Images of the 2011 Dodge Durango have been released. The 2011 Durango will rest on a newly designed unibody platform. For the family-man or soccer-mom, three full rows of seating are implemented into the new design. Engine choices will include either the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 6,200- and 7,800-pounds of towing capacity, respectively. An all wheel drive option is available with both engines.
We have not heard of any fuel-economy estimates yet.
Stay tuned for more information as it is released. In the meantime, check out these new pictures.
Press Release:
Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Begins: Introducing the All-new 2011 Dodge Durango, the Performance SUV with a Soul
September 2, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. –
Buckle in and hold tight. Dodge is jumping back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row vehicle spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. Durango will lead the Dodge brand’s new product onslaught for 2011.
From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango’s stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind. The end result is a vehicle that delivers premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility.
The all-new Durango features two engine options: the standard fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode. Both engines feature variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel drive. In addition to great efficiency, the engines provide exceptional V-6 and V-8 towing capability with standard trailer sway control (V-8 – 7,400 lbs. and Best-in-class V-6 – 6,200 lbs.). When equipped with the HEMI® V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.
The Durango’s all-new interior is a surprise owners always deserved but never expected. Created by the same interior design studio that designed the much-lauded interior in the Ram trucks and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango’s luxurious interior materials and thoughtful touches will make owners and their crews want to jump in, hunker down and thoroughly enjoy even the longest drive. Everywhere they touch, Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch. Not only is it a pleasure to behold, it is extremely functional and gives owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. Durango’s interior is also extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers, and there’s a surprising amount of interior flexibility. With 22 different seating configurations, there’s plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear.
The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango also offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.
The best part is, consumers will get all of the all-new Durango’s capability, functionality and flexibility and still get excellent fuel efficiency. In fact, drivers can go more than 500 miles, that’s the distance from San Diego to San Francisco or from Detroit to New York City, without having to stop for fuel.
Built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., the new 2011 Dodge Durango arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.
[Source: Chrysler]
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The next generation Sky-G (gas) and Sky-D (diesel) powertrains were revealed by Mazda at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show as well as its new Sky-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Although these engines are currently being tested, Car and Driver was able to make an early test for themselves of the new 2.0-liter Sky-G engine which they have said has achieved 30 miles per gallon in the city and 39-40 mpg on the highway when used in a Mazda 3. This makes the competition bewtween the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDIs a little more even.
Mazda’s 2.2-liter Sky-D diesel powertrain was also tested by Car and Driver to pump out 43 mpg on the highway. We will keep you updated on further information on these new Sky powertrians as they are revealed.
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Film Riot decided to take the Fiesta and put there own touch into creating an ad campaign. Ford currently sponsors Film Rot so putting two and two together makes sense. Check out this video.
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]]>(from Audi Press Release) Elegance on a grand scale – the Audi A7 Sportback
Audi is targeting a new vehicle class with the A7 Sportback. The large, elegant five-door model combines the emotional character of a grand coupe, the comfort and prestige of a sedan and the active practicality of a station wagon. With its lightweight body, the powerful and efficient V6 engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems, it sets standards in many fields of technology. The Audi A7 Sportback will roll into dealerships in the fall, with prices starting at €51,650.
At a glance
Design and body
Elegant coupe design with four doors and a large, wide-opening luggage compartment hatch that opens and closes electrically (standard)
4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long; variable luggage compartment with up to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) of capacity
LED headlights optional; bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights standard
Lightweight body, large percentage of aluminum and high-strength steelsInterior and controls
– Elegant, modern lines, a craftsman’s level of workmanship, elegant colors and materials, novel layered wood inserts
– Start-stop button standard
– Front seats optionally with ventilation and massage function
– MMI radio operating system standard; head-up display available as an option
– Optional MMI navigation plus system with touchpad and large 8-inch display, Internet services from Google, Audi music interface and Bang & Olufsen Advanced SoundSystem
– Optional ambient lighting package with LED technology in the roof module, in the center console ringed with lights and the illuminated door sill trims
– Advanced safety and assistance systems such as Audi pre sense, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi active lane assist, night vision assistant, speed limit display and park assist system
– Highly efficient, fuel-saving climate control systemEngines
– Four V6 engines – two powerful and highly efficient gasoline and TDI units each with power ranging from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp)
– All engines with thermal management, start-stop system and energy recovery
– 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic (front-wheel drive) with just 139 g CO2/km (223.70 g/mileDrivetrain
– Front-wheel drive with multitronic; quattro all-wheel drive combined with seven-speed S tronic
– quattro with crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring
– quattro with sport differential for the active distribution of power at the rear axle available as an optionChassis
– Sophisticated chassis construction, aluminum control arms
– Newly developed, high-efficiency electromechanical power steering
– Audi drive select assistance system comes standard
– Optionally available adaptive air suspension with controlled damping
18-inch to 20-inch wheels, powerful brakesAesthetic and athletic – the Audi A7 Sportback
Emotion-packed design, sporty character and innovative technology: Audi is targeting a new market segment with the A7 Sportback. The large five-door model with the dynamically accentuated rear end brings together the best of three worlds: the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.
