2013 Audi S4

With the A5 launch in the bag, Audi is primed for the debut of theA4 family and its series updates. For 2012, the new A4 will be getting a more attractive design and new solutions for efficiency, driving dynamics, and infotainment. The A4 family will arrive on the US market in Summer 2012, but the new details surrounding the S4 - the most powerful version of the family - have already been released.

The Audi S4 will be powered by a 3.0 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 333 HP and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft. The sedan has an average fuel consumption of 29 mpg and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

As for the updates, the S4 has received changes to the headlights, the bumpers, the air inlets, and its colors, with subtle changes scattered in the interior. Audi has also equipped the S4 with an S sport suspension and 18" wheels.

UPDATE 01/23/12: The 2013 Audi S4 will go on sale in June 2012, so to get its marketing ploys, Audi has released the vehicle’s first promotional video. Check it out!

Hit the jump to read more about the new 2013 Audi S4.

Exterior and Interior The changes made to the car’s exterior offer more elegance, sportiness, and emotional appeal. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. There are also redesigned bumpers, new headlamps with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. The vehicle has received LED daytime running lights that form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. At the rear, the bumper has also been redesigned and is combined with tail lights that share the same shape as the headlights. The interior gets a new steering wheel with chrome and high-gloss inlays, while the MMI navigation plus system now features eight buttons instead of four. The Fine Nappa leather in the previous model has been replaced by Valcona leather and the leather for the seats is now black and white. This, plus different aluminum insertions, offer a more sporty appearance. Engine The Audi S4 is powered by a 3.0 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 333 HP and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft. The sedan has an average fuel consumption of 29 mpg and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic and is distinguished by convenient and precise operation, high efficiency and a wide spread of gear ratios – the long ratios in the higher gears reduces fuel consumption, while the short ratios in the lower gears benefit the dynamics. Prices The new Audi S4 will go on sale in the US market in Summer 2012. Prices are expected to only show a slight increase from the current models which start at $32,500. Competition Being the top model of the A4 family, the S4 targets vehicles such as theBMW 335i, the Mercedes-Benz C350, and the Lexus IS350. The BMW 335i is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 300 HP and deliver 28 mpg highway. It is priced from $42,050. The Mercedes C350 gets a new 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with 19/28 mpg (city/highway). It is priced at $40,750. The Lexus IS 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter 306 HP engine delivering 19/27 mpg (city/highway). It is on sale at a price of $40,020. Comparing power, price, and mileage, the Audi S4 seems to be the customer’s best bang for their buck.  Great look  More powerful than competition  Elegant yet sporty interior

Scoure : Topspeed.com

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota is about to add another model to its hybrid line-up and, no surprise here, it’s based on the company’s best sold model on the European market: the Yaris. The new Yaris Hybrid is set to make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March with sales in Europe beginning shortly thereafter.

The new Yaris Hybrid will be powered by the first downsizing of Toyota’s HSD powertrain that combines a new 1.5 liter petrol engine with a lighter, more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter, and battery pack. This new system is about 20% lighter than that of the engine found in the Auris Hybrid and will deliver a total of 100 HP. It will be mated to a standard automatic transmission.

Next to having a hybrid powertrain, the new Yaris Hybrid will also be offered with an exclusive, aerodynamically efficient exterior design. This means it will have a new, more assertive Under Priority trapezoid opening frontal design element with the Keen Look design implemented on the front lamps.

More details about the new Yaris Hybrid will be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned.

Scoure : Topspeed.com

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore Edition

We may have been busy anticipating the much-awaited arrival of theLamborghini Aventador at the Geneva Motor show, but softening the blow of time was Lamborghini’s new special edition Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore revealed at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show. This special edition will only set tires on the European and Asian-Pacific markets, but as an honorable mention, the American market will be offered the LP 550-2 version of the special edition.

"With the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand. The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

The Bicolore edition will be distinguished by a refined contrast between the black roof and whatever color is chosen for the rest of the body. Under the hood will be a V10 engine with 560 HP that will sprint the car to a top speed of 201 mph.

