Teaching kids how to steal cars is a good idea

A recent workshop in Los Angeles offers something special for interested children: a class on the mechanics of car theft. Created by the non-profit organization Machine Project, the workshop is entitled “The Good Kids’ Guide to Being a Bit Bad: Cars edition.” It covers the topics of hot wiring, opening a locked door and getting out of a locked trunk… and we fully support the class.

Getting kids fascinated about “how things work” is a wonderful project, and when it involves cars, well that’s just a bonus. In this modern world, it’s so easy to overlook how things work on the inside, which makes it extra important for kids to develop a basic understanding of nuts and bolts while they’re young.

The instructors for the class also didn’t simply just talk about how a car door works, they showed the children and then let them try to open a locked door themselves. The same happened when showing the kids how to escape a locked trunk. The only lesson that wasn’t hands on was the hot-wiring of a car because of the risk of being shocked, which the instructor also demonstrated by shocking himself a few times.

The kids learned about some basic mechanical functions, got a dose of humor and hopefully the class created a desire in them to learn more about how the things around them function.

Proton builds itself a Mitsubishi Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is such a good car, it seems that Malaysian automaker Proton decided it ought to offer a version of its own. Sort of. While the company’s Jebat Concept, which was just shown off at the Kuala Lumpur Motor Show, is styled to look like the Evolution, it’s actually powered by the 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged mill used in the slightly less potent Ralliart model.

Nobody seems to know at the moment if the Jebat Concept has any shot at production, but its existence isn’t all that surprising considering that Proton just recently launched the Inspira, itself an almost exact copy of the standard Mitsubishi Lancer. In any case, it’s clearly differentiated from its siblings by virtue of its matte black front and rear fascias and side sills, along with a Proton-specific grille. See for yourself in the image gallery below.

Choosing Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a state-administered and every individual who drive needs to declare financial accountability before they can register their cars. Though the community might administer the bottom limits of accountability drivers need to insure, they repeat on telling drivers what to do about the actual expenses provable. There are particular issues to consider when selecting a car insurance policy.

If you did not spend cash in obtaining your automobile because it is through loan or leasing contract, better study your financing arrangement along with your financial agreement. There are also financing firms that limit the maximum inferable you can obtain from your car policy to retain in settlement with your auto financing. Also you need to determine your available capital. An inferable isn’t a one-time expense, if you are disastrous to have several car accidents, you will have to spend with your own money for the quantity of every single claim. Always select a provable that you can manage to pay for each separate claim.

Another is to recognize the make and year model of your vehicle. Car insurance deductible requirements for contemporary luxurious cars differ from the automobile deductible necessities for cars over 10 years. Make some research on the average expenses of repair for your car before analyzing what type of insurance to take. It is also essential to recognize the missing funds expenditures opposed to the superior insurance savings. The larger the inferable, much money will be able to save on premium and oppositely. Have the insurance personnel to give some financial figures. Analyze the distinctness between the loss of capital costs and the potential premium savings and obtain with something that can exactly fit your money.

Jeep is finally getting a pickup… kinda

During a roundtable meeting in Detroit, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Jeep will be getting a new model in the near future, one that he’s classifying as a “multipurpose” vehicle fitted with “a truck bed.”

Although Marchionne stopped short of calling the Jeep a pickup, he did reference the 2005 Gladiator concept (above) and said “there’s better than a 50% chance that you’ll get one.”

Just as intriguing, the perpetually sweatered-CEO told the assembled media that the cargo-hauling Jeep will come to market whether the Ram brand likes it or not, saying, “They’re totally peeved off at the fact that we’re going to have anything that looks like a pickup truck with a Jeep badge on it. I actually think there’s space for it.” So do we Mr. Marchionne. So do we…

Price dropped on Cameron’s home from

Highland Park, Illinois is home to a very special house. Architecture buffs will recognize 370 Beech Street as a steel and glass building designed by notable architects A. James Speyer and David Haid. To auto enthusiasts, however, 370 Beech is where one unforgettable movie Ferrari met its tragic demise at the hands of Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s also for sale. Still.

We first told you about this house last year, when it was listed with an asking price of $2.3 million. Guess what? It never sold and the price has come way down. Today, the so-called “Ferris Bueller house” could be yours for just $1.65 million. If we had the means, we’d love to park Zach Bowman’s International Pickup in view of nature and nosy neighbors… so he could kick it through the glass when he finally loses his mind.

What say you, Autoblog reader – Is the house is worth the dough or is it just “something d-o-o economics?”

Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype

There’s so much going on at SEMA it’s all-too easy to miss a few things. And while there are a ton of Mustangs, one would think that this Shelby prototype would have caught our attention – particularly since we were aware of its existence. Back in September we reported that on some potential future Shelby models, one of which was a 1,000 rwhp twin-turbo GT500.