The A7 Sportback is pure high-tech. Its body is very lightweight thanks to numerous aluminum components. The elegant interior shows a craftsman’s level of workmanship. The four V6 engines combine refined power with groundbreaking efficiency. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic has CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per kilometer (223.70 g/mile). The sporty chassis comes with new solutions, such as electromechanical power steering. When it comes to assistance and infotainment systems, the luxury-class coupe exhibits all of the innovative power expected of Audi.
The five-door coupe from Audi combines supreme, long-distance comfort with a sporty character. The interior noise level is very low even at fast highway speeds, with the V6 engines providing refined acoustic feedback as their power unfolds.
The excellent vibrational comfort likewise contributes to the atmosphere of cultured tranquility on board. This is the result of painstakingly tuning all components, systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings and the extremely stiff body. The body is comprised primarily of aluminum and high-tech steels, making it extremely lightweight and safe. The large rear hatch opens wide to reveal a large, extremely usable luggage compartment that is very easy to load. Its 535-liter (18.89 cu ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) with the rear seat backrests folded down.
With the A7 Sportback, which will be rolling into dealerships in the fall at a base price of €51,600, Audi is taking up a new design line representing elegance on a grand scale. The five-door coupe is 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but only 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, the short front overhang, the long wheelbase, the sportily flowing C-pillars and the sharply dropping rear create a dynamic overall impression. The five-door coupe is an aesthetic athlete with a wide, powerful road stance.
Optional LED headlights reinforce the unmistakable expression of the A7 Sportback and provide all light functions with light-emitting diodes while minimizing energy consumption. Bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights come standard. The innovative all-weather light function has also been integrated into the headlights, replacing the classic fog lights.
The sinewy sportiness of the exterior carries over into the interior of the A7 Sportback, where Audi again demonstrates its leading role in automotive design. The salient element is the “wrap-around,” a horizontal line that encircles the driver and front-seat passenger in the interior to provide a feeling of safety and security. The wave-shaped application strip with its integrative dynamics is the salient element of the dashboard.
The utmost care has been devoted to every last detail in the interior. Workmanship is at a craftsman’s level. Optional climate-control and massage functions are available for the front seats covered in high-grade Audi leathers. The optional ambient lighting fills the entire interior with atmosphere.
Like Audi’s A8 flagship, the A7 Sportback also combines a new level of technical intelligence with logical, intuitive ergonomics and self-explanatory operation. The advanced MMI operating system with central menu button and reduced number of buttons comes standard, while one of the options is a new head-up display that projects the most important information on the windshield. The MMI touch system combines a hard drive navigation system with the convenience of touchpad input.
The driver can use the touchpad to perform numerous functions, such as using his or her finger to write the letters of the destination or the digits of the telephone number.
The online services work together with Google to connect the five-door Audi coupe to the Internet via the Bluetooth car phone. A UMTS module delivers images and information from Google Earth to the monitor and combines them with the navigation route. A WLAN hotspot is used to connect mobile devices. Further to the Bose sound system, the top-of-the-line option is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen featuring 1,300 watts of power and 15 speakers.
The top navigation system works closely together with the many optional driver assistance and safety systems in the A7 Sportback. It forwards the route data to the control units for the headlights, the automatic transmission and the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, enabling these systems to recognize complex scenarios. In many cases, the Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences. The new Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep the A7 Sportback firmly on course, and the new park assist system relieves the driver of the chore of steering when parallel parking.
Audi will initially offer the A7 Sportback with a choice of four powerful and cultivated V6 engines: two gasoline and two TDI units. Their power output ranges from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp), and their efficiency sets impressive new standards in the vehicle class. The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 139 g per km (223.70 g/mile). All engines use Audi’s innovative thermal management system, a recuperation system and a start-stop system.
The standard automatic transmissions also play a role in the high efficiency of the Audi A7 Sportback. Audi offers two different transmissions depending on the engines: The continuous multitronic sends the power to the front wheels, while the sporty seven-speed S tronic works together with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The latest evolutionary stage of quattro features a crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring.
