Toyota Corolla, 2010

Toyota Corolla, 2010

 

 

 The Toyota Corolla, the 10th generation of the world's best-selling car, will benefit from a model range update throughout Europe from May 2010. Toyota Corolla 2010 will offer customers revised, more sophisticated exterior styling and further enhanced, higher quality interior design.

    * Sophisticated design, improved quality, advanced technology
    * More dynamic exterior design
    * Enhanced perceived interior quality
    * Advanced Technology
    * All engines feature Toyota Optimal Drive

Toyota Corolla 2010 - sophisticated design, improved quality, advanced technology
Toyota Corolla's distinctive, evolutionary design has become an icon of Toyota's core values of superior quality, style, driving pleasure and innovation. It offers European customers maximum interior space, a high quality passenger environment and impressive comfort levels.

With 62,000 units sold in 2009, the Toyota Corolla remains the world's best-selling C-segment sedan.
Toyota Corolla 2010 reinforces the superior quality, style and innovation of Toyota's best-selling sedan. It features a new, more sophisticated design, a higher quality interior and advanced, user-friendly equipment.

The up-dated Toyota Corolla 2010 will further enhance the Toyota sedan's reputation for offering outstanding value for money in the C-sedan segment. It will remain the company's core model in Eastern Europe, maintaining its best-selling status throughout the region.

Dynamic exterior design
The exterior of the Toyota Corolla has been revised to create a more advanced, sophisticated and dynamic image, reinforcing the Toyota sedan's premium quality status within the C-segment.

A new front features a redesigned bumper, radiator grille and lower grille. This emphasises the car's low centre of gravity and driving stability. The new headlamps further strengthen the Toyota Corolla's bold, resolute appearance.

To the rear, comprehensive changes to the license plate garnish, combination lamps, bumper and low-level reflectors have been incorporated. This creates an impression of increased width, emphasising the Toyota Corolla's broad rear stance.

Toyota Corolla 2010 also benefits from the enhanced product appeal of new, power retractable door mirrors with integral turn indicators and a new, sportier 16" wheel cap and alloy wheel design. A range of eight available body colours now includes new Red and Blue metallic finishes.

Enhanced perceived interior quality
The Toyota Corolla 2010's interior has been improved, strengthening the Toyota sedan's reputation for superior quality, style and innovation.
A new, flat bottomed steering wheel, finished in leather on higher grade models, features a thicker, more comfortable grip cross-section.

The combination meter design features a colour change from amber to white, and the instrument panel and door handle trim are now finished in a more sophisticated, high-brightness silver coating. The same high quality finish is also available on the centre console and door switch surrounds.
A wireless trunk opening function has been added, giving customers the additional convenience of remote operation via a button on the ignition key.

Two interior colour schemes are available - dark grey and light grey. Both interior designs feature a highly functional yet sophisticated dark grey finish to the upper dashboard area. Improved Mid and High grade seat fabric and a newly available, Alcantara upholstery further underline the superior quality of the Toyota Corolla 2010.

Advanced technology
The AM/FM/CD audio system, with a choice of four or six speakers is now available with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. The system features USB and AUX sockets for the connection of portable music playing devices. The USB jack is located within the centre storage box to allow for the secure stowage of MP3 players whilst on the move.

The Toyota Corolla also features an innovative, Gentex rear view mirror. With automatic anti-glare dipping, the mirror incorporates a 3.3 inch rear view monitor which displays an image from the rear view camera whenever reverse gear is engaged. The display incorporates static guidelines to further assist drivers with parking manoeuvres.

All engines feature Toyota Optimal Drive
The Toyota Corolla 2010 engine line-up offers customers a choice of 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6 litre Valvematic petrol engines, and 1.4 and 2.0 litre D-4D diesel units. Every engine features the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive, and meets Euro 5 emissions standards .

Designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions, Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on several key aspects of powertrain development such as environmentally friendly technologies, low friction components, lightweight, compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

The application of Toyota Optimal Drive across the model range ensures that the Toyota Corolla 2010 not only demonstrates the optimum balance between performance and emissions, but also that its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are amongst the lowest in the segment.
The Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D boasts CO2 emissions of just 125 g/km, and the 1.33 Dual VVT-i with Stop & Start technology only 133 g/km. These significant reductions in CO2 emissions will offer owners a tax advantage in many European markets.

