Jun
    9
    2010
  • Audi wants designers. Who’s interested?

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Audi has come up with an open for all competition called “The Production of Electric Automobiles”

    In case you are wondering if Audi is looking for engineers holding a degree in Electric vehicles then you are wrong.

    This competition is open for designers, professional or someone who has a flair for design and cars. Knowledge about Electric Vehicles would be an added benefit.

    Through this electric car competition, Audi is challenging people to come up with innovative design ideas for the future cars.

    Audi has kept simple guidelines for the contestants and if selected it could mean a really big break in the world of automobile designing.

    The last date to mark your entries is July 31st and after that Audi will select eight finalists who will be called in for a special workshop.

    We are guessing the tough part will come during the workshop. Audi plans to choose and announce the winner in November.

    All the required information is available at Audi’s official site www.audi.de/production-award

    The only glitch is that this website is in German but that should’t be much of a problem when Google Translate and similar software are just a click away.

    Could there be a better way to make an entry into the world of automobile designing? We think not!

    Official Press Release:

    Audi Award for the carmaking of the future

    Audi announces new idea contest
    This year’s topic: production of electric automobiles

    Member of the Audi Board for Production Frank Dreves: “The award is another component for ensuring that our production remains fit in the future.”

    INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jun 7, 2010 – What will the production of an Audi look like if the automobile no longer has a gearbox? This is the type of question that candidates for the Audi Production Award must ask themselves. Students and scientists can now begin submitting their creative concepts for the automobile production of the future. A prestigious jury will recognize the best idea on this year’s topic, “The Production of Electric Automobiles,” this fall.

    “Audi lives for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in more than just its automobiles. We are also committed to innovative technologies in production, and electric mobility will play a particularly important role here in the years ahead,” says Frank Dreves, Member of the Audi Board for Production. “We want to involve as many creative minds as possible to keep our production fit in the future, which is why we have created the Audi Production Award.”

    The Audi competition is geared toward students and scientists who can work either alone or in a team. They must submit a concept portfolio in which they explain the current situation, the proposed solution and a path to that solution.

    “We are convinced that we will receive many innovative and creative entries because the competition is a unique opportunity for young employees and potential employees. It is important that the concept can be easily implemented and demonstrates clear progress over the state of the art,” says Dr. Bernd Griesbach, spokesperson for the Predevelopment and Innovation Team in Production.

    The eight best teams will be invited to a two-day workshop at Audi in Ingolstadt. The concept will first be presented to a prestigious jury before being developed further in the workshop with Audi managers from Production. “The participants will thus receive direct feedback from our production specialists, and the two days here in Ingolstadt will certainly be a special experience for them,” adds Griesbach.

    The candidates will have an additional two weeks after the workshop to revise their concepts. Audi will recognize the best team at an award ceremony in early November.

    Additional information, a template for the concept portfolio and the entry rules are available on the Internet at www.audi.de/production-award. The deadline for entries is July 31, 2010.

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  • Jun
    8
    2010
  • Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans

         by Aman Chaudhry

    It’s official. After showing you the teaser, we bring the official pictures revealed by Panoz Motor Company about the Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans

    The American Le Mans series founder Don Panoz has unveiled the Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans super road car in tandem with Le Mans week beginning in France. This hand build performance vehicle uses a front mid-engine layout with an estimated output of 600 plus horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque. Panoz’s company, which will be officially assembling the vehicle, has not yet disclosed any official figures. Going by the given figures, the engine is expected to be a forced-induction unit.

    The transaxle and the radiator are placed at the rear end to achieve an optimum weight distribution.

    Just like its predecessor, the Abruzzi’s radiators are mounted at the rear where the cool air is drawn from a duct in the roof and along the rear side windows.

    The vehicle will also use a structure that features a proprietary layout and innovative materials. Dubbed REAMS (Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matric System), this uses a multi-layer composite system which promises to be lighter than carbon fiber yet equally strong, while also being dent-resistant, shatter-proof and recyclable.

    In addition to that, the supercar will feature TRIFECTACOOLING technology, which means that the vehicle will not only use a standard radiator, but also stage 2 and stage 3 systems that lower coolant temperature on both the inflow to and the outflow from the radiator.

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  • Jun
    2
    2010
  • Citroën has released first details of the brand new C4.  Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citroën C4 boasts a real positive energy – with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as responsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.

    As with the New C5 in 2008 and New C3 earlier this year, the New Citroën C4 once again demonstrates the expertise of the brand in creating stylish and innovative vehicles with relevant technological advances.

    With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions.  Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics.  The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

    Promising precise control and accomplished handling, New C4’s driver focused cabin environment combines with impressive acoustic comfort and soundproofing to deliver a true impression of on-road confidence.