The drive system is particularly flexible and dynamic. The optional sport differential actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.
The chassis also combines sporty precision with luxurious comfort. The Audi A7 Sportback rolls on large wheels measuring from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. The chassis features aluminum control arms and a newly developed power steering system with an electromechanical drive for high efficiency. The Audi drive select dynamics system is standard and can be supplemented by the optional adaptive air suspension with controlled damping.
Engines
The Audi A7 Sportback will hit the market with four direct-injection V6 engines: two gasoline units and two diesels. Ranging from 150 to 220 kW (204 to 300 hp), the engines propel the large five-door coupe smoothly and powerfully, with astonishing efficiency. The 3.0 TDI multitronic with front-wheel drive and 150 kW (204 hp) consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 139 g per km (223.70 g/mile). No competitor in this class can boast figures this low. All engines use Audi’s innovative thermal management system, a recuperation system and a start-stop system.
Audi has thoroughly revised the two gasoline engines, the 2.8 FSI and the 3.0 TFSI, with respect to internal friction and thermal management. The engines quickly come up to operating temperature following a cold start. A separate heat exchanger is used to also bring the transmission up to temperature. The 2.8 FSI has an additional efficiency technology on board – the Audi valvelift system varies the stroke of the intake valves as needed. This enables the engine to breathe with significantly reduced throttle losses in many partial-load ranges, boosting torque and reducing fuel consumption.
The 2.8 FSI produces 150 kW (204 hp) and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The torque is available from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Audi pairs this engine with the S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The A7 Sportback 2.8 FSI quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). It consumes just 8.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.40 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 187 grams of CO2/km (300.95 g/mile).
With the top gasoline engine, the 3.0 TFSI, a supercharger compresses the intake air for improved efficiency and performance. The three-liter V6 produces 220 kW (300 hp) between 5,250 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. The supercharged engine, which in Europe is mated to the S tronic and the quattro powertrain, gives the five-door coupe the performance of a sports car.
The standard sprint takes just 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Standard fuel consumption is just 8.2 liters per 100 km (28.68 US mpg), corresponding to 190 grams CO2 per km (305.78 g/mile).
The 3.0 TDI is available in two versions. The more powerful version of the big diesel, which has been completely redesigned, produces 180 kW (245 hp) between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. The S tronic and quattro all-wheel drive are also standard here. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Efficiency is impressive: just 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 158 grams of CO2/km (254.28 g/mile).
The second version of the 3.0 TDI, which will follow somewhat later, does even better in this discipline. It produces 150 kW (204 hp) between 3,750 and 4,500 rpm. With front-wheel drive and the stepless multitronic automatic transmission, it really flaunts its efficiency: 139 grams CO2 per km (223.70 g/mile) and an average fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.38 US mpg) are groundbreaking figures. With the new Efficiency TDI, the front-wheel drive A7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 234 km/h (145.40 mph).
With the 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), the timing of the cam shafts, the turbocharger and the common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar have been designed specifically for low fuel consumption. With front-wheel drive, the V6 diesel produces 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. The power is continuously available between 1,250 and 3,500 rpm. With quattro all-wheel drive, it is 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque that is available between 1,250 and 3,500 rpm.
Exterior design
The Audi A7 Sportback is at once an elegant and an innovative Audi – a car with elegant, sporty proportions, a long hood and wheelbase, short overhangs and athletically curved outer contours. It marks the next step in the evolution of the design language of Audi, the leading brand for automotive design.
The Audi A7 Sportback exudes a powerful presence and attraction; it is a car whose design cries out to be touched and enjoyed. With its low, dynamically accentuated roof line and its balanced proportions, it looks like a coupe. The rear doors are perfectly integrated into the silhouette. The design is consistent and expresses the aesthetics of modern technology in every detail – in the precisely drawn lines, in the athletic curvature of the surfaces, in the engine compartment and even the wheels.
The large single-frame grille up front has six corners like that of Audi’s A8 flagship, making it appear even more dynamic. The slats of the grille are painted high-gloss black and adorned with chrome applications as an expression of quality. Its horizontal posture and the design of the wide and low air inlets emphasize the width of the A7 Sportback.
As always with Audi, the headlights are small, technical works of art that illustrate the advantage that the brand has gained in lighting technology. Their flat contour that widens laterally shifts the optical focus outward. The lower edge is in the form of a wave, with the wing – a classic Audi feature – structuring the interior.