Nicknamed “Code Red,” this particular GT500 was created in collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines – the same firm responsible for the 1,800 horsepower Mosler MT900S. The heavily modified 5.4-liter V8 features twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers along with a dual fuel system that includes cells for both race and street gas as well as an electronic boost controller that can vary boost for each gear.

If Shelby offers a production of the “Code Red” GT500, expect plenty of other goodies to be included like Baer 14-inch brakes, Shelby/Eibach adjustable suspension system, 9-inch Currie rear end, 10-point roll cage, and plenty more? Price tag? Shelby estimates that the package (car not included) would cost around $100,000.

Fitting Retirement: Grand Marquis last Mercury off the line

The signs have come down and retail production ended back in October of 2010. Now, the very last Mercurymodel has rolled off the assembly line. This last Mercury somewhat fittingly takes the form of a Grand Marquis reporting for fleet duty. It was built at the St. Thomas plant in Ontario, Canada, which is the same facility that continues to produce the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car for fleet and livery duty.

St. Thomas’ days are numbered, however, as the factory is slated to close on August 31. When it goes, thePanther platform is likely to follow. So long, and thanks for all the fish memories.

Chrysler Town & Country set to reclaim minivan sales crown from Honda Odyssey

Is the real swagger wagon of 2010 built by Chrysler? If you go by total sales, it is. The Chrysler Town & Country has been a player in the minivan market since its arrival in 1990. Now in its fifth generation, the Town & Country has just been refreshed after a comprehensive redesign in 2008. It’s not alone in getting an upgrade, however, as some serious competition arrived from Japan in 2010.

All-new minivan models for 2011 include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest, with each of them stuffing a ton of features into modern packages. The Odyssey, which has been the segment’s best-seller for the last two years, has had a strong year. Yet despite serious pressure in a surprisingly strong minivan market (2010 will see the segment’s first volume uptick since 2005), the Town & Country has climbed the sales board and is poised to take out Japan’s finest.

According to The Detroit News, the T&C is sitting on 102,495 sales through November, while its closest competitor, the Honda Odyssey, has sold 98,035 units. Trailing further behind those two is the Sienna with 89,509 sales so far this year. There is one month left but Chrysler’s, familymobile seems to be sitting pretty.

Chevrolet Volt, Ford Explorer named Detroit Free Press Car and Truck of the Year

As more and more Car and Truck of the Year awards pour in from a variety of major publications, it’s no shock that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt continues to take home top honors as the best car of 2011. Both Motor Trend and Automobile have deemed the Volt their Car of the Year, and General Motors’ high-profile EV is even a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award. (Our readers, however, would apparently rather see that honor go to the 2011 Hyundai Sonata). Thus, it’s no surprise that the Volt was just named Car of the Year by The Detroit Free Press.

Similarly, the 2011 Ford Explorer is in the running for North American Truck of the Year, and the Detroit Free Press is honoring it as the best ‘truck’ of 2011. Freep auto critic Mark Phelan states that in the road ahead, automakers must choose the “right shade of green” for each type of vehicle. Phelan explains:

“The Volt allows most owners to go weeks or months without stopping at a gas pump. The Explorer recasts America’s best-selling SUV in a fuel-efficient new form based on the same chassis as the Ford Taurus large sedan.”

Facing high gas prices, dealers get cautious with big SUVs

The average gas price in the U.S. is over $3 right now, and there’s a good chance it’ll go higher before too long. What do you do in this situation if you’re a car dealer with a lot full of SUVs and big crossovers? You start being cautious.

That’s the takeaway point from an Automotive News article, with the key quote coming from a New York Ford dealer, who told the industry publication:

SUVs are still important in this area, but people are downsizing to more fuel efficient SUVs instead. We are still stocking with the idea that it may go either way. Hoping for the best, but prepared for anything.

For the moment, gas prices aren’t high enough to make people panic and try to offload their gas hogs the way we saw in 2008, but Kelley Blue Book analyst Alec Gutierrez told Automotive News that SUV sales could drop “dramatically” once gas reaches $3.50 or $4 a gallon, saying, “The days where a dealer could just go to auction and stock up on a bunch of SUVs and hold them for 40 or 60 days are over.”

Why, yes, that is a Tata Nano covered in pure gold

Try to imagine the most basic car on the road, and you’ll likely conjure up images of the Tata Nano. The Citroën 2CV of our time, the Nano was conceived as bare-bones, bargain-basement transport for the masses. But while it makes the rest of us wonder how much our own cars are really worth, sales of the diminutive budget car have been lagging in the wake of safety concerns after cars were reported to be spontaneously combusting due to bad wiring and such.

To drum up enthusiasm for the Nano, Tata has brought in one of its subsidiaries, Titan Industries, to give the car a more luxe appearance in the form of gold and jewels. Celebrating the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewelry, Tata and Titan launched a public campaign to solicit designs for a bedazzled Nano. Thirteen designs came in, with the winner you see here chosen just a few days ago. The conspicuous one-off will be crafted out of pure gold by Titan at its facility in Bagalore. Have a closer look at the winning design, along with a couple of the runners-up, in the gallery below.

