Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, 2010

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, 2010

 

 

 

 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the Audi R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the Audi R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the Audi R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The Audi R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new Audi R8 GT3 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The Audi R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel - with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the Audi R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip - both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

44 to 56 percent - the ideal axle load distribution
The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent.

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Audi quattro Concept, 2010

Audi quattro Concept, 2010

 

 

 

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the debut of the quattro, Audi is presenting a show car at the 2010 Paris Motor Show that moves a futuristic interpretation of this concept into the fast lane: the Audi quattro Concept, a thoroughbred driving machine with 300 kW (408 hp), five-cylinder turbocharged engine, a lightweight body and - of course - the latest generation of quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The Audi quattro Concept uses the latest evolutionary stage of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system to deliver its power to the road. The key innovation, the crown-gear center differential, is compact, lightweight, and can vary the distribution of power between the front and rear axles over a broad range, enabling the quattro drive system to react within milliseconds to coax the maximum of fun and safety out of every last bit of torque.

Design
Brawny, compact, powerful: The appearance of the Audi quattro Concept makes no secret of its potential. Although the genes of the elegant Audi A5 and RS5 Coupés are impossible to overlook, the appearance of the show car is far more aggressive and extroverted. Even the obvious differences between the base model and the evolution are more dramatic than between the Ur-quattro and the Sport quattro in 1984.

In contrast to Sport quattro, the Audi designers also shortened the rear overhang by a total of 200 millimeters (7.87 in) to maintain the harmony of the basic proportions. Roof height was reduced by 40 millimeters (1.57 in) for this same reason.

With its exterior dimensions (length x width x height) of 4.28 m (14.04 ft) x 1.86 m (6.10 ft) x 1.33 m (4.36 ft) and wheelbase of 2.60 m (8.53 ft), the Audi quattro Concept fits neatly into the sports car segment.

The wheel wells in the arched fenders are prominently flared - another quote from the design language of the Sport quattro. The same applies to the distinctive air outlet on the right side of the hood, which allows the five-cylinder engine to breathe more freely.

A significant feature of the front end is the stark single-frame grille. The elimination of the chrome frame lends it a functional and technical character. Large, upright air intakes at the corners of the bumper underscore the performance of the power plant.

The top of the grille merges into the flat strips of the headlight modules with their clear glass covers. All light units use ultra-efficient LED technology. The LED elements change their appearance between a horizontal and a vertical arrangement and thus change the character of the front end of the vehicle depending on the lighting function activated.

Interior
The interior of the coupé is reduced and clean. The dashboard is very slender and seems to float over the separate center console. Shortening the wheelbase meant losing the rear seat of the RS5 on which it is based. In its place is a shelf for helmets or luggage. Awaiting the two occupants are filigree bucket seats, during whose development the issue of lightweight design played a central role. They weigh only 18 kilograms (39.68 lb) each - a weight advantage of roughly 40 percent versus a conventional production seat. The seats are equipped with either three- or four-point belts.

Body
A true sports car is always a light car, and the Audi quattro Concept shines in this discipline as well.

The key factors are the choice of material and the design. Rather than mostly steel as in the Audi RS5, the body comprises lightweight aluminum components assembled using Audi Space Frame ASF technology. Extruded sections, die-castings and aluminum sheets form an impact-resistant structure of exceptional strength. The hood and the rear hatch with its integrated, moveable spoiler, plus the bumpers and numerous aerodynamic components are made of even lighter and high-strength carbon.

The body-in-white of the coupé weighs just 159 kilograms (350.53 lb); it would be nearly 50 percent heavier if made entirely of steel.

The low weight of the superstructure leads to significant secondary effects regarding size and weight in other components of the vehicle, such as the transmission, the chassis and the brake system. All together the Audi quattro Concept tips the scales at just 1,300 kilograms (2,866.01 lb), which is roughly 200 kilograms (440.92 lb) lighter than even the comparably sized Audi TT RS, whose body is also largely made of aluminum.

The allure of the five-cylinder engine
High-performance five-cylinder gasoline engines enjoy a long tradition at Audi, powering cars like the Ur-quattro to the head of the pack. Audi resurrected this line back to life in 2009 with the 340 hp, turbocharged FSI engine in the TT RS. The further developed engine in the Audi quattro Concept extracts even more potential from this new, state-of-the-art five-cylinder foundation.

