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    The new BMW 5 Series 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 19-05-2013 08:00 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
    Article Preview

    Dynamic ability, comfort, efficiency, aesthetic allure and a profusion of innovations designed to enhance driving pleasure – the BMW 5 Series contains all the signature ingredients of a best-selling model at the premium end of the executive segment. Indeed, consistently rising sales figures have sealed its position as the global leader in its class. Over one million units of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, BMW 5 Series Touring and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo – whose luxurious character has earned it a unique status in the segment – have been sold worldwide since the launch of the current generation. And now another new chapter in this impressive success story is poised to begin. Precise modifications to the cars’ design, new engine variants and innovative additions to the range of available equipment as well as BMW ConnectedDrive technology all raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series model family a notch higher still.
    Design: precise modifications bring out its sporting character.
    Additional contour lines for the surround of the BMW kidney grille and newly structured lower air intakes reinforce the sporting appearance of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and new BMW 5 Series Touring. On both variants, the accentuated width of the rear end is underlined by an extra crease in the apron, as well as slim, sharply contoured and therefore even more striking rear lights.
    The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo boasts a modified front apron exuding presence and solidity. Its redesigned rear end creates a longer and lower-to-the-ground impression. A three-dimensional surface design for the area around the licence plate holder and a chrome strip in the rear apron add further depth to its dynamic character.
    Xenon headlights are fitted as standard on all models, while Adaptive LED Headlights take their place on the options list for the first time alongside LED fog lamps. Elsewhere, the side indicator lights are integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also new in the BMW 5 Series are the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line packages containing exclusive design and equipment features. And an M Sport package tailored to each model variant can also be specified.
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    The new Golf is ‘World Car of the Year 2013’ 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:22 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen

    Europe’s best-selling car also a big success globallyFour overall titles in five years: Volkswagen model again voted world’s best car

    The new Golf just keeps on winning: an international expert jury named the bestseller from Wolfsburg ‘World Car of the Year 2013’. The globally sought-after prize was awarded at the New York International Auto Show. The ‘World Car of the Year’ title is a further milestone in the growing list of awards for the Golf.
    Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: “We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car.”
    For over 30 years, the Golf has been an established feature of the motoring scene around the globe. For the seventh generation of the bestseller today’s prize represented its 17th award since being launched in November 2012. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury said: “The Golf is just the right size –it’s spacious, practical and comfortable. It has got a fresh, progressive design, a new range of engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety systems. If there is a car for everyone, the Golf is it.”

    It was only three weeks ago that the compact car from Wolfsburg was crowned European Car of the Year. Further accolades from home and abroad, such as ‘The Best Cars of 2013’, ‘Auto Trophy 2012’ and the ‘Top Gear –All the car you’ll ever need’ award, round off the list of successes.
    The ‘World Car of the Year’ jury consists of 66 motoring journalists from 23 countries, who rate new cars appearing on the world market not only for the award, but also in their daily reporting work for millions of drivers and car enthusiasts. Volkswagen has for a long time been a firm fixture in the ‘World Car of the Year’ awards: the model before the current Golf for instance, won the renowned prize back in 2009. In 2012, the cherished international trophy went to the company’s smallest car, the up! And 2010 was also dominated by Volkswagen: the Polo was crowned overall winner and the BlueMotion models of the Polo, Golf and Passat took the title ‘World Green Car of the Year’.
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    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – Pricing Announced 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:20 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes

    Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced pricing for the A 45 AMG, the new high-performance vehicle for the compact class. The first four-cylinder vehicle from Mercedes-AMG sees the performance brand embarking on a new era and represents a dynamic proposition for a new target group.
    “The A 45 AMG is set to revolutionise the performance car market and continues the success story of AMG products in our market”, said Mr Horst Von Sanden, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific. “The A 45 AMG delivers not only cutting-edge technology, but also a thrilling driving experience. This is high-performance AMG personified”

    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG contains the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world, delivering a maximum output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in combination with the performance oriented AMG 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system as standard, leads to extremely dynamic performance: the A 45 AMG accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is 270 km/h (electronically limited).
    It succeeds in uniting excellent comfort and high-quality equipment with a distinctly sporty flair. A host of exceptional features come standard on the A 45 AMG including: 19” wheels, AMG Performance Exhaust, COMAND Online, Intelligent Light System, Panoramic Roof and AMG Performance Seats with Electric Memory Function.
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    The scorching Audi TT RS plus has arrived in Australia 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 16-02-2013 06:36 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    Powerful 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine produces 265 kW
    • 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds; top speed increased to 280 km/h
    • Average fuel consumption just 8.5 litres per 100 km

    Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: the scorching Audi TT RS plus has arrived in Australia, with an MLP of $139,900*. This compact sports coupe stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW, sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h.

    The 2.5-litre TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine, with a history of success. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW more power and produces 465 Nm of torque, 15 Nm more than before.

    The seven-speed S tronic delivers lightning-fast gearshifts. This dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimises acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road with supreme confidence.

    Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the TT RS plus sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a blistering 4.1 seconds, and is limited to a top speed of 280 km/h. Despite these impressive figures, fuel consumption is exceptionally frugal at just 8.5 litres per 100 km.
    Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, hewn from aluminium at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The TT RS plus, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,475 kilograms, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 5.6 kilograms per kilowatt.

    The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake discs are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design which are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tyres.
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    The legend returns – the new Audi RS 4 Avant arrives in Australia 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 16-02-2013 05:32 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    Dynamic sports car performance combined with everyday versatility
    • New 4.2-litre V8 delivers brutal performance figures
    • Third generation RS 4 Avant is more affordable than ever, at $149,400*The RS 4 Avant is the modern sports car that is perfectly suited to the elusive Australian ideal of crushing performance and everyday practicality. Now, after a five-year hiatus, it’s back Down Under in an all-new generation. The new RS 4 Avant is more powerful and more aggressive, and it’s also more affordable than ever.

