Saturday, January 30, 2010
January 2010 Dream Car of the Month - Audi R8
Audi LeMans Quattro Concept
In 2003 Audi displayed a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show and the Frankfurt Motor Show called the Audi LeMans Quattro. After receiving a very positive response to the concept they decided to make a road car based on that design. In 2005 they announced production of the car which would be called the R8 as an homage to the dominant R8 Le Mans race car. The production version of the R8 debuted at the 2006 Paris Auto Show.
Audi decided to tap into some of the work already done by Lamborghini, an Audi owned company, and based the R8 on the very successful Lamborghini Gallardo. The R8 was designed and built by Audi subsidiary Quattro GmbH. The car uses an aluminum monocoque around an aluminum space frame and the suspension uses the magneto rheological dampers from Delphi (GM). Assembly is handled by 70 specially selected workers at Audi's renovated factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.
Audi R8 4.2
The standard R8 is powered by a mid mounted, direct injection 4.2L 32v V8 producing 420HP/317TQ. This is the same engine used in the most recent Audi RS4 however it uses a dry sump lubrication setup in the R8. The transmissions are either a Lamborghini 6 speed manual or an Audi R-Tronic automated paddle shift manual connected to Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system. The V8 powered R8 will hit 60MPH in 4.4 seconds on it's way to a 12.8 second 1/4 mile. Top speed is 187MPH.
Audi R8 5.2
Not satisfied with the success of the V8 powered R8, Audi unveiled the R8 5.2 in 2008 which features a direct injection 5.2L V10 borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The engine is detuned a bit to produce only 525HP/391TQ. That bump in power over the V8 propels the R8 5.2 to 60MPH in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196MPH. Some exterior modifications distinguish the V10 R8 from the base V8 powered car such as all LED headlights, different wheels, larger brakes, more aggressive styling, and larger air intakes. It was rumored that Audi was initially testing the R8 with the twin turbo 572HP V10 from the RS6 however that was cancelled after a test car burned up on the Nurburgring due to insufficient cooling.
Audi R8 TDI
The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept was shown in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. It featured a 6.0L V12 using Audi's TDI turbodiesel technology. Producing 493HP/and 738TQ it is able to propel the R8 TDI to 60MPH in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 202MPH while returning impressive fuel mileage numbers. It was a possibility for production however Audi halted development in 2009 due to the extensive costs of re-engineering the R8 to accept the much larger engine.
Audi R8 Spyder
In 2009 Audi unveiled the long rumored R8 Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by the 5.2 V10 it is very similar to the R8 Coupe except for the obvious fabric roof and the deletion of the R8's signature "side blades". At that same show Audi displayed the E-Tron concept which is basically an all electric version of the R8. It is powered by a set of electric motors placed at each wheel and produces a claimed 313HP/3,319TQ (no that's not a misprint).
