We've known Audi of America to be staffed by largely level-headed, responsible human beings. Yet somehow company officials have handed us the key to a freshly minted 2010 R8 5.2 FSI (that would be the one with the 525-hp V10 bolted behind the seats) and allowed us to drive away with no babysitter, speed or distance restrictions or even a GPS ankle tether. The only real parameter is that we have to have the car to Los Angeles (we presume in one piece, although we note that they didn't say that specifically) in four days.
So let's do the math, shall we? That's roughly 96 hours. Subtract 30 hours for sleep. But with a co-driver, in the person of Lead Ed, Ed Hellwig, we could maybe trade-off driving and winnow the cumulative sleep total down to somewhere in the 20s. There would be bathroom breaks (1.5 hours for one of us; 7 hours with Ed). We'll have to eat. So we'd have about 210 hours in the car, not counting random loitering, gawking and spitting in the street.
You might remember that we've done this before, when the V8 version of the Audi R8 debuted. This time we will likely eat less BBQ, but we will certainly be covering as many miles of interesting (and not) roads as we can cram in. Some of those might have Christmas Trees at the beginning of them.
Audi didn't specifically say that we couldn't take its $147,200 silver bullet to the racetrack. Heck, the company let us take the beast around Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. We'll depart from there, head to San Francisco to pick up Ed, and from there, well, we don't know. We'll figure that out once we're driving, fast. Join us over the next few days.
First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI
Categories: Audi,Road Trips,Sports Cars
Watch until the end and there's a nice little surprise. Hint: It has only 2 doors.
Categories: Cadillac,Luxury Cars
Green Car Advisor in Chief John O'Dell had a chance to drive the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and a European-spec 2010 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 TDI back to back in Southern California last week.
It was a revealing experience, as the Cayenne Hybrid is actually the quicker of these two, with a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds. It's also more fuel-efficient with an estimated 27-mpg combined fuel economy rating. To review, the hybrid Cayenne uses a 333-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 adapted from the Audi S4, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 288-volt Ni-MH battery pack powering a 38-kW electric motor. John says the hybrid system feels like a more powerful, and smarter, version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system.
The downside is that the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid will probably cost about $70K when it arrives in the U.S. next spring. A diesel Cayenne would be much cheaper, John notes, but Porsche still hasn't made a decision to import it here. Naturally, that would necessitate a whole bunch of added emissions equipment.
The Cayenne 3.0 TDI is also slower (8.5 seconds to 60) and less efficient (24 mpg), but it would be John's pick of these two, given the projected $15K savings.
Green Car Advisor: Porsche's Green Peppers: Diesel and Hybrid Cayenne Models Spice Things Up
Categories: Diesels,Hybrids,Porsche
Auto Observer picked up on a CAR story that suggests the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne might be killed off under Volkswagen ownership. Both models would complete their current cycles, but when they're up about 7 years from now, that might be it.
The justification, according to CAR, is that the "VW Group has plenty of SUVs and saloons -- it doesn't need Porsche to build them."
This scenario is regarded as part of VW chairman Ferdinand Piech's master plan. Piech went to the mat against now-ousted Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking during Porsche's failed attempt to grab control of VW. Wiedeking was the architect of Porsche's forays into SUV and sedan development.
In place of the Panamera and Cayenne, Porsche could get an entry-level model based on VW's upcoming Modular Sportscar Structure (MSS) that debuted on the VW BlueSport concept in Detroit.
We have our doubts that the Panamera and Cayenne are actually slated for an early death, though, and it's unlikely we're the only ones. Until the economic downturn, the Cayenne was a highly profitable model for Porsche, and based on our first drive of the nicely executed Panamera, we expect it to do at least as well. It's hard to imagine that Piech and VW would turn down the chance to make more money.
Auto Observer
2010 Porsche Panamera First Drive and Video
Green Car Advisor: Speculation: Porsche Cayenne, Green and Not-So, May Be Axed When Cycle Ends
Categories: Manufacturers,Porsche,Volkswagen
Ford has released details on the 6.7-liter Powerstroke diesel V8 for its 2011 F-Series Super Duty line, and this engine is definitely not short on complexity. It's also the first Ford diesel engineered in-house since the company parted ways with Navistar, the manufacturer of all recent Powerstrokes.