The A7 Sportback comes standard with xenon headlights with integrated all-weather lights. Optionally available here is the Audi adaptive light system, which always offers the appropriate lighting, whether driving in the city, when turning, on inter-urban roads or on the highway. It includes continuous headlight range control, which detects other vehicles and adjusts the car’s own light with smooth transitions.
Audi offers optional all-LED headlights, a major Audi innovation that premiered in the R8 and the A8. Their white light resembles daylight and is extremely energy-efficient. The zero-maintenance LED headlights generate unmistakable graphics, day or night.
Three modules comprising high-performance light-emitting diodes, mounted in separate chambers, generate the low beams. Other light functions include the high beams, the cornering light, the all-weather light and the highway light. The daytime running lights comprising 18 LEDs appears to be a continuous band at the lower edge of the headlights, below which are the turn signals comprising eleven LEDs. The high-beam assistant, which switches between the high and low beams, is a complementary technology.
Dynamic wave: the side view
The side view of the Audi A7 Sportback is a powerfully drawn line. The roof arch is a flat dome; the C-pillar stretches endlessly to the rear and flows into the shoulder of the body. Integrated into the pillar is a third side window with an upward pointing tip – a small homage to the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1969. The ratio of painted body surfaces to the frameless windows is two-thirds to one-third in the side view, which is also typical for Audi.
The sharp tornado line, the most important design element of the A7 Sportback, extends over the entire side. It gives the body strong shoulders, like those of an athletic swimmer. The tornado line starts at the headlights and extends along the fenders, the doors and the rear side walls to the tail lights. Located above the side sills is the dynamic line.
The large wheel wells housing wheels between 18 and 20 inches in diameter are also typical for Audi. They underscore the powerful character of the vehicle and offer opportunities for customizing the car’s outward appearance. Like with a sports car, the dynamically styled exterior mirrors are mounted on the doors – another sporty detail. The agile and sinewy impression of the A7 Sportback is the result of many subtle solutions. The third side window, for example, lightens the rear section of the flanks visually.
The line of dynamic elegance encircles a rear end that uses a slight negative indentation to form a distinctive spoiler lip. The luggage compartment hatch is equipped with a spoiler that automatically extends at 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and retracts again at 80 km/h (49.71 mph). The diffuser insert is painted in the body color and frames the two large, chromed tailpipes of the exhaust system, thus also emphasizing the car’s width.
All surfaces at the rear of the car are vividly modeled; the tips of the divided tail lights point inwards. With the exception of the reversing light, the tail lights are realized entirely with LED technology standard. They have been machined in three dimensions and accentuate the sculptural character of the A7. The tail lights appear to be a homogenous band that forms a broad, U-shaped arc. The brake lights, which are in the form of a helix, are located inside the arch, above which the turn signal extends as a straight line.
Audi offers eleven elegant paint finishes for the A7 Sportback. The two solid colors are called Ibis White and Brilliant Black. The six metallic colors are Ice Silver, Quartz Gray, Oolong Gray, Moonlight Blue, Havanna Black and Dakota Gray. Rounding out the palette are the three pearl-effect finishes Phantom Black, Garnet Red and Impala Beige.
Driver assistance systems
Audi offers a wide range of the latest-generation driver assistance systems. They are tightly networked with one another and other systems in the vehicle, making them extremely capable and versatile. The respective control units are connected via the fast and modern FlexRay bus system, allowing the driver assistance and chassis systems to be precisely controlled.
The heart of the driver assistance systems is the new adaptive cruise control with stop & go function (ACC). It uses the data from four radar sensors, a video camera and the ultrasonic sensors, incorporates navigation data and analyzes a multitude of additional signals, from the activity of the turn signals to the steering angle to trailer detection. Its functions range from automatic stop & go in rush-hour traffic to the electronic monitoring of high-speed highway driving at speeds of up to 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The driver uses the MMI system to determine how the vehicle should behave in ACC mode. The choices are “dynamic” – powerful acceleration when the roads are clear, spontaneous and direct when following traffic; “standard” – balanced in all situations; or relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising in “comfort” mode.
Another high-end system is Audi side assist, which from speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) upwards warns the driver of critical situations when changing lanes. It uses radar to monitor the space behind the A7 Sportback. The speed limit display detects important traffic signs and their supplemental signs with a camera and shows them in the instrument cluster display or in the optional head-up display. The night vision assistant uses a thermal imaging camera and highlights persons that it detects in front of the vehicle. It projects its black-and-white images onto the instrument cluster display. If it detects a potentially hazardous situation, it marks the person red and optionally displays a warning symbol in the head-up display.