    New C4 features compact exterior dimensions and generous internal volumes that make it spacious and thoroughly versatile.  At just 4.33m long, 1.79m wide and 1.49m high, New C4 is just 5cm longer, 2cm wider and 3cm taller than the current model.  The 408-litre boot is the biggest in its class, with practical square dimensions and a lower sill that makes loading even easier.

    In addition to optimised accessibility and practicality, the New C4 offers a genuine feeling of well-being on-board – with spacious, comfortable seating and impressive occupant headroom.

    Personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system.  Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.

    Alongside existing range technologies, such as EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), hill start assist, automatic electric parking brake, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, New C4 will be available with convenient and useful new technologies – some of which are unique to the segment.  These include a new blind-spot monitoring system, a cornering light function, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings, and an innovative new service called eTouch.

    As well as offering on-board emergency assistance, Citroën’s eTouch system enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption, and receive advice on how to improve their fuel economy.  The system also allows drivers to consult their vehicle’s technical status and monitor any necessary maintenance or servicing requirements.

    Designed to be an environmentally respectful family car, New C4 uses the latest Citroën technology to reduce its environmental impact.  New C4 will be available with Citroën’s new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains, which feature the latest generation Stop & Start system that helps deliver CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km at launch – and 99g/km on future models.  Michelin Energy™ Saver tyres are also specified to help achieve these low emissions and to boost fuel economy.  The control of the car’s overall weight – in spite of the increased dimensions and added equipment – has been achieved using new technologies, such as laser welding, in the model’s construction.  The use of 15% ‘green’ materials – for example, re-cycled polyamide components – also enhances New C4’s environmental credentials.

    The New C4 will be produced at the Mulhouse PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in France and will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.  New C4 will be launched in the UK early in 2011.

    Press data and images: Citroën
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  • May
    14
    2010
  • Hurst Camaro series 5

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Hurst performance vehicles are known for their exclusive tuning and mods for muscle cars and they have just released the Chevrolet Camaro Series 5 Limited-edition. The first-ever super-charged Camaro was released by the company at a press conference at the 46th annual SEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas.

    The limted edition 5 series Camaro will be seen in Hurst’s iconic colors of white and gold with a special feature which is a gold mica in the white and painted gloss black graphics with gold stripe elements.

    The car sits on 20-inch black chrome Hurst forged alloy wheels, which are a trademark of the company, are quite striking too.

    To add the sporty look Hurst has added an AIR-SPEED deck spoiler at the rear of the Camaro.

    Power has been derived from Hurst/Magnuson Supercharger and the Magnaflow polished exhaust system. The Camaro has also gets a Hurst shifter and a Eibach suspension. The car can be ordered with both an automatic and a manual gearbox.
    Inside the car you can find graphite leather finish with gold stitching and embroidered Hurst logos, a metal numbered interior dash plaque and bespoke floor mats.

    Hurst plans to build only 50 of these every year to maintain the high level of exclusivity.

    You just can’t get closer to living out your high school dreams than driving a righteous Camaro with a Hurst shifter, tons of tire smokin’ power and the exhaust rumble to back it up” quips Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst and Hurst Performance Vehicles. “One of the reasons our Hurst cars deliver is that we’re making ‘em just like we used to… one at a time as if each one is our own personal car.

    Hurst Camaros can be found exclusively at Hurst Authorized Dealers.

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  • May
    11
    2010
  • Hamann BMW 5-Series GT

         by Aman Chaudhry

    The tuners at Hamann have once again shown their true liking for BMW as Hamann Motorsports has added many new accessories and modifications to the BMW 5-series GT.

    The already striking looking Gran Turismo now sports a more powerful appearance. Hamann Motorsport stated that “the crossover between a comfortably spacious SUV and an elegant limousine into one of the most exclusive multi-purpose vehicles in the luxury class.”

    This new kit includes a front spoiler, side skirts and a sporty rear spoiler. The car sits on 22-inch Anniversary EVO wheels and while the air suspension-lowering module is added, it also gets four stailnless steel exhaust pipes.

    The 5-Series GT gets aluminum pedals and black floor mats with a silver Hamann inscription.

    The 530d GT has been tuned to deliver a total of 275 hp and 620 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm which is achieved after an impressive increase of 30 horsepower and a total of 80 Nm of torque.

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  • May
    10
    2010
  • Porsche offers Classic Sport kits for 911

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Porsche is now introducing the 911 Sport Classic with some popular performance enhancing equipment. Only 250 of the 911 Sport Classic were built and now it can be modded with a choice of various items.

    For starters there is Fuchs wheels with five-spoke design from 1966 to early 1980s and the sizes of these wheels will be 8.5×19 in front and 11.5×19 at rear.

