Audi R15 TDI

Fuel economy figures

2011-05-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

The report says that on the road, cars rarely come near government figures, and use up to two or three litres per 100km more than the new car rating.
Editor of The Dog and Lemon Guide, Clive Matthew-Wilson, said during a test of a new Toyota FJ Cruiser, he achieved an average fuel consumption readout of 14L/100km, a few litres short of the government rating of 11.4L/100km. Mr Matthew-Wilson said,

“Around town – which is where most of these vehicles will spend their days – the fuel consumption will be over 18L/100km. That’s nearly 60 percent higher than the so-called average figure quoted by the government.”

Mr Matthew-Wilson says it’s not confined to large cars either. He says hybrids are often presented to be much more efficient than they are in the real world.

“According to the BBC, government fuel consumption figures for hybrids are often out by around 30 percent, and our own tests confirm that. The government website says that the Prius uses an average of 3.9L/100km. In the real world, independent tests have shown the Prius uses an average of 5.3L/100km.”
It’s an interesting topic being argued here. Many buyers looking for a new car use the government figures as a serious factor in the car selection process. Most buyers do not realise that these figures have been provided under laboratory conditions, and not under normal day-to-day driving conditions.

Audi TT RS tested by Car and Driver

2011-04-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 FSI, the magazine managed a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. That's supercar territory, which is to be expected of a $165,00 Audi with 525 horsepower and all-wheel-drive.

The 2012 Audi TT RS should hit dealer lots this summer, with a much more reasonable Monroney somewhere in the $60,000 territory. The hot coupe features "only" 335 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, so it shouldn't even come close to challenging the V10-packing R8 from 0-60, right? According to C/D, the TT RS can do more than just "challenge" the R8 Spyder, as the little hatch managed to hit 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds (note: C/D conducts acceleration testing with a rollout). That's quicker than the R8 and a lot of very expensive Porsche 911 variants. Could this stupendous performance be an aberration?

T-Mobile Announced As Data Provider

2011-03-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

For those of us who have already been reading seemingly endless reports and speculation about the proposed merging of operations of two major U.S. cellular providers, it was hard not to see Audi's apparently-only-ill-timed release as that.

Audi gave the official nod to T-Mobile as its official U.S. service provider for its Audi Connect navigation and infotainment system—the day after it was announced that cellular provider AT&T had offered to buy T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion.
The automaker says that it chose T-Mobile for its reliable network, leadership in telematics, and strong record for customer satisfaction. Of course, that latter assurance now...well...needs some new assurance.

Last month, Audi revealed that the Internet connection the A8 gets uses that new LTE data connectivity standard, which allows higher data-transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbits per second—more than six times faster than standard 3G. The speed could in theory be used to stream video to the vehicle.

General Motors is shutting the doors on its Antwerp

2010-10-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

General Motors is shutting the doors on its Antwerp, Belgium manufacturing facility after failing to find a buyer for the plant. According to Automotive News, companies from both the United States and China expressed interest in the factory, but GM says that neither could come up with a sustainable business strategy that would keep the doors open and workers employed. The plant currently provides work for around 1,300 people who were warned earlier this year that the facility could be closed by the end of 2010. Now that possibility has become a reality.
The Antwerp plant builds the current Opel Astra, though with the company losing market share hand over fist, GM has been looking to shutter the facility for some time. Interestingly enough, AN says that this is the first closing of a European automotive manufacturing facility since 2006. GM says that while it continues to wind down operations at the plant throughout the remainder of this year, it will still be open to hearing proposals from companies looking to invest in the site.

Air Filter - Cotton gauze, Round, High flow

2010-07-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

K&N Air Filter - Cotton gauze, Round, High flow
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K&N HIGH FLOW DIRECT FIT AIR FILTER, RED -- Provides 1 to 4 h.p. power gain; 96 to 99 percent filtration efficiency; 9.5 in. height, 3.75 in. inside diameter, 6.06 in. outside diameter; Oiled element; Round style; Made of multiple interwoven layers of surgical cotton gauze; Increases horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration; Custom designed to fit into existing air box and features a drop-in design which means adding performance is simple; Provides high air flow with excellent filtration; Economical and environment friendly; Works with OEM vehicle electronics; Will last the life of your vehicle; Washable and reusable; Lasts up to 50,000-mile before cleaning is required depending on drive condition.

Chris Bangle headed back to Fiat?

2010-06-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

Now here's a juicy rumor. Word on the web is that Chris Bangle may be looking to step back into the auto-design mainstream by revisiting one of his former employers. Don't expect new BMW models to be wearing any of the guy's influences though. From what we understand from our Google Translator, Caradisiac believes that Bangle would be the perfect choice for Fiat to give its products an extra level of pizzazz as the company wades even deeper into international waters.

On one level, the move makes sense. After all, Bangle called Fiat home before he moved to BMW in 1991, and the designer cut his teeth and made a name for himself while working on the likes of the Fiat Coupe way back when. But we haven't heard word one from the designer about making a return to the mainstream auto world.

For now, we'll simply file this one under rampant rumor and wishful thinking. Fiat isn't having any trouble cranking out stylish products, and one would think the company has its hands too full dealing with bringing Chrysler back to life to bring on a big name like Bangle. Doesn't hurt to ponder "what if?" though, especially since the guy's non-compete dried up in March.

2011 Infiniti QX Officially Unveiled, Priced from $56,700

2010-04-12T04:09:00.000-07:00

[Updated with New Photos] Infiniti (officially) pulled the wraps off its all-new 2011 QX56 full-size SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Bigger and brawnier than its predecessor, the second-generation QX is based on the recently revealed 2011 Nissan Patrol. Infiniti's version features a unique front and end treatment, but the rest of the body has remained virtually unchanged.

"The look is clearly Infiniti with its signature Infiniti grille, broad shoulders and large greenhouse," says Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "It's rugged, sophisticated and completely captivating." Well, we'll let you be the judge of that.

Styling aside, the new QX features revised dimensions versus the previous model as it is 1.4-inches longer, 1.1-inches wider and 3.8-inches lower in overall height.

Infiniti claims that the QX56's cabin is unique and almost out-of-this-world. Even so, there are no significant differences between the interiors of the Patrol and the Q56.

"If you could take the interior of a private jet and transform it into a full-size SUV, this wouldn't be far off," said Poore.