Project Kahn, Cosworth squeeze 500 hp out of diesel Range Rover

There’s a grand tradition to enormously powerful and torquey diesel sport-utes. Most of them come from the Volkswagen group – like the Touareg V10 or the Audi Q7 V12 TDI – but this, as you might have guessed, is no VW. It’s a Range Rover, uut one that’s been thoroughly worked over.

The modifications have been carried out through the joint efforts of Project Kahn and Cosworth – two British tuners that have been working together for the past couple of years. Their latest product started life as the thoroughly capable and luxurious Range Rover Sport with the 4.4-liter V8 diesel. With 313 horsepower, the diesel Rover is hardly a slouch, but Cosworth has taken it a step further (and then some) by squeezing out a whopping 500 horsepower.

To go with the massive upgrade in output, Kahn has given the Range Rover an extensive cosmetic update both inside and out, with new bumpers from and rear, side skirts, 22-inch wheels and an interior decked out in billet aluminum and perforated & quilted leather trim. Check it out in the high-res image gallery below

Rumored Jeep pickup far from a done deal

Please join us in a collective sigh of exasperation. According to Automotive News, the much-rumored Jeep pickup that had us all salivating earlier this year may be little more than hyped-up vaporware. It would seem that while Chrysler’s off-roading arm is game to create a small pickup once again, the vehicle isn’t as writ in stone as we were all led to believe. From what we can tell, Jeep is facing some grief from the Ram squad for wanting to play in their sandbox. Additionally, all of Chrysler is staring at a pretty hefty dearth of engineers, so adding another ground-up build to the company’s already sizable honey-do list isn’t exactly on the table.

And what of the military-spec Jeep truck currently on sale elsewhere around the globe? Automotive News says that Chrysler thinks it wouldn’t be worth the effort (or money) to try to dilute that vehicle down far enough for civilian duty. Maestro, cue up the sad trombone, if you’d be so kind.

That means that we can probably scrap the notion of seeing Jeep pickup by next year as we were initially led to believe. If the vehicle does manage to get past all of the hurdles before it, the pickup likely won’t see the light of day for a good long while.

Next Nissan Sentra to look more like a baby Altima?

It’s not that the Nissan Sentra is a ‘bad car,’ so to speak, but it’s about as exciting to anyone with even a modicum of automotive enthusiasm as a haircut. Sadly, that milquetoast feeling even extends to the more powerful SE-R and 200-horsepower SE-R Spec V. Said another way, the current Sentra is a long time gone from the SR20DE-engined B13 Sentra SE-R of the early ’90s.

But there may be light at the end of the tunnel: Nissan knows that its current Sentra is too boring. Al Castignetti, Nissan Division Vice President of Sales recently admitted to AutoWeek that “We miss the heart of the market right now. A lot of people reject the Sentra because of its looks… it is not a natural progression to move down to it from the Altima.”

While you could certainly argue that the Sentra needs more than just a restyling – like, perhaps having more content and sporting potential to properly differentiate itself from the almost-as-large and significantly cheaperVersa – looking more like the handsome Altima sounds like a solid step in the right direction.

Paris : Range Rover Evoque shows up ready for production

Land Rover’s critical new Range Rover Evoque debuted today at the Paris Motor Show, ushering in a brave new world for the British off-roader brand. The debut continues the company’s march toward the softroader segment, a movement first started with the LR2/Freelander and now resulting in the handsome new three-door seen here.

Slated to be joined shortly by a five-door version, the compact Evoque fits right into the Land Rover mold design-wise, albeit with a surprising amount of surface jewelry for such a sleek two-box shape. From the protruding fog lamps to the horizontal matte chrome-trimmed hood intakes to the unique divots atop the wheel lip moldings and the somewhat fiddly taillamp lenses, there’s quite a bit to draw one’s eye. The overall impression one gets of the vehicle on the show floor is one of imposing width, a feeling that’s magnified when you realize that an individual of average height can see over the vehicle when standing next to it.

Land Rover Evoque won’t get hybrid

Despite the fact that Land Rover has gone out of its way to promote its new Evoque as an environmentally friendly alternative to its normal brand of behemoth globetrotting earth movers, Auto Express reports that the front-wheel drive (optional all-wheel drive, naturally) unibody Rover won’t be getting a hybrid powertrain option.

Instead, Land Rover’s global product director John Edwards suggests that any future electrically assisted powertrains will likely be featured in the larger Discovery (LR4 in the States) and Range Rovers. Edwards points out that the Evoque was designed as a lightweight machine, and a small four-cylinder diesel engine can provide the kind of fuel mileage targeted for the model.

