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The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's tuning branch BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupe, sedan and convertible body styles. The engine design was based on various BMW parts: basic block layout from the M10 4 cylinder overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6.
The E36 M3 debuted in February, 1994 and was in the dealers showrooms in November that year it was the first M3 powered by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc and developing 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp). Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon/sedan versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of e34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the e39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the four door Motorsport model. The E36 is also the first M3 to be built in right-hand drive.
Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an upgraded 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built.
The majority of E36 M3s were produced at the Regensburg factory, however a small number of detuned right hand drive M3s were assembled at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa. In total, 46,525 coupes, 12,114 Cabriolets and 12,603 saloons were produced.
The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine. The 7 Series traditionally introduces technologies and an exterior design theme before they trickle down to smaller sedans in BMW's lineup
In America, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL shared the same 4.0 L V8 engine in model year 1995, but the next year the V8 grew to 4.4L while stated power stayed at 282 hp (210 kW), though torque grew from 295 to 310 lb·ft (400 to 420 N·m). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup.
The 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 is a mild hybrid and features a 0.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.The electric motor is combined with BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Estimated EPA fuel economy is 17 miles per US gallon city and 26 miles per US gallon (9 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) for highway, which represents almost an 18% improvement over the non-hybrid 750i/Li.
The second-generation Audi A8 (Typ 4E) built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in November 2002 in Europe and in early 2003 in the United States. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.
The A8L adds 120 millimetres (5 in) to the rear legroom and 11 mm (0.43 in) to the overall height of the car.
The S8 high-performance sports variant, now called the Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro and powered by a 331 kW 5.2 FSI V10 engine, was announced in the last quarter of 2005 and full production started in June 2006. The S8 has similar performance to Audi's own top-of-the-line A8L W12, though the W12 is more expensive, has more torque, and built on a longer wheelbase. Compared to the A8L W12, the S8 has sportier mechanical features such as a firmer suspension, larger alloy wheels, and ceramic brakes.
The D3 generation A8 introduced the 235 kilowatts (320 PS; 315 bhp) 4.2 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) V8 engine (subsequently uprated to 240 kilowatts (326 PS; 322 bhp)) - the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0 litre V12 TDI engine in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders.
The BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics is the concept vehicle of BMW's first of fuel efficiency and emission management vehicle and was revealed at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung Frankfurt in September 2009. In 2010 BMW announced the serial production of the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics in Leipzig. BMW recently released that they are preparing to produce this sub-brand "BMW i" vehicle line from 2013 in the Leipzig plant. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be the first models available from 2013.
The Vision Efficient Dynamics is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine.Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 km/h).
The innovative design of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology allows performance figures at the level of a sports car, with just 4.8 seconds required for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h - with an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) of 3.76 litters/100 kilometers, equal to 75.1 mpg imp, and a CO2 emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The use of electrical energy alone permits zero-emissions motoring with a range of some 50 kilometres, while a 24-litre diesel tank extends the total action radius of the vehicle to up to 700 kilometres.
Potential future car technologies include new energy sources and materials, which are being developed in order to make automobiles more sustainable, safer, more energy efficient, or less polluting. Cars are being developed in many different ways.
With rising gas prices, the future of cars is leaning towards fuel efficiency, energy-savers, hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles.
Audi has just released its latest concept design. It is known as the A9 concept and it is unlike anything we have seen in any production car to date. Audi plans to project its A9 concept at a higher standing than its current top dog, the A8. Audi predicts that this concept will be advanced enough to overwhelm first-class luxury models from competitors such as the Porsche Panamera, and the Lamborghini Estoque if ever it will be put into production.
The form and features of the 2010 Audi A9 Concept were motivated in part by the magnificent structural design of Santiago Calatrava’s architecture in The City of Arts and Sciences located in Valencia. Such inspiration can be seen in the smooth, sleek and flowing contours of the vehicle along with its futuristic structure. Calatrava’s constructions seem as if they were taken from centuries in the future, and Audi’s concept emulates the same ideals.
The windshield of this concept car is fully integrated into the roof, and is composed of material using nanotechnology. Note that this technology does not exist at this time, since it is designed to automatically adjust from clear to opaque, change color and repair damage. Changing colors to the preference of the driver is a feature also reserved for the body kit of the A9. This means that at the touch of a button, the car can change from white to black, to red, to blue, etc.
The A9 concept is achieved via a sophisticated fusion between electric-powered motors found in each of the four wheels of the vehicle, working in concurrence with an internal combustion engine using a renewable source of fuel.
