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  • Report: Dealer Confirms Audi RS3 Coming To Frankfurt Auto Show

    Report: Dealer Confirms Audi RS3 Coming To Frankfurt Auto Show September 8th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 8th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 10 Comments

    Report: Dealer Confirms Audi RS3 Coming To Frankfurt Auto Show

    Earlier this year, Audi unveiled its stunning new TT-RS,  and now it looks like the new RS3 spied back in March could be coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show. This is good news for the legions of Audi fans who have long been waiting for the company to stick its 'RS' performance badge to the back of an A3 uber-hatch. Now word from a South African dealer has confirmed the RS3 will make its appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show, though it's far from official.

    Revealed via the Twitter feed of South African Audi dealer, AudiCapeTown, the RS3 has long been an expected - but unconfirmed - star of the upcoming show. Today's news, which comes by way...

    Earlier this year, Audi unveiled its stunning new TT-RS,  and now it looks like the new RS3 spied back in March could be coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show. This is good news for the legions of Audi fans who have long been waiting for the company to stick its 'RS' performance badge to the back of an A3 uber-hatch. Now word from a South African dealer has confirmed the RS3 will make its appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show, though it's far from official. Revealed via the Twitter feed of South African Audi dealer, AudiCapeTown, the RS3 has long been an expected - but unconfirmed - star of the upcoming show. Today's news, which comes by way of the German Car Blog, just adds another layer to the story. The new RS3 shouldn't be an especially complex engineering project for Audi - all that's to be done is tune up the handling and aerodynamics of the hatch and shoehorn the same engine found in the TT-RS under its hood. As the spy shots show, the car itself bears no serious exterior modifications yet, indicating all of the mechanical upgrades will fit within the current car's shell. The area where the current S3 has its foglights is blacked-out on the RS3 test mule, however, indicating there may be something behind the front fascia taking advantage of the modified airflow. At any rate, a redesigned, slightly more aggressive front-end for an RS3 version is almost a certainty if the car does come to market. Output from the turbo five-banger would likely be the same 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet found in the TT-RS, which should be enough to propel a RS3 hatch from 0-60 mph in about five seconds. However, there’s a chance that Audi may water down the potency of the engine in the RS3 so it doesn’t step on the toes of the TT-RS, despite the very different body types and target markets. Even with 'just' 300 horsepower and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, the RS3 would be a daunting rival for the likes of the Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Evolution X and Mazdaspeed3, especially considering Audi's premium positioning. With the premium hot hatch segment remaining fairly sparse these days, an RS3 model from Audi would also give the company bragging rights against rivals like the BMW 135i. Production of the RS3 still isn't completely certain, however, with company officials keeping mum on the subject.   Read More

  • Spy shots: First Ferrari F450 prototypes

    Spy shots: First Ferrari F450 prototypes July 8th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 8th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 22 Comments

    Spy shots: First Ferrari F450 prototypes The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430.

    The latest images depict the first actual prototypes for the next-generation F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that a concept... The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430. The latest images depict the first actual prototypes for the next-generation F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010. The report also claims the car will be positioned above the current F430’s placing, possibly to allow for the introduction of the aforementioned compact front-engined model. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. Some details we can gather from the spy shots include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this yellow test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions. While the styling of the new F450 is expected to remain similar to the current F430, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.2011 Ferrari F430 replacement spy shots2011 Ferrari F450 spy shots Read More

  • First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M July 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 7 Comments

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap.

