Categories
Audi Green Machines

Audi A6 hybrid

Audi A6 hybrid

Audi will be adding a hybrid model to its new A6 range. The A6 hybrid will be powered by a 155kW 2.0 TFSI four cylinder and a 33kW electric motor. Audi claim the hybrid can achieve an average fuel consumption figure of 6.2l/100km, while emitting CO2 emissions of 142g/km.

The hybrid model will be driven by the front-wheels and the electric motor sits behind the petrol engine. A portion of the boot space is taken up by the lithium-ion battery.

While the car is designed to be powered by both petrol and electric motors, the A6 hybrid can run in a full zero emissions electric only mode. However, the range is an amusingly modest 3km, assuming a constant speed of 60km/h. Hmm, not much vorsprung durch technik going on there. Still, you have to start somewhere.

Continue reading “Audi A6 hybrid”
Categories
Audi

2011 Audi A6

2011 Audi A6

Here are the official pics of the 2011 Audi A6. Following this morning’s leak there’s no surprises in regards to the look, which is straight from the familiar Audi playbook.

Audi say the new model is lighter than the car it replaces. The figure published is 1575kg, but finding a reliable figure for the kerb weight of the previous generation is proving a bit tricky. Around one fifth of the new model is made from aluminium.

At launch, in Europe at least, there will be five engines on offer, with a mix of four and six cylinders. Peak power will range from 130kW (2.0 TDI) to 220kW (supercharged 3.0 V6). There will also be an A6 hybrid model on offer with a total power of 180kW.

The usual electronic gadgets and driver aids are included, of course. These are headlined by the optional MMI navigation plus system featuring Google connectivity and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Inside the expected level of finish and quality materials has been delivered once again. The “wrap around” dash also looks quite nice. On some models Audi has used timber veneer which has pushed that look away from the older style walnut look, and towards a stylish speedboat theme. It looks pretty good in the pics, too.

After the break you will find all the images you could hope for along with some intro press material. A detailed press release can also be downloaded for those that really want to sink their teeth into detail of the new A6. Those wanting to see and touch the new A6 for themselves will be able to do so early next year. Local buyers will have to wait a bit longer as usual, but for now, Audi Australia aren’t saying when.

Continue reading “2011 Audi A6”
Categories
Mazda

BBR teams up with Cosworth to give MX-5 added punch

BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5

The little Mazda MX-5 is a true modern classic. For over 20 years it has been adored by critics and buyers across the globe. Built from an old skool perspective where handling is more important than outright power, many have often felt the MX-5 could do with some more grunt.

The latest tuner to try its hand at doing just that is BBR GTi who have invited Cosworth to the party, as well. The BBR-Cosworth soiree found an extra 77bhp to throw at the current model NC MX-5 courtesy of an MP62 Eaton supercharger. That’s a massive 117kW 57kW in our lingo! Torque has also been given a boost, to the tune of 69Nm.

Importantly, BBR say the handling balance of the MX-5 has not been altered. Well, they would say that, I guess. The cost for the kit is £4995 (approx AU$8100), so you’d want to hope they’re right.

If you drive an older NA or NB MX-5, well, fear not as BBR have a 220bhp turbo tuning kit to help you along too.

Continue reading “BBR teams up with Cosworth to give MX-5 added punch”
Categories
Audi

Audi A6 images leaked

New Audi A6

Later today Audi will be taking the wraps off its new A6. Well, they needn’t bother now as the interwebz has already done it. Another round of leaked images, then, and here’s a few for you to check out.

From the side view the A6 doesn’t seem to have changed all that much, really. But taking the best bits from the Audi Sportback concept and the A7 Sportback means this new A6 will now fit in much better at family functions.

More details as they come to hand.

[Source: autblog.nl]

Continue reading “Audi A6 images leaked”
Categories
Mercedes-Benz Video

Mmmm, donuts!

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

From time to time we feature videos from car mags that bring us closer to the cars we love, or hope to love. Usually they’re pretty straight laced, informative and good, honest viewing. This clip from Car and Driver, though, breaks the mould. It’s the Mecrdes-Benz SLS AMG as you’ve never seen it before. You will love it!

Continue reading “Mmmm, donuts!”
Categories
Porsche

Porsche confirms it is expecting a baby Cayenne

2010 Porsche Cayenne

With the updated Cayenne out of the way Porsche today confirmed it is expecting the arrival of a new SUV model. For now, the mini-me Cayenne will be called the “Cajun”—it may just stick with that name, too—and will be based on the Audi Q5. We should be seeing show cars in 2013, or sooner, with the market release due in 2014.