The Audi A7 Sportback (internally designated Typ 4G) is an executive-class five-door coupe automobile produced by Audi. Like the fourth-generation (C7) Audi A6, the A7 is based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. It was announced at the Pinakothek der Moderne art museum in Munich on 27 July 2010 and debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
The A7 was preceded by a concept car, the Audi Sportback concept shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.. The A7 marked Audi's return to the executive coupe market since the first-generation Audi 100 Coupe S.
Four V6 engine options are available at launch: 2.8 L (201 bhp (150 kW; 204 PS)) and 3.0 L (295 bhp (220 kW; 299 PS)) petrol engines and two 3.0 L diesel engines with either 201 bhp (150 kW; 204 PS) or 241 bhp (180 kW; 244 PS) .
The BMW M6 Coupe is to be offered with a competition package aimed at offering enhanced driving dynamics. The new package features a revised suspension configuration comprising of a 12mm lower front end and 10mm lower rear, retuned Dynamic Stability Control and ABS settings, and a modified Variable M differential for greater cornering capability.
A competition package-equipped M6 Coupe has a new bonnet with precision lines for an increased sporting look and M double-spoke light alloy wheels with wider rims that are shod with new Pirelli P Zero Corsa System tyres.
Quoting from the original, first press release it seems like the suspension actually is active:
'Active chassis monitoring system designened to alter suspenstion travel and firmness on the fly for quicker turn in and more direct steering feeland lower roll centre'
German Auto major revealed the official pics and specs of 2011 Audi A8 on Friday, ahead of its official debut at Beijing Auto Show this year. The Big A8 is now even more bigger, more powerful, efficient and luxurious, well lets hope it helps in outselling other brands next year.
The new A8 known as A8 L W12 is now 130 mm longer and 2 mm higher than the present version which gives a lot of leg space and cabin space in rear. Comes with longer rear doors, there are not less than 25 motors powering the new four zone air conditioning. Luxury and comfort always comes first!!
The new 6.3 liter W12 engine develops 493 hp and 625 Nm at 3,250 rpm, Coupled to quattro four-wheel drive via Audi’s clever new eight-speed transmission can shoot up the speed from 0-100 Kmph in mere 4.9 seconds. The top speed goes to 250 Kmph. Despite the new engine being bigger and 50bhp more powerful than the previous 6.0-litre version, Audi says its average fuel consumption is improved by 12%.
There are numerous executive gadgets on board to enjoy the ride. With the help of Audi’s MMI navigation plus system, the driver can enter a destination or phone number by writing it on the screen with a finger. The navigation system reads the road conditions and topography, before feeding this data to systems that control the car’s automatic transmission and adaptive cruise control which keeps the vehicle speed to maximum 250 Kmph. There’s also upgraded technology to help the driver change lane, avoid accidental lane changes, and a pedestrian warning system that can help avoid collisions.
There are a lot of ingenious visual cues by which A8 L W12 can be differentiated from other A8 L’s that will follow (with diesel and gasoline powertrains), including a unique radiator grille, chromed inserts of in the air inlets, and chromed applications on the exterior mirrors.
The Audi S5 was released in coupé form to the public at the same time as the A5. The S5 coupé currently retains a 4.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine that produces 354 hp (264 kW), while the S5 Cabriolet shares with the Audi S4 a supercharged 3.0 litre TFSI V6 supercharged petrol engine producing 330 HP.
The A5 Sportback has 4 doors and a long, tapering roofline, giving it a "coupe-like" appearance. The Sportback model will be available in Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South Africa, and will start at EUR 36,050. However it is not sold in the United States and Canada. It is designed to be "as emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan, and as practical as an Avant" according to Audi.
The A5 marks Audi's return to the mid-size coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based Coupe model ended production in 1996. The B6/B7 A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé. For the fourth generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet and new coupé into a nameplate of its own as the A5.
The new A5 and B8 A4 were based on the Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which is planned to underpin the next generation A6 and A8.It is slotted between the audi a4 and larger audi a6 The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (52:48)between the front and rear wheels.
The A5 is the third coupe in Audi's line-up, next to the second-generation TT and the R8. The A5 has adopted many design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept. The A5 debuted with the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine delivering 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
The Lancer Evolution IX MR is available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox designed for excellence in everyday driving as well in sports driving; and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox enabling the driver to enjoy sports driving to the fullest. The GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving
Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses electronic control to transfer torque between the rear wheels while maintaining drive equally to both wheels, thereby controlling the yaw moment acting on the car body. Road conditions are sensed from handling, lateral G forces, etc., and drive is actively allocated to left or right rear wheels through a planetary gear and acceleration/reduction gear mechanism. The control acts as a limited-slip diff to enhance traction and deliver high cornering performance.