"From its available sofa-like semi-aniline leather seating to its premium audio and three-source entertainment systems, the QX interior is world-class. It's a highly adaptive environment, with a quality and quietness that adds to the stress-free driving and riding experience."

The new QX features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the 2nd row 60/40-split folding bench seat. Also available is a remote release for the 2nd row seats to activate the tip-up function through a switch on the center stack. The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design with reclining capability.

Like its sister Nissan model, the 2011 QX56 is powered by a new 5.6-liter V8 engine with direct-injection technology that's rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Despite the 25% increase in horsepower over the previous QX, Infiniti claims that the new model is more than 10% more fuel efficient.

The V8 unit is hooked up to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Match.

The QX is offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti's All-Mode 4WD system with Auto, 4H, and 4L modes. The system can transfer up to 50 per cent of torque to the front wheels on demand.

Infiniti said that the QX's maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models.

As a first for Infiniti, the new QX will be offered with an optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system that utilizes hydraulic cylinders located at the shock absorbers to adjust roll stiffness in order to reduce body lean while turning.

The 2011 QX is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in early summer with pricing set at $56,700 USD for the 2WD and $59,800 USD for the 4WD model. These prices are the same as the previous generation QX.

Audi R15 TDI arrives early

2010-03-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Click above to enlarge

It really is a shame that Audi has pulled out of the American and European Le Mans Series, choosing only to run its new R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype racer at this year's 12 Hours of Sebring in March and 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. All that money, effort and time to develop a replacement for one of the winningest cars in all of motorsports seems like a waste on just two races, even if they are the sport's biggest.

This image released by Audi shows the design of the new R15 TDI ahead of its track debut in March. The new diesel-powered prototype car is much more radical compared to the R10 that it replaces than that car was to the R8. The most noteworthy difference is a new front end with an elevated nose that features two supports extending down to the pavement-scraping front chin spoiler. There's clearly some F1 influence up front, though Audi opted not to switch to a closed cockpit design like Peugeot uses for its 908 HDi.

The new R15 TDI will makes its race debut on March 21 at the 12 Hours of Sebring where its predecessors, the R10 and R8, have won eight times. Two cars will be campaigned using the same driver teams as last year: defending Le Mans winners Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) in one car and Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner in the second. With Acura now competing against Audi in the LMP1 class and Aston Martin joining the fray in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we reiterate our sentiment that it's a damn shame the R15 TDI will only be campaigned twice.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE

Two new Audi R15 TDI at Sebring opener
- Race debut of new diesel sports car on 21 March
- 12-hour race in Florida is stern test for Le Mans
- Audi Sport Team Joest with proven driver teams

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Feb 10, 2009 - The eagerly awaited first race of the new diesel sports car from AUDI AG draws ever closer: Audi Sport Team Joest contests the notorious 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida on 21 March with two Audi R15 TDI. The US endurance classic will act as stern test and dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13 /14 June 2009.

The new Audi R15 TDI is packed with numerous technically innovative detail solutions and differs significantly from its predecessor model the R10 TDI which was undefeated at Le Mans. The first tests with the new LMP1 prototype have been successfully completed.

"So far the R15 TDI has performed as we expected," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Now it must also prove itself in race conditions. Sebring is a particularly hard race and is therefore perfectly suited to reveal even the smallest of weaknesses."

Proven drivers sit at the wheel of the two new prototypes. One driver line-up is formed by defending Le Mans winners Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland). The Germans Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner take turns at the wheel of the sister R15 TDI. Audi Sport Team Joest competed last year at Sebring in this formation.

Every new Le Mans Prototype from AUDI AG celebrated its race debut at the race track in the heart of Florida. In Audi's first ever sports car race in 1999
Audi Sport Team Joest claimed a podium position first time out with the Audi R8R. A year later the Audi R8 triumphed on its debut at Sebring. On the premiere of the R10 TDI in 2006 Audi landed the first victory worldwide for a diesel powered sports car in an important endurance race.

The brand with the four rings has won the 12-hour race at Sebring, which also forms the opening race of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), a total of eight times, the last time in 2007.

Audi releases more details on the R15 TDI

2010-03-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R15 TDI

Following its annual meeting in Germany, Audi released photos and more details of its all-new R15 TDI race car. After some spy shots and one official pic of the R15 being tested in unpainted carbon fiber, we can now see the new LMP1 car in its standard Audi livery of silver and red. Audi is billing the R15 as the first second-generation diesel racing sports car and the company has focused on creating a vehicle that can consistently beat its French challenger, the Peugeot 908 HDi.

When the R10 debuted it was the first diesel-powered Le Mans Prototype and reliability was put ahead of outright speed. This time around, Audi has optimized the aerodynamics, reduced the weight and built an all-new smaller, more efficient powertrain. The 5.5-liter V12 has been supplanted by a new V10. and although Audi hasn't disclosed its displacement, the automaker admits it's more compact, has a lower mass and features new smaller and lighter particulate filters.

While the car doesn't use a hybrid KERS system, it does have a lithium ion battery for its electrical system. The advanced battery provides higher voltage with lower weight -- always a boon in a race car. The R15 will make its racing debut March 21 at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Audi R15 TDI

[Source: Audi]

2009/03/09
Audi R15 TDI: first "second" generation diesel racing sports car

# Audi launches new LMP1 racing sports car
# New TDI engine and many innovative approaches
# Race debut on March 21 at Sebring (USA)

Ingolstadt – AUDI AG is the world's first automobile manufacturer to develop a "second" generation diesel racing sports car. Audi aims to underline its supremacy and consolidate its expertise in car technology once more at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-new Audi R15 TDI.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is particularly suited for this: Efficient and economical cars are especially required for the French endurance classic. Lightweight construction, environmentally friendly drive concepts and well-thought out aerodynamics are the focus of attention at Le Mans just as they are during the development of production cars. For this purpose the regulations intentionally give the engineers plenty of freedom.

Audi Sport fully exploited this creative freedom and put a new LMP1 race car on the track that differs significantly from all previous Le Mans sports cars. "The R15 TDI has many detailed technical solutions never seen before on a sports prototype," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "To a certain extent we followed entirely new routes."

