2011 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Posted by admin on October 15, 2011 - (0)
The arrival of the new Audi A8 brought with it a whole host of updates, with the majority concerning the electronic technology within the vehicle. It incorporates many new technical features whilst also allowing for less distractions whilst driving.
The Driving Experience
The overall driving experience of the Audi A8 remains enjoyable for just about any type of driver, by utilizing perfect harmony between luxury and sportiness. The powerful V8 4.2 liter engine producing 372 horsepower with 328 pound-foot of torque is more than sufficient for the younger generation to enjoy driving, whilst the cabin experiences very little outdoors and engine noises, which is appreciated by all ages. For sure, every type of driver will love every little feature that makes this an Audi.
The brand new 8 speed automatic transmission is possibly one of the greatest ever designed, and some might even go as far to say that it is flawless. This helps achieve some quite impressive fuel efficiency ratings, this vehicle received 17 mpg for city and 27 mpg for highway.
LED Lights
The front fascia’s appearance is quite aggressive with its eyebrows coming down into an angry like position. The headlights on this vehicle are LED, and they can be noticed from a long distance away due to how bright they are. The fog lights project the beam low and to the side whist the upper level is slightly dimmed.
When traveling at night time it is quite impressive to note that all of the interior lights are able to be controlled and adjustable color and brightness. Although impressive it would have been nice if it featured more colors than the 2 that are available; these are “Ivory” white and “Bright” white.
Your Driving Mode
There are a multitude of various driving modes made available for the Audi A8, from modes such as dynamic and comfort. The differences from these modes are quite noticeable, from the firm ride and tight steering of the dynamic mode to the extremely smooth driving experience of the comfort mode. Audi has designed quite an ingenious interface, with a various options available, so that it is simple and easy to customize your own driving mode.
New Putt Shifter
The incorporation of the new putter shifter; which incidentally looks similar to a golf putter. Although the new shifter can take a little time to get used to, it was intentionally designed that way so the the driver’s wrist rests on the shifter while controlling the new MMI touch screen. The MMI has been upgraded and it now has more intuitive menus, is much more responsive, quicker and more accurate, this helps it become less distracting to the driver.
Pricing of the Audi A8
The base price of this vehicle comes in at around $78,925. There are a whole host of optional extras that will raise the cost of the vehicle further. These include; a leather package priced at $750, LED headlights priced at $1,400, driver assistance priced at $3,000, convenience package priced at $2,350, premium package priced at $2,000, and 20 inch wheels priced at $1,200.
Posted in 2011 Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Audi
2012 Audi R8 Spyder Model Detailed
Posted by admin on August 22, 2011 - (0)
Audi has announced that there will be a remodeled R8 Spyder with its 4.2 liter FSI Quattro engine. Although it hasn’t really come as a surprise that there will be a new R8 Spyder for 2012 it is very pleasing to see this little beauty being made available for the masses.
The engine is basically the V10 5.2 liter FSI Quattro engine utilized in the more powerful R8 Spyder, the only difference is that it has been scaled down into a V8 version for this new model. Audi’s American branch has stated that the new V8 engine version of the R8 Spyder will makes its debut in the first quarter of 2012, with the arrival of another V8 4.2 liter engine producing 430 horsepower also available for the coupe versions in 2012. Available as standard is the 6 speed manual transmission whilst the R-tronic automated manual transmission will available as an optional extra.
Even though the new car model year begins this fall, after the new Spyder has been unleashed to the public only then will the brand new 2012 model of the R8 coupes be released as well. The previous 4.2 liter R8 coupe version managed to attain speeds of 0-60 mph in exactly 4 seconds, now if Audi can limit the weight gain of the new Spyder and V10 coupe models to that of around 100 kg, then the 4.2 liter engine Spyder should be able to attain 0-60 in an also impressive 4.2 seconds.
Although no actual official photos or illustrations of the new 4.2 liter R8 Spyder have been released as of yet; pictured above is the V10 Spyder model. From all indications this new model should look similar in appearance to a topless version of the 4.2 coupe, equipped with such features as quad tailpipes, whilst the extractors and air intakes will have a streaked matte finish.
The fairings of the V8 Spyder model will be designed in “glistening silver”, similar to its older V10 sibling. The vehicle comes in 11 colors for the main body work, whist complementing the soft-top of this new model there will be 3 different colors made available to choose from; either red, brown of black. Audi has stated that the windshield surround will be coated with anodized aluminum.