The first thing you'll notice is the inboard exhaust arrangement -- the exhaust manifolds are in the center (in the "vee") while the intake is on the outside. It's the same arrangment as on BMW's 4.4-liter, twin-turbo gasoline V8. But Ford touts the 6.7-liter as the first diesel "inside-out" V8 application and with GM postponing its next-gen diesel, this is true. The reversed design aids turbocharger response and helps with packaging, naturally, and says Ford, provides easier service access to major components.
The turbocharger housed in the vee of the new Powerstroke is not any old turbocharger. It's a single turbo with two compressor wheels driven by a single turbine. Though the two compressors actually operate in parallel and not sequentially, Ford calls this ball-bearing unit a "single-sequential" turbocharger -- needlessly confusing says our engineering editor, Jay Kavanagh. The benefit of this design is a broader compressor map, resulting in quicker boost response and improved low-end torque.
Continue reading...
Categories: Diesels,Ford,Trucks
Jamie Case didn't want to take her new husband's last name when they got married over the summer. So she and her fiance, Chris Hodges, decided to choose a new last name. They decided on "Ford," and we're sure it had nothing to with the Fusion that Ford loaned them for their honeymoon road trip.
In any case, the recently wedded Jamie Ford came up with a list of 11 criteria to aid in decision making. Among them:
"The word 'Ford,' as defined by dictionary.com, means 'to cross a river.' It implies strength and determination, two qualities Chris and I hope to embody in our marriage."
"Ford is the only American car company that didn't take bailout money."
"Driving around the country seeing the Ford sign everywhere made Chris and I feel like a part of a larger family - we loved that."
Any of you plan to take "Pontiac" as your new last name in a tribute to the G8?
USA Today
Photo from USA Today
Categories: Ford
We're not sure why anyone would take this much time to build a working model of a V8 out of Legos, but who cares, it's cool anyway. See the video after the jump to watch it run.
Hacked Gadgets
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Categories: Car Tech
Here we have a classic rivalry. On one side there's the 2009 Lexus ES 350, the brand's best-selling car and the one model that solidified Lexus as the "new Buick."
On the other hand, there's the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's hoping to lure Lexus buyers back with more interesting styling, stronger engines and all the features luxury buyers expect to see these days.
So which sedan is the "real" Buick? Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton breaks them down to find out in our latest luxury sedan comparison test.
Comparison Test: 2010 Buick LaCrosse vs. Lexus ES 350.
Categories: Buick,IL Track Tested,Lexus,Luxury Cars,Sedans
Ford never could figure out how to make money on Jaguar and Land Rover, and now Tata Motors is struggling with the very same problem, albeit in a much tougher economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that the company posted a net loss of $67 million (3.29 billion rupees) for the fiscal quarter ending June 30. In the same quarter last year, Tata recorded a net profit of $147 million (7.2 billion rupees).
With the addition of the Jaguar/Land Rover model lines, Tata's net sales were actually up 13 percent year over year, says the WSJ -- yes, even though Jaguar-Land Rover unit sales were way down in the U.S. and Europe. But this wasn't enough to offset the added expense of owning these two brands.
So now there's just a little more on the line with the make-or-break launch of the redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ, which goes into production this fall.
Wall Street Journal (sub.req)
Inside Line First Look: 2010 Jaguar XJ
Categories: Auto Industry,Jaguar,Land Rover,Tata Motors
Although there has been more news coverage about the pending sale of Saab to Dutch supercar maker Koenigsegg, the other Swedish automaker, Volvo, is still up for sale, too. And Automotive News cites a report from Dagens Industri, a Swedish business newspaper, that Chinese automaker Geely is the only company to submit a serious bid for Volvo thus far.
More details on the sale are expected next month, according to the report, and parent company Ford still plans to have everything wrapped up before New Year's.