Highly efficient TDI engine

The heart of the R15 TDI is a newly developed V10 TDI engine producing more than 600 hp, with a maximum torque output in excess of 1,050 Newton meters and which reflects the latest version of the TDI Technology invented by Audi. The power unit is more compact and lighter than the twelve-cylinder engine used in the preceding R10 TDI model. The specific fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions could also be reduced. Innovations in the turbo-charging and fuel injection areas simultaneously ensure improved engine response. The R15 TDI is also equipped with a new generation of even lighter diesel particle filters.

The new sports car's aerodynamics, which play a particularly important role at Le Mans, are extremely refined. Like the DTM 2008 championship winning Audi A4, the airflow around and through the car was optimized with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Included among the many innovative detail solutions which can be spotted at first glance are a rear wing suspended from the top and a high nose.

Innovative vehicle electrical system concept

The vehicle electrical system in the Le Mans sports car is entirely new: A lithium-ion battery, as found in some hybrid vehicles, is used for the first time. It is lighter than the conventional battery and supplies a higher voltage.

The headlights fitted to the R15 TDI also benefit from the higher power. At Le Mans, Audi competes for the first time with a low beam unit comprised entirely of light emitting diodes, which represents the next generation of Audi LED technology for road cars.

Innovative approaches

Numerous innovative approaches are also hidden in the chassis and suspension of the diesel sports car. Due to the aerodynamic concept the front and rear suspension have been raised. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and the optimized vehicle weight the R15 TDI is significantly more agile than its predecessor.

Audi is the only automobile manufacturer to have won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel car. "With the R15 TDI we have created the base to be in a position to win also in 2009," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

The Audi R15 TDI celebrates its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring, Florida in the USA on March 21. Audi Sport Team Joest plans to field three cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13/14.

Audi R15 TDI first pictures

2010-03-03T21:30:00.001-08:00

This is Audi’s new R15 TDI Le Mans racer, with an all-new V10 diesel engine and lithium-ion battery technology.

Talk me round this new Audi R15 TDI please.

The R15 is Audi’s second diesel endurance sports racer, after the R10 TDI that first raced in 2006. It’s designed to fight Peugeot’s oil-burning 908 and Aston Martin’s petrol-powered LMP1. The Peugeot team ran Audi particularly close in 2008, and it’s a reason why the R10 only lasted for three years, while its predecessor the R8 competed for six seasons.

The old R10 had a 5.5-litre V12 diesel, but the R15 has a new 5.5-litre V10 TDI, producing in excess of 600bhp and over 775lb ft. The V10 is lighter than the V12, and boasts new turbo technology and a revised fuel-injection system to improve the engine’s responsiveness. But Audi also promises the V10 is more fuel efficient, and produces fewer CO2 emissions.

Other changes include the huge rear wing suspended from the top and the high nose, rather than the lower nose seen on the R8 and R10. And the nose features LED technology for the low beam headlight unit, which Ingolstadt claims ‘represents the next generation of Audi LED technology for road cars’.

What about this lithium-ion battery – is it a hybrid?

No, unlike Peugeot’s experimental 908 HY. Instead, the R15 uses a lithium-ion battery to replace a conventional battery, because it’s lighter and supplies a higher voltage.

Two R15s will debut at the 12-hours of Sebring on 21 March, the opening round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). But Audi won't compete in most of the 2009 ALMS season - instead it's concentrating on winning Le Mans with the R15, and campaigning successfully with its A4 DTM car and the new R8 GT3.

>> Click 'Add your comment' below and let us know what you think of Audi's new R15

Audi R15 TDI LMP1

2010-03-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

Audi's Record-Setting Endurance Car Gets Big Overhaul, Wins Sebring

It can be stated with some gumption that Audi has been untouchable in the endurance racing world over the last several years with its R10 TDI LMP1 race car. Not content to let other automakers catch up on the technology and components found in the R10 TDI, Audi has developed its second-generation diesel enduro car, which made its debut to a record-setting win at Sebring yesterday.

When the R10 went through its first several years of Le Mans-class racing almost without losing a single race, other factory sponsored racing teams struggled to keep up with the most successful LMP1 car in history, or dropped out of the running entirely at a time when pouring millions into factory race teams is beyond the budget of most of the world's automakers.

The R15 TDI ups the ante in nearly every respect, with a brand-new V10 diesel motor outputting more than 600 bhp and, as to be expected, a tire-melting 1050 Nm of torque. Speaking volumes about Audi's increased drive toward maximum efficiency in its diesel and gasoline models, the R15 TDI actually loses 2 cylinders when compared with the previous generation V12 R10 TDI, which caused maximum confusion with its nomenclature.

In addition to completely new aerodynamics and a revised driveline, the Sebring winner R15 TDI features a lithium ion battery powering its electrical systems instead of a conventional battery. The car is not a hybrid; the lithium ion battery has nothing to do with propulsion. Due to its higher power density relative to weight, it has allowed Audi Sport engineers to free up weight for other more important purposes.

The R15 TDI LMP1 car, like Audi's race program as a whole, is not simply designed to prove racing supremacy at great development cost. Many technologies introduced on the R10 LMP1 car trickled down into Audi's production car product line. Expect the same from the R15. The real hope of enthusiasts, of course, is that some version of the new V10 diesel will make its way into roadgoing Audi R8 models. Fingers crossed, folks.

-RSportsCars

Audi R15 TDI: first “second” generation diesel racing sports car

- Audi launches new LMP1 racing sports car
- New TDI engine and many innovative approaches
- Race debut on March 21 at Sebring (USA)

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Mar 9, 2009 - AUDI AG is the world’s first automobile manufacturer to develop a “second” generation diesel racing sports car. Audi aims to underline its supremacy and consolidate its expertise in car technology once more at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-new Audi R15 TDI.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is particularly suited for this: Efficient and economical cars are especially required for the French endurance classic. Lightweight construction, environmentally friendly drive concepts and well-thought out aerodynamics are the focus of attention at Le Mans just as they are during the development of production cars. For this purpose the regulations intentionally give the engineers plenty of freedom.

Audi Sport fully exploited this creative freedom and put a new LMP1 race car on the track that differs significantly from all previous Le Mans sports cars. “The R15 TDI has many detailed technical solutions never seen before on a sports prototype,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “To a certain extent we followed entirely new routes.”

