2009. The new Audi R15 TDI sports prototype will debut March 21, 2009 during the 12-hour race in Sebring, Florida.
2009 Audi A4L Produced Exclusively for China
Audi has become the first brand to introduce a long-wheelbase version of an upper mid-size sedan exclusively for the Chinese market.The car is the new A4L, a variant of the A4 produced only for China. "Our goal is to export the success of the new Audi A4 to China. With the customized Chinese A4L, which we subjected to rigorous testing in China, we are impressively demonstrating our market leadership in China's premium segment," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the board of management for marketing and sales at Audi AG.
The long wheelbase provides an exceptional roomy feel and gives the mid-size vehicle a full-size feel. The A4L will also feature a suspension that is custom tailored to China's roads to further enhance comfort. The car will be offered with two engine options for the time being: the 2.0 TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp) and the six-cylinder 3.2 FSI with 195 kW (265 hp).
The Audi A4L will debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18 and will arrive at Chinese dealerships in January of 2009.
Audi's TT-RS Leaked!
Audi disclosed more statistics on its hottest TT yet in a document meant for German dealerships. The document was leaked and we have the facts.The car will be powered by a supercharged and turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine. The engine will produce 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. All this power will be transferred to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission and a rear-biased version of Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive. The car is claimed to do 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
There are no details yet on whether the RS will ditch the TT's current magnetic dampers (similar to those found on the Corvette ZR-1, Cadillac CTS-V, and Ferrari 599) in favor of a stiffer, more track-oriented setup.
The car is expected to be launched sometime in the third-quarter of 2009. Prices are expected to be around 50,000 Euros ($64,000)
2009 Audi Q5 to start at $38,025
Audi has given its entry into the compact luxury SUV market a base price of $38,025, including $825 for destination.The Q5 will face some fierce competition from the more affordable alternatives in its class. For example, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK starts at only $34,775 and Lexus just priced its 2010 RX350 at $37,625. However the BMW X3, which practically started the segment, tops the Q5 with a base price of $40,225.
The company is confident that the Q5's and class exclusive offerings will set it apart from the crowd. Two such examples are the three-zone climate control and the 40/20/40 rear seats that conveniently recline and offer fore-aft adjustment.
Just incase its features aren't enough, Audi is also banking on the Q5 to get by on its good looks. "Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "But monotony has developed in that segment - sameness we're certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features."
We'll soon find out if Johan was right about the Q5 when it hits dealers next week. It will be offered in three trims. The base trim will be called the Premium. The other two trims are the Premium Plus for $42,325 and the top of the line Prestige for $49,025.
Aston Martin to Cut a Third of its Workforce
The strain of the car sales slump has hit even the high British luxury marques. Aston Martin has announced that due to slow sales of their sports cars that it will be slashing about a third of its 1,850 employee workforce. This goes to show that even the rich are watching their bank statements.Aston, which is based in Gaydon, Warwickshire in the UK, will cut 300 permanent workers and an equal number of contractors. Furthermore, the staff will receive an extended Christmas vacation as production will not resume for an additional two weeks after the normal Christmas break.
Other British brands are cutting back as well. This announcement comes only days after Rolls Royce proclaimed that it would be temporarily shutting down its plant and cutting jobs at Goodwood, West Sussex. News from Crewe reports that Bentley has also announced two rounds of production cut backs and it too will be shrinking its plant staff.
The brand that brings you premium sports cars from the $113,400 V8 Vantage, to the range-topping $265,000 DBS also announced that sales this year would unsurprisingly fall short of the 7,000 unit figure from 2007. One can only wonder if bidders for all 77 of the limited edition One-77 supercars will be able to pony up all £1.2m of the car's estimated base price
Aston Martin to Build a LMP1 Competitor for the 2009 Le Mans Series
The 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans marks Aston Martin’s 50th anniversary of its outright win. In order to celebrate, Aston Martin will field two Works LMP1 class cars in an attempt to win the event again.Aston Martin has successfully fielded DBR9s in the GT1 class for the last two years, but taking on the prototype cars will be a massive undertaking. To develop the LMP1 car for competition during the 2009 Le Mans Series, Aston Martin’s Works team has decided not to field any GT1 cars. Aston Martin will, however, continue to support any of its official sponsors and customers at the races.
Similar to other race series, the 2009 Le Mans Series sees the introduction of new regulations aimed at leveling the performance of diesel and gasoline powered LMP1 vehicles. This made the category more appealing for Aston Martin as it will be powered by the same production-based gasoline V-12 found in its GT1 class cars. It is also the same engine found in the Charouz Racing System Lola that set a new lap record for gasoline powered cars at La Sarthe.
The 2009 Aston Martin LMP1 car is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola. Aston Martin is developing the car in conjunction with Lola, Michelin, Koni, and BBS. Look for the car to make its debut at the start of the 2009 Le Mans Series, which begins April 5th with the 1000 km de Catalunya.
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Aston Martin Releases Production-Intent Rapide Images
Today, Aston Martin released the two sharpest renderings of its production-ready Rapide to date. Where the previous images of the car were dark and harder to distinguish, these latest renderings are bright and easier to read. Granted the new pictures really aren't telling us anything that we don't already know. From the former renderings and spy shots we've been able to confirm the sexy sedan's seductive shape. We like the front end's snarling guise and the One-77-esque hood vents. We already know that the back end slightly resembles the Vantage, and we approve of that too.
What we dislike is the fact that Aston hasn't told us when we will see the four-seat sedan in person. We expect that the car may be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva motor show in March.
2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione on eBay
Earlier this week we brought you news of the first Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione delivered to a U.S. customer. Now one of the 84 sports cars destined for the States has already popped up on eBay. This rare example of Italian elegance has a current bid of $200,000. At that price it is still below the reserve and well below its $292,985 base price. However, a lot could happen in the auction's remaining seven days. The car's options include the "Competizione" red metallic paint, full twisted leather trim, Schedoni matching luggage set, carbon kit, Alfa shields, Premium Bose stereo with iPod connection, a car cover, and floormats.
The 8C marks Alfa first return to the U.S. market place since 1995. It is possibly the most beautiful two-seat GT on the market. It shares a platform with the Maserati Gran Turismo and its 4.7-liter V-8 is similar to the sweet sounding units in the Gran Turismo S and Ferrari F430.
2009 Acura TL Sales rising in October
In an impressive feat, the 2009 Acura TL sold more units in October of this year than the 2008 TL sold in October 2007, despite the dismal sales last month.
The new TL has the latest version of the Acura “beak.” Not many journalists like the new nose, but at least it gets people to look at the car and the attention seems to have worked. The 2009 TL sold 4,340 units in October, its first month of sales, which is 22.2 percent more than last October.
Acura’s total sales for October however, followed the rest of the industry in dropping. The total sales were down 24.5 percent
Monday, February 9, 2009
Bugatti Veyron Wallpapers
Somebody requested me to put some Bugatti Veyron wallpapers. So here are these. Enjoy guys.
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