    Porsche owners who have the dual clutch PDK transmission have a choice of a turbo steering wheel retrofitted to their cars. This Turbo wheel hosts very sporty looking metal paddles mounted at the back.

    As for the outside features of the car, there’s a new aerokit for the front and a new replaced rear wing gives the 911a Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup look.

    The parts are already on sale and are available in Europe. Hopefully, the U.S. market will see them soon too.

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  • May
    7
    2010
  • BMW is celebrating its 70th anniversary of the historic victory back in 1940 when Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Baumer bagged in a classic BMW 328 at the Mille Miglia automobile race in Brescia. That particular race saw BMW take the first, third, fifth and sixth places resulting in an overall team victory.

    Now, BMW has announced a brand new variant of the E89 2010 Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia.

    “Victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia remains a landmark in the history of the BMW brand. It reflects not only the extraordinary technical expertise but also the passion with which BMW approaches its work,” comments Dr Klaus Draeger, member of the BMW Group Board of Management responsible for development, on the significance of the 1940 Mille Miglia.

    To keep this model very exclusive BMW is going to built only 99 units. The E89 2010 Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition will be set apart from the Z4s as each car will be seen in a coat of matte Polaris Metallic finish with a blacked out front grill, an M aerodynamic kit and 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Chrome. The Mille Miglia branding will be seen on both outside and inside of the roadster.

    On the inside, the seats and steering have Alcantara red stitching and the overall look is quite sporty.

    It is powered by the standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six delivering 340 horsepower and 369 pound feet or torque. The engine is matted to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is expected to go from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and offering a top speed of 155mph.

    “We are very proud to be lining up for the Mille Miglia again 70 years later with this milestone of motor racing history and vehicle aerodynamics,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Classic, in delighted anticipation of the unique ride from Brescia to Rome and back

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  • May
    6
    2010
  • New Audi A1 at Wörthersee Tour 2010

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Audi has big plans for the Wörthersee Tour 2010, which is taking place from May 14 to 16 2010 at Austria. Not only is the Audi R8 GT going to make its debut there but also the hottest hatch is town – The Audi A1.

    A1 will be seen in many avatars during the parade as Audi plans to display seven of these specially customized and gone through different interiors changes.

    It will be seen posing as an Austrain police car, an airport taxi and a Bayern Munich car.

    There will be a ‘low rider’ version with black steel wheels with white walls and flames painted on it.

    The one avatar that really catches the eye is the No.1 racing insignia, which comes with a competition kit that includes the “legends interior plus” package. Painted in Amalfi white and sporting the true Urquattro colors, this version is available as a factory option when sales start in Europe later this year.

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  • May
    6
    2010
  • Good news for Rolls-Royce and Apple lovers

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that its first app for iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the App Store. The app allows potential customers and enthusiasts to configure their own Ghost, the new model from Rolls-Royce.

    The Rolls-Royce Ghost App allows users to choose from many thousands of design combinations available to Ghost customers at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealerships. Available exterior options include twelve standard paint finishes, three different wheel styles, visible exhausts as well as a Silver Satin bonnet, an option exclusive to Rolls-Royce Ghost. The car’s interior can be specified in eight different leather colours and five veneer designs, including contemporary woods such as Dark Wenge and Malabar. After designing their ideal Ghost, users can save their designs in a virtual garage.

    The new Ghost App also provides a gallery of Ghost images and films as well as a function to search for the nearest Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer. For users with an interest in the technical details of the car, the app features a specifications section.

    The Rolls-Royce Ghost App is available now for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or atwww.itunes.com/appstore.

    Data and image: Rolls-Royce
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  • May
    4
    2010
  • Panoz New 2011 Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Racing fans all over the world continue to love the 24 Hours of Le Mans have always associated the name Panoz with it. Panoz makes some of the most exclusive high-performance sports and racing cars in America including the Esperante.

    After almost two decades pf producing these brilliant cars, Panoz Auto Development is getting ready to launch their third model – The Abruzzi. The new 2011 Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will be officially launched next month along with the French endurance classic, all we have here is small teaser.

    The Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans is styled with classic Le Mans racers in mind, yet melded into a modern shape. The car’s equipment is 100-percent race inspired and high-performance, as well: a three-stage “Trifecta” cooling system keeps the car at proper operating temperature through a standard radiator coupled with secondary and tertiary cooling systems before and after the radiator. A properly cooled car is a more durable car–essential for 24 hours of laps under race conditions. The body and frame are optimized for impact-resistance, being the first road car built with REAMS (recyclable energy absorbing matrix system) material technology for safety and sustainability

    The official unveling of The Abruzzi will take place at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans during the race week, and will be on display at the tracks throughout the event.

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