Highly efficient TDI engine

The heart of the R15 TDI is a newly developed V10 TDI engine producing more than 600 hp, with a maximum torque output in excess of 1,050 Newton meters and which reflects the latest version of the TDI Technology invented by Audi. The power unit is more compact and lighter than the twelve-cylinder engine used in the preceding R10 TDI model. The specific fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions could also be reduced. Innovations in the turbo-charging and fuel injection areas simultaneously ensure improved engine response. The R15 TDI is also equipped with a new generation of even lighter diesel particle filters.

The new sports car’s aerodynamics, which play a particularly important role at Le Mans, are extremely refined. Like the DTM 2008 championship winning Audi A4, the airflow around and through the car was optimized with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Included among the many innovative detail solutions which can be spotted at first glance are a rear wing suspended from the top and a high nose.

Innovative vehicle electrical system concept

The vehicle electrical system in the Le Mans sports car is entirely new: A lithium- ion battery, as found in some hybrid vehicles, is used for the first time. It is lighter than the conventional battery and supplies a higher voltage.

The headlights fitted to the R15 TDI also benefit from the higher power. At Le Mans, Audi competes for the first time with a low beam unit comprised entirely of light emitting diodes, which represents the next generation of Audi LED technology for road cars.

Innovative approaches

Numerous innovative approaches are also hidden in the chassis and suspension of the diesel sports car. Due to the aerodynamic concept the front and rear suspension have been raised. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and the optimized vehicle weight the R15 TDI is significantly more agile than its predecessor.

Audi is the only automobile manufacturer to have won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel car. “With the R15 TDI we have created the base to be in a position to win also in 2009,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

The Audi R15 TDI celebrates its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring, Florida in the USA on March 21. Audi Sport Team Joest plans to field three cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13/14.

The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design

2010-01-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a supercar that's rising up against the competition - it's the Fenix! The work of Leicestershire-based sports car maker, Lee Noble, it's the first model to come from his new company, Fenix Automotive.

The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design that is reminiscent of the Noble M600 and M12. However, the Fenix gets aggressive and angular lines, similar to those of the fighter jet-inspired Lamborghini Reventón.

“The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design,” said Noble. “The new car’s styling owes nothing to what I’ve done before and has quite literally been a ‘clean sheet’ exercise from the start. It’s edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars.”

Under the bonnet is a choice of two Corvette engines, giving 480bhp and 638bhp. The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1, and with a kerbweight of 1,200kg, is said to propel the Fenix from 0-100mph in just under seven seconds on its way to a 200mph top speed.

“Our first prototype is now in build and development will start in around one month’s time,” said Noble. “We’ll be hot-weather testing the first prototype on the mountain roads around Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where the car will be manufactured. But I’m itching to get the car back to the UK where I can set it up on roads I know well.”

Prices will be confirmed when sales start in 2011.

the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW X6 and Volkswagen CC

2010-01-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Marketing does funny things. Recently the word "coupe" has been rendered null and void of meaning by crafty marketing types behind cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW X6 and Volkswagen CC, while the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has sucked every last ounce of truth, honesty and passion from the term "Gran Turismo." It's now just advertising flim-flam. The BMW 8 Series was a grand tourer. The 535i Gran Turismo? We hear it's very practical...

We mention co-opting of the terms "coupe" and "Gran Turismo" because marketers pulled a similar stunt back in the early '70s with the phrase "Personal Luxury Car." Some cars did fit the definition well (roughly, a luxury coupe exists where practicality and efficiency are traded in favor of style, plush and image), others did not. For example, in the U.S. where we like our luxury by the yard, a 1971 Buick Riviera is a perfect example of a personal luxury car. An AMC Matador Brougham complete with Oleg Cassini interior isn't. Regardless of reality, by 1973 every car with two doors and faux-vinyl seats got tagged with the PLC label. As such, the phrase "personal luxury car" became meaningless.

Apropos of all that, Mercedes-Benz was kind enough to let us test its two-door version of its new W212 E-Class, the 2010 E350 Coupe. The new model marks the first time in three generations that Mercedes has offered a coupe version of what's generally considered to be its sauerbraten und spätzle. You'd have to go back to Bill Clinton's first term (that's pre-Lewinsky) to find the two-door W124 E-Class. Obviously, the B-pillarless two-door qualifies as a coupe, but a personal luxury car? Or, dare we say it, a GT?

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Contrary to previous reports, the car is believed to be based on a front-wheel-drive platform from the Mondeo

2010-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to show-stopping unveils, the Focus is on Detroit! Rumours are gathering that Ford is preparing to reveal its third-generation Focus in saloon and hatchback form at the US expo next week.

As Auto Express closed for press over the Christmas holidays, news had leaked on to the North American International Auto Show’s own website. We brought you pictures of the whole new Focus family in Issue 1,092 (right), and the four and five-doors will get a bold face characterised by triangular lights and a stylish grille.

Don’t expect the latest Focus to be too radical, though. As a global car, it will need to have mass-market appeal. Contrary to previous reports, the car is believed to be based on a front-wheel-drive platform from the Mondeo, to ensure class-leading handling and increased space.

A new range of EcoBoost turbo petrol engines will be available. This will comprise 89bhp or 108bhp 1.0-litre units and a 170bhp 1.6. Diesel choices include a 1.6 giving 128bhp, plus a 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp.

Stop-start is expected to be standard on most cars, while Ford’s dual-clutch Powershift transmission should also help reduce emissions. In addition, the Focus will come with adaptive dampers, a lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition. Wi-Fi is likely to be offered, too. Sales will start towards the end of this year.

Cadillac will unveil the 2011 CTS-V coupe along with a concept

2010-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The North American International Auto Show is typically the big show for Detroit-based automakers and 2010 appears to be no different for General Motors. Chris Preuss, GM's vice president of communications, has hit Twitter confirming that each of the General's four brands will have at least one vehicle to display at the Detroit Auto Show next month. As expected, Cadillac will unveil the 2011 CTS-V coupe along with a concept version of its XTS sedan, a model slated to replace the aging DTS in the next year or two. GMC will unleash the Granite, which, according to earlier reports, will be based on the Delta platform and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando.

Chevrolet figures to have a somewhat quieter show, with its big reveal being the Aveo RS, which we hear is all-new and very little like the narrow and unattractive B-Segment hatch GM is selling now. Buick will be chasing the ghosts of Grand Nationals and T-Types past with a performance variant of the 2011 Regal that may share a lot of parts with the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC. We can hardly wait for January 11.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing

2010-01-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

Along with the road-going version of 2011 Mustang, Ford unveiled the new Boss racing model featuring the same 5.0 liter V8 engine. The Mustang BOSS 302R comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and a series of race equipments including a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package.