The Audi pre sense safety system is available in a number of different versions in the A7 Sportback. It uses the highly networked systems on board and initiates preventive measures in the event of an imminent collision. In the version Audi pre sense basic, the system reacts when it detects an instable driving situation. The front seatbelts are electrically tensioned; the sunroof and the side windows are closed, leaving just a small gap; and the traffic behind is warned.
Audi pre sense front is available in combination with ACC stop & go. Its job is to prevent rear-end collisions with the vehicle ahead or to mitigate the consequences of such accidents. If the driver does not brake sharply enough in a critical situation, the system autonomously increases the brake pressure. If necessary, it initiates partial braking and tightens the belts as a precaution. If the person at the wheel still does not react, Audi pre sense front increases the braking force in a second stage and initiates preventive measures. If Audi pre sense plus is installed and the accident can no longer be avoided, emergency braking is initiated to reduce the speed by up to 40 km/h (24.85 mph).
Audi pre sense rear is coupled with Audi side assist. If it detects a critical situation – an imminent rear-end collision – it ensures that the traffic behind is alarmed via the emergency flashers. If the situation escalates, preventive protective measures are activated.
The electromechanical power steering in the Audi A7 Sportback allows the use of two new assistance systems. One of them is Audi active lane assist, which uses a camera to detect the lane markings on the road.
If the driver does not stay in the lane, the system intervenes gently in the steering to steer the A7 Sportback back on course. The system can take vehicles and objects in the adjacent lane into account while doing so.
The second innovation is the park assist system, which is the top version of the three parking aid systems offered by Audi. It uses ultrasonic sensors that detect parallel and horizontal parking spaces on the side of the road while driving slowly. If the space is large enough, the system takes over parallel parking at the push of a button. The driver only has to apply the gas and brake. The park assist system maneuvers the A7 Sportback into the smallest of parking spaces. The system can parallel park with multiple forward and reversing motions, and can also park the car in spaces perpendicular to the road.
Fast track: from concept car to production
Audi announced the A7 Sportback 18 months ago at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit with the Audi Sportback concept show car. The differences between it and the production model were slight, lying primarily in the area of the headlights, the single-frame grille, the air inlets, the exterior mirrors and the rear end. Almost all of the new ideas in the interior also made it into the production model.
Audi frequently has show cars go into production nearly unchanged. This process expresses one of the brand’s particular strengths, demonstrating how deeply the Board of Management and all areas of the company support the visions of the designers. Design is much more than styling at Audi; it is a reflection of the highly developed technology.
Back in 1993, a luxury sedan in shining silver called the ASF enthralled the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The show car with its unpainted body of polished aluminum was the precursor to the A8. Two years later Audi provided the first glimpse of the TT, likewise at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And in 1997, the Al2 show car stood at the same location as a preview of the A2.
In 2003, two spectacular show cars heralded the move into new vehicle classes. In January Audi presented the Pikes Peak quattro in Detroit. The big, sporty SUV was the precursor to the Q7. In September, the Audi Le Mans quattro became the star of the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the spitting image of the R8 which came later.
At the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2007, the brand presented the Audi Cross Coupé quattro, which went into production as the Q5 a short time later. There was even a forerunner of the compact Audi A1, which is just now coming to market: The Audi A1 project quattro, a hybrid-drive city car, debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
]]>(from Vorsteiner Press Release) The Evolution Continues: The V-RT for the 911 Turbo by Vorsteiner
Explore the ultimate sports coupe with V-RT series aerodynamic & performance enhancements from Vorsteiner for the 911 Turbo.
Our core focus of the V-RT series is to maximize performance by optimizing the power to weight ratio of the vehicle.
This achievement is made possible by producing our aerodynamic line with state of the art dry carbon fiber vacuum technology. This technology enables Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber products to exhibit higher stiffness and strength compared to other steel and aluminum components while simultaneously reducing weight up to 40%.
V-RT Carbon Fiber Aerodynamics
The V-RT front end features a newly redesigned front bumper cover that is constructed out of carbon fiber composite (CFRP). The front bumper exhibits a performance focus with the new sporty add-on carbon fiber chin spoiler and larger duct openings to feed air into the front radiators, along with the elimination of the fog lights for improved visual styling and weight reduction.
The Vorsteiner Rear Bumper and Decklid of the 911 Turbo meet the demand for performance and visual design.
The rear of the V-RT continues the same sport performance motif as the front bumper with the use of lighter carbon fiber material construction throughout the body components. The carbon fiber decklid and carbon fiber wing blade increases rear end down force, which improves handling.