If we compare the pricing of the V10 models, it can almost safe to assume that the base price will rise 10 percent extra than that of the coupe variation. This will possibly place the price of this new vehicle in region of around $130,000, this is approximately about $35,000 less expensive than the V10 Spyder model.
Posted in 2012 Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Audi
2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
Posted by admin on January 10, 2011 - (0)
The updated Challenger SRT8 receives the long awaited 6.4 liter Hemi engine.
The Dodge Challenger
The brand new model of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will be blessed with the inclusion of the powerful V8 Hemi engine. The new engine is basically an improved version of the SRT V8 6.1 liter engine, it’s now a 6.4 liter engine. The new engine found in the 2011 Challenger model produces an impressive 470 horsepower with 470 pound-ft of torque. This is new engine outputs approximately 45 more horsepower and 50 extra pound-foot of torque.
Whilst all brand new SRT8 Challenger 2011 models will be receiving the new V8 6.4 liter engine, the transmissions will remain the same from the previous model; this is either a standard 5 speed automatic transmission or an optional 6 speed manual transmission. The engineers for the SRT model have incorporated redesigned suspension geometry and also the inclusion of some new dampers to assist the chassis. The steering quality has also be improved and is now much more responsive than it was on the previous model, this is thanks to the incorporation of a heavy duty hydraulic pump. Even though this vehicle weighs in at over 2 tons, with the upgrades and improvements throughout it should enable this vehicle to become much more responsive and quicker.
One of the most noticeable new features on this new Challenger model is the placement of the “392 HEMI” badges that are situated on the front fenders, whilst the whole of the front fascia of the vehicle has been remodeled and has a more sleeker appearance.
2011 Launches With Limited Edition Model
At the start of the 2011 model year there will be a special edition “Inaugural” SRT8 392 released, with limited quantities of just 1,492 vehicles. It has been stated that 1,100 of these limited edition models will be released in the United States, whilst the remaining 392 will be allocated for the Canadian market. The exterior of these models will adorn a combination of white and blue paint, either “Stone White” stripes over a “Deep Water Blue” body or “Viper Blue” stripes over a “Bright White” body, with 20 inch wheels with black painted pockets come as standard. The interior also has the limited edition treatment also, coming with white leather seats and blue stitching and striping over the seats. All the limited edition models will receive a serialized dash plaque also.
All in all, it’s very pleasing to finally see the Hemi engine receive more power in this new challenger model. You’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on one of those stylish looking limited edition SRT8 392.
Posted in 2011 Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Dodge
New Transmissions for the 2011 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 Models
Posted by admin on January 9, 2011 - (0)
All new for 2011 is the inclusion of new 8 speed transmissions and a new and loved engine to be incorporated within the Q5 model.
So with the new lineup for 2011 there has been a few alterations to some models from Audi. The Q5, A4 and A5 models will all be receiving brand new 8 speed transmissions for their 2011 iterations, additionally, the 2011 models of the Q7 and A8 are also incorporated with the new 8 speed transmission. The Audi Q5 will be spoiled further by being equipped with a brand new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine.
8 Gears are better than 6
The brand new 8 speed transmission will be named “Tiptronic”, this new transmission is destined to replace all of the vehicles that utilize the old 6 speed transmissions, which are also Quattro equipped and incorporated with 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engines. It has been confirmed to include such models as the A4 Quattro sedan and Avant, and the A5 2.0T Quattro cabriolet and coupe, even the A8 and A8L models can’t escape the introduction of this new 8 speed transmission. Both V6 3.0 liter turbo-diesel and V6 3.0 liter supercharged variations of the Q7 will also adorn the new transmission.
There are some vehicles that are unaffected by the transmission replacement overhaul and that is the front wheel drive variations of the A4 and A5 models, all models of the A6, the 3.2 liter Q5 model, the S5 coupe, and all models of the S6. All these aforementioned models will retain the old 6 speed automatic transmission or the CVT. Any vehicle that currently utilizes dual clutch automatic manual transmissions and also unaffected by this change, these include such models as the TT, A3 and S5 cabriolet to name but a few.
The Q5 receives a turbocharged surprise
One last nugget of information gold is the news that the Q5 model will receive a new engine. So, for the 2011 model the Q5 will be incorporated with the popular 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine which outputs 211 horsepower with 258 pound-foot of torque, integrated to an automatic 8 speed transmission. It’s going to utilize the newer EA888 engine model and by doing so enables the vehicle to weigh less, increased torque and an improved fuel efficiency when compared to the older V6 3.2 liter engine. It has been noted that this new engine seems to synchronize and work much better overall with the A4 and Q5 variations of models.