The 302R model which which carries the legacy of original BOSS Mustangs is available to order for $79,000.

Ford will also make 5 specially prepared versions of this car for the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge) which come with Grand-Am Homologation Package and (M-FR500-BOSS R1). These cars will be equipped with a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft. The price of each Grand-AmMustang BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.

Press Release:

Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship in aMustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

“To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America’s most covetedMustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win.”

The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.

In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer’s titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver’s championships.

“We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing,” said Allison. “The FR500C and FR500S road racingMustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.”

Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.

“Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines,” said Allison. “What’s good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in theMustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT.”

“We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project,” said Andy Slankard, Ford Racing engineering supervisor and the lead engineer on the BOSS 302R project. “Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, wherethe Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars.”

Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.

Kia is already offering $3,000 in cash back and some other discounts

2010-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

Since its birth, Kia Borrego, also known in some markets as Mohave, has been known as a very good SUV that was launched in a very bad time! And by bad time we mean early 2009 when the world’s economy was in its worst condition. Obviously in that condition with high fuel prices, the last thing you can expect people to buy is a big thirsty SUV!

So even its good value for money and above the average quality and ride didn’t help with the sales, even in its homeland Korea. Now Kia has announced that they are not going to bother updating this model for 2010, in fact they are not going to do anything about it! They say that the car’s future is uncertain. So you can read between the lines that Kia just wants to sell their current inventory of Borregos and just drop it off the production line.

It’s a shame because Borrego is a good car. But on the plus side, you can expect to get some sweet deals on brand-new Borregos which will be sold as 2009 model! Kia is already offering $3,000 in cash back and some other discounts, you can learn more about it by contacting your local dealer. Just take into account that depreciation will be steep!

Former Saab PR manager Jan-Willem Vester succumbs

2009-12-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

We here at Autoblog want to pass along our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jan-Willem Vester who passed away last night. Until last spring, Jan-Willem was the communications manager for Saab USA. In that role, the amiable Dutchman was always extremely helpful and prompt in answering our queries about Saab's products and business.

Beyond being a great PR guy, Vester was a singularly wonderful advocate for the troubled brand, and we had hoped he would find a prominent position with the Swedish automaker should it ever find a new owner. He wasn't just a hired gun, but a true longtime fan, owning an older 900 back in the Netherlands and new 9-5 Sportcombi for carting around the family. In recent months, Vester had been fighting an inoperable brain tumor to which he finally succumbed.

Jan-Willem is survived by his wife Mariska and their three children.

Government Played No Role in Departure of GM’s Henderson

2009-12-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say the ouster of General Motors Co. CEO Fritz Henderson was a decision that was rightly made by the auto maker’s board of directors, and not the government.

But speaking during an event here to announce GM’s $336 million investment in Chevrolet Volt assembly at the auto maker’s Detroit-Hamtramck plant, Michigan Congressmen Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Sander Levin (D-MI) tell Ward’s last week’s decision to remove Henderson should not be a mystery.

“Henderson’s departure raised more questions, especially for the working families, than it answered,” McCotter says on the sidelines here.

“People that work at GM should have been told, and I think they need to know the reasons. Because your whole livelihood depends on working at GM on the line or in the boardroom, you want to know what’s going on, and this created more anxiety in an already uncertain time.”

But while taxpayer support requires GM to be accountable, the government should keep its distance from the auto maker’s day-to-day operations, Levin says.

Ron Bloom, head of the government’s autos task force, “wasn’t going to get into this,” Levin adds, noting “it’s not up to members of Congress or the White House to tell (GM) what to do. Once we start down the road of involving ourselves in these decisions, there’s no end to it. It’s up to them, and we made it very clear.”

GM Chairman Ed Whitacre, who temporarily has assumed the CEO post while a search for Henderson’s replacement gets under way, reportedly says he would like someone from outside the auto industry to assume the position.
GM invests $336 million in Detroit-area plant where Chevy Volt will be built.

However, pundits suggest federal pay restrictions likely will discourage talents such as Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally, who was lured from aerospace giant Boeing Co. with a multi-million-dollar compensation package.

Levin is more confident. “There are other ways to compensate executives, including issuing stock options,” he says. “Essentially, we more and more want people to be paid for performance.

“I think GM ought to be able to attract someone and pay them within the cap and say, ‘Help with the transformation of this company, and you’ll be adequately compensated if you succeed. If you fail, you won’t receive as much as you would have.’”

Meanwhile, GM’s investment announcement today brings combined Volt-related expenditures in Michigan to $700 million, covering eight state facilities.

The Detroit-Hamtramck facility will be the final assembly location for the Volt extended-range electric vehicle. The site will utilize tooling from Grand Blanc,; lithium-ion batteries from GM’s Brownstown Township, battery-pack manufacturing plant; camshafts and connecting rods from Bay City, and stampings and the Volt’s 1.4L engine-generator from Flint.

The $336 million investment announced today will pay for upgrades at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant, says Jon Lauckner, GM vice president-global planning.
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“We’re in the phase of installing the machinery and equipment in the body shop, in the paint shop and in general assembly,” he tells Ward’s. “It’s a brand-new vehicle based on our global compact-car architecture, so there’s a fare amount of work that needs to be done.”

Lauckner says Volt development is on schedule and product and process validation vehicles are scheduled to roll off the line in the spring.

GM says it hopes to sell some 8,000 Volts in 2011, and eventually ramp up volume to 60,000 units annually.

the list is topped by three familiar players: Hyundai

2009-11-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

Hyundai, Kia and Subaru all report +40% increase in sales

If you've been paying attention to recent editions of By the Numbers, you'll have noticed that the amount of green on our chart below is growing. Month after month, more and more brands and manufacturers are managing to produce sales numbers that exceed the same month last year.

For October 2009, the list is topped by three familiar players: Hyundai (+49%), Kia (+45%) and Subaru (+41%). The South Koreans and this lone Japanese brand have bucked the trend all year, and now that other brands are beginning to sell relatively well, they are distancing themselves from the pack even further.