Inside the new center differential are two rotating crown gears that owe their name to the crown-like design of their teeth. The front crown gear drives the output shaft to the front differential, the rear crown gear the propshaft to the rear axle. The connection here is provided by an ambitious construction. The new drivetrain design is roughly 3 kilograms (6.61 lb) lighter than the previous one.

The crown gears mesh with four rotatable pinion gears. They are arranged at right angles to each other and are driven by the differential's housing, i.e. by the transmission output shaft.

Like on rails: quattro with sport differential
As a complement to the new quattro drivetrain, the Audi quattro Concept also features the sport differential, which actively distributes torque between the rear wheels. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, the majority of the torque flows to the outside wheel and pushes the vehicle into the curve, nipping the tendency to oversteer or understeer in the bud.

The sport differential is a state-of-the-art rear differential. A superposition gear comprising two sun gears and an internal gear was mounted on the left and the right of a conventional rear differential. It turns 10 percent faster than the drive shaft.

Chassis
The high-performance Audi quattro Concept dazzles with extreme driving dynamics. It reacts without hesitation, almost reflexively. Its handling is uncompromisingly precise; its stability guarantees maximum driving safety. The steering connects the driver with the road to provide sensitive, finely differentiated feedback.

The wide tracked chassis is rigorously tuned for performance. All of the key suspension components are made of aluminum, thus reducing the unsprung masses. The springs and dampers of the track-controlled trapezoidal link rear suspension are separated to improve response behavior. The links are mounted on a steel subframe on elastic bearings. The five-link front suspension processes the longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The rigid aluminum frame to which it is linked makes the front end extremely rigid.

Up front are anthracite gray, drilled carbon fiber-ceramic discs. They are gripped by red-anodized, six-piston fixed calipers. The ceramic discs are practically fade-free, extremely robust, powerful and durable. Furthermore, they are four kilograms (8.82 lb) lighter than steel discs despite their size.

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Audi Q7, 2010

Audi Q7, 2010

 

 

 When it was first rolled out three years ago, the Audi Q7 performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position - as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale. Now Audi is making it even better - more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions: the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI consumes only 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers (25.85 US mpg). And now it's also available in a new version as a TDI clean diesel, with the world's cleanest diesel technology and even lower fuel consumption of only 8.9 liters/100 km (26.43 US mpg).

The power train: Performance and efficiency
The Audi Q7 is available with six powerful and highly efficient direct injection engines, two of them gasoline-powered and four diesel engines, including the world's most powerful diesel SUV, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Their power is transmitted via a convenient and fast-shifting six-speed tiptronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes it between the axles with slightly more than half to the rear.

The 3.0 TDI puts out 176 kW (240 bhp) and delivers as much as 550 Nm between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm, yet on the EU cycle it consumes only 9.1 liters / 100 km (25.85 US mpg). The optionally available 3.0 TDI clean diesel even consumes 0.2 liters (0.05 US gallons) less.

The equipment: Luxury and high-tech
The Audi Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment. The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers.

The world's strongest diesel SUV: The Audi Q7 V12 TDI
Even when it was first rolled out, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, the world's strongest diesel SUV, had a uniquely distinctive look resulting from its large air intakes. The new version features modifications to the interior and the rear end.

The V12 diesel, with a 6-liter (6,000 cc) engine closely related to that of the R10 TDI racing car - a triple Le Mans winner - delivers 368 kW (500 bhp) and develops a torque of 1,000 Nm between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) equal the driving performance of a powerful sports car. Despite these impressive performance data, the V12 diesel gets by on an average of 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg). Its luxurious standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a Bose sound system, and many additional features.

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Audi e-tron Spyder Concept, 2010

Audi e-tron Spyder Concept, 2010

 

 

 

Audi presents the Audi e-tron Spyder Concept, the study of an open sports car, at the fall 2010's largest auto show. The show car, with plug-in hybrid drive, is 4.06 meters (13.32 ft) long, 1.81 meters (5.94 ft) wide and only 1.11 meters (3.64 ft) high. The two-seater is equipped with a 221-kW (300-hp) twin-turbo V6 TDI at the rear axle and two electric motors producing a total of 64 kW at the front axle.

The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept's low total weight of only around 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb) combined with the high-torque TDI and the two electric motors results in respectable performance. The car accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, and top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept can combine the powerful torque of its TDI - the diesel engine generates 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) and the total of 352 Nm (259.62 lb-ft) of its two electric motors during acceleration in a process known as "boosting."