All these brand new have just gone on sale, so its time you decide which vehicle you like and go out and purchase one.
Posted in 2011 Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Audi
Porsche’s 911 Test “Hybrid”
Posted by autoguy on February 21, 2010 - (0)
Last week, Porsche introduced its , featuring the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). It will be formally unveiled at next month’s Geneva auto show, exactly 100 years after Ferdinand Porsche launched the world’s first hybrid car, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus. In May, it will race in the 24-hour Nürburgring, the track of which is widely thought to be the world’s toughest, most demanding racetrack.
Most hybrids rely on heavy lithium-ion batteries, but the KERS is a flywheel generator that captures and stores energy from braking, and replaces the passenger seat. As the driver brakes, the car’s front two motors act as generators, accelerating the flywheel. When the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, the flywheel then acts as a generator converting mechanically stored kinetic energy into electrical energy, sending up to 120 kW to the front wheels for a 6 to 8 second burst of 160 hp. This will be useful as the driver is coming out of a turn, or trying to pass. It is expected to save fuel, lower the number of pit stops, and allow the car to be heavier.
Typical for 911s, a 480 HP 4.0 Liter flat six engine runs the rear wheels. This motor is known for lower mechanical vibrations.
Porsche will be using the same design that the Williams Formula 1 racing team uses, except as there is no passenger seat in the F1, the F1 KERS gets its energy from the rear drivetrain. In the past, Formula 1 found the technology controversial for several reasons. It adds 25 kg. (55 lbs.) of weight, raises the car’s center of gravity and reduces the ballast, making it difficult to evenly distribute the car’s weight.
Though there are no plans yet for a street-legal version of this car, this design is part of Porsche’s “Intelligent Performance” philosophy, which will drive all future car designs. The goal is more power, less fuel and lower CO2 emissions (which they have lowered by 1.7% annually for the last 15 years). This hybrid will act as a racing laboratory, and is intended to spearhead Porsche’s new design.
Posted in Future Cars, Hybrid Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Porsche
Green Cars Highlight the DC Auto Show
Posted by autoguy on February 5, 2010 - (0)
In a speech at last week’s DC Auto Show, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said “We have to bring back manufacturing [to the US].” We are lagging the Japanese and Chinese. (“It’s startling how much manufacturing is happening in China now.”) That, and weening ourselves off our addiction to foreign fuel, is why the Department of Energy is lending $13 billion to companies and suppliers to research and develop electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, corn ethanol and agricultural waste fuels, advanced combustion engines, natural gas cars, hydrogen fuel cells, and even modified bacteria that change bio waste into a gas substitute. Of that, $1.4 b will be lent to Nissan America to produce the Nissan Leaf, a plug-in which will be made in Tennessee.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf will get 100 miles per charge and cost about $30,000, though Federal credits may bring this down to $23,000. It charges in 14 hours at 120 volts, 4 hours at 240 Volts, and in a little over 30 minutes at 440 Volts DC (planned for Nissan’s commercial charging stations). The car has its own web service that will direct the driver to the nearest station, as well as provide music and video channels. Plus an iPhone app will allow the driver to check your car’s charge level, and even turn the AC or heater while the car still on the charger. It has 100 horsepower and 210 ft-lbs of torque, but with its electronic shifter and gauges, it wont feel like any car we’re used to. Expect to see them on the road in December, with charging stations opening in Portland, Seattle, Tuscon, Phoenix and Nashville.
Here are some of the other highlights of the auto show.
GEM, a company acquired by Chrysler in 2000, sells neighborhood electric vehicles. A lot of them. They sold 40,000 last year in the US, number one in their category with a 70% market share. A GEM representative calculated that in 2009, their vehicles went about 500 million miles, saving 19 million gallons of gas and 93,000 metric tons of emissions, equivalent to planting half a million trees. Ten percent of vehicle sales are to retirement communities, but they also sell to college campuses, state parks, and municipalities. They have six models available, ranging in price from about $7,300 to $13,000 for the fully-loaded six-passenger model.
