• International

    Powerful, Fast, Fuel Efficient and Clean: The Scirocco R – An Impressive Performance Package 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 10:00 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
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    The wait is over! The Scirocco R has arrived. Power: 188kW. Character: genuine sports car. Performance: at its fullest. Handling: just as it should be. Fun factor: maximum. The four-seat sports car is ideal as both a dynamic performer and economical companion on the roads of everyday life. Always on-board as standard equipment: the XDL Extended Electronic Differential Lock – first introduced on the Golf GTI – providing optimal traction properties and unbeatable driving fun.

    R – CONCEPT
    The Scirocco R – conceptualised by Volkswagen R GmbH – is an impressive performance package with a brilliant chassis, unique looks, exclusive features and shares a power plant with the impressive Golf R. Its advantages: high power and torque values with minimum fuel consumption. On average, just 8.1 litres* of fuel f lows to the combustion chambers via direct injection per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 189 g/km – top values for a fast sports car. And equally as impressive: when driven with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), these values are 8.2 litres and 192 g/km.
    * Combined cycle (ADR) 81/02

    R – HISTORY – The Scirocco Story
    As the end of the 1960s approached, so did the end of the golden years of the Volkswagen Beetle. As part of the development of the Golf I, no less a designer than Giorgio Giugiaro drew up a nippy and sporty 2+2 coupé that was presented to the world's public in Geneva in 1973: The Scirocco was born. The Scirocco was the first front-wheel drive coupé from Volkswagen and it appeared in 1974 just ahead of the Golf I. The sports coupé not only offered a sporty alternative to the Golf I, but was also affordable to boot.

    Scirocco I (type 53)
    • Production from March / April 1974 to April 1981
    • 504,153 vehicles
    • Design: Giorgio Giugiaro
    • Development and production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 50 / 70 / 85 PS (four-cylinder)


    Scirocco II (type 53/2)
    • Production from April 1981 to September 1992
    • 291,497 vehicles
    • Design: Herbert Schäfer (Volkswagen)
    • Production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 60 / 70 / 85 / 110 PS (four-cylinder)
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    Unique – and now More Exceptional than Ever: The New BMW X6 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-01-2012 09:09 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
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    The BMW X6 is the world's first ever Sports Activity Coupé, still a unique combination of sporty dynamics and supreme versatility and with further enhanced appeal from spring 2012. Selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive automobiles. Its exceptional standing and ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, combing the athletic and elegant lines of a coupé with the supremacy of a BMW X model, and the fascinating driving experience provided by powerful petrol and diesel engines fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive, including Dynamic Performance Control.
    Since its market launch, more than 150,000 of the Sporty Activity Coupé were sold within approximately three years. This far exceeded the original plans. And the continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on the worldwide automobile markets is impressive confirmation of the unusual vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupé.


    Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option.

    Precisely modified details in the front view give the new BMW X6 an appearance characterised by exclusive athleticism and supremacy. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasises the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out especially conspicuously within the vehicle front section. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and stable road-holding of the new BMW X6.

    Unique – and now more exceptional than ever: the new BMW X6.

    As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be fitted optionally with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front. In the new BMW X6 M50d and BMW X6 M, adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard.


    With its newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear section of the new BMW X6 also features more intense styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasises both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.

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    The New Audi A6 allroad – the Avant for Any Kind of Road 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-01-2012 05:49 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
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    • Successful model completes the A6 model series
    • Advanced powertrain technology with turbocharging and direct fuel injection
    • Fuel consumption reduced by as much as 20 percent
    The first two generations of the allroad quattro were winners, and Audi hopes to build on this success with the third generation. Universally talented, the new A6 allroad quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant because when the asphalt ends, it just keeps on driving. Performance has improved and fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

    Body and exterior design
    The new A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall, making it a few millimetres bigger than the Avant. It follows the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle familiar from the sedan, with aluminum components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

    The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a distinctive, sporty road stance. It features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces and the roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and taillights. The xenon plus headlights can be combined with adaptive light, which ensures that the road is always well illuminated for the situation at hand.