To complete the light weight aerodynamic package, a replacement carbon fiber roof panel was produced which significantly improves the handling around the track while removing 55 lbs from the highest point of the vehicle
Reducing Rotational Inertia
A key component to improving acceleration, braking, and power to weight ratio are the wheels and tires you choose for your vehicle. For this reason we have coupled our lightweight carbon fiber aerodynamics with our forged 1-piece monoblock aluminum wheels and high performance Michelin PS2 sport tires.
The 1-piece and 3-piece forged wheels for Porsche 911 have a new exclusive center locking option that enables faster wheel changes and improved road performance.
Please feel free to take a look at our available wheel styling options.
Images of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS have been unveiled before it is debuted at this year’s Paris Motor Show. With an even more luxurious look, the 2012 CLS comes with a new headlight design with a total of 71 LEDs that make up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals, and side lamps. We will cover the new 2012 CLS in detail further down the road.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
]]>The new CLS – the new design icon from Mercedes-Benz
A generation ahead: The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competi-tion and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for approximately 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle con-cept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting de-sign, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”
Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (October 2 – 17, 2010), the 2012 CLS-Class will arrive in U.S. dealerships in mid-2011. The 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new inter-pretation. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible de-sign idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of de-sign at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”
Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front
The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frame-less side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.
What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is remi-niscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not inte-grated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s ath-letic appearance.
Design brings high-tech features to life
Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are di-vided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer con-tains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is acti-vated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.
The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique “dropping line”, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of his-toric Mercedes sports cars. A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful stance of a predator waiting to pounce. The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is empha-sized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and sup-ports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.
The interior: design brings quality to life
The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted per-fection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.
The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.
Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn to-gether by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fit-ted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.
The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimeter thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of untreated leather.
The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult con-tours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of a sophisticated selection process to create a con-sistent overall impression.
For an even more progressive look, black piano lacquer or carbon fiber trim elements are also available. Handcrafted as well, up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim until the high-gloss finish is achieved.
]]>(from MKB Press Release) MKB P 1000 for SL Black Series
1.015 hp / 746 kW for the SL 65 Black Series: The highest commitment of MKB´s high performance engineering.
Mercedes tuner MKB offers for the most powerful AMG supercar another 345 horsepower. The standard 670 hp are turned into 1.015 hp by the Swabian engineers of the technology tuning company MKB. The engine´s torque is limited to 1,300 Nm.
Before any lucky owner can turn the key of his SL 65 Black Series with the MKB P 1000 power train the car has to undergo an enormous engine conversion. The new engine conversion for the most powerful AMG engine demanded the long term experience of the whole engineering team at MKB. The engineer’s basis is well known. Many AMG 65 owners trust MKB performance tuning and so they reach regularly speeds with their luxury coupes and luxury sedans on the Autobahn, speeds at which modern jet fighters had retracted their landing gear already.
The club sports AMG SL 65 Black Series plays a new role in the AMG product range but it must not step out of the classic power performance line at MKB. “Our main goal with the new engine MKB P 1000 isn´t a new one. We simply want to give back the top speed performance to this SL with its high downforce aerosetting.
It should be v-max capable just like our other top speed efficient cars. And for this we need more than 800 engine horsepower,” points out MKB CEO Panagiotis Avramidis. But even 900 hp are not
enough when you are holding the technological key for over 1.000 hp.In fact the idea behind the SL Black Series is a whole new concept at AMG. The new high performance in both longitudinal and lateral acceleration showed a new principle. A principle that reduces the v-max for a better race track experience. But at MKB the typical AMG club sports pilot is well known so one thing is clear to the MKB engineers: Especially the longitudinal acceleration must not stop to soon and the most merciless push out of any corner reduces the lap time most easily.
So the MKB engine modification is in its depths is absolute outstanding compared to any other tuned 12-cylinder AMG engine. If costs are neglect able then one can work on the power plant with a greater
creativity – inside and outside. The MKB package for the AMG SL Black Series covers the whole drive train and offers the demanded reliability for high speed trials at Nardo or several hot laps on the Nürburgring in succession.The engine conversion MKB P 1000. A new philosophy. The focus on turbo charging.
For the Swabian enterprise MKB and most respected technology tuner for Mercedes and AMG cars the work on high performance power trains is business as usual. Decent exterior design, refinement in the interior but magnificent thrust under the bonnet adjusted brakes and wheels are the MKB key visual in the market.
But this MKB P 1000 marks MKB´s step into the future. Even the name shows it clearly. And in Swabian decency it underrates the performance slightly. The new MKB style is the adaption to the vehicle basis: the Mercedes performance product range will be based upon turbocharged engines in the near future. MKB demonstrates with the MKB P 1000 and its over 1.000 hp output the ultimate technology leadership in that business branch.