    That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20... Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap. That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20 laps of Road Atlanta at today's BMW-sponsored press event, but that time has given us a clear image of what the X6 M is - and isn't. It's an SUV (or SAV - Sport Activity Vehicle, according to BMW) that you can actually take to the track and not only safely negotiate the corners with but actually have fun exploring the outer limits of the chassis, brakes and tires. And those limits are very high indeed - with a solid exit from turn 7 there's a real possibility of seeing the vehicle's electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h). At speed, the car seems to shrink around you, contrary to its large street presence. Turn-in rewards good technique - crisp and precise if you're off the brakes, but tending toward understeer with trail braking. Get back on the throttle at the apex and you can steer with your right foot - assuming you've switched off traction control - with the car sending at least 60% of its power to the rear wheels, and a full 100% at speeds over 111.8mph (180km/h). Straightaways flash by in a blink with the 555hp (408kW) twin-turbo V8 screaming to its 7,000rpm redline without once running out of breath - a trait it owes to its unique cross-tuned manifold and twin-turbo setup. Stand on the four-piston, 15in brakes and the 275/40/20 front and 315/35/20 rear tires will perform miracles of deceleration with confidence-inspiring feedback. Behind the wheel, the X6 M not only feels small, it feels almost - almost - light. It certainly doesn't feel like a 5,300lb behemoth. Steering is light but offers decent feedback, the brake pedal is firm with a long stroke and the accelerator is responsive but never jerky, even at low speeds. For many drivers the X6 M's six-speed automatic transmission will either be a draw or a sore spot, but in practice the unit does admirably in automatic mode, though to extract the most from the vehicle, you'll need to tap the wheel-mounted paddles yourself. Take a step back from the heady rush of the track, and the X6 M begins to raise some questions. The first: who would buy this? It is, after all, a four-seater, four-door SUV/crossover with an understandably portly curb weight. Inside, the M is even more luxurious and well-appointed than the standard X6, with stitched leather and carbon-fiber-like materials throughout the cabin. The vehicle is intended to be a sort of automotive Swiss Army knife, capable of doing it all, but like the cutlery, in the end, it doesn't really do any of them as well as a specialist tool. And that's traditionally what the M Division has made - scalpels, not Swiss Army knives. That said, it is a very pleasing and fun track-day toy, and even though the average X6 M owner will likely never see a closed course, it's the possibility that will entice many. Just as most SUVs will never leave the comfort of paved suburbia, so too is the X6 M as much about potential as it is about practice. Driving the standard X6 from Road Atlanta to Spartanburg after our time with the X6 M was somewhat anti-climactic, but it served to highlight the comfort, ease of driving and perfectly capable acceleration of the standard V8 vehicle. Driven back to back on the city streets, the differences between the standard and M versions might not be readily apparent to the average driver, though the M's aggressive exterior leaves no doubt as to which is which. Perhaps BMW's own engineers summed the X6 M up best at the press conference when they compared it to a sunny spot in a sea of gloomy news, brought in to brighten up the automotive world when it needs it most. And that it certainly does. The question is whether its on-track potential will translate into real-world sales at its $89,725 price point - but we'll have to wait at least until sales start in October to learn if the M Division has hit all the right marks with its latest sport-activity sports car.2010 BMW X6 M2010 BMW X6 M First Drive Read More

  • Video: Red Bull Racing shows off F1 prototyping, construction techniques

    Video: Red Bull Racing shows off F1 prototyping, construction techniques June 24th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 24th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Video: Red Bull Racing shows off F1 prototyping, construction techniques It's not every day that you see a complete, three-dimensional F1 prototype part emerging from a milky polymer soup on its way to the wind tunnel, but today is one of those days. In addition to the prototyping process, a new video released by Red Bull Racing shows off how the testing and construction of the RB5 was done.

    From the carbon-fiber autoclave to the stereo lithograph, the wind tunnel to the chassis dyno, RBR gives us an unprecedented look behind the scenes at what goes on in the design, construction, and testing process of an F1 car.

    To see for yourself what goes into F1 racing, check out the video below.Red Bull Racing RB5Video:... It's not every day that you see a complete, three-dimensional F1 prototype part emerging from a milky polymer soup on its way to the wind tunnel, but today is one of those days. In addition to the prototyping process, a new video released by Red Bull Racing shows off how the testing and construction of the RB5 was done. From the carbon-fiber autoclave to the stereo lithograph, the wind tunnel to the chassis dyno, RBR gives us an unprecedented look behind the scenes at what goes on in the design, construction, and testing process of an F1 car. To see for yourself what goes into F1 racing, check out the video below.Red Bull Racing RB5Video: Red Bull Racing shows off F1 prototyping, construction techniques Read More

  • Video: BMW cuts ribbon on new high-tech Aerodynamic Test Center

    Video: BMW cuts ribbon on new high-tech Aerodynamic Test Center June 22nd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 22nd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Video: BMW cuts ribbon on new high-tech Aerodynamic Test Center BMW is celebrating its Technology Day today, and as the central feature of the event, the carmaker is launching a new Aerodynamic Test Center (ATC), where future cars will be made both more efficient and more sporting.