While it’s certainly true that hybrid componentry adds complexity and weight, American and Japanese automakers have proven that it’s certainly possible to put the fuel-saving bits and pieces in smaller-sized vehicles. What’s more, diesel vehicles aren’t exactly commonplace on American roads or dealerships, leaving us to wonder if the U.S. market will be left out of the high-mpg loop yet again.

Mini Cooper: Mini Mini rumored to be in the works

Post by: Automotive

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW's Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We've actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you're not alone. Who could say 'No' to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what's to come is said to be earmarked for next month's Detroit Auto Show.

source: Mini Cooper Press

Car Specifications: Audi R8 GT

Post by: Car Specifications

- Limited-production, top-of-the-line version of the high performance sports car

- 100 pounds lighter, the carbon body parts

- V10 FSI with 412 kW (560 hp), 0-100 km / h in 3.6 seconds

Ingolstadt, now even stronger, lighter and faster: displays the version of the Audi R8's limited production high performance sports cars, GT R8. Output from the 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp), vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 100 kilograms (£ 220.46). GT R8 accelerates from zero to 100 km / h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km / h (198.84 mph).

The R8 high-performance sports cars have a winner from scratch. This applies to both the production model, winner of the "World Performance Car" Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and racing cars, with the LMS R8, which won 23 races in his first season and claimed three championships. The genes from the version now comes to road races - the GT R8. Exclusive series limited to 333 units. Every GT R8 has a badge with a production number on the shift key lever.

Consistent use of lightweight construction: 100 kilograms (220.46 pounds), trimmed

production R8 5.2 FSI quattro has been a successful example of Audi's lightweight construction philosophy. Its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighs just 210 kilograms (462.97 pounds). aluminum body panels joined to the frame with extruded profiles and cast nodes through a positive and frictional connection. Machine framework is made of ultra lightweight magnesium.

ASF body largely hand-built at the Neckarsulm factory complex in the manufacturing process. Very high strength body is the basis for the proper handling of high-performance sports cars, and also offer good comfort and safety first class crash vibration.

Thanks to ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1625 kilograms (3,582.51 lb) - with all-wheel drive quattro permanent and optional R Tronic transmission. This makes it all the more difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took a complicated approach that involves every aspect of vehicle, and eventually came to rest in the scales 1 525 kilograms (3,362.05 lb).

R8 GT windshield made of thinner glass, while the cell bulkhead between the passenger and engine compartments, and windows in the rear doors are made of strong, lightweight polycarbonate. All three modifications are saved nine kilograms (19.84 pounds). Rear wing is still good for an additional 1.2 kilograms (2.65 pounds); thin sheets of metal and pieces of shaved additional 2.6 kilograms (5.73 pounds) of aluminum hatch for containers 100 liters (3.53 cubic feet) baggage at the front of the car.

Long rear hatch is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) - a gain of 6.6 kilograms (14.55 pounds). And the rear bumper of the same material sideblades save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 pounds), respectively. With minimal weight and high strength, CFRP is an ideal material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has extensive expertise in its use.

The engineers are also striving to shave every possible gram of weight of the technical components of R8. They shaved one kilogram (2.20 pounds) from the power brake system, four kilograms (8.82 pounds) of aluminum cap from the brake discs and 9.4 kilograms (20.72 pounds) of batteries. The engineers also found 2.3 kilograms (5.07 pounds) of air intake modules and 2.8 kilograms (6.17 pounds) in isolation of the engine compartment.

interior is also great potential to save weight-savings. The new, lightweight carpets account for 7.9 kilograms (17.42 lb) bucket seats with a chassis, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) account for 31.5 kilograms (69.45 pounds). Detailed a number of additional steps that targeted the interior, exterior and technology, such as a higher class, for mild steel exhaust system tailpipes.

Even sharper and more effective: design

Audi R8 GT design is an expression of concentrated power - a beautiful, technical statue measuring 4.43 meters (14.53 feet) long, 1.93 meters (6.33 feet) wide and only 1.23 meters (4.04 feet) high . It suffered a lot of exterior modifications that further refine the appearance. Many of them also reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. R8 generates more downforce GT when compared with the rapid production model driven - without an increase in the value of Cd (0.36) or the frontal region (1.99 m2) (21.42 square feet).

From single-frame grille frames, struts and blades in the air intake finished in matt titanium gray; matt black painted grille. The splitter below the bumper has a double lip and made of carbon. Slender, curved flics on the corner of the nose to increase downforce on the front axle and also made of carbon fiber composites.

One highlight of the R8 GT is standard LED lamps, the use of light emitting diodes for all functions. They produce bright, uniform light, has a long service life and low energy consumption. Lighting also has an attractive and distinctive appearance. Daytime running lights each consist of 24 LEDs and appear as a continuous band. The reflectors are reminded open clam shells.

Defining element of the display is sideblades, which direct air to the engine in the R8 and GT also made of carbon matte. The same materials used for housing to reduce the size of the side mirror mounted on aluminum base. 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive design of twin five-spoke Y in titanium-look finish. Sport front fender "GT" badges.

