Saturday, April 19, 2008

2009 Audi Q5 Compact SUV Revealed at Beijing Show

This is Audi's all-new compact SUV that will challenge the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Freelander and the new, Mercedes-Benz GLK that was also unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. Measuring 4.63 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, the Q5 slots right under the larger Q7 in the German carmaker's SUV line-up. We can't say that we're thrilled with the Q5's somewhat lacklustre exterior looks, but at least the interior, as with every Audi, is great.

Based on the underpinnings of the new A4 Sedan / Avant and A5 Coupe models, the 5-passenger premium SUV is equipped with Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system as standard. Under normal running conditions, the AWD system allocates the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a more rear-wheel-drive focused style. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

Power comes from a choice of three engine variants, a redesigned version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline unit that develops 211 Hp that accelerates the Q5 from nought to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 7.2 sec, and two turbodiesel units, the 170 Hp 2.0 TDI (0 to 62 mph in 9.5 sec) and the 240 Hp 3.0 V6 TDI (0 to 62 mph in 6.5 sec). The 2.0 TDI is hooked up with Audi's 6-speed manual transmission while the other two variants get the new 7-speed twin-clutch transmission. -More details and 27 pics after the jump

























PRESS RELEASE

The new Audi Q5: Sporty and versatile

  • All new performance SUV to slot in below the Audi Q7 in UK range in late 2008 priced from approximately ��30,000
  • Innovative technologies for dynamic driving characteristics
  • Spacious interior with myriad intelligent functions

Ingolstadt ��� The new Audi Q5 combines the poise of a sports saloon with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi drive select control system have been brought together to create a performance SUV for all seasons and all surfaces.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 metres high, giving it a more purposeful stance than any of its competitors. What���s more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its elegant, flowing lines the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be equipped with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a rail, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate ��� made from aluminum like the bonnet ��� clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The tail lights are available with distinctive LED lighting technology as well.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 ��� black (standard), contrasting colour or a full body-coloured paint finish. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a more sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives the SUV a more robust character.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior

At 2.81 metres in length, the wheelbase is the longest in its segment, creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 litres in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

The Audi Q5 has been designed to make light work of leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the ���rear bench seat plus���, which slides 100 millimetres lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger���s seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied as standard, and on request Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well ��� an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a given for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in the interior, but adds its own unique variations ��� the driver-oriented cockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright seating position. The exemplary ergonomics are classic Audi though, as is the liberal usage of fine materials such as aluminium, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the centre console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market ��� with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.

Strong and efficient ��� the engines

The Audi Q5 launches with three engine variants ��� one petrol engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger ��� characterized by outstanding performance, strong propulsive power and polished refinement while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features ��� turbocharging, petrol direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.

The high torque of 350 Nm is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 211PS. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, can reach a top speed of 138mph and averages 33.2mpg.

Drawing on four cylinders and two litres of displacement as well, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the petrol engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers its typically strong response from an impressive 170PS. Combined fuel consumption of 42.1mpg is proof of Audi���s successful efficiency strategy. The two-litre TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers 240PS and 500 Nm of torque, which is available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding response and refinement, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, accelerates to a top speed of 139mph and covers 36.6mpg on the combined cycle.

Seven speeds ��� the new S tronic

The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI ��� the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

As in the new Audi A4, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 ��� the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths ��� good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi equips the Audi Q5 as standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

The latest generation running gear in the Audi Q5 also contributes to its outstanding composure. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminium, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directly to the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The Audi Q5 will ride on lightweight lightweight alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.

The new performance SUV from Audi offers precision, reassurance and comfort at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions such as a sensor that ���tells��� the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5���s centre of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of
up to 100 kilograms. If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap into the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.

The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capable of towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellent performance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent control system makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating the preselected speed when driving at under 19mph. The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.

The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5���s climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 20 centimetres, with a fording depth of up to 50 centimetres when driving through water.

Audi drive select ��� for more driving pleasure

An extensive package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 even more driver focused. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines how much emphasis should be placed on comfort or agility. The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.

Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamic steering. Fitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven ��� which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.

The new performance SUV from Audi leaves the production line with a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system with eight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options ��� the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.

The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class
On request, the Audi Q5 can also be equipped with an array of high-tech, onboard systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tyre pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swivelling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated ��� Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.

Beijing Show: Buick Invicta Luxury Sedan Concept

Buick will take the wraps off a new luxury sedan concept that was designed collaboratively by GM's centers in Michigan, USA and Shanghai, China at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. It is said that the Invicta may very well inspire the next generation LaCrosse sedan.

Measuring 194.2 in. or 4.932 mm in length, the Buick Invicta is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that produces 250 Hp and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Looks preety nice overall, but we'll have to wait for GM to release real-life pictures before we can say more. For the time being follow the jump for more details and the image gallery.










PRESS RELEASE: Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car

The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets ��� the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

"Buick's global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta," said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design. "The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn't have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick's history."