    The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than that of the A6 Avant. Setting it apart are, in particular, the trim strips on the side sills, the more widely flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats. Stainless steel covers protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

    The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. Audi also offers a full paint finish in combination with the optional aluminum exterior package. The color Java Braun is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

    Interior and luggage compartment
    The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 metres. It features a lean, elegant design, intelligent ergonomics and superior workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. MMI comes as standard, as does the onboard computer with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

    Visual cues differentiating the A6 allroad quattro include the carpeting and the instrument panel, which are black throughout. Other refined details include the interior color Santos Brown and the optional aluminum inlays. The door sill trims are also made of aluminum and are emblazoned with “allroad.”
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    Volvo unveils new XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept in Detroit 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 12-01-2012 04:57 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volvo
    Article Preview

    • New benchmark in hybrid technology
    • Integrated Starter Generator
    • 2.3 l/100 km; 53g/km
    • Combined power output of 257 kW; 0 – 100 in 6.1 sec
    Volvo Car Corporation has unveiled its XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the North American International Auto Show, which features a new benchmark in hybrid technology.
    "No other manufacturer delivers fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable performance car with a total of 350 horsepower (257 kW)," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO, Volvo Car Corporation.


    "The beauty with this plug-in hybrid technology is that you can keep all the power and capacity of your present car, combined with an even better range," Stefan Jacoby said.

    "The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept gives you up to 35 miles all-electric range (56 km according to the U.S certification driving cycle). Or you can drive it as a super-efficient hybrid with a fuel economy of over 100 miles per gallon (2.3l/100 km) according to the European driving cycle."


    An electric motor producing 51 kW - combined with a 206 kW four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine - also gives the driver a muscular power plant packing a total of 257 kW.

    "The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept features an engine from our all-new, state of the art, four-cylinder engine family. Our new four-cylinder powertrains will get performance on today's six-cylinder level. At the same time, they will also give consumers better fuel economy than present four-cylinder engines," Stefan Jacoby said.

    Pure Hybrid Power - three cars in one
    The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.
    • In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor. The operational range is up to 45 km (European certification driving cycle NEDC) / 56 km (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle)with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic.
    • Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The petrol engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, the average fuel consumption rate is just 2.3 l/100 km with CO2 emissions just 53g/km. The car has a total operating range of up to 960 km.
    • In Power mode, the technology is optimised to create maximum possible power. The petrol engine with 206 kWand 380 Nm is combined with the electric motor with 51 kW and 200 Nm to deliver a total of 257 kW. The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
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    Initial facts: World Premiere of the E-Bugster – An Electrified Beetle! 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 10-01-2012 06:14 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    • Beetle concept car is powered by an 85 kW E-motor
    • Zero emissions vehicle was conceptualized as two-seat speedster
    For many people, it is the most congenial car of a new era: The Beetle! The successor to an automotive icon. Its world premiere took place in April 2011 in New York, and it was launched on the market in October. Since then, the sportiest Beetle ever has been ready to perform – with up to 147 kW in power. And because all Beetle versions are tuned for agility, versions with less horsepower (from 125 kW in America, from 77 kW in Europe) are still simply fun to drive – mile for mile, kilometre for kilometre. Now, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen is showing that this sportiness can also be transferred to a Beetle with pure electric drive. The E-Bugster was specially designed for this mission: a two-seat Beetle speedster, 85 kW in power, 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds, with zero emissions yet the sharpest of proportions.

