BMW 6 Series cabrio

BMW’s adore event with its 6 Series Cabrio representation continues with this brand new flurry of pics. The representation appears in a range subsequent to the not long ago expelled 6 Series Coupé and will be expelled with two engine options: a 650i has an eight-cylinder section with 407 hp, as well as a 640i has the six-cylinder with 320 hp. Both have been equipped with TwinPower Turbo, approach injection, Valvetronic government scheme, start&stop as well as an eight-speed involuntary delivery. 

The BMW 6 Series cabriolet is versed with some of a some-more opulence aspects of BMW technology including Dynamic Driving Control, and Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering as options. On a inside, a Head-Up Display is partial of a ConnectedDrive package with the array of options trimming from rear-view reverse camera as well as Park Assistant. 

The Head-Up Display is partial of the brand new cabin look for BMW upon the 6 Series cabrio, and the vast carry out monitor in a executive console is a feature. It shows navigation, mobile as well as party functions as well as sits in a new chrome item pattern. In a outrageous 6 Series cabrio art studio next, you can see a a interior as well as some-more beauty shots of a boat-like creation. 

2011 CSR Automotive Volkswagen Scirocco

Originally from a 2009, Scirocco III was versed with the turbocharged engine with an in-house physique pack consisting of the single-frame front grille, side skirts as well as a back apron from a O-Line-Design, a top and reduce back wings, “bad-look” headlight trims as well as the immaculate steel rear silencer with befitting outlets. 

 

The CSR Automotive Volkswagen Scirocco additionally comes with Schmidt Revolution Cirrus rims with carbon-look tools (wheel public costs 3400 euro) in a measure of 8.5×20″ with 235/30 ZR20 tires from Toyo during the front or 10.5×20″ with 285/25 ZR20 – at a back axles, Schmidt comes nearby to a preferred of “perfect footwear” for a Scirocco.

2011 Nissan GT-R With Sportcars Design

2011 Nissan GT-R. The Nissan GT-R enters the 2011 model year with a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. 

Enhancements for 2011 Nissan GT-R include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area. The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R’s outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeather™ capability, along with premium points-of-interest (POI) information.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R features an advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 485 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 434 lb-ft of torque at 3,200, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores replacing cast iron liners for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R is available in one model: GT-R Premium, which comes fully equipped with a 485-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system, premium near-black finish wheels, Bridgestone RE070A tires and heated front seats. 

2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster

By starting design of the 2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster at the same time as work began on the Coupé, Nissan designers have been able to ensure the soft-top version has a sophisticated silhouette with better, more natural, integration of the hood into the overall design.

The distinctive result echoes the ‘Z character’ with a blend of sweeping curves and aggressively short overhangs while the shape of the roof itself flows more naturally into the rear of the car when the roof is in place.

When lowered, it tucks away under a body-coloured hard tonneau cover which also helps to reduce wind turbulence at speed, allowing occupants of the ‘double cockpit’ to enjoy fully the sounds and sensations of open air performance motoring.

Other design cues already seen on the Nissan 370Z Coupe have transferred to the Roadster. They include the distinctive boomerang LED rear and arrowhead front lights, while familiar ‘Z’ features such as the vertical door handles, twin tail pipes and ‘Z’ badges in the side repeaters are also present.

Inside the Nissan 370Z Roadster, the driver-focused cabin also boasts many features now synonymous with the Z, such as an engine Push Start button, floor hinged throttle pedal, centrally placed tachometer and three separate hooded dials – now including an oil temperature gauge – sitting centrally on the top of the dashboard and angled towards the driver.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster’s roof is fully automatic with no requirement to latch it manually into place. The roof can be lowered at walking speeds and can also be operated from outside the car, by pressing and holding the door-locking button for three seconds. It takes just 20 seconds for the roof to be raised and locked into place or lowered out of sight beneath its tonneau.

The fabric hood has been given a smooth inner lining covering the frame and reducing noise levels, while the system uses a new hydraulic pump that’s silent in operation in place of the electric motor used previously. 

“At launch, both the Coupé and Roadster were highly acclaimed for their combination of excitement and style. The subtle suspension changes developed specially to meet European demands and tastes – not to mention the enhanced equipment levels – make the 2011 370Z more desirable than ever,” said Thomas.

2012 Audi S8 High Performance

2012 Audi S8. The new 4.0 TFSI in the Audi S8 generates no less than 382 kW (520 hp) and delivers a constant 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. The result is outstanding performance: The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 4.2 seconds, and top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

This makes the fuel consumption of the sonorous and smooth twin-turbo V8 all the more amazing: It averages just 10.2 liters per 100 km (23.06 US mpg), much less than its competitors. The free-breathing, 5.2-liter V10 in the previous model consumed an average of 13.2 liters per 100 km (17.82 US mpg). Fuel consumption decreased by nearly 23 percent despite a 51 kW (70 hp) increase in output.

Behind the top value for the new Audi S8 are the combined technologies of the Audi modular efficiency platform, including the recuperation and start-stop systems. The newly developed “cylinder on demand” technology plays a particularly large role. Under part load, it deactivates four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds. A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations.

The eight-speed tiptronic in the Audi S8 also unites sportiness and efficiency. It uses tall gears at low revs whenever possible, but downshifts quickly and comfortably when requested by the driver. The tiptronic delivers the power to a quattro drivetrain combining a self-locking center differential with the sport differential at the rear axle. During dynamic driving, the lion’s share of the power flows to the outside wheel to literally push the large sedan into the corner.