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior

Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes ��� three per side ��� are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.

To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior

The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.

The blending of premium materials ��� such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology ��� encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.

Buick introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle in 1959. The Invicta show car is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

BUICK INVICTA SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger luxury show car sedan

Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.5 / 2908

Length (in / mm): 194.2 / 4932

Width (in / mm): 73.8 / 1874

Height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1466

Track (in / mm): 64.4 / 1635 front; 64.5 / 1637 rear

Engine: 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo

Horsepower (kW): 250 / 186

Torque (Nm): 220 / 298

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Suspension: MacPherson strut, front; independent, rear

Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc

Wheels: polished aluminum, 20 in. x 8.5 in. with milled Buick emblem

Tires: P245/40R20

Friday, April 18, 2008

ABT AS4 Avant: New Tuning Program for the 2009 Audi A4 Avant

ABT, the German tuning firm that specializes on Audi and Volkswagen models has released a new tuning program for the 2009 Audi A4 Avant that was unveiled at the Geneva Show earlier this year. Appearance-wise, ABT has dressed the A4 Avant with an aggressive bodykit that consists of a brawnier front bumper, side skirts, a roof spoiler, fender air-vent inserts and a rear skirt incorporating a 4-pipe exhaust system along with new alloy wheels.

Apart from the sport suspension and brake system, ABT also offers a variety of engine upgrades including two different programs for the 1.8 TFSI unit that boost output from the stock 160 Hp to 200 or 240 Hp. You can check out all the details on ABT’s power upgrades after the jump. -Continued



Current available power upgrades for the A4 Avant

1.8 TFSI
Serial: 160hp (118kW) 250Nm
ABT Power: 200hp (147kW) 280Nm
ABT POWER S: 240hp (177kW) 310Nm

2.0 TDI
Serial: 143hp (105kW) 320Nm
ABT POWER: 170hp (125kW) 370Nm
ABT POWER S: 200hp (147kW) 400Nm

2.7 TDI
Serial: 190hp (140kW) 400Nm
ABT POWER: 230hp (162kW) 450Nm

3.0 TDI
Serial: 240hp (176kW) 500Nm
ABT POWER: 282hp (207kW) 550Nm
ABT POWER S: 310hp (228kW) 610Nm

The Hongqi (Lincoln MKT Concept…) SUV Concept

While we have no reason to doubt reports from various Chinese websites stating that the FAW Group’s flagship mark Hongqi (Red Flag) will unveil a luxury SUV Concept at this week’s Beijing Show, we must say that, unless Hongqi has come to some sort of agreement with Lincoln, these pictures from the site “Sohu” that have been circulating in the internet do not depict that concept… -Continued

Link: Sohu

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Official DTM Safety Car

The new 457HP V8-powered Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has been chosen as the official safety car for the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). The specially prepped C63 AMG will make its debut at the second DTM race of the season in Oschersleben on April 19/20, 2008.

Compared to the road-going version of the C63 AMG, the DTM safety car has been equipped with a newly developed AMG sports exhaust system that provides a further acoustic treat, a high-performance radiator, two engine oil coolers located on either side of the front apron and an additional, larger transmission oil cooler. -Continued

Moreover, the rear axle differential features cooling fins and separate oil cooler while Merc’s engineers also intervened with C63 AMG’s brake and suspension systems. The car also features wider tires (245/35 front and 265/30 rear).

Exterior wise, apart from the DTM logos and the wider tyres, the array of lights on the roof of the safety car is the major distinguishing feature versus the standard C 63 AMG. Inside, in order to communicate with the race organisers the safety car is equipped with a sophisticated two-way radio system and TV monitor.

The cockpit is also fitted with two bucket seats with 4-point seat belts, an especially grippy AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara and AMG carbon-fibre trim.


Via: Motorpasion

Audi to Build Q5 Compact SUV in China!

Audi is building a new assembly plant in Changchun, northern China to manufacture its forthcoming premium compact SUV, the Q5, according to a report from the German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung. Citing unspecified China-based industry sources, the newspaper supports in its article that the first “Made in China” Q5s will roll out of the factory in August 2009, without however mentioning whether these cars will be sold out of China or not. Audi declined to comment on Süddeutsche Zeitung’s report. -Continued

The Q5 will be officially revealed tomorrow night (April 19, 2008) at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show opening with sales set to start in Europe this summer and the States towards the end of 2008 or early 2009.

Via: Süddeutsche Zeitung

Beijing Show: Geely FC2 & FC3

Geely’s never-ending offerings for this week’s 2008 Beijing Auto Show continue with the revelation of two more models called the FC2 and FC3. Based on the same architecture, the FC2 is a compact 5-door hatch while the FC3 is a compact-sized 4-door sedan. The Chinese manufacturer supports that both models meet European standards in terms of crash-test worthiness and emissions, but that’s something that will have to be proven when the two models go on sale on the other side of the Atlantic. –One more pic after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it