UPDATE 01/23/12: Youtube member, Marchettino, has a knack for being at the right place at the right time. He’s caught a number of supercars doing all kinds of spectacular things, including this Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore burning some tires with some nice drifting and powersliding! Hit the jump to watch the video!

Hit the jump to read more about the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore.

Exterior The Bicolore edition will be distinguished by a combination of two colors: the pillars, roof, engine hood and rear spoiler will be painted in Noctis Black, while the lower area of the body will be available in a choice of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus, and Blu Caelum. That’s yellow, orange, gray, white, and blue for us common folk. The air intakes, front spoiler, and rear diffuser will be dressed in a high-gloss black finish to complete the exterior color scheme of the vehicle. The aggressive appearance of the exterior is continued by forged Skorpius aluminum-alloy rims with 15 thin spokes and finished in a titanium gray enamel. Interior The same dual-color contrasting combination continues inside the Lamborghini with the instrument panel, seats, door panels, and other elements in the passenger compartment finished in "Nero Persus" leather combined with precise stitching. This stitching will be done in the same color chosen on the exterior with options of yellow, orange, blue, and gray. The bezel of the e-gear transmission on the center console is painted in Nero Noctis, just like the upper area of the vehicle. Engine Under the hood, the special edition Gallardo is rocking a 5.2 liter, 90° V-10 engine with stratified direct injection that delivers a tremendous 560 HP at 8000 rpm. With this amount of power, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph at 11.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 201 mph. Prices Lamborghini hasn’t revealed any prices for the Bicolore edition just yet, but surely it will cost more than a standard Gallardo LP560-4 at $205,000. The Bicolore Special Edition is particularly intended for the enthusiast who desires a supercar with an exclusive appearance and remarkable design. In any event, he or she will own a Lamborghini that is altogether distinguished by an extremely dynamic character, maximum driving excitement, and an ability to be driven daily. Competition The list of competitors for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore Edition will include models like the Aston Martin DBS, the Audi R8 V10, and the Ferrari 458 Italia. If we had to choose solely based on price, then the Audi would be the clear choice with a starting price of $146,000, but the 458 Italia has plenty of advantages that the Audi does not. The Aston Martin DBS is powered by a 6.0L V12 engine that develops 510 hp which falls incredibly short of the 560 ponies bursting out of the Gallardo. The458 Italia is powered by a 4.5 Liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 570 HP and will sprint the car to a top speed of 202 mph. This matches the performance of the special edition Gallardo and has the same fuel economy numbers of 17mpg combined, but one thing to consider is that the Lamborghini is carrying a V10 while the Ferrari only totes a V8. The R8 carries the same engine as the Gallardo LP560-4, but the output is only 525 HP, leaving the Audi trailing behind. It also falls short on fuel economy with only 15mpg on tap.  560hp V10  Love the contrasting exterior  Decent fuel economy compared to its competitors

Scoure : Topspeed.com

Track Test At Hockenheim

Since Ford has yet to reveal any serious details from the testings performed on the new Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, Sport-Auto Magazine took it upon themselves to run a performance test on the car at Hockenheim. Turns out, the Mustang has better braking performance than the Porsche 991 and is faster than the Aston Martin DBS, Audi R8, Ferrari California, and BMW M3in Hockenheim.

The video starts off with burning rubber and a couple of drifts as a warmup, but then it moves on to showing the car in action on the race track. The Mustang’s potent 302 cubic-inch 5.0-liter V8 shreds through its 444hp, killing the vehicles listed above, but failing to outdo the BMW M5 F10.

Still, beating out the Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi, and BMW (the M3, not the M5) is enough to warrant some applause, especially considering the fact that the Boss is priced at $47,990, or less than half of the price paid for most of the cars on this list.