Automotive News (sub.req)
Categories: Auto Industry,Ford,Geely,Manufacturers,Volvo
This is BMW's dream car of sorts. Oddly named the Vision EfficientDynamics, it's a high performance sedan that's able to mimic the efficiency of a subcompact.
And how does BMW think it could accomplish this? By combining a 1.5-liter direct-injection diesel engine and two electric motors. Altogether, the all-wheel drive setup delivers a total of 356 horsepower while still managing to return 63 mpg according to European testing standards.
Or course, like all concepts, the mileage number depends on many factors that haven't been ironed out yet, so take it all with a grain of salt. We're sensing a slight trend here.
2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Categories: BMW,Concept Vehicles,Frankfurt Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Green Tech,Hybrids,Sedans
Moller International's Skycar technology has gained ground within the military for use in high-tech and demanding battlefield applications like Afghanistan. It could replace the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that is widely used in Iraq but not fit for a more rugged environment.
"Poor and unimproved roads and rugged terrain severely limit the use of the MRAP. The Moller Skycar(R) provides a more cost effective, highly maneuverable, lethal and safe platform for the 21st century soldier to dominate and win in an asymmetric warfare environment," said Army Lieutenant Colonel James Thomas.
The Skycar is a multi-passenger aircraft that has vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and provides an alternative to normal automobile transportation. The aircraft's advantage is that it can speed over any kind of terrain without losing altitude or velocity. Power comes from a rotary engine that is low in weight and emissions.
Check out the video from of a couple years ago of the M400 Skycar taking a hover test run. Kind of freaky, huh?
Categories: Future Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz joins the likes of the fuel-cell Honda FCX Clarity with its new model called the B-Class F-CELL. It will go into production late this year, and expect to see it on the road in the U.S. and Europe in early 2010.
The hydrogen-powered electric car lays down 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, and has an estimated fuel economy equivalent to more than 70 mpg. The energy stored in its 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will allow it to have a 250 mile range. Top speed will only be 106 mph.
The B-Class F-CELL comes in a silver livery with 10-spoke alloys, heated leather seats, automatic climate control and Benz's COMMAND communications system.
Mercedes-Benz went back and forth in deciding to bring the compact B-Class to the States, and eventually decided not to. This version will be the first to be marketed in the U.S.
The automaker says it is cooperating with government authorities, energy utilities and oil companies to build hydrogen filling stations in Hamburg, Stuttgart and California.
See the full press release after the jump.
Continue reading...
Categories: Car Tech,Green Tech,Mercedes-Benz
We already showed you one picture of BMW's concept. Now we have another teaser shot of what looks like the left-rear quarter of the Vision EfficientDynamics. It supposedly breaks the typical BMW mold and will look nothing like any current model out of the Bavarian automaker's stable. Stay tuned for more details this weekend.
IAABlog
Categories: BMW,Concept Vehicles,Frankfurt Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Green Tech,Trends
You hear that stomach-lurching "woop" and see the flashing lights in your rear view mirror. What do you do after you sign the ticket? Chances are you will log onto your computer and end up researching how exactly you can fight the ticket.
For over eight and a half years Geo. McCalip has run a Web site, HelpIGotATicket.com, to educate people as to how they can fight their tickets. Based on email and other feedback McCalip estimates that people using the information have a 75 to 80 percent success rate. While he states that the information on the site applies only to California, the principles work everywhere in the States.
"Start by knowing exactly what you are charged with. They are using the law to take your money; you need to use the law to keep it," said McCalip.
For example, if an officer pulls you over doing 54 in a 40, you technically may not have broken the law.
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Categories: Trends
Most people picture an oddly-shaped, pretty slow machine that has a limited traveling range when they think of an electric vehicle. Even if they imagine the Tesla Roadster Sport that makes it to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, that's weak sauce compared to some of the EVs that show up at the events held by the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA).
