New High-tech Engine In The Audi A6

A new ultra-modern V6 power unit with a displacement of 2.8 litres will be available for the Audi A6 and A6 Avant from 20 October 2006. The engine has an output of 154 kW (210 bhp) and achieves 280 Nm of torque, available constantly from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.

As well as FSI petrol direct injection, the V6 thus for the first time features a highly efficient but astonishingly simple valve control technology – the innovative Audi valvelift system. What this means for Audi drivers is even more driving fun, on appreciably less fuel.

The new technology has the purpose of controlling valve lift variably in two stages. The Audi valvelift system implements so-called cam pieces, which are located on the inlet basic camshafts and can be displaced longitudinally. They carry two cam contours, side by side, for small and large valve travel. Depending on their position, the inlet valves are opened in accordance with the prevailing load requirements via roller cam followers.

In conjunction with an array of complementary measures that promote reduced friction at numerous components, the Audi valvelift system reduces fuel consumption by around ten percent. The 2.8-litre FSI, which has plenty in reserve in every situation thanks to its substantial torque and high output, will use only on average 8.7 litres of premium-grade petrol in the Audi A6. The A6 2.8 FSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds and continues on rapidly to reach its top speed of 243 km/h.

The Audi A6 2.8 FSI will be available to customers from the end of November 2006. The starting price of the saloon with 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive will be 37,300 euros; the A6 Avant 2.8 FSI has a price tag of 39,500 euros (both incl. 16 percent VAT).

2007 BMW 3-Series Convertible Unveiled

BMW released initial details on the 2007 3-Series convertible, which will go on sale early next year. The car will make its debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Like its coupe counterpart, the cabriolet will be offered in both 328i and 335i editions in North America, and 325i and 335i guises in Europe. BMW says the 306 horsepower 335i model will reach 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The model now comes with a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top - a first for BMW. Because the roof features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing model.

The initial photography released by BMW does not show the new convertible with its top up. More images are expected this week.

2007 Audi Q7 Receives Five-Star Crash Test Ratings From NHTSA

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week gave the 2007 Audi Q7 their highest-possible ratings for front and side crash protection. The Audi Q7 received five-star ratings for driver and passenger protection in frontal crash tests, and five-star ratings for front and rear passenger protection in side impact crash tests. The Audi Q7 also received a roll-over rating of four- stars.

“Time and time again, Audi has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety,” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America, Inc. “We knew the Audi Q7 would be one of the safest SUVs available when we were developing it, and these test results confirm our position.”

The 2007 Audi Q7 comes standard with the latest safety features such as quattro(R) all-wheel drive, dual-front and front-side airbags, Sideguard(TM) head curtain air bags that protect all three rows of passengers, pre- tensioning three-point seatbelts for all passengers, LATCH child-seat anchoring system, ABS, and Electronic Stabilization Program with roll-over detection.

Audi Side Assist, which warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spot at speeds over 30 mph, and rear-side airbags for the second row are optional safety features. The 2007 Audi Q7 3.6 has a price of $39,900 before destination.

The New Toyota Auris

Toyota announced the first details of the Auris, a new core model in its range that will play a key role in advancing its brand ambitions in Europe. Auris, which is designed and built in Europe, will join Yaris and Avensis in spearheading the company’s progress towards its newly-announced target of 1.2 million annual sales in Europe by 2008.

Auris has been created to meet the changing demands of the crucial C-segment family hatchback market. It offers a dynamic design and striking features and delivers the well-established hallmark Toyota values of superior quality, innovation and driving pleasure.

In creating Auris, the designers worked from the inside out, an approach that maximises usable space in the cabin and ensures high levels of passenger comfort through elements such as a flat rear passenger floor and high window surfaces. Built on an all-new platform, Auris has an overall length of 4,220mm and a long, 2,600mm wheelbase, giving excellent stability and ride quality. With an overall height of 1,515mm and width of 1,760mm, it provides generous interior accommodation.

The interior is distinguished by innovative design that works to harmonise driver and passenger with the car. At the front the sculpted console forms a bridge that’s not just elegant, but is practical, too, raising the gear lever and other controls to the perfect ergonomic height.

The design work was undertaken at Toyota’s European styling studio ED 2 , following the principles of Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy – forward looking and energetic, while retaining clarity of purpose and rationality. The production model retains many of the design cues from the Auris Space Concept, which Toyota premiered at this year’s Paris motor show, including a high waistline, short overhangs and forward balance of the cabin architecture.

On the outside, Auris has a strong, dynamic appearance that expresses its driving character. The wide body and track give a stable look and the sharply-defined architecture of the car creates a crisp, fresh feel.

The Auris model line-up will cover the full range of current and future customer demand in the European C-segment. At launch it will be offered in three and five-door hatchback body styles with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 Dual VVT-i) and three diesels (1.4, 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D), all of which meet Euro IV emissions standards.

