Audi R18 Le Mans Prototype

The race car itself is constructed of a single-piece carbon fiber monocoque but is truly highlighted by Audi’s all-LED headlights, a first in Le Mans. Audis have really made a name for themselves with the integration of their LEDs in their standard vehicles, and now we must say we’re in love with the R18′s headlights.

Powering the R18 will be a 3.7L TDI V6 powerplant that will be mated to an all new six-speed transmission.

The R18 was first tested at the end of November with Allan McNish behind the wheel. Audi plans on debuting the R18 at the Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours in Belgium this coming May 2012. The prototype will be tested this day April 24th at Le Mans official test day.

The Audi R18 has been designed for progressive electrification, which Audi Sport is planning to drive forward step by step. “But efficiency is always the crucial factor for us,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “No matter which form of energy recovery we may choose the key aspect for Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it provides a true advantage.” 

Audi also planning a modular customer sport concept that will include an endurance version of the TT RS and a GT4 version of the Audi TT. Concept of the TT GT4 was presented at the DTM race meeting in Shanghai. Delivery of the first customer vehicles is planned this year 2012. 

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest single-make series. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe’s most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. It is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving.

Torque @ RPM: 398@6500

Engine: V10

Horse Power @ RPM: 570@8000

Curb Weight: 2954 lbs.

0-60 time: 3.4 sec.

Top Speed: 198 mph

Like the race car, the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale offers the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission controlled by steering wheel paddles as standard equipment. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any human being could.

2012 Audi A3

The 2012 A3 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 2.0T Premium Manual to the 2.0T Premium quattro S tronic. 

Upon introduction, the 2.0T Premium Manual is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2.0T Premium quattro S tronic is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2012 A3 is a carryover from 2011.

British Auto Industry is heading for a revival: Brit car marquees at their finest

Though the Japanese and German auto manufacturers rate high on the scale of global car manufacturers, it is the British that still hold the key. Auto companies like MINI and Rolls Royce which were representations of true blue British companies are now taken over by the BMW Group.

The ongoing Geneva Motor Show has seen a host of Japanese, Italian, German, French,  and Indian cars on display but British auto manufacturers are conspicuously not so popular. All major British auto companies are now being bought over and very few iconic British auto companies now remain.

Atlanta Motors is one of the classic British manufacturers while Lagonda, the once iconic brand now owned by Aston Martin has a number of cars under development. Eternity Motors is also planning a line of luxury cars in the coming years and TVR may also be contemplating a relaunch though it is not clear if they will be a complete UK based company. All this make it look like the British Auto Industry is heading for a revival. 

Honda to show off NSX Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

The Honda NSX Concept is essentially the same vehicle we saw at Detroit, except now it’s sporting the Honda “H” badge on its hood and trunk, rather than the American Acura “A”. Europeans were able to get a closer look at the upcoming supercar that will feature a Sport Hybrid V6 SH-AWD powertrain with all-wheel drive. 

It utilizes a unique twin electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system. This is coupled to a VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection and a dual-clutch transmission. Two versions of the NSX will go on sale in 2015, one by Honda and one by Acura.

Audi launches refreshed A5 across the Middle East

German car manufacturer Audi has introduced in the Middle East its refreshed A5 model series including the Sportback, the Coupé and the Cabriolet. Extended its engine lineup with the launch of the entry-level 1.8 TFSI multitronic, a 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and a 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic for the aforementioned variants.

The 3.0 TFSI outputs 272 hp and represents the first time Audi represents a supercharged V6 in the A5 Sportback and Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI A5 Cabriolet now features quattro four-wheel drive as a standard.

The infotainment system gets its share of upgrades with the latest generation of the MMI navigation plus, an optional extra which plays DVDs and provides 3D navigation through a seven-inch monitor. 

Cosmetic revisions to the A5 include a high-gloss, redesigned fog lights as well as xenon plus headlights, LED-infused rear lights and day time running lights, black single-frame grille and bumper. Upgraded interiors with a new steering wheel, colors and highlights, refreshed gear selector, leather upholstery, chrome garnish on controls and overhauled switch-gear, center console and instrument binnacle. Advanced with the break suggestion function which kicks in if the car senses a fatigued driver. The adaptive cruise control is bettered as well.

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 Features:

• Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Heated, twelve-way, power front seats with driver memory
• Key-less start
• 18" 7-spoke wheels with 255/45 all-season tires
• Audi drive select
• LED taillights
• Audi music interface with iPod®/iPhone® integration
• HomeLink® remote transmitter

Power and Performance:

• Fuel Estimates 18/28 mpg
• Top Speed 130 MPH
• 0-60 MPH 5.4 sec.
• Horsepower 310 hp @ 5500-6500 RPM
• Torque 325 lb-ft. @ 2900-4500 RPM

Engine Specification:

• Cylinder Block Aluminum alloy
• Bore 3.33 in. [84.5 mm]
• Stroke 3.50 in [89 mm]
• Displacement 3.0 liter [182.8 cu. in., 2995 cc]
• Fuel Requirement Premium unleaded

The 2012 Audi A7 was named as the 2011 "Esquire Car of the Year".