The association was formed in 1997, and has events where it pits a bunch of battery electric vehicles not only against each other, but against your classic muscle cars as well. NEDRA vehicles are categorized by class and voltage, with classes ranging from production vehicles in the Street Production (SP) class to the custom racers in the Extreme Street (XS) class. Voltage divisions go from J for cars with 24 volts and below to A3 cars that have 349 volts and above.
It also has a club called the "Roger Hedlund 100 mph Club" that awards racers who had quarter mile trap speeds of 100 mph plus. Some of the impressive vehicles in the club include the Current Eliminator V that ran the quarter mile in 7.956 seconds at 159.85 mph and the Killacycle bike that made the 1320 ft sprint in 9.45 seconds at 152.07 mph. The bike was loaded with 312 volts, Boulder Technologies 624 thin-film lead-acid cells and twin advanced DC 6.7-inch motors.
The next NEDRA event is the Power of DC (pun-intended) at the Mason Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown, Maryland. It goes from August 29-30 and will have everything from autocross to full-out battery-powered dragging.
Categories: Green Tech,Motorsports
This long list of events is your chance to throw away your inhibitions and lay down some rubber. Some of the track days make you bring your own vehicle, while others provide you with a machine to pilot. Either way, find the right event and brush up on your driving skills by booking some track time at the links below.
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Categories: Audi,BMW,Bentley,Chevrolet,Chrysler,Consumer Track Events,Dodge,Ferrari,Ford,Infiniti,Jaguar,Jeep,Lamborghini,Land Rover,Lotus,MINI,Maserati,Mazda,Mitsubishi,Porsche,Saab,Scion,Subaru,Toyota
Audi is getting ready to unveil its S5 Sportback, A4 3.0-liter TDI clean diesel and A3 1.2-liter TFSI at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The Ingolstadt-based automaker starts it up with the sportified version of its A5 Sportback: the S5 Sportback. It is propelled by a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 333 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. It sprints to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and tops out at 155 mph, while just sipping a company-estimated gallon per 24 miles.
Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch tranny and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive are standard. 18-inch wheels with 245/40 tires, black brake calipers and sport seats covered in Nappa leather are just a few of its features. Pricing starts at $83,000 and it will roll onto dealers in the spring of 2010.
Next on the list is the "extremely clean" Audi A4 3.0-liter TDI clean diesel quattro. The 3.0 TDI debuted under the hood of the Q7, and has a common-rail injection system, innovative pressure sensors in the combustion chamber and an exhaust recirculating system to help with efficiency and lower emissions. Fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg for the sedan and 34 mpg for the Avant, and the TDI engine help both make the 0-60 run in around 6 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 155 mph.
Although you could call it underpowered, Audi calls its A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2-liter TFSI "efficient downsizing". The engine generates 105 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque, and brings the A3 from a stop to 60 mph in 11 seconds. Top speed is limited to 118 mph and it has an estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg. The vehicles will initially be paired with FWD and a six-speed manual, and sales will begin in the first quarter of 2010.
Categories: Audi,Frankfurt Auto Show
The new 2009 Z4 Roadster leaves some people wanting more. They already miss the M Coupe and Roadster. Manhart has taken this fact to heart and dropped the V10 found in the M5 and M6 into the Z4.
The huge 5.0-liter V10 engine develops 542 horsepower (compared to the stock 343 hp figure), which is also 42 horsepower more than the M5 makes thanks to a new AC Schnitzer exhaust, HJS racing cats and a reconfigured ECU. Manhart mated the engine to the original M5 E60 6-speed manual and differential, while Fichtel & Sachs provided the clutch.
Acceleration to 60 mph is claimed to take just 3.9 seconds, and top speed is slated at 208 mph. Final curb weight comes in at just 3,212 pounds, meaning it has a power-to-weight ratio of 5.93 pounds per horsepower - better than the Ferrari F430's 6.5 pounds per horsepower figure.
Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers were installed to give it a more aggressive stance, and Manhart finishes off the package with 19-inch blacked-out BBS Challenge rims wrapped in 235/35ZR front and 285/30ZR rear tires.
You can get your hands on this V10 beast for the equivalent of just over $137,000.
Categories: BMW,Tuners and Modifications