The new 1.6-litre petrol engine uses a dual VVT-i valve timing system for highly efficient combustion, raising fuel efficiency and increasing power.

The 2.0-litre D-4D 130 engine has a power output of 124bhp and was first utilised in the 2007 Avensis, launched a few months ago. The 2.2 D-4D 180 is equipped with Toyota’s unique D-CAT clean diesel technology, which simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions.

Auris will be presented for the first time at the Bologna motor show on 5 December. UK sales will start in February 2007, in advance of other European markets, which will offer the car from next spring.

LED Headlights Find Their Way to High-End Automobiles

While LED taillight technology has found its way into a wide range of sedans, wagons, sports cars and SUVs/crossovers, LED headlights are just now starting to find their way into the automotive sector. When used in taillights, LEDs provide better packaging efficiency, faster response times and longer life than traditional bulbs. More efficient packaging with LED technology also allows designers greater liberty in creating unique headlight designs for vehicles.

Toyota was the first to enter the LED headlight fray with the announcement that its Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan would feature LED headlights. This is an addition to the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain, 30GB HDD navigation system, radar-based cruise control, Intuitive Park Assist and countless other features.

And just recently, VAG announced that its Audi R8 mid-engined sports coupe would also feature LED technology. The LEDs are used for all headlight functions including dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights and turn signal indicators. Audi also uses LEDs for the taillights and to provide indirect light for the engine which can be seen under glass.

But for all the advantages of the technology, Visteon has demonstrated that LED technology does have its drawbacks when used in automotive applications. Heat buildup can be a problem as well as the close proximity of the LEDs to the engine compartment which presents even more heat-related challenges. Furthermore, LEDs require precise electronic control to function properly.

Despite the disadvantages – which are sure to be resolved in the coming years –LED lighting in automobiles is the future. Likely within the next few years, we’ll start to see the technology trickle down to more mainstream automobiles as new technology often does.

Audi Reveals World’s Most Powerful Diesel Passenger Car

A road-going Audi Q7 SUV with a Le Mans race-bred V12 TDI engine bristling with 1,000Nm of torque takes pole position this week as the world’s most powerful diesel passenger car. Benefiting from technology honed in the development of the V12 unit that powered the Audi R10 TDI to the first ever Le Mans victory for a diesel-powered sports prototype, the 6.0-litre, 500PS engine will be available in fully fledged series production Q7 models in the foreseeable future.

Currently undergoing pre-production testing, the extremely compact twelve-cylinder unit produces its mammoth 1,000Nm torque peak - 350Nm more than the acclaimed 4.2-litre V8 TDI powering the A8 - from just 1,750rpm, guaranteeing breathtaking pace right from the outset as the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system smoothly distributes the power four ways via a purpose-built, strengthened six-speed tiptronic transmission.

The immediacy of the power flow shows in a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.5 seconds, and the incredible performance is tempered only by the electronic limiter’s cut-in at 155mph. Yet unlike many petrol-powered V12 performance cars that at times struggle to return double-digit fuel economy figures, the Q7 V12 TDI achieves a surprisingly ‘real world’ 23.7mpg on the combined cycle, running many considerably less powerful V6 TDI SUVs remarkably close.

Two turbo chargers and a modified version of the highly sophisticated piezo common rail fuel injection system used by six and eight-cylinder Audi TDI engines play a major role in the dramatic power delivery of the Q7 V12 TDI. The adapted piezo system boosts pressure in the injectors from 1,600bar - the maximum achieved so far - to an exceptional 2,000 bar, optimising efficiency and performance. The cutting edge injection technology, in combination with a specially developed exhaust gas recirculation system and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), ensures that this latest Audi powerhouse already meets EU5 targets for emissions applicable from 2010.

The new Audi V12 TDI engine family also raises the bar for refinement, even by the standards of modern day diesels, as was demonstrated during the gruelling 24-hours of Le Mans marathon race by the winning Audi R10 TDI. Aside from the obvious diesel benefits that helped the new Audi sports prototype with its 5.5-litre, 650PS V12 TDI run for longer between fuel stops than its petrol-powered challengers, one of its most noticeable distinguishing characteristics was its exceptionally quiet running. The road-going engine will follow suit, ensuring that it is a perfect fit for the Audi SUV praised widely for its limousine-like character and finish.

Externally, the Q7 V12 TDI test car makes its presence felt even more emphatically than its V6 and V8 relatives through a striking new front end design featuring a unique chrome plated grille and LED strip daytime running lights, additional under-body protection panelling and large-bore exhausts.

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2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the range-topping version of the new luxury coupe, the CL 63 AMG. Under the bonnet is an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine that was developed independently and delivers a maximum output of 525 bhp and 465 lb-ft of peak torque for guaranteed scintillating performance.

A glance at the high-tech specification of this exceptional two-door coupe emphatically under-lines its exclusive status: in addition to the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMG high-performance braking system is also fitted as standard.