The intelligent distribution of power allows for optimal dynamics in every situation. The targeted application of power to the front wheels improves longitudinal dynamics while also improving lateral dynamics when cornering. This is because torque vectoring - the as-needed distribution of torque between the left and right wheels of the two axles - enables an exhilarating degree of driving precision and excellent agility.

The combination of a highly efficient TDI and electric drive also provides for excellent fuel economy and amazingly low emissions. The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept requires on average just 2.2l diesel/100 km (106.92 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 59 g/km (94.95 g/mile). A range of more than 1,000 kilometers is possible with the 50-liter (13.21 US gallons) tank.

Design
The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept features what is without a doubt the most advanced and simultaneously the most consistent evolution of the current Audi design language, while also providing initial hints at the design language of future Audi sports cars. It reinterprets the most important design elements that already characterized the previous e-tron concept vehicles. This also ensures the necessary formal differentiation to the purely electric-powered Audi e-tron shown at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.

1.81 meters (5.94 ft) wide, just 4.06 meters (13.32 ft) long and only 1.11 meters (3.64 ft) in height: these are the classic proportions of an open, high-performance sports car. Compared to the coupé concept car in Detroit, the length and width have increased by 13 cm (5.12 in) and 3 cm (1.18 in), respectively, to underscore the sporty aspiration of the design. This further enhanced the powerful and compact overall appearance that characterizes both vehicles and links them to the sportiest production Audi, the R8.

Interior
Visual and functional references to the fundamental concept of lightweight construction characterize the purist interior design. They establish a connection between proven Audi genes and new formal hallmarks. Typical for the Audi design idiom is the reduction of the architecture, controls and information output to the essentials in favor of a tidy overall impression.

The slim dash has a curve that extends laterally into the door panels. With no need to allow for a transmission, shifter and cardan tunnel, the designers again took advantage of the opportunity to create a particularly slim and lightweight center tunnel and convex, arching center console for the Audi e-tron Spyder Concept with hybrid drive. The only control element other than that of the MMI is the flush-mounted selector lever for the automatic transmission, which extends upward from the tunnel when the vehicle is started.

The cockpit of the Audi e-tron Spyder Concept is also oriented toward the driver - a further characteristic Audi trait. Instead of the classic instrument cluster, the concept car is equipped with a large, display with integrated MMI functions and flanked by two round dials. The MMI can be controlled via a touch-sensitive control panel on the steering wheel - an element inspired by modern smartphones. It can also be controlled via the MMI control unit (MMI touch) on the center console. The steering wheel itself is clearly flattened off at both the top and bottom, in a clear reference to motor sport. Speed is displayed in digital form only. The dial instrument with information about the drive system can be chosen via the menu item "Drive."

The equally racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats combine excellent lateral support with comfort. Contrasting colors and stitching delineate the various zones of the interior. The colors and the high-quality materials combine elegance and sportiness.

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Dacia Sandero Stepway, 2010

Dacia Sandero Stepway, 2010

 

The Dacia Sandero Stepway's trailblazing looks are a sure sign that it was born for adventure. Its raised ground clearance (up 20mm compared with the Dacia Sandero hatchback), black and body-coloured bumpers - which house the satin-finish chrome front and rear skid-plates -, foglamps and longitudinal roofbars (black and satin-finish chrome) ensure that Dacia Sandero Stepway is in its element whatever the type of road.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway combines sporty appeal and refinement thanks to details such as its black headlamp masks, chrome grille trim, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels (depending on market), satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors, door handles and sills, and chrome exhaust tailpipe which all contribute to the model's assertive personality.
The Inside, the specific black upholstery with visible white stitching combines with the Stone Grey centreconsole fascia, air vents, steeringwheel rim and door grab handles to add a touch of elegance to Dacia Sandero Stepway's adventurous appearance.

This forceful vehicle features Stepway branding on the front doors and front chrome door sills, while decorative graphics for the sides of the rear wings are also available as accessories.

The attractive line-up:
The Dacia Sandero Stepway boasts the same strengths that have helped forge the success of its elder, the compact Sandero hatchback, namely a roomy interior, safety, reliability and an unbeatable performance and equipment package for its price.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a particularly spacious vehicle which can seat up to five tall adults thanks to its generous dimensions. It also delivers record carrying capacity thanks to its 320dm3 VDA boot which extends to 1,200dm3 VDA with the rear seats folded.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway's safety equipment includes Bosch 8.1 ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), plus driver and front passenger airbags.

