Audi A1 quattro vs Nissan GT-R


This latest video from Autocar sees cuddly Steve Sutcliffe head to the track to find out if Audi’s pocket rocket, the A1 quattro, has the chops to keep pace with the Nissan GT-R.

The A1 is propelled by the company’s delightful 2.0 TFSI engine, which develops 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, while its Japanese rival uses a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 to produce 404 kW (542 hp) and 632 Nm and features the weight-saving Track Pack.

So, it should be a walk in the park for Godzilla, no?

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Volkswagen up! takes tightest parallel parking crown


We’ve witnessed some impressive parallel parking in the past, but this is f-word insane. Filmed at at Flugplatz Kindel in Eisenach, for the Guinness World Records TV show, Ronny Wechselberger managed to place a 3.54-metre Volkswagen up! into a 3.68-metre parking space. Yes, you read that right.

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Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet


Earlier this year, Bugatti invited the French Conceptual artist Bernar Venet to design a piece of work for the Art Basel Miami Beach 2012 (December 6-9), and this is the result.

Renowned for his striking, abstract sculptures, New York-based Venet used a Veyron Grand Sport to create the “fastest artwork ever”. From a distance, the front fascia and flanks of the Grand Sport almost appear to be rusted metal panels, but on closer inspection it is merely a copper-coloured pattern made up of mathematic and scientific formulas which the company’s engineers had used to make the Veyron a reality. The front wheels were also colour-matched.

Moving inside, the artist’s signature adorns the central tunnel and the algorithmic theme continues with the door panels receiving the same numerical treatment, making this the most expensive Sudoku puzzle in the world.

Propelled by a quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W16, producing 746 kW (1,001 hp) and 1,250 Nm of torque, the Grand Sport hits 100 km/h in a mere 2.7 seconds and a 407 km/h (252 mph) top speed, or 361 km/h (224 mph) with the roof removed. And toupee tape in place.

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Audi R8 V10 plus driven


The latest episode of CNBC’s Overdrive sees Shubhabrata Marmar head over to Italy’s Misano World Circuit to sample the new Audi R8 V10 plus.

Differences on the plus include CFRP mirrors, side blades, splitter, larger diffuser and adjustable bucket seats. Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, while the improved output of 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm of torque allows a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a 317 km/h (197 mph) top speed.

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