Their success shouldn't overshadow the rest of the industry, though, which includes many players surprisingly high on our chart. All four "Core" brands of General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC) posted positive numbers, and GM as a whole, which still counts sales from "non-Core" brands like Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn, managed to post a 4.1% gain in sales. Likewise, the Ford brand (+3.6%) and Ford Motor Company (+3%) both reported sales gains versus October of last year. The rest of the big Japanese manufacturers, meanwhile, were close behind but didn't quite manage to earn a green cell this month, while the Chrysler Group LLC landed farthest off the mark with a drop of 30.4%.

Have industry sales turned the corner? Are we headed into a bright future of 14+ million sales per year and green cells for every automaker? Hardly, though it's increasingly clear that new product, being competitive in key segments, and creative marketing and incentives are the best recipe for climbing out of the red.

*Brands and companies are both displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 28 selling days in October 2009 and 27 selling days in October 2008, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in the average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

Brand	Volume %	10/09	10/08	*DSR%**	DSR 10/09	DSR 10/08
Hyundai	48.92	31,005	20,820	43.60	1,107	771
Kia	45.26	22,490	15,483	40.07	803	573
Subaru	40.66	18,169	12,917	35.64	649	478
Cadillac	21.60	11,602	9,541	17.26	414	353
Mercedes-Benz	21.32	18,193	14,996	16.99	650	555
GMC	20.44	25,423	21,109	16.14	908	782
Lexus	19.77	19,502	16,283	15.49	697	603
Volvo	19.37	4,437	3,717	15.11	158	138
Buick	18.46	9,053	7,642	14.23	323	283
Porsche	15.07	1,642	1,427	10.96	59	53
Chevrolet	8.50	116,436	107,313	4.63	4,158	3,975
Nissan	7.69	53,664	49,833	3.84	1,917	1,846
Volkswagen	7.23	17,037	15,889	3.40	608	588
Ford	3.57	119,072	114,969	-0.13	4,253	4,258
Honda	-0.01	75,751	75,756	-3.58	2,705	2,806
Mercury	-1.14	6,676	6,753	-4.67	238	250
Audi	-1.14	7,358	7,443	-4.67	263	276
Toyota	-2.32	132,663	135,818	-5.81	4,738	5,030
Acura	-3.53	9,751	10,108	-6.98	348	374
Lincoln	-8.97	6,735	7,399	-12.23	241	274
Infiniti	-9.29	6,451	7,112	-12.53	230	263
Pontiac	-18.45	10,646	13,054	-21.36	380	483
BMW	-18.61	16,443	20,203	-21.52	587	748
Mini	-20.79	4,176	5,272	-23.62	149	195
Dodge	-22.21	26,265	33,763	-24.99	938	1250
Chrysler	-35.61	12,815	19,903	-37.91	458	737
Jeep	-36.80	13,500	21,360	-39.05	482	791
Mitsubishi	-48.34	3,867	7,486	-50.19	138	277
Suzuki	-49.89	1,745	3,482	-51.67	62	129
Saturn	-57.79	3,623	8,583	-59.30	129	318
Smart	-70.44	661	2,236	-71.49	24	83
Saab	-74.03	513	1,975	-74.95	18	73
Hummer	-77.56	307	1,368	-78.36	11	51
Mazda	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

COMPANIES
General Motors	4.11	177,603	170,585	0.40	6,343	6,318
Ford Motor Company	3.07	136,920	132,838	-0.61	4,890	4,920
Nissan NA	0.28	60,115	59,945	-3.30	2,147	2,220
Toyota Mo Co	0.04	152,165	152,101	-3.53	5,434	5,633
American Honda	-0.42	85,502	85,864	-3.98	3,054	3,180
BMW Group	-19.06	20,619	25,475	-21.95	736	944

That company was capitalized with more than 600 million shares that were meant to be worthless

2009-11-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

When General Motors entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy over the summer, its bad assets were moved into a firm called Motors Liquidation Company (MLC). That company was capitalized with more than 600 million shares that were meant to be worthless; however, quite the opposite has happened: with its shares priced at $0.60 per, MLC now has a market cap of $370 million. How did that happen?

Investors engaged in "naked short-selling" is how it happened. Short sellers usually procure an actual 'tangible' stock from a broker or investment house – 'tangible' meaning a share unit comprising the finite number of a company's total shares – as collateral when they take a short position. The naked short seller doesn't borrow any shares, taking a position before it can be determined if there are any shares available. This allows them to essentially create a position that isn't beholden to the ideal of a "structured" market.

Earlier this year the SEC put the kibosh on naked short selling, and required investors who had done it to get the tangible shares they need to hold their position. Since there are fewer shares to be had, and those naked traders are trying to absorb anything available to cover their positions, the price has yet to decline. Quite simply, no one can make money off of it.

Well, except for the holders of new GM shares. The SEC regulations also called on naked short sellers to close out their positions if they couldn't get the tangible stocks to cover. The investors who can't get actual shares to borrow are having to buy stock from "new" GM shareholders – at much higher prices. Eventually MLC shares will be worth zilch. Until then, the wacky world of finance reigns...

BusinessWeek calls out 50 Ugliest Cars of Past 50 Years

2009-11-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. While some cars seem to be almost universally loved for their gorgeous lines and undeniable sense of style – the Lamborghini Miura and Shelby Daytona Coupe certainly come to mind. Others, such as the new Honda Accord Crosstour and even the latest Nissan GT-R, not to mention nearly everything currently wearing the Acura badge, sport more debatable duds.

And what of the car that's most commonly associated with the green movement? Of course, that would be the Toyota Prius, and we know that some happen to find the car rather attractive... whether that's for its slip-through-the-wind styling or fuel mileage – made possible in part by that styling – its owners happily enjoy. According to BusinessWeek, though, the second-gen Prius is one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years. Not a distinction any owner wants their car to carry.

Take heart, Prius owners. There are a number of questionable vehicles on the list. For instance, the classically boxy Volvo 240 isn't ugly at all... it's purposeful and practical. Neither are the Lamborghini LM002, 2002 BMW 7 Series, Tata Nano or Toyota iQ deserving of inclusion on this unflattering list. Lastly, does anyone really think the DeLorean is that unattractive? Unabashedly '80s sure, but ugly? Nah.