Built on the B0 platform, Dacia Sandero Stepway's boasts robustness and quality, and also benefits from extensive anti-corrosion treatment (underbody, sill and wheel arch gravel protection, wax-injected hollow sections, etc.).

The Dacia Sandero Stepway is based on the Ambiance version (central locking, power steering, etc.) and, in addition to its specific styling details, features a long list of comfort-related equipment, including a 60/40-split folding rear benchseat and foglamps for enhanced visibility at night-time and in fog. A choice of three metallic finishes is available as standard: Mercury Grey, Comète Grey and Ruby Red.

The Drivers will particularly appreciate the slightly raised driving position, while the pleasure felt at the wheel of Dacia Sandero Stepway is further enhanced by the performance of the 1.6 MPI 90hp petrol and dCi 70hp diesel engines (depending on market), two powerplants which have already shown their worth under the bonnet of other Dacia models. Thrifty combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 and 5.3 litres/100km respectively only adds to the appeal of the 1.6 MPI and dCi 70 versions of Dacia Sandero Stepway. Last but not least, Dacia Sandero Stepway dCi 70 emits just 140g of CO2/km, making it eligible the Dacia eco² signature.

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Buick Lucerne Super, 2008

Buick Lucerne Super, 2008

 

Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic:
    * Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
    * Powertrain enhancements
    * Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
    * Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super
The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics - including Super identification - new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm) of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments
Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super's refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super's new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super's interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.

Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar's Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.

The Buick models come standard with the industry's best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.

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Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

 

 Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic:
    * Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
    * Powertrain enhancements
    * Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
    * Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super
The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics - including Super identification - new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm) of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments
Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super's refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super's new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super's interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.

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Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, 2011

Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, 2011

 

Hyundai Motor America debuted its 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T at the 2010 New York Auto Show. With the addition of the all-new 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata offers an unprecedented combination of segment-leading fuel efficiency and power - with an estimated 34 mpg highway rating, and 274 horsepower. Remarkably, the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T produces these industry-leading metrics on regular fuel…premium fuel is not required.

The new Hyundai Sonata is the first Hyundai vehicle to have both GDI technology and a turbocharger. By the end of Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months), four nameplates will be available with GDI or the combination of GDI and a turbocharger. Turbocharging and GDI are part of "Hyundai Blue Drive," the company's environmental initiative to continue industry leadership in fuel efficiency and sustainability.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2011 Sonata produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel. The Hyundai Sonata 2.0T will deliver 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (preliminary estimates). Hyundai's turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system results in instantaneous power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but as with GDI, Hyundai has chosen once again to apply this efficient technology in high volume to its most popular model.

The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T Limited getting additional upgrades, including:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels
• Dual exhaust system
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters

TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGER AND GDI TECHNOLOGY
Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets divided by split walls inside the turbine housing, with both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine.

The twin-scroll turbocharger design has several other advantages over traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:
    * Improved combustion efficiency
    * Low engine-speed efficiency
    * Kinetic exhaust gas energy is not wasted or trapped
    * Cooler cylinder temperatures
    * Lower exhaust temperatures
    * Leaner air/fuel ratio
    * Better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine

Essentially, Hyundai Sonata's twin-scroll turbo directs even more air into the engine while a compressor increases the pressure entering the cylinder. This allows the air entering the cylinder to be even more densely packed for higher compression and better performance, contributing to a more-efficient burn and fuel efficiency.

Two key features of Hyundai's twin-scroll turbocharger setup are:

• The stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent pending one-piece design
• The waste-gate for the turbocharger uses a motor-driven electrical controller instead of being mechanically controlled

By adapting the motor-driven electrical waste-gate, the boost pressure is precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the waste-gate, which improves fuel efficiency. In addition, during cold starts, the waste-gate remains open which results in faster catalyst light-off for reduced exhaust emissions.

WORLD-CLASS POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO, RIGIDITY AND SPACE
One of the program targets for the 2011 Sonata engineering team was world-class power-to-weight ratio. This philosophy was also applied to the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, with the result of a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 12.2 horsepower per pound, significantly better than any mid-size sedan competitor, and even better than the performance-focused Chevrolet Camaro V6. Power-to-weight ratio pays dividends in both performance and fuel economy, and is the key to Hyundai Sonata's superior performance in both of these areas.

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Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2010

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2010

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

The Grand Sport history
The original Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea that led to the production of five special prototypes in 1963. The project was later shelved, following GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.

The five prototypes were based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette and were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. But while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built race cars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with side-draft carburetors.

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