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Toyota Camry, 2010

Toyota Camry, 2010

 

The Toyota Camry has an upgraded standard powertrain for 2010. For sporty performance, SE grade get additional tuning and gets 179 horsepower, 21 more horsepower than the previous four-cylinder engine. The new engine can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. A powerful 3.5-liter V6 delivering 268 horsepower is also available.

The Exterior changes to the gas model Toyota Camry include a newly designed grille and front bumper, an enlarged lower intake, larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps. The Toyota Camry and LE grades feature restyled standard wheel covers.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid exterior enhancements will include a unique hybrid grille, a distinct front bumper, a wider lower intake, restyled fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid, equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive, certified as an Advanced Technology The Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) is just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard, producing over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

The Inside,
The Toyota Camry and LE grades are available with an optional audio system equipped with a new USB port for auxiliary music sources, Bluetooth®, integrated satellite radio, single-CD, and MP3 and streaming music capability. Previously an option, all Toyota Camry gas models will now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control with traction control. Auto up/down power windows with jam protection on all four doors is standard equipment. Toyota Camry Hybrid adds a newly designed meter cluster and Fraichir, a combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber, cloth seating surfaces that are gentle to the skin.

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Toyota 4Runner, 2010

Toyota 4Runner, 2010

 

 

The first Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle (SUV) was launched back in 1984 it was a revolutionary new vehicle based on the mechanics of the four-wheel-drive Toyota pickup truck. The Toyota 4Runner combined the versatility and go-anywhere ability of four-wheel-drive with the comfort and utility found in passenger cars.

25 years, four generations and more than 1.5 million sales later, the Toyota 4Runner continues to evolve while remaining close to its roots. The all-new fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner is even more rugged and athletic, and packed with more power and better mileage. A completely redesigned interior and unique cargo area make the newest Toyota 4Runner smarter, more comfortable, and more versatile than ever.

More rugged than the Toyota Highlander and more versatile than the FJ Cruiser, the 4Runner combines the toughness and durability of body-on-frame construction with multi-use design that excels at a wide variety of tasks.
The newest Toyota 4Runner is taller, wider and longer for 2010, and is available in a variety of configurations. It will be offered in three models, top-of-the-line Limited, a well-equipped SR5, plus a Trail grade for those who require maximum off-road capability.

Exterior Styling
The design strategy for the new Toyota 4Runner emphasizes a more rugged, powerful stance. Large diameter wheels and tires were added to not only improve off-road performance, but also enhance the Toyota 4Runner's truck-based characteristics. In addition to its styling emphasis on ruggedness and outdoor adventure, the new design utilizes a combination of Toyota's classic boxy form and progressive styling.

All Toyota 4Runner grades feature rugged new bumpers and wider shoulders, with newly designed head- lamp and tail-light systems, which offer a newly-minted, technical design quality and better nighttime performance. The front ends square fender flares meld with a muscular profile that links with a beefy and square rear bumper and back door.

Aluminum alloy wheels are 17-inches in diameter on SR5 and Trail grades and 20-inches on the Limited, and include a full size spare.

New Engine Choices
The 2010 4Runner is powered by a new 4.0-liter V6, which now generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Through the use of advanced engine management that includes dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the new 4.0-liter engine offers the best of both worlds, adding more power while improving efficiency. For 2010, the new V6 engine produces 34 horsepower more than the prior V6, and 10 horsepower more than the optional V8 of the previous generation.

4x4 Capability Designed-In
To build on its tradition of rugged body-on-frame construction, the newest Toyota 4Runner shares the same platform as the FJ Cruiser. Extensive frame and body reinforcements have been added, using high-tensile materials to add strength without adding weight. SR5 and Trail 4x4 models have a two-speed lever-operated, part-time system with neutral position, while the Toyota 4Runner Limited is equipped with full-time, four-wheel-drive with a locking center differential and employs a three-mode, center console-mounted switch. The new Toyota 4Runner is also equipped with a stronger rear differential over the previous model, thanks to a gear ring that has increased in size from 7.87 to 8.18 inches.

On-Road Driving Dynamics
The new Toyota 4Runner may be a truck-based SUV, but it offers the kind of drivability and riding comfort more often associated with car-based platforms.