Hurst completes the muscle car trifecta with Mustang, Camaro

2009-11-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

2010 Hurst Performance Series Camaro - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We can't believe it's been just a year since Hurst unveiled its stunning white and gold Hemi Challenger. Since that time we've seen a few variations, including different color combinations and the Competition/Plus model, and we even got to see how the cars were built. Up to this point, all of Hurst's production models have been Challengers, but when the company showed off a one-off Camaro and Mustang convertible, we figured production versions wouldn't be far away. We were right.

Yesterday afternoon, Hurst pulled the covers off the new Performance Series Mustang and Camaro, each with a slightly different take on Hurst's classic color combinations. Both cars get the kind of performance upgrades you would expect from Hurst including a supercharger, Magnaflow exhaust system, Eibach suspension components, Hurst Competition/Plus shifters and 20-inch wheels and tires. Each car also gets Katzkin leather inserts, embroidered floor mats, and a dash plaque. Just 50 examples of each will be built, and judging by how fast the Challengers sold, you will need to put your order in quickly if you want one. Follow the jump for full details on both cars, and be sure to check out both of the high-res galleries below.

2010 Hurst Peformance Series Camaro

Hurst Peformance Series Mustang

Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona

2009-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ferrari just announced that injured driver Felipe Massa could be back in the saddle as early as Monday. Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix, when a spring from another car flew up and hit him above his eye, fracturing his skull.

The first time he has even been back on track was last week when he took the wheel of a kart. Because of testing bans in place this season in F1, Massa can't drive the current car he was running until Hungary. As he gets back up to speed, the FIA has granted him permission to drive a 2007-spec car fitted with GP2 tires.

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator. Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona and is working hard at beating the Interlagos circuit now. Before taking the wheel of the 2007 car, he still needs to pass an examination, but once he's cleared, he could be on track in Italy by Monday. This will be testing only as the driver isn't expected to compete for Ferrari any more this season.

Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England

2009-10-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.

GM marketing boss Mark LaNeve apparently unaware that diesel is now cheaper than gas 2009

2009-06-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

Over the last several years, we've heard a lot of excuses from many auto executives as to why their companies aren't offering diesel engines in their American market cars. Yesterday, General Motors' Mark LaNeve, the company's vice president of sales and marketing, made an appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal. The final question of the segment came from a viewer wondering why GM has failed to offer U.S. consumers the chance to buy some of the high-mileage diesel cars it offers in Europe.

It would appear that LaNeve might have done better to take a pass on the question. Instead of talking about the cost of making those diesels meet U.S. emissions regulations or the difficulty in helping Americans overcome the misconceptions about the fuel, he claimed that no one has successfully cracked the diesel passenger nut in the U.S. (which based on VW's May sales appears to be wrong). More startlingly, LaNeve went on to claim that diesel is $1.25 a gallon more expensive than gasoline. According to the Energy Information Agency, the national average for diesel this week is $2.35 / gallon while regular gas is $2.52 or $0.17 more than diesel. Admittedly, the fact that diesel is now cheaper than 87 octane gas is a recent development (a trend that nobody is sure how long it will last), but – going on national television and quoting outdated fuel prices as a reason for your bankrupt company's business decisions... well, that doesn't strike us as a terribly hot idea.

You can hear the question and response at 20:30 into the video replay over at C-SPAN.

Audi R15 TDi - the thread - 10 Tenths Motorsport Forum

2009-03-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Audi has confirmed that it will replace its R10 TDi sportscar with a new model, the R15, next season.

The R10 was Audi's first turbo-diesel LMP1 car and followed the R8, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times in six years between 2000 and 2005.

The R10 won Le Mans in each of the three years since its introduction in 2006, and it will be superseded by the R15 TDi from 2009.

Audi claims the new car will have a smaller, lighter and more efficient TDi engine than the R10, and confirmed that it will be another open-topped car.

It is scheduled to test for the first time later this year, but will not be publicly launched until shortly before its race debut in Sebring 12 Hours in March.

"It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful at Le Mans," said Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Audi's motorsport boss. "The R15 TDi is the result. The step from R10 to R15 is significantly larger than it was from the R8 to the R10."

The marque also confirmed that Audi Sport Team Joest will again run a trio of its prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours next year.

Audi R15 TDI (2009) first pictures | Automotive & Motoring News

2009-03-31T03:40:00.002-07:00

You may remember the name Kim Stapleton as the designer behind Audi F1 renderings that this website featured earlier in the year. An architect by day, the Australian also has a passion for Audis as expemplified with works like his imagined Audi F1 design and now an illustration of Ingolstadt’s potential Le Mans future according to rules being adopted by the ACO that will mandate a closed cockpit car by 2010.

After almost two months of design and construction, Stapleton is now ready to share his Audi R15 TDI Coupe Concept projected for the ALMS, Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

With the newly adopted rules change requiring a closed-top design, the current R10 design will be obsolete. The regulations also encourage a specified front-end design that features both the manufacturers’ street car brand design and badge.

For the design, Stapleton drew inspiration from many existing vehicles including the R10, along with the R8, R8C, R8 production car, Bentley Speed 8, Mercedes-Benz CLR GT and the Audi RS4. Much of the design language was pulled directly from the R10, which is evident in the side elevations and the rear spoiler details.

From there, Stapleton took the approach of merging a contemporary Audi street vehicles with this base R10 form, which in the end seems to harken back to the era of GT1 class designs in the late 90’s. He made a conscious effort to stay away from excessive aero packages (i.e. modern F1 designs) as he felt this compromised the clean lines of both the current R10 and the Audi street range.

Some of the other key features of the design include the use of Bio-Diesel, energy saving lights and the inclusion of a kinetic energy recovery system (K.E.R.S.) - a regenerating brake device that recovers and stores wasted heat energy from the brakes in a supercapacitor to be used as additional power by the drivers.

The design was box-modeled in 3ds max and rendered using Vray. The poly count is around 300,000 for those who care. Stapleton admits he had been thinking of attempting such a design for almost a year now, though only now managed to force himself to complete the project in the past few months. Even guessing the sheer number of hours spent on the project scares him a bit.

We’re certainly glad he spent the hours. Works by Kim Stapleton are great tools for imagining Audi Sport’s next move. Whether that be the continuation of diesel technology at Le Mans like this project displays, or a move to F1 as seen in his previous work, his efforts are certainly appreciated.

