Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Volkswagen | 5 Comments
Volkswagen is developing a new compact hybrid system for the Golf.
Initial test results are pretty engouraging, with the Golf prototype using 10% less fuel than a conventional vehicle while running its engine, and saved another 15% while running in hybrid mode. Volkswagen says the hybrid components take up 50% less space than existing systems.
The test vehicle uses a lightweight electric CVT transmission which eliminates the tooth wheel used in current production hybrids. This ‘Mega’ gearbox is about the same size as a convention four-speed automatic transmission and weighs in at just 65kg. That’s around 35kg lighter than the E-CVT system used in the Toyota Prius.
[Source: Automobil Produktion]
Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi | Leave a comment
Audi’s new Coupe, the A5 will be inveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March. We can expect the Q5 to make an appearance too.
Audi made the announcement at the LA Motor Show yesterday, while launching their much awaited TT Roadster. The new four seater Coupe will be based Audi’s next generation A4 platform, and the Ingolstadt company will be hoping to lure drivers from their 3-Series BMW’s and Mercedes SLK’s.
[Source: What Car]
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Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi | Leave a comment
A while ago, we brought you the first picture of Oettinger’s Audi TT.
Here’s a few more details.
The body add-ons consist of a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and side skirts. The wheels are Oettinger’s new RXX 20 inch items. Inside, there’s a pair of alcantara trimmed sports seats.
With an upgraded injector pump and some ECU re-mapping, Oettinger have claimed to have extracted 350 bhp from the 2.0L TFSI unit. An uprated clutch helps to deal with the hike in power. A sports cat and stainless steel exhaust system completes the package.
[Source: Oettinger]
Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Porsche | Leave a comment
The guys at Auto Express have got exclusive footage of the Porsche Panamera out on the road, during testing.
Check it out here!
Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Volkswagen | Leave a comment
Wolfsburg company Volkswagen is planning to produce a variant of its Polo, by 2009. The new vehicle will compete with such cars as Maruti’s Swift and the Hyundai Getz.
The car will be designed and created at VW’s new plant in Maharastra, and is destined purely for the Indian market.
Volkswagen board member, Detlef Wittig, commented “We are looking at a low-cost product for the India market.We are targeting the B segment of the passenger car market, which also is the largest in the country and is expected to grow further.”
[Source: Business Standard]
Posted on 30th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Volkswagen | Leave a comment
Ken Albright took a tired 1986 VW Scirocco GTX, and literally jump started it back to life.
Due to having a conscious when it comes to the environmental, Ken decided that electric-power was the way to go. Since last December, he’s spent around 100 hours and $8000 replacing the petrol engine with a total of 15 batteries, giving the car 120 volts to drive it along.
He commented “It definitely wasn’t cheap, I have calculated it out, and I’m hoping that it will pay itself back in four years.â€
The cost of running such a vehicle? Just 3 cents per mile.
[Source: Missourian]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Rolls Royce | Leave a comment
In an effort to meet a growing market and expected demand for their forthcoming convertible model, Rolls-Royce are looking to expand their number of dealerships across the Middle East.
Marketing Director, Axel Obermüller, commented “Advanced orders for the convertible are significant, and preparing our business for its arrival is vital to ensure the best possible service for our customers. As part of our business development, we have recently opened a new showroom in Lahore, Pakistan, and will soon open another in Oman.â€
The new roofless model is closely based on 100EX concept car first seen in 2004. We can expect to see it in Rolls-Royce showrooms sometime next year.
[Source: Albawaba]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Porsche | Leave a comment
If you missed the Fifth Gear review of Porsche’s 997 GT3 with Vicki Butler Henderson, here it is. Looks like alot of fun (and the GT3 looks pretty cool too).
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Lamborghini | Leave a comment
Audi owned supercar manufacturer Lamborghini, has had its most successful year to date. The company is on track to sell more than 2000 cars this year, compared to 1600 units in 2005.
The beautiful Gallardo Spyder is partly to blame on the increase. Next year could be even better, with the Murcielago LP640 Roadster going on sale.
Lamborghini also plan to increase its number of worldwide showrooms, from 88 to 100.
[Source: Lamborghini]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Porsche | Leave a comment
Not content with designing iconic cars, Stuttgart company Porsche have turned their hand to this toaster. Manufactured by Siemens, it looks like no other bread burner. The housing is made from brushed aluminum and has a “Cool-Touch†feature for safety and operability.
When not in use, the toast slot closes, allowing this device to retain its sleek looks. Turn the toaster on, and the slot opens with a smooth, fluid motion at the touch of a button.
We prefer the VW toaster.
[Source: Siemens]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi, Porsche | Leave a comment
According to a German financial paper, Stuttgart auto giants Porsche, may attempt to buy enough shares in Audi, to take it from its parent group VAG.
If they did acquire the Ingolstadt company, maybe we could expect more vehicles along the lines of the awesome Audi RS2, which was assembled jointly with Porsche at their plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany.
[Source: Just Auto]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Mercedes | 1 Comment
According to WorldCarFans, this skeleton-on-wheels is the base for a forthcoming ‘baby McLaren’, designed to take on the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo.
Rumours suggest the ‘SLS’ may rely on carbon fibre for its construction and could use a three seater layout, similar to the legendary McLaren F1.
WorldCarFans are running an image of how they think the finished vehicle will look, but to be honest, it looked more like a future Porsche GT1 than a future Mclaren Mercedes.
Personally, we hope it’ll look something like this.
[Source: WorldCarFans]
Posted on 29th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Porsche | Leave a comment
We like this Porsche 997 GT3 RS promo video. The RS models have always been a favourite of ours (particularly the 964 RS). An awesome track-day weapon.
Posted on 28th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Volkswagen | 2 Comments
Volkswagen has unveiled its compact 4×4, the Concept Tiguan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and has announced that the first examples of the SUV will be delivered to customers by the end of next year.
Maintaining the ‘baby Touareg’ appearance of the Concept A, Concept Tiguan makes a bold styling statement. At 4.4 metres long, 1.85 m wide and 1.69 m high, it is very similar in size to the Touran compact MPV (4.4 m, 1.8 m, 1.6 m). Klaus Bischoff, who was responsible for the exterior design of the car said: ‘It was very important for us to have the car appear powerful and muscular. For us that was a higher priority than anything else. An off-roader needs a long hood and an upright position. That lends the vehicle self-assuredness and power.’
The Concept Tiguan’s ‘face’ and side profile are immediately recognisable as those of a Volkswagen, and yet they are different from all existing models in the range. The dark-anodised metallic tone of the front grille contrasts with the body colour, while a grid pattern and two dominant cross fins to the left and right of the Volkswagen roundel complete the look.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 28th November, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Mercedes | 1 Comment
Former Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen will be on hand to test for McLaren Mercedes at the Circuit de Catalunya in spain this week.
Now driving in the DTM Series, Hakkinen has been getting reacquainted with an F1 car, by putting some ‘miles’ in on the McLaren computer simulator at their Woking headquarters.
Team boss, Ron Dennis, said “On the basis that Kimi (Raikkonen) and Juan Pablo Montoya not being available and not being appropriate to the work we are doing for next year, Mika can evaluate some of the things we are developing and bringing to the car.” He added “Mika’s presence is going to be very important. He is incredibly enthusiastic, he knows this team inside-out and is going to help us to develop the car.”
Hakkinen, was keeping tight lipped, saying “It is just rumours. It is still my objective to be in the DTM but if McLaren asks me to help them then I am very happy to do that.”
[Source: Auto123]