    Blue-e-Motion for a clean future
    The central electric module of the E-Bugster has an innovative design; it weighs just 80 kg. The energy for powering the electric motor is stored in a lithium-ion battery whose modules are housed in a space-saving location behind the front seats. The battery’s energy capacity of 28.3 kWh enables a range of at least 110 miles (180 km) in the urban world. And even in an enormous country like the USA, for the majority of commuters this distance is sufficient to drive to their workplaces and return home. Since the Volkswagen has a quick charging function, the battery can be ‘refueled’ within 35 minutes at suitable charging stations. At home, the battery of the E-Bugster can also be charged from the 120-Volt outlets that are usual in America (or from 230-Volt outlets in Europe). The interface for the charge cable is located below the normal ‘fuel door’ position near the C-pillar.
    Thanks to a new Combined Charging Systems – which was developed in cooperation with German carmakers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen as well as American partners Ford and General Motors / Opel – the E-Bugster can be ‘filled up’ via an interface using any of the available charging modalities. Possible are:

    Single-phase charging with AC current, and Ultra-fast DC charging at charging stations.
    This will require the development of a new, uniform industry standard for the plug connectors of future electric vehicles that will be available to all manufacturers. And this standardisation even goes beyond the plug connector itself: in the Combined Charging System, the charge controller and the electrical architecture must be able to handle all charging types. This will reduce costs and simplify widespread global implementation of electric mobility.
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    Winter Sports and Functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 10-01-2012 05:37 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
    • New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
    • 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW and 400 Nm
    Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit: the Audi Q3 Vail, with an output of 231 kW. The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched internationally in 2011.
    The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

    The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

    Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.
    The struts exhibit the two-tone theme that the Audi designers developed for the Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

    In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which hold the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

    Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fibre.

    The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.
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    Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit – Strong Impetus for 2012 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 10-01-2012 05:33 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    The world premiere of the new SL and two all-new hybrid models took centre stage on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the opening of the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new models from Mercedes-Benz delivered a strong impetus for the new automotive year and for the future of the brand as a whole – directly in the wake of the best sales year in company history. For the first time, the all-new SL Roadster is made almost entirely from aluminium and weighs up to 140 kg less than its predecessor thanks to intelligent lightweight design. The result is more agility and dynamic character combined with improved comfort and increased crash safety. The new BlueDIRECT engines are more powerful, yet up to 29 percent more fuel efficient than the engines in the outgoing model. More driving fun with even lower fuel consumption is also on offer from the two new E-Class hybrid models – the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the world’s most fuel-efficient full-size car, consuming just 4.2 litres of diesel per 100 km (109 g CO2/km). The gasoline-powered E 400 HYBRID, which will be launched first in the USA, delivers fuel economy of 27 mpg (combined).
    “In 2011 we sold more than 1.36 million cars worldwide – more than ever before. 2012 will see us push forward with our product offensive and repeat two things that worked extremely well last year – we will launch another six new models and we will set the bar even higher by making green cars cooler and cool cars greener,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the NAIAS press conference. To back this up, Mercedes-Benz presented the sixth generation SL. Compared with its highly successful predecessor, the new model offers a considerable boost in sporting character and comfort and sets new benchmarks in the luxury roadster class. Plus, it comes with a full serving of everyday usability.
    Classic proportions and outstanding aerodynamics
    The stylish luxury sports car has classic proportions with a long hood and a compact cockpit set well back. Finely honed details and air vents with chromed fins from the dynamic tradition of Mercedes-Benz Design add visual emphasis to the SL legend.
    Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “There are around 900 million cars on this earth and thousands of models. But there is but a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them – it has class, it has style, it is the embodiment of comfort and luxury. But it combines all of that with an unbelievably sporty and dynamic character.”
    Moreover, the new SL boasts outstanding aerodynamics. Alongside the lowest drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL 350), it also offers the lowest level of wind noise – almost on par with a closed saloon – as well as the very best airflow and noise characteristics with the top down.
    “The new SL offers everything that defines an absolutely top-class premium roadster,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. “It is two things rolled into one – a dynamic sports roadster and a luxurious coupé. Or, as we say, it is both athlete and connoisseur.”
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