Audi R15 TDI LMP1 Price, Specs & More | RSportsCars

2009-03-31T03:40:00.001-07:00

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R10 TDI

The Audi R10 TDI is dead. Long live the R15. That's the moniker given to the next-generation Le Mans prototype set to wear the interlocking rings. The car will make its race debut in March at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and by the time the 24 Hours of Le Mans rolls around in June, Audi will have three of the cars ready to defend the trophy won by the R10 earlier this year. Details on the new car are very limited at the moment. All that's known is that it'll have a smaller, lighter, more efficient TDI motor, will once again be a roadster, and is a more significant change than Audi undertook when it went from the R8 to the R10.

The car will be publicly revealed closer to the Sebring race. According to the ALMS website, Audi Motorsport honcho Wolfgang Ullrich was quoted as saying, "It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful in Le Mans." We read that as code for, "Those Peugeots were f**king fast this year. Here's our answer." By the time the cars hit the grid at Circuit de la Sarthe, the hype's going to be at a fever pitch. Bring it. Thanks to Ashutosh for the tip!

Le Mans News: Audi to replace R10 with R15 TDi

2009-03-31T03:38:00.000-07:00

Audi's Record-Setting Endurance Car Gets Big Overhaul, Wins Sebring

Audi announces new R15 TDI diesel racer for Le Mans

2009-03-31T03:37:00.000-07:00

At the Essen Motor Show in Germany, Audi has announced a new part of its 2009 motorsports program. After three years of running its pioneering R10 TDI, Audi's diesel racer is being replaced for 2009. The manufacturer has designed an all-new diesel powered R15 TDI. The R15 remains an open cockpit car like its predecessors, but will use a smaller, lighter and more efficient diesel engine. The R10 uses a 5.5L V12 but Audi has not revealed any other details about the R15 engine yet - and there are no images of the R15 yet. So far, Audi has only revealed a limited program for the new R15 starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring in March and followed by the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Audi will be looking to tie Ferrari with a ninth overall victory at Le Mans. Audi spokesman Christian Bokich tells ABG that the company is not yet ready to announce what plans it might have for the rest of the American Le Mans Series.

Audi Motorsport Based on Three Pillars in the Future

- New LMP1 sports car for the Le Mans 24 Hours
- Development of the Audi A4 for the DTM
- Customer sport programme with the Audi R8 LMS

the AUDI AG motorsport programme will be based on three pillars: During the 2009 season, the brand with the four rings will compete once again in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the DTM. Additionally, with the new Audi R8 LMS, Audi Sport offers for the first time a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use.

"We know just how important motorsport is for the success of the brand," emphasises Michael Dick, who as Chairman of the Board for Technical Development is responsible for the AUDI AG motorsport programme. "Therefore it goes without saying that Audi must also be present on the race track in economically hard times. It is all the more important for us to enter a motorsport category in which the cost-benefit calculation is positive."

Audi therefore continues to support sport prototypes and the DTM. With the Audi R8 LMS, Audi also offers customer teams a racing car incorporating high-quality technology and the typical Audi traits but which is, however, also easy to operate.

New diesel sports car for Le Mans

Audi aims to demonstrate "Vorsprung durch Technik" specifically in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi is just one victory behind Ferrari in the French endurance classic's all time winners' list following its eighth victory last June. Only Porsche has more wins at Le Mans.

Audi targets the ninth victory in probably the world's toughest car race, in which the development of alternative and fuel-saving power concepts are the focus of attention, in June 2009 with a newly developed LMP1 sports car. The Audi R15 TDI differs significantly from its predecessor, the R10 TDI, at first glance and features many technically innovative details with which Audi aims to maintain its supremacy in Le Mans.

The new Le Mans prototype is equipped with a smaller, lighter and even more efficient TDI engine. During the chassis and aerodynamic development Audi Sport engineers followed similar routes to those exhibited on the current Audi A4 DTM.

"It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful in Le Mans," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "The Audi R15 TDI is the result. The step from R10 to R15 is significantly larger than it was from the R8 to the R10."

Only the basic concept was carried over from the predecessor model: The R15 TDI is also powered by a TDI engine and is an open-topped roadster. Audi does not wish to release any further details at this time.

The first private tests with the new Le Mans sports car are scheduled for later this year. The R15 TDI will only be presented to the public immediately before its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring (USA) on 21 March 2009.

Audi Sport Team Joest will field three new R15 TDI prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Development of the 2008 championship winning DTM car

Audi competes in the DTM as defending champions with a development of the 2008 championship winning car and with an ambitious target: Audi aims to be the first automobile manufacturer in the history of the "new" DTM to win the title three times in succession.

The DTM version of the new A4, which set the standards during the 2008 season with eight pole positions and six victories, is optimised in every area and carries the project name "R14 plus" internally.

Four new A4 cars and up to five 2008 cars will be fielded by the proven teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. Audi also relies on known quantities for its driver squad: Every driver will be recruited from the driver line-up seen in action during the 2008 season in the DTM and R10 TDI.

GT3 race version of the Audi R8

With the GT3 race version of the R8, Audi has specifically developed a racing sports car for customer use for the first time. The Audi R8 LMS is powered by a 500 hp plus V10 engine and is available from autumn 2009 for a proposed price of 262,000 Euro plus VAT.

The new Audi R8 LMS will be seen in action on the race track during the 2009 season: Up to eight customer cars will compete in different European race series and in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, for which Audi Sport develops an endurance version of the R8 LMS. The factory itself does not plan to enter any races with the new GT3 car.

The experienced drivers Christian Abt, Frank Biela and Frank Stippler are involved in the Audi R8 LMS development.

Audi adds another pillar to its existing motorsport programme with the customer programme, which should be self-financing in the medium term. The new customer sport centre in Ingolstadt is conceived as a profit centre.

Motorsport represents huge value for Audi

"2008 was the largest and most successful motorsport programme in AUDI AG history," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We want to continue this in 2009. In view of the international economic and financial crisis, it is clear that motorsport must also make a contribution to reduce costs further. It is all the more pleasing that we have found a way to continue our two large projects, the new Le Mans sports car and the DTM, and added another string to our bow with the GT3 customer sport programme. This demonstrates just how valuable motorsport is for Audi."

Audi R15 TDI

2009-03-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

Audi R15 TDI

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Audi R15 TDI

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