The 6.0 litre AMG V12 gets in the MKB P 1000 conversion a completely new engine periphery – this means air intakes, turbo charger systems, cooling systems are the visible means. Inside MKB works as consequent too. Apart from MKB camshafts the power ECU has the important job to control the flowing gases in a way that maximum power output, drivability and sustainability will be combined on a high level. The engine pushes significantly forward from 1.500 rpm onwards. Anything like a turbo lag is unknown. The automatic gearbox is converted too to meet the increased engine torque.
Additionally MKB offers MBK LSD rear axles with different ratios to reach different end speeds. The roll-out was in direct competition MKB technicians demonstrated their full confidence as they made the first roll out at Hockenheim during the international drag race. In front of 8.000 spectators and an astonished announcer the AMG Black series with its MKB P 1000 won his two shoot outs versus specialized drag racing US muscle cars.
“To race the ¼ mile was new to us,“ tells Panagiotis Avramidis, “and this car had a final drive good for a theoretical 370 km/h. So the car runs only in the first two gears on the drag strip. And as we told the
professional competitors that we must use the normal high street tire pressure for safety reasons we have been laughed at. But in the end it turned out it was not so bad for us.”The first presented Version will use the final drive ratio for 370 km/h at 5.700 rpm. The MKB v-max is not measured yet. The testing at Nardo or Papenburg oval course will be held soon.
The car should be fun to drive not only on the motorway so the engine kept its place low above the front axle. The standard room in the engine compartment of the SL and other Mercedes cars were kept in mind when developing the turbo charging banks and the air intake ducts. The original looks of the car – even when the drive train is massively converted – means a lot to the typical MKB customer.
Unchanged at the exterior but with a performance far beyond of most super cars and still with the typical Mercedes comfort to reach any High-speed Event without bruises or a stiff neck. With this sentence one can describe the result after a MKB P 1000 conversion of any AMG SL Black Series best. All in all the MKB P 1000 is spot on with his basis in regards of everyday use but it speeds ahead easily if necessary.
MKB offers this conversion as a custom hand built car in the MKB workshop. There is no production
number limit for the engine. After the launch with the AMG SL Black Series all other AMG 65 cars can
reach over 1.000 hp at the real wheels. The total cost for the engine tuning is 116.800.- EURO in Germany including 19 % VAT. As this tuning can be only done at MKB and takes a lot of efforts the conversion time will take up to 3 month.Data:
Engine MKB P 1000 in the AMG SL Black Series
Basis: AMG 65. 6,0 Liter V12 3V
Power in PS / kW at RPM: 1.015 / 746 at 5.700
Torque in Nm at RPM: 1.300 at 3.300 to 6.000
Track Performance:
0-100 km/h: 3.6 s
0-200 km/h: 8.9 s
0-300 km/h: 21.5 s
¼ mile: 11.1 s
Vmax: not measured yetMKB means unrestricted acceleration.
MKB vehicles are developed and constructed using state-of-the-art technologies. Instead of sacrificing potential to the emotionless cost-savings measures used for mass-produced cars, MKB unleashes that potential and pushes it to the limit with additional MKB technology. At MKB, the main focus is not on maximizing profits.
It’s on the sheer joy of enjoying the full potential of modern automobiles – together with our passionate
customers. Optimize the complete drive train – the engine, transmission and differential – is the focus of everything MKB does. Every MKB product comes from a constant, passionate drive to achieve maximum power, and from the search for the ideal technical solution.
The newest Fisker Karma commercial gets you a little more excited to see one of these on the road, let alone drive one. Check out the video below to experience what the Fisker Karma is really made of.
[Source: Fisker]
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It seems as though Ford has been working vigorously in all aspects including new models, redesign, new features, ergonomics, fuel economy, and so much more. This economy has not been stopping them from pumping out more efficient, higher performance, and more gagetized (is that a word?) cars and trucks. The new 2011 Ford Edge is a perfect example of this. As a well desired crossover (the combination of an SUV and passenger car), the Ford Edge is paving the way with an attractive body style and more features. Rather than waiting for the competition to make one step ahead, Ford is constantly making improvements and addressing past problems and desires to further develop the Edge into not just a crossover but the crossover to be reckoned with.
Ford announced that 400,000 Edge crossovers have been sold since late 2006 which is pretty impressive. Ford feels this success has much to do with the Edge’s styling which its competitors seem to be having difficult matching up with. For 2011, Ford has added a few new engine options as well as a remodeled interior. We will discuss this in detail.