Toyota debuted a plug-in hybrid Prius. The regular Prius has a nickle-hydride battery, but the plug-in’s is lithium-ion. It can run for 13 miles on a bone-dry tank, and gets 80 to 100 mpg “if driven correctly,” said Joyce Brew, a Toyota representative. It has the same power train and hybrid synergy drive as the old Prius.
But it doesn’t all have to be “green”, does it? The Viper roadster has a 600 hp engine and 560 ft-lbs of torque. Zero to 60 in under four seconds, and the quarter mile in 11 seconds. Zero to 100, and back to zero in 11 seconds. It tops out at about 198 mph, and has no traction control or stability program (“kid gloves” stuff, said the presenter).
Posted in Hybrid Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Nissan
Toyota Recall Gets Personal
Posted by autoguy on January 31, 2010 - (10)
Yesterday Toyota announced the recall of another 1.9 million vehicles for “pedal entrapment” issues, bringing the total to 9 million cars worldwide. This is the second largest ever, to Ford’s recall of 14 million cars with faulty cruise control switches in 2009. So far in the US, over 2,100 cases of sudden acceleration have been reported, resulting in at least four deaths, 19 pending investigation.
The affected vehicles, according to Car and Driver, are
- 2009-2010 Toyota Carolla
- 2009-2010 Highlander
- 2009–2010 Venza
- 2009–2010 Matrix
- 2009–2010 Pontiac Vibe (same as the Matrix underneath)
As the gas pedal mechanism becomes worn, the pedal becomes harder to push, or slower to return to the idle position, due to resistance from the all-weather rubber floor mats. Except in the worst case of uncontrollable acceleration, this should not occur suddenly but be noticeable over time.
If you own one of the above recall models and experience this defect while driving, experts suggest that you do not pump the brakes. This depletes the vacuum needed by the power brake assembly. Instead, shift your car to neutral, use both feet on the brake pedal, bring the car to a complete stop and turn it off. Remember never to remove the key while driving as this will lock the steering wheel. If you have an engine start/stop button, push it for at least three seconds to turn the car off. And finally, report the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
About ten years ago, Toyota made the decision to use non-Japanese suppliers to produce more cheaply and expand market share. It worked. In 2008, they eclipsed GM as the world’s largest car manufacturer, continuing the trend in 2009 even as the entire market shrank. But it would appear that what they saved in cost, they wasted in quality. In November 2009, the NHTSA mandated a recall, based on four deaths in California of an off-duty highway patrolmen, his wife, daughter and brother-in-law.
That Toyota was forced by American authorities to recall their cars is just the latest in a pattern of denial, according to the LA times. In a scathing expose last month, they alleged that Toyota has known about the problem since 2000, but deemed it more profitable at the outset to deny it, or blame the driver. As cases went to litigation, their denial took the form of out-of-court settlements and non-disclosure agreements, some reaching seven figures. They drew criticism from the courts for ignoring requests for evidence, but chose instead to pay the fines. (So far, Toyota hasn’t shared black box passwords or accident data, claiming that the recording device is a proprietary prototype).
When they found the pedal problem in the Camry and Lexus ES two years ago, their only “repair” was a warning label … on the underside of the floor mat. Even as the deaths in California brought the issue to light, Toyota publicly insisted that no default existed, drawing an uncharacteristically sharp rebuttal from the NHTSA, which called their statements “inaccurate and misleading.”
It is clear that Toyota will not walk away from this without a scratch. Edmunds.com forecast a dip in Toyota’s market share from around 18% (it’s high in 2008) to 14.7%, its lowest point since March of 2006. Sales figures will be released Tuesday, but they are expected to show a decrease of 45% for December and 11.9% for January. Though Toyota is running apology ads in major newspapers on Sunday or Monday, but many industry experts agree that the damage has already been done. Though the typical consumer has a short memory span, this issue will be in the media spotlight long enough for even the shortest memories.
Posted in Latest News | 1 Comment » | Tags: Toyota
HK Plant to Open in Alabama
Posted by autoguy on January 26, 2010 - (0)
This week, Chinese automaker Hybrid Kinetic Motors announced plans to open a plant in Alabama later this year. This is great news for at least 6,000 autoworkers laid off in 2009 by the Big Three, not to speak of the numerous suppliers that will be needed to support production. It’s good news for the environment as well, as HK slates the plant for eco-friendly cars, with natural gas for fuel.
Since the US is the second largest natural gas producer worldwide (CIA Factbook, 2009), we will be — as the mantra goes — finally “decreasing our dependency on foreign oil.” HK’s car will get 45 miles per gallon, and emit about three ounces per mile of CO2 exhaust (or 50 grams per kilometer).