    From the very first glance, there is no question about the performance that this incredible vehicle can produce. The hexagonal single-frame grille borders a honeycomb insert, and is adorned with an RS 4 badge. LED daytime running lights encircle the Xenon plus units like a clasp. Cool air flows through large air inlets broken up by angled struts and covered with honeycomb grilles. They are integrated into a boldly contoured bumper that tapers into a splitter edge. The low centre air inlet is divided into three small openings.

    The side view is dominated by the chiselled side sill caps and flared wheel wells. The flared side elements with the sharp horizontal upper edges are a small tribute to that all-wheel drive pioneer from 1980, the Audi quattro. An extended roof spoiler with a recessed centre segment increases the downforce across the rear axle.

    Catching the eye at the sculpted rear end of the car are the RS 4 badge and the prominent bumper. The two large, elliptical tailpipe tips of the dual exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser, which extends upward. In the upper section of the diffuser is a honeycomb insert. The standard LED rear lights make a final visual impact that befits such a dynamic vehicle.
    Performance is what the RS 4 Avant delivers best. The powerful 4.2-litre FSI high-revving V8 engine generates a fearsome 331kW of power and 430Nm of torque. Combined with the fast-shifting 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the RS 4 Avant will sprint from rest to 100 km/h in an incredible 4.7 seconds. The transmission itself features a completely new calibration that responds to the driver’s inputs faster than ever before.

    Typically of an Audi, the RS 4 Avant’s dynamic performance does not come at the cost of responsible fuel efficiency, averaging 10.7 litres per 100km in the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 249 grams per kilometre. This represents a whopping efficiency improvement of 21 percent over the previous generation RS 4 Avant.
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    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG - Driving Performance for the New Generation 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-02-2013 06:02 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    The A 45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company's history extending back over more than 45 years, Mercedes-Benz's performance brand is offering a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class.The A 45 AMG is representative of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy for the future, which is to run up to the 50th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 2017. With a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world.The sensational power density of 133 kW (181 hp) outstrips even the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time, the engine also boasts supreme efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard. The A 45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC combined mode. These credentials indicate that a further high-performing member of the BlueDIRECT family is now taking to the road. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive onboard the A 45 AMG sets new standards in the car's segment.
    The substance of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle architecture for front- and all-wheel drive provides the perfect basis for the A 45 AMG and at least two other high-performance premium automobiles from Affalterbach. In designing and developing the A 45 AMG, the experts at AMG have drawn on the company's decades of experience in motorsport and the production of powerful, high-performance vehicles. As such, the A 45 AMG will inherit the corporate DNA and embody the AMG brand claim "Driving Performance" to perfection: a fascinatingly sporty driving experience combined with impressive craftsmanship and pronounced individuality.
    "The A 45 AMG will enable Mercedes-AMG to appeal to new customers and tap new markets," observes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. We are adding an extremely attractive model with exceptional performance data to our range of unique high-performance automobiles."
    "With the new A 45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car," comments Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A 45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through."
    Dynamic and individual vehicle for new target group
    Spanning the age range from 30 to mid-40, the target group is younger than the AMG clientele to date. In successful careers and with an independent frame of mind, these customers seek a dynamic and individual vehicle. They wish to lend expression to their style- and trend-oriented way of life with a car from a recognised high-performance brand. The A 45 AMG provides the predominantly urban target group with an agile high-performance vehicle. Mercedes-AMG accommodates their tech-savvy and individual outlook on life with an extremely broad selection of optional equipment and appointments, colours and materials.
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    The new Audi S3 Sportback 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-02-2013 05:59 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • New 2.0 TFSI with 221 kW and 380 Nm of torque, but just 6.9 litres per 100 km
    • From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds
    • Five doors for even better functionality
    221 kW . 380 Nm of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The new Audi S3 Sportback offers best-in-class performance. Its efficiency is also exemplary. The 2.0 TFSI averages just 6.9 litres per 100 km.
    The four-cylinder engine in the S3 Sportback has been overhauled. The only thing in common with its predecessor is a displacement of 1,984 cc. Its rated output of 221 kW is available at 5,500 rpm; maximum torque of 380 Nm is constantly available from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.
    The high-performance four-cylinder engine responds immediately to the driver's wishes and boasts a sportily sonorous sound. When the Audi drive select system is in dynamic mode, the engine's power is also underscored acoustically. The 2.0 TFSI provides power and exemplary efficiency alike by relying on many new technologies, ranging from dual injection through the Audi valvelift system and an exhaust manifold integrated within the cylinder head to innovative thermal management.
    When equipped with the optional six-speed S tronic, the S3 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.0 seconds. The six-speed manual transmission needs just five-tenths of a second more. Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. Launch Control delivers the engine's power to the road with controlled tyre slip. The 2.0 TFSI consumes just 6.9 litres per 100 km on average when paired with the S tronic (7.0 litres with the manual transmission). This engine thus requires 1.5 litres per 100 km less compared to the previous S3 Sportback.
    The lower gears of both transmissions are tightly spaced for sporty performance while the tall sixth gear reduces fuel consumption. The dual-clutch transmission can be controlled via optional shift paddles on the steering wheel and offers the automatic modes D and S in addition to manual mode.
    Equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a redesigned multi-plate clutch, this new high-end vehicle in the model line can accelerate more quickly and safely when exiting a corner. It is dynamic and stable in all conditions, even rain or snow.
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