The Audi TT is a two-door sports car manufactured by Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. in Győr, Hungary, since 1998, for the German automaker and Volkswagen Group subsidiary AUDI AG.
The Audi TT is now in its second generation and both generations have been available in two car body styles; as a 2+2 Coupé, or two-seater Roadster. As a result of this platform-sharing, the Audi TT has identical powertrain and suspension layouts as its related platform-mates.
Early TT models gained press coverage for a series of high-speed accidents in Europe. Reported crashes and related fatalities occurred at speeds in excess of 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph), during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the Coupé and Roadster models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve predictability of the car's handling at very high speeds. Audi's Electronic Stability Programme, and rear spoiler were added, along with suspension modifications. All changes were subsequently incorporated into future series production versions of the car.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that has been in production since 1989 for right hand drive markets. It was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races,and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through Mitsubishi Motors close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors, or DSM, and the vehicle trio through the close of the second-generation line were sometimes referred to by the DSM moniker among enthusiast circles.
The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines.
The car underwent minor changes throughout its production; 1992–1994 models have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles. The most notable of these changes is that the models have pop-up headlights. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995.
The Hummer H3 was a crossover SUV/Sport Utility Truck from General Motors' Hummer division introduced in 2005 based on the GMT355 underpinning the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks. Produced at GM's Shreveport, Louisiana factory and the Port Elizabeth plant in South Africa the H3 was the smallest of the Hummer models, and the first to be built by GM. It was available either as a traditional midsize SUV or as a midsize pickup known as the H3T.
The Hummer H3T was a concept vehicle from Hummer - mainly used as a media diversion from the Hummer H3 which was to be released in mid 2005. The Hummer H3T production model was shown at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, with sales set to begin in August 2008 as a 2009 model. The H3T is based on the H3 model, and is a crew cab pickup truck. With a 5-foot (1.5 m) bed, the H3T lands between mid-size and full-size truck classes.
The GINA Light Visionary Model is a fabric-skinned shape-shifting sports car concept built by BMW. GINA stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptations". It was designed by a team led by BMW’s head of design, Chris Bangle, who says GINA allowed his team to "challenge existing principles and conventional processes." Other designers include Anders Warming.
BMW said the flexible, stretchable water resistant translucent man-made fabric skin – polyurethane-coated Spandex, is resilient and durable. It resists high or low temperatures, does not swell or shrink and the movement does not slacken or damage the fabric. The body changes its shape according to exterior conditions and speeds, and it also allows the driver to change its shape at will. The fabric is stretched over a moveable frame essential shapes are formed beneath the skin by an aluminium wire structure, though at points where movement is needed (ducts, door openings, spoiler) flexible carbon struts are used. The shape of the frame is controlled by many electric and hydraulic actuators, for example, the headlights are revealed when small motors pull the fabric back in an eyelid like fashion. As the fabric is translucent the taillights shine through it.
The RS4, as the name indicates, is the finest interpretation of Audi’s Quattro thinking. Not that Audi has not tried the stunt before. Actually, they have been chasing classic rear wheel driven legends like the M3s and AMG Mercs for some time now. But for the first time since the days of Walter Rohrl and his all-conquering Quattro coupe, a four-wheel drive car is going to lead that segment. Let me tell you why. First, let me just, erkick start the RS4 with the cool button start.
Driving off the pit-lane, the RS4 lets you know that you are not driving any humdrum A4. The slight rumble from the exhaust, the sports-car vibes that cannot elude the seat of your pants and, of course, the seats that try to locate the exact location of your kidneys so that it can keep you grabbed. The last time I drove a four-wheel drive sedan hard I crashed spectacularly as anyone playing GT4 for the first time would. So I try to get familiar with things – starting with a blip of the throttle. The noise of engine revs building up has never been so spectacularly calibrated. It starts with a crackle and settles into steely rumble, and gets on to a lumpy thrum (the V8 got to announce itself, right?) and pales off with a hint of a wail which is normally reserved to only genuine supercars. It really sounds like a music system tuned by someone whose middle name is Equaliser – you don’t miss the subtle low notes yet high frequencies will never get people to look for forgotten bomb shelters. Brilliant.
But to heck with the back-story. Let's kick off with the Big Numbers: the four-wheel-drive RS5 will crack 62mph in 4.6 seconds and run to 155mph - unless you ask Audi very nicely to remove the limiter, in which case it'll hit 174mph. Yes, it's faster - and more powerful - than the M3 Coupe.
That 444bhp comes courtesy of a reworked version of the R8's 4.2-litre V8, making a full 30bhp more and driving all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. A new centre diff feeds 60 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, but can send up to 85 per cent to the rear - or 70 per cent to the front - in extreme conditions. Oh, and you can turn the ESP off. Like, properly off. Good.