Coil springs over gas shocks are used at all four corners for a comfortable ride and controlled handling. A double-wishbone independent front suspension, combined with new, variable-flow rack and pinion steering, makes for precise control on demanding roadways. The four-link rear suspension minimizes rear axle hop and assures a smooth ride for back seat passengers.

The Limited grade comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that further improves performance, comfort and control. X-REAS automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over bumpy surfaces, or when cornering. The system uses a center control absorber to cross-link shocks on opposite corners of the vehicle, substantially reducing pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs. With X-REAS the new Toyota 4Runner corners flatter, smoother, and handles choppy pavement more easily.

Every Safety Precaution Considered
On-road vehicle dynamics are further enhanced by a suite of high-performance, state-of-the-art safety systems. Standard on 4Runner is Toyota's Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC), an Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps to ensure stability by compensating for oversteer or understeer. The system uses selective braking and modulated engine output to keep the vehicle in line with the driver's intended course. On 4x2 vehicles, the Auto LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system allows for better traction on slippery sections of roadway.

The four-wheel ABS with EBD provides the Toyota 4Runner anti-lock stopping control with optimal brake proportioning, whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all 4x4 models and the 4x2 V6, suppresses backward roll when switching from brake to accelerator. All 2010 4Runners have active headrests for driver and passenger, three-point seat belts for all seats, an energy-absorbing body structure and an energy-absorbing hood to help protect pedestrians.

The 2010 4Runner now offers the new Safety Connect™ telematics system. Available by subscription, with or without the optional navigation system, Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

In case of either airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance.

Pushing the in-vehicle "SOS" button allows drivers to reach the response center to request help in an emergency as well as for a wide range of roadside assistance needs. If a Toyota 4Runner equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, after a police report is filed and the driver contacts the response center, agents can work with local authorities to help locate and recover the vehicle.

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BMW Z4 GT3, 2010

BMW Z4 GT3, 2010

 

 

The BMW Z4 GT3, which was officially launched and completed its first test drives at the start of March, is already enjoying great popularity among BMW Motorsport customers. The first cars have been delivered to private BMW teams, who will prepare them for use in various national and international championships.

The production model of the BMW Z4 is already impressive: with its elongated bonnet, flared wheel arches, long wheel base and narrow projections, the car boasts an unmistakable appearance. The two-seater provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good basis for developing a close-to-production GT3 racing car.

The largest difference between production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine similar to the unit used in the BMW M3 GT2. This powerful heart produces over 480 bhp. Its excellent performance characteristics and good torque curve make the base engine from the production version of the BMW M3 predestined for use in motorsport.

The fitting of the V8 engine had a considerable influence on the development of the BMW Z4 GT3. Initially, design-space examinations were performed using CATIA V5 design software, in order to place the engine in the ideal position and meet racing specifications. The engineers then added all the other components.

When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have already been tried and tested on the BMW M3 GT2: the modern ECU408 takes over the engine management, while the Power400 electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all the actuators. The power is transmitted through a six-speed, sequential gearbox with "Quick Shift" function.

The front axle of the BMW Z4 GT3 is a completely new design, based on a series concept. It is equipped with a tubular stabiliser bar with adjustable blades. The rear axle is designed as a longitudinal link axle, as with the series version of the BMW Z4. The steel body of the car comes from the BMW Plant in Regensburg. A safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing is then welded into the body. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. The BMW Plant in Dingolfing contributes the rear axle differential and drive shaft, among other things.

During the development, BMW Motorsport engineers worked hand in hand in other areas with their colleagues from series production. This allowed them to access calculations from the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) when designing the car's aerodynamics. Furthermore, tests were also carried out in the wind tunnel and on the BMW Group's test benches.

Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Using this lightweight, torsion-resistant material contributed significantly to reducing the weight of the BMW Z4 GT3 to 1,200 kilograms.

As with all cars in the BMW customer racing range, the emphasis was also put on cost-efficiency when developing the BMW Z4 GT3. As a result, the car offers a very good cost/performance ratio and gives private teams the opportunity to participate in affordable motorsport at the highest level.

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Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

 

 

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.
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.

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.

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Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

 

Buick LaCrosse line with the new face of Buick - a front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept - and an elevated list of standard equipment across all LaCrosse models.

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

Inside, the '08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.

The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.

The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM's AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

The LaCrosse line is built at GM's Oshawa 2 Assembly, ranked North/South America 's top manufacturing facility the past two years, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

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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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