Scoure : Topspeed.com

2012 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

JR Motorsport announced their Nissan Nismo GT-R GT3 back in September 2011, but Nissan themselves have already gone to work on a GT-R GT3 Nismo that they plan to unveil at next week’s Dubai 24 Hours. The new car will compete in the A6 class at the hands of Michael Krumm (GER), Tom Kimber-Smith (UK), Franck Mailleux (FRA), and Alex Buncombe (UK).

The new GT-R GT3 Nismo is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 twin-turbo engine mated to a Hewland 6-speed sequential gearbox with a Sachs 4- plate sintered clutch and a semi automatic pneumatic paddle.

The GT3 Nismo has also been equipped with a new set of 18" RAYS center-lock, aluminum forged wheels and a new set of Brembo brakes. Nissan then replaced the standard exhaust system with a new side-exit exhaust with optional catalytic converter. The panels and doors are made of carbon composite and, for a better aerodynamic, Nissan has attached a wind tunnel developed front splitter, bumper, and flat floor, as well as an adjustable rear wing.

UPDATE 01/23/12: Nismo and JR Motorsports (JRM) have released new details and a new image on the Nismo GT-R that will be used for GT3 racing worldwide. The model will use a 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine based off the standard car, with the output increased to 530 HP at 6,400. If anyone interested, the starting price for this racer is 298,000 Euro, or about $388,000 at the current exchange rates.
Scoure : Topspeed.com

Mini introduces two special editions

By: Jake Lingeman on 1/20/2012

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Mini has introduced two special-edition Coopers, the Mini Baker Street and the Mini Bayswater. The company says the models were made to spread London's signature style in the year the country hosts the Olympic Games.

The Baker Street package is available only on the base Cooper, while the Bayswater package can be had with Cooper or Cooper S underpinnings.

The Baker Street edition, named after the street that the fictional Sherlock Holmes lived on, wears gray paint with black hood stripes that spread out in a “V” shape. The twin-spoke, 16-inch wheels are painted in gloss black with matching exterior mirror caps. Peppermint white and midnight black are also offered as exterior colors. “Baker Street” lettering sits by the side markers.

The interior is redone with more gray, while the seats get a diamond pattern. The floor mats, gearshift and handbrake get light-gray contrast stitching. The door sills bear “Baker Street” lettering.

The Mini includes the Pepper Pack, which adds air conditioning, an onboard computer, a leather steering wheel, the chrome package, fog lights and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Power comes from Mini's standard 1.6-liter engine, which delivers 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

The Mini Bayswater comes in kite blue metallic and has 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and machined edges. Eclipse grey and midnight black are also available on the exterior. Like the Baker Street, the Bayswater has racing stripes on the hood and unique mirror housings that differentiate the car from other Minis.

The interior gets leather seats, blue contrast stitching and piano black trim inserts. The Chrome Line Interior package is included, along with stainless-steel pedals. The Pepper Pack is also incorporated.

The Bayswater is offered in both standard and S trim, with either 121 hp or 181 hp. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

The Bayswater gets its name from an area of London located halfway between Knightsbridge and Notting Hill. It has an unusually high density of bars and nightclubs and is adjacent to the famous Hyde Park.

Mini says these special editions will be available worldwide but production will be limited. There's no word yet on pricing.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120120/CARNEWS/120129989#ixzz1kI7i62F1

How to be an EV Evangelist

Fisker Automotive
Plug In America spent an hour this week on the web explaining EVs. Shown is the Fisker Surf.

By: Mark Vaughn on 1/20/2012

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It was called a webinar but it seemed more like EV evangelism to us. Electric car advocacy group Plug In America spent an hour this week on the Internet telling 91 true believers how to spread the message of the kilowatt to those who still believed internal combustion was the only way to go.

“People need to be convinced that they will like a plug-in vehicles,” said Plug In America board member Chad Schwitters online. “We early adapters need to convince them.”

Though he never used the evangelism analogy (that was us), the parallels were obvious. There were even (again, our interpretation) Phillistines mentioned. Schwitters said those already driving electric cars and plug-in hybrids would run into a fair number of non-believers and outright critics who would spout claims based on things they'd heard or assumed instead of on facts.