Ford researchers have confirmed that the number one reason buyers choose the Edge over its competitors is because of its attractive design, not its efficient V6 or impressive technology.
For 2011, the Edge has continued its likable looks with with a newly designed front fascia and chrome front grille that looks very sleek and clean. New LED running lights seems to be the new fab and the 2011 Edge is no outsider. And yes, those good looking wheels are a factory option. You can also choose from a total of four other new wheel options, including 18, 20, and even 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. Want to buy a new set of tires for those 22-inch wheels though?
As we move to the interior, the 2010 model was not so ahead of the competition but the 2011 Edge has a redesigned dash which is similar to the 2011 Mustang. The center of the dash features those well designed and sleek climate and audio controls designed by Sony. Ford calls these new buttons “touch capacitive” since there are no buttons to push or levers to slide. A simple light touch of your finger will trigger the electronics to do the rest.
Another cool feature of the new Edge’s interior is the instrument cluster hiding behind the steering wheel which Ford seems to be implementing into most of their new models. Two small LCD screens are on either side of the dial speedometer. The left screen displays pertinent vehicle information such as average fuel economy, traction control settings, temperature gauge and tachometer, etc. The right screen displays a summed up version of the information displayed on the large eight-inch touch screen in the center of the dash. These screens are color coded to help the driver recognize which function is displayed – red for the entertainment system, green for navigation, blue for climate control, and yellow for the hands-free phone system. This screen also will show turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system. Two five way switches located on the steering wheel control each of these screens.
The new MyTouch system Ford has developed is also debuted in the new 2011 Edge. This system can recognize over 10,000 different voice commands which will virtually allow you to control nearly everything in the vehicle without y0ur hands leaving the steering wheel. The navigation system has also been upgraded from the DVD or hard-drive based system to a simple SD card setup. This navigation system will set you back $800. If you prefer to do without the navigation, the standard system comes with Sync Services free for the first three years, similar to the new Ford Explorer.
With all these new additions, Ford also solved some simple problems from the previous 2010 Edge. One is the noise inside the cabin. The 2012 Edge is significantly quieter than the previous model which is due to the increased baffles mounted in areas previously vacant. A thicker firewall is also a necessity to isolate the cabin from engine noise. Plastic covering the engine also helps to direct noise away from its owner.
If you have driven a 2010 Edge, you will notice the lack of confidence in the brakes. Ford has solved this by building a firmer pedal feel backed by larger rear rotors as well as new calipers and pads.
The suspension has also been tweaked to accommodate the larger wheels. New springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars were added to adjust for the new unsprung weight wich surprisingly is very smooth even with the 22-inch wheels.
Unfortunately, Ford has yet to release an Ecoboost four-cylinder engine. You will have to wait until late next year to see this as an available option. For the available engines now, there is the 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque in the Sport trim which will give you 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The SE, SEL, and Limited models all come equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 with 285 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque that will give you 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. This power it transmitted to either the front wheels or an all-wheel drive system through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Autoblog’s Zach Bowman recounts his 2011 Ford Edge experience: “Ford had us out to the hills of Tennessee to put the Edge through its paces on a variety of roads, from full-on interstates to twisty single-lane threads of asphalt, and rarely did it disappoint. Lean on the throttle in the Sport and you’re rewarded with acceleration that’s quick enough to get you to speed without feeling bored, but slow enough to keep you from getting into too much trouble. Down the undulating apexes of Tennessee’s Natchez Trace Parkway, the Sport felt more planted compared to its SEL sibling, but we’re not entirely sure the average Edge owner would note any differences in the suspension setup. They would, however, note the firmer, more capable brakes in both vehicles compared to the 2010 model. It’s a big – and welcome – difference.”
Now lets talk price. Ford will hand over the keys of an Edge SE starting at $27,220 but if you want all the goodies of the Sport trim, you will have to hand over $36,995 and possibly over $40,000 for even more options.
[Source: Autoblog, Zach Bowman, Ford]
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Nissan has released images of the new 2011 Murano that will be sold in the US. A diesel model is still not available in the US and the Murano will only carry the 3.5 liter VQ V6 with 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Although there is not a large supply of options as far as performance goes, buyers can no choose between a total of eight variants of the Murano. Some of these new models include the new SV FWD and SV AWD. Nissan has also introduced some 20-inch wheels, a dual-panel moonrood, and several new exterior color choices as well as more optional features. The 2011 Nissan Murano will hit dealer lots by October.
[Source: Nissan]
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