Modifications to the back of the car is very obvious, beginning with a fixed-wing carbon matte. ventilation curtains at either side of the rear door and bumper CFRP, which integrates a large circular tailpipes, and vents to the wheel wells, have been redesigned. Larger diffuser is made of carbon fiber composites, panels and license plates in the back of the blade width in matte gray titanium. Its tail lights, which also uses LED technology, has been housing the dark with clear glass panels.

Audi R8 GT offers a choice of four body colors: Orange Metallic Samoa, Suzuka Gray Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic Phantom Black pearl effect and

Breathtakingly powerful: with 412 kW (560 hp), 5.2 FSI

The V10 is modified, which includes the cylinder head is painted red, Audi R8 provides the GT performance of the heart. The sprint GT R8 from start up to highway speed in 3.6 seconds and from zero to 200 km / h (124.27 mph) in 10.8 seconds. And encourages not leave until the top speed of 320 km / h (198.84 mph) is reached.

Changes to the electronic engine coaxed an extra 26 kW of cylinder-ten, which now produces 412 kW (560 hp) from a displacement of 5204 cc. Torque curve peaks at 540 Nm (398.28 pounds-ft) at 6,500 rpm, 10 Nm (£ 7.38-ft) is more than the production version. This V10 has a specific power output of 79.2 kW (107.6 hp) per liter displacement. power-to-weight ratio is 3.70 kilograms (8.16 pounds) per kW, or 2.72 kg (6.00 pounds) per-hp. The engine redlines at 8700 rpm.

Long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 84.5 x 92.8 mm [3.33 x 3.65 in]), which was built in hand-factory in Győr, Hungary, features crankcase made of aluminum-silicon alloys are lightweight and excellent strength. A bedplate - a frame for the crankshaft bearing bridge - further increase its stiffness. Complete engine weighs just 258 kilograms (568.79 pounds). This is marked with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees and dry lubrication-bah, which uses a highly efficient oil pump module. Both solutions reduce the center of gravity and thus improve driving dynamics.

crankshaft is designed as a pivot pin general. Which connects the piston rod opposite the crankpin involving public, resulting in the firing intervals alternately 54 and 90 degrees. This unique rhythms provide an attractive V10 sound - music, very technical grand like that in racing. Two flaps in the exhaust system and tone adjust the volume as a function of engine speed and load.

Normally aspirated engines consume an average of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (17.17 U.S. mpg) - fuel economy very good given extraordinary powers. FSI petrol direct injection system injects fuel into the combustion chamber up to 120 bar pressure. Turbulent mixture cool the cylinder wall, allowing the compression ratio of 12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and continuous adjustment of the chain-driven camshaft ensures that the combustion chamber is fully filled. Flaps in the intake ports to facilitate the formation of the mixture by pushing the movement in the air falling revenues.

The drivetrain: uncompromising traction

Gear changes in the GT R8 is handled by the R Tronic sequential manual transmission. Electrohydraulic clutch and switching units receive their orders electronically. It changes gear faster than the six-skilled driver can - in a tenth of a second at high loads and engine speeds.

Electronic management system offers automatic with Sport mode and the characteristics of Normal, and two manual level. This is controlled using the gear selector lever briefly about the central tunnel and two paddles in the steering wheel. Maximum thrust when the launch is guaranteed by the Launch Control - a program that manages a full engine acceleration at high speed and minimum wheel slip when starting.

permanent quattro all-wheel-drive is an ideal technology for a high-performance sports car. Viscous clutch located in front of the center sends 15 percent of the difference in power to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear wheels during normal driving. This split harmonizes perfectly with 43:57 weight distribution which Audi R8 GT's per cent. clutch send as many as 30 percent of power to the front wheels in milliseconds, if necessary. A mechanical locking differential on the rear axle further improve traction. This provides a restriction to 25 percent when the acceleration and up to 40 percent in the attack.

Even tauter chassis and more precise

The Audi R8 high-performance GT sports car driving machine with a heart of lateral acceleration and lightning-fast, almost instantaneous reaction. mid-mounted engine is close to the vertical axis; mass almost negligible during the change of direction quickly. GT R8 is a dynamic, precise and stable in almost every situation.

This followed the racing chassis design classic - double wishbones made out of aluminum to find wheels. That is, hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-wing has a ratio 16.3:1 steering wheel connects the driver directly and intimately and exactly the road. A manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body as much as 10 millimeters (0.39 in), is standard. a higher front and rear wheel camber make the level of infestation is more agile handling than the standard model.

Forged 19-inch wheels 8.5 J x 19 front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tires, respectively. Audi 305/30 tires will increase along with the optional wheels on the rear axle on demand. Cup tires, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, is available for race fans.