    The high-tech facility presents a striking appearance from outside, leaving little doubt as to its function from its shape alone. Though it will blow air at up to 186mph (300km/h), it's not just a wind tunnel. It offers some unique abilities that BMW hopes to leverage into better cars.

    One such feature is the ATC's ability to simulate and test aerodynamics in a wide variety of real-world driving conditions without having to... BMW is celebrating its Technology Day today, and as the central feature of the event, the carmaker is launching a new Aerodynamic Test Center (ATC), where future cars will be made both more efficient and more sporting. The high-tech facility presents a striking appearance from outside, leaving little doubt as to its function from its shape alone. Though it will blow air at up to 186mph (300km/h), it's not just a wind tunnel. It offers some unique abilities that BMW hopes to leverage into better cars. One such feature is the ATC's ability to simulate and test aerodynamics in a wide variety of real-world driving conditions without having to build an entire, road-capable prototype. This speeds up development time, cuts costs, and helps the engineers get closer to an optimal design before committing anything to sheet metal. Another benefit of the ATC for BMW is that its size and scale allows for testing of new designs and how they interact with other vehicles on the road, at speed. But the system doesn't just blow wind over the cars to see how they flow. There are also five rolling tracks installed in the ATC to enable the flow dynamics to account for movement of the car's wheels and whatever influence an operational engine might have. That enables BMW to evaluate how aerodynamics affect driving dynamics in the lab, where conditions can be controlled, as opposed to on a test track where no two days are alike. To see what it's like inside such a high-tech testing center, check out the gallery and video below. Alongside the ATC, BMW is also presenting new straight-six turbocharged engines, both gasoline and diesel - to show off their improved efficiency and power ratings. One of the new engines, a TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, is rated at 306hp (225kW) and combines direct injection and fully variable valve timing to maximize both power and efficiency. Despite the large power output, BMW managed to trim fuel consumption by 9% with the combination of the three technologies. As part of BMW's continued EfficientDynamics efforts, a range of advanced gearboxes and other engine technologies are also in the works. Expect to see these developments spread through the BMW lineup in coming years.BMW's Aerodynamic Test Center Read More

  • New Ferrari F450 will be packed with latest F1 tech

    New Ferrari F450 will be packed with latest F1 tech June 17th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 17th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    New Ferrari F450 will be packed with latest F1 tech The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430.

    The images depicted a test mule for the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of one of the windows showed the internal codename ‘F142’ but the actual name of the car is... The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and soon after that we saw spy shots for the replacement of the F430. The images depicted a test mule for the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of one of the windows showed the internal codename ‘F142’ but the actual name of the car is more likely to be based on the size of the engine just like the current F430. New reports suggest the supercar will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. Furthermore, Autocar is reporting that a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010, while a new hybrid version may appear in concept form at December’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The report also claims the car will be positioned above the current F430’s placing, possibly to allow for the introduction of the aforementioned compact front-engined model. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. The leap from F430 to F450 will be a significant one, with much of Ferrari’s F1 and GT racing knowledge going into the new car. Some of the rumored specs include radiators positioned ahead of the front wheels, understeer-cancelling software and an upgraded version of the F430 Scuderia’s traction control. A brand new aluminum chassis that’s said to be much more rigid - while also being lighter - than the F430’s will also feature. Some details we can gather from the spy shots include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this yellow test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics. However, according to insiders, none of these will appear initially on the F450. This is partly because buyers might not be ready for a hybrid Ferrari with eco-friendly features such as stop-start and energy recovery technology, and partly because the firm is confident it can meet European emissions standards by further developing direct-injection technologies, at least until 2014. Also being delayed is the F450 Spider, which is expected to arrive up to 18 months after next year’s launch of the Coupe. This is because Ferrari is hoping to maximize sales of its California before the arrival of the F450 drop-top.2011 Ferrari F430 replacement spy shots Read More

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