Natural Gas Vehicles (or NGVs) are the latest trend in green, environmentally friendly cars, as they emit 93 percent less carbon monoxide than regular gas vehicles. Although they cost about $30,000 to $50,000 more to produce, natural gas is just one third the price of regular gas, and is much more stably priced. If that is not enough to convince a buyer to front the extra cost, NGVs typically require less routine maintenance than regular cars, because the gas burns so cleanly that there is less wear and tear on engine parts.
On the flip side, though there are around 120,000 NGVs in the US (mostly fleet vehicles), as of last year, there are only 1,300 fueling stations for NGVs with many not open to the public. Riders complain that NGVs aren’t roomy, as the lower-density gas needs more storage space. Finally, NGVs have more limited range than regular gas vehicles, around 220 miles compared to 350 miles for the same car (Honda Civic GX vs. Civic).
The eight initial models for the HK plant will be designed by world-famous designer Giorgetto Guigiaro, of DeLorean fame (featured in the “Back to the Future” movie series. He also did a 2006 Mustang prototype). The concept car of this week’s press conference was in fact the Quaranta, recycled from the 2008 Geneva International Motors Show, a fact that was not denied, but not publicized either. It’s generally acknowledged that this is not likely to be the production model (whew! it has two front passenger seats, with the driver in the middle), but the flagship product is to be a sports car.
HK plans to produce about one million cars annually when it meets full capacity in 2018, and later produce vans, trucks and SUVs. When production begins in 2012, it will bring the US back to 14 million cars per year, with HK motors producing a significant share of the domestic auto market.
Posted in Latest News | No Comments » | Tags: Kinetic Motors
2012 Mustang Coyote Engine
Posted by admin on December 24, 2009 - (0)
While there has been a great deal of hype over the coyote engine that has been released in the 2011 Mustang, many people are looking to the future and wondering what the Road Runner engine is going to be offering consumers with the 2012 Mustang. So, 2012 Mustang, coyote engine? The answer is no, because it is Road Runner all the way.
From what many people have heard, the 2012 Mustang engine will be a 5.0 liter V-8 engine, which will give it horsepower in excess of 600, which would make it by and large the leader in sports cars among major auto makers. Many fans of Mustang are happy to see that the five liter engines may be back on the Mustang, with many wanting a return to the 5.0 badge of Mustang.
The 2012 Mustang Road Runner engine is expected to be an aluminum block. Now it should be noted that the engine will not have 600 horsepower even though it is capable of that. Instead, it will most likely sit around 422 to 425 horsepower, which is par with Camaro. It is hard to know what exactly is going to be coming from the 2012 Mustang and its Road Runner engine but many sources cite that there will be a new Boss version of the Mustang in 2012, and that many consumers will be happy with the new look of the old car.
Overall, it can also be expected that the 2012 Mustang will have good fuel economy. The 2011model can do 30 miles per gallon on the highway and if the 2012 model does not exceed that it should remain par. This is very important because Ford is trying to brand its cars as eco-friendly, and if its Mustang brand takes a step back to poor fuel economy, the company may have trouble selling this iconic car.
Posted in 2012 Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Ford
GM plans for Cadillac Converj hybrid car
Posted by admin on November 10, 2009 - (0)
GM emerged from bankruptcy proceedings recently and is making new strategies for gaining new market. In the same line they planned to manufacture next generation of electric cars. GM has decided to manufacture Cadillac Converj an electric car in line with the technology used in Chevrolet Volt.
Cadillac Converj concept car was unveiled in 2009 North American International Auto Show and was able to garner very good supporters. Industry critics and general public both were happy with the concept.
The production date for the car is not set and it might be a few years before one could expect this car with the dealer. This car will only go into production floor after the launch 2010 Chevy Volt. That means it would be somewhere near to 2013 when one would be able to see this car on the roads.
Cadillac with a higher sticker price would help to offset high cost of the battery system. It will also help GM to include electric car technology into their fleet. They could enhance the technology and reduce its cost thus they could use same technology on their other car models with lower sticker price,
Until GM is able to provide a car that could provide value like 2010 Toyota Prius at the same price it is going to struggle in the market. The lost market share is very hard to achieve as the road ahead is going to be tough for GM.
Posted in Future Cars, Hybrid Cars | No Comments » | Tags: Cadillac