CAR CC: October 2010 car blog offers best car models, designs, reviews, pictures, wallpapers, videos of Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda from best auto industry trends

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Viper has hissed its last. But before the ageing supercar is consigned to the history books later this year, it will shed its skin one last time with a limited run of 50 Final Edition models.

Only available in the US, buyers will have the choice of conventional Coupe or Roadster models. But for the ultimate Viper experience, the Coupe-based ACR (American Club Racer) version with its huge rear wing and lighter kerbweight will be the enthusiasts’ choice.

Each Final Edition Viper features a graphite-coloured clear-coated paint finish with a black centre stripe highlighted in red. The Coupe and Roadster models feature Anthracite-coloured six-spoke alloys while the ACR version has black, five-spoke items. All Final Edition models have unique side sill badges.

The interior has been treated to black leather with red stitching, red painted dial surrounds on the instrument cluster and bright stainless steel screws on the centre console. A numbered dash plaque and unique Viper Final Edition floor mats complete the changes.

All models are powered by the enormous 603bhp 8.4-litre V10 engine, ensuring sensational performance. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.0 seconds, while top speed is 202mph. The braking power is equally staggering, with 0-100-0 mph taking just 11 seconds.

Production of the Final Edition models will begin in early summer, with 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs due to be made. That figure is considerably less than the 360 red and white Final Edition coupes that heralded the departure of the previous generation Dodge Viper in 2002

Friday, October 29, 2010

2011 Audi A1 e-tron

Audi is entering a new vehicle class. The compact A1 condenses all of the strengths of the brand – a progressive design, supreme quality and groundbreaking efficiency – into a space of measuring 3.95 meters (12.96 ft) in length. The new compact model bearing the four rings is dynamic and high-quality, emotion-packed and individual. Its powerful engines and the agile chassis make it the sportiest car in the segment.

Body and interior

One look is all it takes to see the sporty character of the A1. The design with the encircling shoulder line is cutting-edge and integrates the youngest Audi into the large model family. The front end with the dominating single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers optional xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. These are already three-dimensionally styled in the base version and are unmistakable, day or night.

High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the new compact model’s body. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process. Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior, the excellent passive safety and the low base weight.

The interior of the A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel resembles an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the premium character of the A1. In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a media style package focused on infotainment and interior design. The on-board computer with efficiency program and shift indicator is among the standard features of the Ambition line.

Drivetrain

Audi is rolling out its new compact model with four four-cylinder engines: two TDI and two TFSI units. All of the engines follow the downsizing principle – they substitute turbocharging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. Their performance range extends from 63 kW (86 hp) to 90 kW (122 hp).

All versions of the A1 impress with exemplary fuel economy. Standard cycle values lie between 3.9 and 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 - 60.31 US mpg). Scheduled for introduction in 2011, the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and manual transmission emits only 99 g of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 g/mile). Efficiency modules that come standard with all versions are a start-stop system and a recuperation system. A new, particularly effective thermal management system in the engine contributes to the low fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI.

Engine lineup:

* 1.2 TFSI with 63 kW (86 hp)

* 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (122 hp)

* 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) (Launch date: 2011)

* 1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp)

At Audi, efficiency always means high-tech. The A1 1.4 TFSI is available with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible interruption to the flow of power. It can be operated as an automatic or manually, with paddles on the steering wheel available as an option. Thanks to its high efficiency and the intelligent control system, the S tronic also helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Chassis

The agile, wide-track chassis moves the A1 to the head of its class. Whether in the city, on an interurban road or on the expressway – the newest Audi is always great fun to drive thanks to its sporty setup, the favorable weight distribution and the direct-ratio steering.

The ESP stabilization program with electronic limited slip differential, which comes standard on all models, makes the handling even more precise while also enhancing driving safety. It minimizes understeer at the cornering limit by means of slight braking, which also improves traction.

Equipment and trim

Innovative materials and modern colors emphasize the youthful character of the A1. Whether color-matched air vents, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colors – customization is the key. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style. There are even a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can also order many features after the initial sale to follow a trend or a whim.

The available infotainment and multimedia systems for the A1 come directly from the luxury class. The top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media center that sets new standards in the compact segment. It borrows closely from the system used in Audi’s A8 flagship, including the monitor that folds out from the instrument panel and the control unit, which uses MMI logic.

The Connectivity package, which is based on the concert radio, includes a navigation preparation kit that allows the customer to later install a map-based navigation system – that, too, is a new idea. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers is just one example of the additional high-end complementary features available. Convenient Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for cellular phones and external players such as the iPod. The A1 has a base price in Germany of €15,800.

Audi Q5 Hybrid

Audi has just confirmed that a hybrid version of the Q5 SUV will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The new version will be offered to both Europe and America.

We already know that the Q5 will carry the same hybrid powertrain found in the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, but we are curious to see what else Audi has planned for the SUV.

The Cayenne Hybrid is powered by a 47 hp electric motor combined to a 333 hp compressor engine. The two drive units deliver a total of 380 HP and peak torque of 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm. However, for the Q5 Hybrid, we expect a 211 HP four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine combined with a 45 hp electric motor which would make it the first compact SUV on the market to utilize a hybrid powertrain.

2010 The Zenvo ST1

Great Danes are know for their presence and power – and this one is no exception. Known as the Zenvo ST-1, it’s Denmark’s first foray into the super car arena.The aggresive body is hand-built from carbon fibre wrapped around a light steel frame – but its performance should be even more eye-popping. Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 fitted with both a turbo and supercharger, its makers claim it will produce a staggering 1,104bhp.The ST-1 will achieve a 0-60mph sprint time of three seconds and rocket all the way to 120mph in just under nine seconds. But it might not quite be the Bugatti beater, as despite a huge power-to-weight ratio of 1,055bhp per ton, top speed is limited electronically to 233mph. Just as impressive is the fact that the car was conceived less than five years ago. Zenvo Automotive was formed in 2004, with the aim of creating a hand-made and high-performance yet use able super car – so the ST-1 should make as much sense on the street as it does on the track. The Nissan GT-R-meets-Audi R8 styling is sure to win the car a place on many bedroom walls, but prospective buyers will have to be quick. Production is scheduled to start later in 2009, but just 15 models will be made for specially approved buyers. Prices have not yet been announced. For more details click here.

2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580

BTR II 580 is the tuned and modified version of the new Porsche 997 Turbo 3,8l with PDK-gearbox: The SpeedART BTR-II 650 EVO (Bi-Turbo-Racer, 2. generation with 650 hp and Evolution-body kit). It is based on Porsche 997 Turbo with 3,8l engine and PDK shiftbox. The power increase of 150 hp and 150 nm consits of a modified motronic to enlarged the power boost in combination with bigger VTG-turbo chargers, a sport exhaust with sport cats and twin tail pipes plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter and enlarged intercoolers. The sport exhaust is available with sound control switch, too.

Body Kit

The body kit "2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580" consists of an new designed front bumer with spoiler lip and gun-metal frames for more downforce and better brake cooling (EVO-version), side skirts, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler with movable rear wing. The rear wing is available in car colour or original carbon.