Audi mountain internally ventilated, carbon fiber ceramic brake discs standard. They are extremely durable and abrasion resistance and especially light. Together they weight nine kilograms (19.84 pounds) less than their steel counterparts of the same size. They measure 380 mm (14.96 in) in diameter in front and 356 mm (14.02 in) at the rear. Who fled to the friction ring helmets through elastic elements. Red brake calipers anodized aluminum - with six pistons at the front - which is exclusive to the GT R8.

ESP stabilization program specifically for the GT R8 and can switch to Sport mode simply by pressing a button to allow spectacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of corners. The driver can deactivate the system fully for the trip to the race track.

Exclusive and dynamic: the interior and equipment

At Audi, reducing weight means better performance and efficiency, but does not sacrifice. The Audi R8 GT, which sells Audi in Germany for € 193,000, is equipped with automatic climate control system and power windows, navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system. A 465 watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, CD changer and Audi Music Interface is available as an option. As usual with Audi, the interior show a loving attention to detail. Rich materials pamper occupants with the look and feel smoother.

Interior ergonomics are decorated in a sporty black and dark gray. Wheel steering, main, roofing paper, the knee, the parking brake lever and bucket seats covered in Alcantara with contrast stitching accents. A shark leather-look synthetic that feels a bit rough to touch it applied to the bulkhead, door liners, the monks and dashboard instruments. The monoposto "" - the arch in the cockpit - is made of matt carbon.

Groups of instruments features a white fast with "R8 GT" badge. Newly designed selector lever is made of CFRP and aluminum; center tunnel and door liners sports with body color of decorative inlays. The frame of the door trims feature decorated with matt aluminum R8 GT "logo.

A number of features that are only available as an option for the GT R8. Exterior options include two alternative wheel, a body-color front splitter and the engine compartment of the CFRP layer. carbon element at the doors, and tunnels, in the cockpit and instrument panel are available as interior choices. Others include leather multifunction steering wheel, a belt of red, orange or gray, floor mats with GT R8 "" logo and trim CFRP doorway illuminated in red. If desired, Audi will fit the frame carbon seat, which is somewhat lighter than the bullet CFRP. Alcantara seat covers are optionally available with the GT "embroidered R8" logo.

Race packages available for racing fans. These include bolt-in roll bar red or black, the latter path and type approval, as well as road-approved four-point belt, red or black, fire extinguishers and kill switches for the battery. A front panel for optional modules covering key motorsports balanced swivel for four-point seat belts, and change the roll bar into a full cage. Looking for more comfort and convenience of the buyer can select the phone preparation with a microphone, an innovative belt. Audi also offers a full leather package, elements of control in leather with contrasting stitching and cruise control system as options. Parking assistance provided with standard equipment.

source: Audi Press

 

Car Specifications: Audi R8 GT

Post by: Car Specifications

- Limited-production, top-of-the-line version of the high performance sports car

- 100 pounds lighter, the carbon body parts

- V10 FSI with 412 kW (560 hp), 0-100 km / h in 3.6 seconds

Ingolstadt, now even stronger, lighter and faster: displays the version of the Audi R8's limited production high performance sports cars, GT R8. Output from the 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp), vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 100 kilograms (£ 220.46). GT R8 accelerates from zero to 100 km / h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km / h (198.84 mph).

The R8 high-performance sports cars have a winner from scratch. This applies to both the production model, winner of the "World Performance Car" Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and racing cars, with the LMS R8, which won 23 races in his first season and claimed three championships. The genes from the version now comes to road races - the GT R8. Exclusive series limited to 333 units. Every GT R8 has a badge with a production number on the shift key lever.

Consistent use of lightweight construction: 100 kilograms (220.46 pounds), trimmed

production R8 5.2 FSI quattro has been a successful example of Audi's lightweight construction philosophy. Its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighs just 210 kilograms (462.97 pounds). aluminum body panels joined to the frame with extruded profiles and cast nodes through a positive and frictional connection. Machine framework is made of ultra lightweight magnesium.

ASF body largely hand-built at the Neckarsulm factory complex in the manufacturing process. Very high strength body is the basis for the proper handling of high-performance sports cars, and also offer good comfort and safety first class crash vibration.

Thanks to ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1625 kilograms (3,582.51 lb) - with all-wheel drive quattro permanent and optional R Tronic transmission. This makes it all the more difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took a complicated approach that involves every aspect of vehicle, and eventually came to rest in the scales 1 525 kilograms (3,362.05 lb).

R8 GT windshield made of thinner glass, while the cell bulkhead between the passenger and engine compartments, and windows in the rear doors are made of strong, lightweight polycarbonate. All three modifications are saved nine kilograms (19.84 pounds). Rear wing is still good for an additional 1.2 kilograms (2.65 pounds); thin sheets of metal and pieces of shaved additional 2.6 kilograms (5.73 pounds) of aluminum hatch for containers 100 liters (3.53 cubic feet) baggage at the front of the car.