According to Porsche, “the Cajun will also have a very positive impact with its typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility.”

Light weight, huh, they must have forgotten the Cayenne tips the scales at around 2000kg, give or take a few fat men.

Continue reading “Porsche confirms it is expecting a baby Cayenne”
Categories
New Stratos

So, what it is the New Stratos like to drive?

New Lancia Stratos

The official unveiling of the New Stratos project is almost upon us. Already Autocar and Evo have filed initial drive reports. Below are a few of their thoughts, but make sure you follow the links at the end to get the full picture.

Autocar: “The nimble handling and eager speed make an immediate impact, but so does the structural integrity and hugely impressive, all-of-a-piece feel of this car which is completely free of rattles and creaks. That’s some achievement in a one-off.”

Evo: “We got a handful of laps around Circuit Paul Ricard and it feels very much in the spirit of the original. It’s wide but short in the wheelbase which, combined with modest weight, makes it very agile. It’s surprisingly supple, too. It feels like it would take some bottle to drive flat-out at big speeds, or quickly in the wet, but that’s always been a part of the challenge of the Stratos and the systems are there for those who don’t feel that confident.”

[Source: Autocar & Evo]

Categories
Audi BMW

Autocar: Audi RS5 v BMW M3

Audi RS5 v BMW M3

It’s the classic German duel—Audi v BMW—and Autocar has been kind enough to play out the latest fight for us. It’s the 331kW 4.2 litre RS5 up against the 309kW 4.0 litre M3. Will the extra power and quattro all-wheel drive in the Audi give it an edge over the benchmark rear-wheel drive M3?

There’s no fancy timing equipment, no drag strip and no race tracks to decide the winner here. It’s just a seat of the pants match up on a closed road. Just as it should be.

UPDATE: Auto Express has also had a crack at this comparison, and they did take the RS5 and M3 to the track. It’s not the world’s most in-depth review, but it’s still worth a look.

Continue reading “Autocar: Audi RS5 v BMW M3”
Categories
Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing’s hometown heroes

Red Bull Racing, hometown heroes, Nov 2010

On the weekend, some 13,500kms apart, the greatest assets of Red Bull Racing were at “home” spreading the word of Formula One. In German capital of Berlin the 2010 F1 World Champion, Sebastien Vettel, was living it large in front of the Brandenburg Gate. While, in sunny Australia, our F1 high priest Mark Webber and his young protege, Daniel Ricciardo, were burning rubber just outside of Perth at the Australian Festival of Speed.

You can see photos along with a mixture of professional and amateur video after the break. At times like these, the life of an F1 driver looks even more appealing than usual.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Continue reading “Red Bull Racing’s hometown heroes”
Categories
Audi

Audi RS3 promo video

Audi RS3

The Audi voiceover man is back; as lifeless as ever too. This time he is talking about the RS3 hyper hatch. There’s lots of facts and fugures, but, sadly, no driving footage. No 2.5 litre barking its way through a scenic European mountain pass. A bit of a let down, really. Hopefully there is more to come.

Continue reading “Audi RS3 promo video”
Categories
Audi

Oh baby drive away, to Malibu

Audi quattro concept

Last week we told you the Audi quattro concept was spotted in Malibu, west of Los Angeles. Now, we can see what they were up to. Audi has released new footage of the concept car and a Ur-Quattro driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Interspersed with vision of the quattro concept in front of a city skyline there is a voiceover man telling us what’s what.

He did forget to slip in the bit about the car being locked in for production and the first example to roll of the production line being reserved for AUSmotive HQ, but aside from that I think he got everything else right. Find out for yourself after the break. Also included is a longer video without narration.

Apart from the two clips Audi hasn’t released any extra text to explain why these videos have been released around two months after the car’s debut at the Paris Motor Show. Let’s just assume it’s to support the growing belief that Audi will turn concept into reality.

Continue reading “Oh baby drive away, to Malibu”
Categories
Aston Martin Motorsports

Aston Martin updates Vantage GT4

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4

Aston Martin Racing has updated its successful V8 Vantage-based GT4 racer ahead of the 2011 season. A new aero package, revised ECU mapping and a new Bosch ABS/traction control setting developed with race data headline the improvements.

But, really, it’s an Aston and with slick marketing pics like these it’s the beauty of the Vantage’s form that is worth savouring. So enjoy these handful of pics and remember to click on each one to launch the 2000px super sizing.

Continue reading “Aston Martin updates Vantage GT4”