“You will run into a few unpleasant people,” Schwitters told the faithful. “Particularly online.”

Hey, we know about those guys.

Schwitters divided up the naysayers into groups.

The “free market advocates” decry the government subsidies EV buyers receive in these early adoption years. Schwitter said to point out to them the much larger subsidies, with no end to them in sight, that the oil industry gets. Some EV subsidies, for two and three-wheeled EVs and for some charging docks, have already expired, he said. Oil and many other government subsidies go on forever.

Then there are the “lovers of internal combustion".”

“Take them for a ride,” Schwitters said, to show them how car-like an EV or plug-in hybrid is.

The “anti-environmentalists” believe the government will force people to make enormous sacrifices, they will state that electric cars are coal-powered and, perhaps worst of all, “They will call you a greenie.” Ouch. You can respond by pointing out that no one is being forced to choose an electric car. As for coal, the “longer tailpipe” argument that claims generating stations are as dirty or dirtier than gasoline cars, Schwitter says to point out that electricity generation is getting cleaner all the time. Some areas of the country don't use coal at all. (On the EPA's website there's a link where you can look up the percentage of power in your area generated by different means. Southern California Edison lists no coal-fired sources, for instance.)

“Pragmatists want a proven, cheap, reliable transportation device,” Schwitters said. “They question the cost of EVs and plug-in hybrids and they say they're going to wait for the next generation of plug in cars to decide.”

For them you can point out the cost of a Mitsubishi i, Schwitters suggested, which, after tax incentives, can cost less than $20,000. And those waiting to buy are also gambling on the future price of gas, which may be more likely to go up than down.

The “mainstreamers” don't want to make any sacrifices at all, don't post online and tend to ask questions rather than assert facts. For them you can explain the low-cost of some EVs, the savings you realize over buying gasoline, and, as with almost any person you encounter, pro- or anti-EV, “take them for a ride.”

Tom Saxton, another Plug In America board member, who has five years experience answering such questions, was also part of the webinar.

“The first question people always ask is ‘What's the range,' followed by ‘How long does it take to charge,” he said. “I usually tell them it charges overnight while you sleep, same as your cell phone. It's way more convenient than going to a gas station.”

As for range, Saxton says you can assume you'll be hard-pressed to get less than 70 percent of the EPA range for your car.

“(The range) is never less than 50 miles and rarely less than 60 or 70 miles,” Saxton said, referring to the Nissan Leaf. “It's possible to go 130 miles in a Leaf.”

For questions about operating in cold climates Saxton tells people even in cold temperatures in stop-and-go traffic it takes five or six hours to drain the battery.

As to safety, Saxton points out that modern electric cars have to meet the same government crash standards as any other car, but notes that so-called neighborhood electric vehicles like the GEM do not and it's important to point out the differences between EVs like theLeaf and neighborhood electric vehicles.

Cost-to-drive questions are tougher.

“It's hard to answer,” Saxton said. “The average U.S. rate for electricity is 11 cents per kWh. So that's the same as 121 mpg. Rates vary from a few cents per kWh to the 20-cent-per-kWh range. But even at 22 cents/kWh you're still getting 60 mpg. We expect gas prices are going to go up, so that makes EV prices even better.”

For those who want to know if an EV will work for them, Saxton suggests keeping a daily log of your driving.

“Write the odo reading down every day then do the math,” Saxton said. “If you're under 50 miles a day range, a Leaf is going to be a good thing for you.”

Saxton tells people that a multi-car household might want one EV and a single-car household might want plug-in hybrid.

Ultimately, Schwitters said, especially in online discussions, it's important to “Stay polite and helpful, even when they're not. You're providing answers for a much greater number of people. Show your enthusiasm. It does rub off.”

But most of all, “Give people rides if you can.”

The entire webinar will be available for replay on www.pluginamerica.org within a week. In the meantime, go forth and charge.

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Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120120/CARNEWS/120129978#ixzz1kI7ZeV00