Long rear hatch is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) - a gain of 6.6 kilograms (14.55 pounds). And the rear bumper of the same material sideblades save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 pounds), respectively. With minimal weight and high strength, CFRP is an ideal material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has extensive expertise in its use.

The engineers are also striving to shave every possible gram of weight of the technical components of R8. They shaved one kilogram (2.20 pounds) from the power brake system, four kilograms (8.82 pounds) of aluminum cap from the brake discs and 9.4 kilograms (20.72 pounds) of batteries. The engineers also found 2.3 kilograms (5.07 pounds) of air intake modules and 2.8 kilograms (6.17 pounds) in isolation of the engine compartment.

interior is also great potential to save weight-savings. The new, lightweight carpets account for 7.9 kilograms (17.42 lb) bucket seats with a chassis, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) account for 31.5 kilograms (69.45 pounds). Detailed a number of additional steps that targeted the interior, exterior and technology, such as a higher class, for mild steel exhaust system tailpipes.

Even sharper and more effective: design

Audi R8 GT design is an expression of concentrated power - a beautiful, technical statue measuring 4.43 meters (14.53 feet) long, 1.93 meters (6.33 feet) wide and only 1.23 meters (4.04 feet) high . It suffered a lot of exterior modifications that further refine the appearance. Many of them also reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. R8 generates more downforce GT when compared with the rapid production model driven - without an increase in the value of Cd (0.36) or the frontal region (1.99 m2) (21.42 square feet).

From single-frame grille frames, struts and blades in the air intake finished in matt titanium gray; matt black painted grille. The splitter below the bumper has a double lip and made of carbon. Slender, curved flics on the corner of the nose to increase downforce on the front axle and also made of carbon fiber composites.

One highlight of the R8 GT is standard LED lamps, the use of light emitting diodes for all functions. They produce bright, uniform light, has a long service life and low energy consumption. Lighting also has an attractive and distinctive appearance. Daytime running lights each consist of 24 LEDs and appear as a continuous band. The reflectors are reminded open clam shells.

Defining element of the display is sideblades, which direct air to the engine in the R8 and GT also made of carbon matte. The same materials used for housing to reduce the size of the side mirror mounted on aluminum base. 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive design of twin five-spoke Y in titanium-look finish. Sport front fender "GT" badges.

Modifications to the back of the car is very obvious, beginning with a fixed-wing carbon matte. ventilation curtains at either side of the rear door and bumper CFRP, which integrates a large circular tailpipes, and vents to the wheel wells, have been redesigned. Larger diffuser is made of carbon fiber composites, panels and license plates in the back of the blade width in matte gray titanium. Its tail lights, which also uses LED technology, has been housing the dark with clear glass panels.

Audi R8 GT offers a choice of four body colors: Orange Metallic Samoa, Suzuka Gray Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic Phantom Black pearl effect and

Breathtakingly powerful: with 412 kW (560 hp), 5.2 FSI

The V10 is modified, which includes the cylinder head is painted red, Audi R8 provides the GT performance of the heart. The sprint GT R8 from start up to highway speed in 3.6 seconds and from zero to 200 km / h (124.27 mph) in 10.8 seconds. And encourages not leave until the top speed of 320 km / h (198.84 mph) is reached.

Changes to the electronic engine coaxed an extra 26 kW of cylinder-ten, which now produces 412 kW (560 hp) from a displacement of 5204 cc. Torque curve peaks at 540 Nm (398.28 pounds-ft) at 6,500 rpm, 10 Nm (£ 7.38-ft) is more than the production version. This V10 has a specific power output of 79.2 kW (107.6 hp) per liter displacement. power-to-weight ratio is 3.70 kilograms (8.16 pounds) per kW, or 2.72 kg (6.00 pounds) per-hp. The engine redlines at 8700 rpm.

Long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 84.5 x 92.8 mm [3.33 x 3.65 in]), which was built in hand-factory in Győr, Hungary, features crankcase made of aluminum-silicon alloys are lightweight and excellent strength. A bedplate - a frame for the crankshaft bearing bridge - further increase its stiffness. Complete engine weighs just 258 kilograms (568.79 pounds). This is marked with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees and dry lubrication-bah, which uses a highly efficient oil pump module. Both solutions reduce the center of gravity and thus improve driving dynamics.

crankshaft is designed as a pivot pin general. Which connects the piston rod opposite the crankpin involving public, resulting in the firing intervals alternately 54 and 90 degrees. This unique rhythms provide an attractive V10 sound - music, very technical grand like that in racing. Two flaps in the exhaust system and tone adjust the volume as a function of engine speed and load.

Normally aspirated engines consume an average of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (17.17 U.S. mpg) - fuel economy very good given extraordinary powers. FSI petrol direct injection system injects fuel into the combustion chamber up to 120 bar pressure. Turbulent mixture cool the cylinder wall, allowing the compression ratio of 12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and continuous adjustment of the chain-driven camshaft ensures that the combustion chamber is fully filled. Flaps in the intake ports to facilitate the formation of the mixture by pushing the movement in the air falling revenues.