The CL 63 AMG represents the highlight of Mercedes-AMG’s 2006 model initiative so far, which has encompassed ten brand new high-performance AMG models to date.

At the heart of the eight-cylinder flagship model is the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine. It features a higher power-to-swept-volume and torque ratio than any other naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine in the world. The CL 63 AMG is propelled from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Saab Intros 9-7X Altitude Edition

Saab’s first-ever SUV is flying to new heights with the 2007 9-7X Altitude Edition. Only 500 of these specially-outfitted SUVs will be available for the 2007 model year, making it a limited edition with very exclusive appeal.

Beyond the extremely rich standard equipment of the 9-7X, the Altitude Edition includes 18″ alloy polished wheels, and side assist steps, a rear DVD player, and an exclusive carbon fiber gray metallic paint. The package will be offered at a savings of nearly $1,000 than if the items were ordered individually. The package is available on the six-cylinder 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3I V8 - which will bring the total vehicle price (MSRP, destination charge and Altitude package) to $42,130 and $44,130, respectively.

For 2007, OnStar-equipped 9-7X models will feature a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully-integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers’ vehicles through their OnStar system. Also in 2007, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System becomes standard equipment on the 9-7X, and one new color, Crystal Blue metallic, has been added.

The Saab 9-7X, which debuted in the summer of 2005, brings unique Saab characteristics to the SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium quality and design features, and sporty and fun-to-drive performance. Additionally, this SUV has a high-level of standard equipment, which is offered to consumers at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven engines/transmissions that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Also, beginning in 2007, Saab offers vehicle warranty coverage for five-years or up to 100,000 miles.

Last BMW X5 Rolls Of The Line, Makes Way For Next Generation

The last of the first-generation X5 Sports Activity Vehicle was produced at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Upstate South Carolina, making way for the production of the next generation X5.

The Toledo Blue 3.0is X5 sports a Truffle Brown leather interior with a Dark Grain Poplar wood trim. Due to its significance to BMW, the factory will keep the vehicle and display it in the Zentrum museum as part of the BMW Mobile Tradition Collection.

With the introduction of the X5, BMW opened a new market segment known as the Sports Activity Vehicle and the X5 as the first sports activity vehicle combined the powerful acceleration and exceptional handling of a car with the advanced traction technologies and all-wheel drive of an SUV.

The first X5 sports activity vehicle rolled off the production line on September 1, 1999. The X5 is built exclusively at BMW Manufacturing for distribution to more than 120 markets worldwide. Less than two years after its introduction, the 100,000th X5 milestone was reached on August 23, 2001 and on June 9, 2005, and the 500,000th X5 was produced, just five and a half years after its market introduction. The Spartanburg plant has produced 616,867 of the current generation of X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.

In 2000, the X5 was rated “Best Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, outperforming all other SUVs tested. The X5 not only rated higher than other SUVs, it earned a higher rating than all other vehicles previously tested by the Institute.

BMW Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of the BMW Group based in Munich, Germany, is the exclusive manufacturer on the Z4 and M Roadster, Z4 and M Coupe and the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. Its website address is www.bmwusfactory.com. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW’s North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America, and a design firm in California.

Aston Martin Is Named UK’s Coolest Brand

Aston Martin was announced as the UK’s coolest brand last night at the exclusive CoolLive event held at the ‘Gymnasium’ in King’s Cross. CoolBrands is an unprecedented initiative from the Superbrands organisation and is considered a key barometer of the nation’s coolest brands, people and places.

At its core is the CoolBrands Council who judge which brands have successfully created a cool reputation at this moment in time. This year’s council includes MTV presenter and Radio One DJ Trevor Nelson, designer Ben de Lisi and Dazed & Confused Editor, Nicki Bidder. Adding a further dimension to the expert opinion and new for 2006, Superbrands has joined forces with YouGov, the UK’s most accurate research agency, to ask the consumers themselves which brands they rate as ‘CoolBrands’.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the CoolBrands Council for 2007 commented, ‘with ever-evolving trends and interpretations of what is ‘Cool’, this vital step forward makes the consumer knowledge and experience a fundamental part of the programme.’

Under the leadership of Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO since July 2000, Aston Martin has undergone a transformation, and can now boast a line-up of three class-leading cars, the Vanquish S, the DB9 and the V8 Vantage. They will soon be joined by the convertible V8 Vantage and the high performance DBS coupe which has a starring role in the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale. These cars, produced at a class leading production facility at Gaydon in Warwickshire, have helped the company gather a collection of awards from the automotive and design industries.

Aston Martin has embraced change without compromising the qualities that have made it one of the world’s best-known high performance luxury car brands. The CoolBrand status confirms that the company’s exciting, design-led programme of new models, an enhanced dealer experience and an unparalleled attention to detail, has made a major impact both in the automotive sphere and in the broader world of international culture.