Since it's introduction the R8 has been very well received. Reviews continually praise it's perfomance, luxury and comfort. Many have compared it favorably to the current Porsche 911 as a truly user friendly, every day supercar.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
2010 Callaway Chevrolet Corvette SC580
• Roots-style Eaton CS2000 Supercharger, with polished finish
• Liquid-to-air intercooler, integral to intake manifold base (patent pending)
• Increased flow rate Fuel Injectors
• Body-color Injector Covers
• Electronic Fuel Pump Controller
• Callaway Double-D Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• Callaway Honker High Flow Intake System
• Callaway RTM Fiberglass Hood Bulge
• Callaway Door Sill Panels
• Callaway Embroidered Floor Mats
• Callaway Badging, Exterior and Interior, including Dash Plaque with engraved VIN
• Callaway Corvette Authenticity Documentation
• Callaway 3 year/36,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
Performance Specs
Maximum Power: 580 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 510 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed: 6500 rpm
Top Speed: 204 mph
Fuel Economy: MT 15/25 mpg – AT 14/24 mpg
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
• Callaway Short Throw Shifter
• Callaway Exhaust Tip Slats
• Hood Accent Color, C16 Hood or Carbon Fiber Hood Bulge
• Callaway 9-Spoke Alloy Wheels
• Callaway/Dymag Wheel & Tire Package
• Callaway LMGT Brake Packages
• Callaway Deutschleder Interior Group
• Callaway Sport Seats w/ Optional Harnesses
• Cast, Machined Valve Covers with Remote Ignition Coil Mounting
• Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro Coil-Over Suspension
MSRP: 2010 Callaway Corvette SC580 Package $19,400
2010 Callaway Chevrolet corvette
2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Wallpaper
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia in yellow
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2010 Car Launches
Confirmed Launches: Team Date Location Mercedes GP: January 25th - Stuttgart Ferrari: January 28th - Maranello McLaren: January 29th - UK Renault: January 31st - Valencia, Spain Sauber: January 31st - Valencia, Spain Lotus: February 17th - Jerez, Spain* _*Mercedes GP*_ will launch its 2010 contender at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart on January 25th, according to reports in the German press. _*Ferrari*_ will launch the successor to the F60 later this month at Maranello, it has been announced. The unveiling of the Scuderia's 2010 F1 car will take place on January 28, four days prior to testing commencing at Valencia in Spain. *_McLaren_* have said: “We will be launching our 2010 car, the MP4-25, on the morning of Friday 29th January in the UK.” *_Renault _*will launch its 2010 car on the day before it is tested for the first time at Valencia. The unveiling will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 31 January, by which time a teammate for Robert Kubica will have been decided. *_Sauber _*will launch its 2010 car to the media in Valencia on January 31. *_Lotus_* F1 team will officially launch its new Formula 1 car on 12th February, team boss Tony Fernandes has revealed.Writing on his Twitter account on Thursday, Fernandes said the team will turn on its car's engine for the first time on 5th February, before holding an official launch event a week later.The team is then scheduled to test the car for the first time at Jerez in Spain from February 17. *_USF1_* have said they wont be at the 1st Pre-season tests, instead they are launching at the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama the circuit was nominated by the FIA for them.
Confirmed Launches:
Team Date Location
Mercedes GP: January 25th - Stuttgart
Ferrari: January 28th - Maranello
McLaren: January 29th - UK
Renault: January 31st - Valencia, Spain
Sauber: January 31st - Valencia, Spain
Lotus: February 17th - Jerez, Spain*
Mercedes GP will launch its 2010 contender at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart on January 25th, according to reports in the German press.
Ferrari will launch the successor to the F60 later this month at Maranello, it has been announced. The unveiling of the Scuderia's 2010 F1 car will take place on January 28, four days prior to testing commencing at Valencia in Spain.
McLaren have said: “We will be launching our 2010 car, the MP4-25, on the morning of Friday 29th January in the UK.”
Renault will launch its 2010 car on the day before it is tested for the first time at Valencia. The unveiling will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 31 January, by which time a teammate for Robert Kubica will have been decided.
Sauber will launch its 2010 car to the media in Valencia on January 31.
Lotus F1 team will officially launch its new Formula 1 car on 12th February, team boss Tony Fernandes has revealed.Writing on his Twitter account on Thursday, Fernandes said the team will turn on its car's engine for the first time on 5th February, before holding an official launch event a week later.The team is then scheduled to test the car for the first time at Jerez in Spain from February 17.
USF1 have said they wont be at the 1st Pre-season tests, instead they are launching at the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama the circuit was nominated by the FIA for them.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Edition Specials Mercedes-Benz Launches SL Night Edition and SLK Grand
Minor Updates for 2010 from Bravo Hatch
Live Detroit Auto Show MINI Beachcomber Concept
New album with Nelly’s Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 by DUB
New 2010 Volkswagen New Compact Coupe live at Detroit
Detroit Motorshow was absolutely added absorbing than the aboriginal day, as alot of the apple premieres that were captivated on the aboriginal day are now in the hall. Cars like this Volkswagen New Compact Auto abstraction were alone appear in clandestine halls on Day 1, so they could alone move it to the capital anteroom area anybody is on the additional day.