The drivetrain: uncompromising traction

Gear changes in the GT R8 is handled by the R Tronic sequential manual transmission. Electrohydraulic clutch and switching units receive their orders electronically. It changes gear faster than the six-skilled driver can - in a tenth of a second at high loads and engine speeds.

Electronic management system offers automatic with Sport mode and the characteristics of Normal, and two manual level. This is controlled using the gear selector lever briefly about the central tunnel and two paddles in the steering wheel. Maximum thrust when the launch is guaranteed by the Launch Control - a program that manages a full engine acceleration at high speed and minimum wheel slip when starting.

permanent quattro all-wheel-drive is an ideal technology for a high-performance sports car. Viscous clutch located in front of the center sends 15 percent of the difference in power to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear wheels during normal driving. This split harmonizes perfectly with 43:57 weight distribution which Audi R8 GT's per cent. clutch send as many as 30 percent of power to the front wheels in milliseconds, if necessary. A mechanical locking differential on the rear axle further improve traction. This provides a restriction to 25 percent when the acceleration and up to 40 percent in the attack.

Even tauter chassis and more precise

The Audi R8 high-performance GT sports car driving machine with a heart of lateral acceleration and lightning-fast, almost instantaneous reaction. mid-mounted engine is close to the vertical axis; mass almost negligible during the change of direction quickly. GT R8 is a dynamic, precise and stable in almost every situation.

This followed the racing chassis design classic - double wishbones made out of aluminum to find wheels. That is, hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-wing has a ratio 16.3:1 steering wheel connects the driver directly and intimately and exactly the road. A manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body as much as 10 millimeters (0.39 in), is standard. a higher front and rear wheel camber make the level of infestation is more agile handling than the standard model.

Forged 19-inch wheels 8.5 J x 19 front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tires, respectively. Audi 305/30 tires will increase along with the optional wheels on the rear axle on demand. Cup tires, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, is available for race fans.

Audi mountain internally ventilated, carbon fiber ceramic brake discs standard. They are extremely durable and abrasion resistance and especially light. Together they weight nine kilograms (19.84 pounds) less than their steel counterparts of the same size. They measure 380 mm (14.96 in) in diameter in front and 356 mm (14.02 in) at the rear. Who fled to the friction ring helmets through elastic elements. Red brake calipers anodized aluminum - with six pistons at the front - which is exclusive to the GT R8.

ESP stabilization program specifically for the GT R8 and can switch to Sport mode simply by pressing a button to allow spectacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of corners. The driver can deactivate the system fully for the trip to the race track.

Exclusive and dynamic: the interior and equipment

At Audi, reducing weight means better performance and efficiency, but does not sacrifice. The Audi R8 GT, which sells Audi in Germany for € 193,000, is equipped with automatic climate control system and power windows, navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system. A 465 watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, CD changer and Audi Music Interface is available as an option. As usual with Audi, the interior show a loving attention to detail. Rich materials pamper occupants with the look and feel smoother.

Interior ergonomics are decorated in a sporty black and dark gray. Wheel steering, main, roofing paper, the knee, the parking brake lever and bucket seats covered in Alcantara with contrast stitching accents. A shark leather-look synthetic that feels a bit rough to touch it applied to the bulkhead, door liners, the monks and dashboard instruments. The monoposto "" - the arch in the cockpit - is made of matt carbon.

Groups of instruments features a white fast with "R8 GT" badge. Newly designed selector lever is made of CFRP and aluminum; center tunnel and door liners sports with body color of decorative inlays. The frame of the door trims feature decorated with matt aluminum R8 GT "logo.

A number of features that are only available as an option for the GT R8. Exterior options include two alternative wheel, a body-color front splitter and the engine compartment of the CFRP layer. carbon element at the doors, and tunnels, in the cockpit and instrument panel are available as interior choices. Others include leather multifunction steering wheel, a belt of red, orange or gray, floor mats with GT R8 "" logo and trim CFRP doorway illuminated in red. If desired, Audi will fit the frame carbon seat, which is somewhat lighter than the bullet CFRP. Alcantara seat covers are optionally available with the GT "embroidered R8" logo.

Race packages available for racing fans. These include bolt-in roll bar red or black, the latter path and type approval, as well as road-approved four-point belt, red or black, fire extinguishers and kill switches for the battery. A front panel for optional modules covering key motorsports balanced swivel for four-point seat belts, and change the roll bar into a full cage. Looking for more comfort and convenience of the buyer can select the phone preparation with a microphone, an innovative belt. Audi also offers a full leather package, elements of control in leather with contrasting stitching and cruise control system as options. Parking assistance provided with standard equipment.

source: Audi Press