Visual differences from the S5 could best be described as ‘subtle': there's a new front splitter and bigger air intakes, with a retractable spoiler round the back that raises at 75mph, a feature officially known as the ‘Ooh, look at me, officer!' wing.
We're expecting the RS5 to cost around £60,000 when it goes on sale later this year, making it more expensive than that M3 Coupe. We'll bring you more details from the Geneva show next week. Waddya think, y'all?
The redesigned saloon sits on the longest wheelbase in the class, increasing interior space and chassis composure, optimising weight distribution for outstanding handling balance.
The A4 features new dynamic steering and, for quattro models, four-wheel-drive with 40:60 torque split also help to reinforce the overtly sporting slant.
The FSI direct petrol injection and common rail piezo TDI engine range will include the 157bhp 1.8 Turbo FSI four-cylinder, the 262bhp 3.2-litre V6 FSI, the 142bhp 2.0-litre TDI, the 180bhp 2.7-litre TDI and the 238bhp 3.0-litre TDI.
Motorists can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission or an updated version of the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The 2,808mm wheelbase benefits legroom, which has increased by 36mm, and the 480-litre boot, which increases to 962 litres.
The new Audi Drive Select enables the driver to select one of three driving modes - comfort, auto and sport – changing accelerator pedal response, transmission shift points, power steering assistance and shock absorber characteristics to be adjusted by the driver.
The German carmaker claims the production version of last year's Sportback Concept 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." In reality, the A7 Sportback is a shaper looking version of the next A6 with a lower roofline, a more practical rear hatch and seating for four.
The car's exterior and interior design has remained largely untouched over the 2009 Detroit show car with most changes concerning practical details such as the larger head- and tail lamps and the shape and size of the exterior mirrors, along with the less fancy trim inside. And oh, it also gets a neat retractable rear spoiler similar to the one found on the Porsche Panamera.
The five-door coupe, which is positioned between the A6 and A8, 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. The rear hatch reveals a luggage compartment with a capacity of 535-liters (18.89 cu ft) that can swell to a volume of 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) with the split rear seat backrests folded down.
Under the sheetmetal, the A7 Sportback rides on a modified architecture of the next A6, which is due in both sedan and Avant (Audi talk for Station Wagon) forms in 2011.
Audi will initially offer the A7 Sportback with a choice of two gasoline and two turbo diesel V6 engines, all featuring direct injection, an energy recuperation system and stop & start technology.
The petrol range comprises of the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI models, both of which are paired with a dual clutch S-Tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The naturally-aspirated 2.8-liter unit produces 204HP and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm propelling the A7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 235 km/h (146mph). It consumes 8.0lt / 100 km (29.4 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to 187g/km of CO2 (300.95 g/mile).
The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 unit delivers 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 standard sprint takes 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while fuel consumption is 8.2 lt/100km (28.7 US mpg), corresponding to 190 g/km of CO2 (305.8 g/mile).
In the diesel front, Audi offers two versions of the 3.0-liter V6 TDI. The more powerful variant produces 245HP between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm and 500Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm, and comes with the S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0lt/100km (39.2 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km (254.3 g/mile).
The basic version of the 3.0-liter TDI churns out 204HP between 3,750 and 4,500 rpm and will be available only with front-wheel drive and a multitronic automatic transmission. With this engine, the A7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 234 km/h (145 mph), while consuming 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km (44.4 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km (223.70 g/mile).
A8's core competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series with the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ described as secondary competitors. The 2011 A8 weighs about the same as the outgoing model despite being 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) versus competitors: 50lbs less than S Class RWD, and more than 200lbs (90.7kg) less than S Class AWD; more than 200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and more than 400lbs (181.4kg) less than 7 Series AWD.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”
Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, the initial engine offering is the well known 4.2 FSI V8 with 273 kW (372 hp). The standard transmission is an all-new eight speed tiptronic coupled to the latest generation quattro all wheel drive as standard. 0-100km/h (62 mph) arrives in 5.7 seconds while Audi is claiming an estimated 15 percent improvement in fuel consumption versus the current A8 (EPA figures TBD).
A long wheel base variant will be revealed in 2010 in addition to the confirmation of a hybrid model on the way.
Audi debuted a special Security edition of the A8. The A8 L Security features a core safety cell made from hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. The car receives a high level of armoring, an emergency exit system, and a ballistic protection rating of VR7 - strong enough to, according to Audi, withstand a military hand grenade attack. The A8 L Security receives Audi's 500 horsepower W12 engine.