So actuality we are, alive photos of the new “Jetta Coupe” which best apparently additionally previews what the 4-door new Jetta will attending like. The auto is gorgeous, admitting in absolute activity I feel it would apparently attending nicer if the roofline were a little lower.
The Hybrid badging on the advanced grille refers to its aggregate of a 1.4-litre TSI agent with 148 bhp and 220 Nm and a 27 bhp electric motor VW calls E-motor. The motor is sandwiched amid the TSI agent and a 7-speed bifold clamp transmission, and aggregate goes to the advanced wheels. Interestingly, the car has a “coast mode” area alone the motor admiral the car during situations like low RPM artery cruising.
Enjoy the alive photos afterwards the jump.New Detroit 2010 flagship A8 at the Audi
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New 2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept
The new Gemballa MIG – U1 Ferrari Enzo 2010
New 2011 BMW 135i Coupe
Detroit 2010 Highlights.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Ever since the Coupe was teased as a concept, everyone with gasoline running through their veins has been anticipating it getting the V treatment. Well, here it is in all it's 556HP glory. It's one of the best looking coupes around and I want one bad. It certainly won't blend in with all the other boring cars out there. Now if they would just give the CTS wagon a bit of V love, they'd have a triple threat.
2010 Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition
Dodge has promised a string of special Vipers to mark the end of production for this iconic American beast. One such model is the 1:33 edition meant to commemorate the Viper ACR's lap record for a production car at the famous Laguna Seca track. The 1:33 features special gearing allowing it to make the most of it's 600HP and run from 0-202mph 14 seconds faster than the 2009 ACR. Only 33 will be built.
2011 Honda CR-Z
When Honda showed the concept CR-Z a couple of years ago they hinted that it would be a return of the CRX. Touting the small car as the first fun to drive hybrid and the first with an optional 6speed manual it looked promising. The production version was revealed in Detroit and it looks as cool as the concept however the specs seem a bit disappointing. Boasting a 1.5L 4cyl with 122HP/128TQ and Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, it is only rated at mid to high 30's in MPG depending on the type of transmission, 6speed or CVT. Those numbers are not very impressive considering that a standard Civic gets 36MPG highway and I personally have documented close to 39MPG in my wife's new Civic EX Coupe. Let's hope it's at least fun to drive.
2011 Ford Focus
Ford has finally listened and killed off the U.S. only Focus. Back when it debuted, the Focus was a "world" car meaning we got basically the same car as Europe which was great. Unfortunately, when it was time for a redesign, Ford decided to just reskin the old Focus for us here in America, while Europe got an all new hotter and better Focus. Now in the third generation Focus we are back to the good stuff. We will get basically the same car as Europe when the new Focus goes on sale in 2011. It looks like a keeper too with sweet styling and a 2.0L direct injection 4cyl producing 155HP/145TQ. Hopefully we will get an RS or SVT model.
Buick Regal GS Concept
Here is one Buick I wouldn't mind owning. I haven't said that since the days of the Grand National and GNX. Based on the European Opel Insignia and sporting a 2.0L turbo Ecotec 4cyl with 255HP/295TQ connected to a 6speed manual (yes a manual in a Buick) routing power to all four wheels (AWD!) it would easily be the most exciting Buick in a generation, if it goes into production. Let's hope it does.
Volkswagen Compact Coupe Concept
Volkswagen rolled out a new coupe concept that looks to be a bit based on the not for us Scirocco. The concept is powered by a 1.4L turbo direct injection 4cyl and mated to a hybrid system boosting power to 177HP. Mileage is estimated to be around 45MPG with the 7speed DSG gearbox. If it makes production, it's more than likely a hopped up version with VW's much loved 2.0L turbo will be offered as well.