The new Audi S8 also pulls out all the stops when it comes to the chassis. One of its features is a specially tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, which can vary the ride height of the body between three levels and thus ensures a wide-ranging driving experience. It harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic steering, also standard, that adapts its steering ratio and boost to the vehicle’s speed. 

The Audi drive select dynamics system encompasses these two systems as well as engine management, the eight-speed tiptronic and the sport differential. The driver can determine the function of these components by choosing between the five modes comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency.

The standard, S-specific wheels measure 9 J x 20 and are shod with 265/40-series tires. Audi offers five additional wheels as options, four of which have a 21-inch diagonal. The four internally ventilated disc brakes measure 400 millimeters (15.75 in) in diameter up front and 365 millimeters (14.37 in) at the rear. The matt black calipers up front bear S8 logos. 

Each of the optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs saves over five kilograms (11 lb) of weight. Their calipers are anthracite gray. The ESP stabilization program includes a sport mode, in which engine output is determined solely by the position of the pedals.

A decisive advantage of the Audi S8 is the comparatively low weight of 1,975 kilograms (4,354.13 lb). The luxury sedan’s ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made almost entirely of aluminum. Only the B-pillars are made of ultra high-strength steel. The body weighs just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb); a conventional steel construction would be around 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) heavier. The Audi ultra-lightweight construction allows weight to be reduced in other areas as well, such as the chassis.

Fine design details signal the special position that the 5.15 meter-long (16.90 ft) S8 occupies in the Audi range. The single-frame grille is platinum gray and its eight double bars are covered in chrome. An aluminum-look blade makes the bumper appear sharper, and there are high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes.

S8 or V8 T badges can be found in the front, on the back and on the sides. The color range includes 13 shades, two of which – Daytona Gray and Prism Silver – are reserved for the S8.

For the interior, the multi-way, power-adjustable comfort sport seats have been designed exclusively for the new Audi S8. They are optionally available with exclusive seat upholstery in quilted lunar silver. The stitching and piping are in contrasting steel gray, while the upper inlays on the instrument panel and tiptronic selector lever present the material Carbon Atlas.

The leather multifunction sport steering wheel has color-contrasting stitching and an S8 emblem, which can also be found on the instruments. Typical of the Audi S models, these have gray dials with white needles – a design which is repeated in the classic analogue clock. The illuminated door sill trims with the S8 logo are a further eye-catcher. The display of the driver information system and the MMI monitor greet the driver with special S8 screens. The shift paddles and pedals are in an aluminum-look finish; a red ring frames the start button.

The Audi S8 offers a wide selection of interior colors, inlays and seat upholstery. These include particularly soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. The leather package, a DVD changer, the convenience key with sensor-controlled lock for the trunk and the ambient lighting package round out the list of standard interior equipment. The Audi S8 is also equipped with the innovative LED headlights and double glazing.

Honda Civic Type R MUGEN

Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2. The technicians at Mugen Euro have worked again, producing a unique version of the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN with even more power and torque.

The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.

The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.

When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.

It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.

Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.

The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.

Plans for the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine.

2012 Hyundai i30 Specs

2012 Hyundai i30. Hyundai Motor Company revealed the first photos of the new-generation i30, ahead of the car’s world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next week.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company’s first car launched with the ‘i’ prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai inEurope.

The original Hyundai i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in theCzech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

2012 Audi RS5 Reviews

The Audi RS5 Coupé uses a high-revving, normally aspirated V8 displacing 4,163 cc. This engine is closely related to the V10 that powers the R8 high-performance sports car. The 4.2 FSI delivers 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, with the peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The engine has a specific output of 108.1 hp per liter of displacement. The potent response, the eager revving and the rich, melodious sound mark the V8 as a thoroughbred racing engine.

Hand-built at the plant in Györ, Hungary, the 4.2 FSI launches the Audi RS5 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Audi will increase the electronically governed top speed from 250 to 280 km/h (155.34 to 173.98 mph) upon request. 

Like all RS models, the Audi RS5 Coupé also applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The crown-gear center differential at its heart is compact and lightweight. It can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles lightning-fast and over a wide range, with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling.

The chassis of the Audi RS5 Coupé unites fast and precise turn-in, high cornering speeds and supreme stability. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum. The new speed-dependent power steering is an electromechanical system with a direct steering ratio for highly precise road feel. It supports the driver with slight steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different amounts of grip. Because the power steering draws no energy when driving straight ahead, it helps to enhance efficiency.

The taut setup lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the Audi A5. Newly designed, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 265/35-series tires are standard; 20-inch wheels with 275/30-series tires are available as an option for the high-performance coupe. 

The Audi RS5 Coupé has an athletic road stance, and its classically elegant two-door lines dazzle with clear-cut accents. The new single-frame grille with beveled upper corners features a high-gloss, anthracite gray honeycomb structure and a matt aluminum-look frame. The standard xenon plus headlights are framed by narrow strips of LED daytime running lights. The air flows through large openings embedded in a distinctive bumper featuring a splitter edge like on a racing car. Sharper edges make the engine hood appear more three-dimensional so that the Audi RS 5 looks even lower and wider when viewed from the front.

The dynamic looks alter the dimensions slightly. The Audi RS5 Coupé is 23 millimeters (0.91 in) longer and six millimeters (0.24 in) wider than the Audi A5 Coupé, but six millimeters (0.24 in) lower. Eight exterior colors are available, from solid, metallic and pearl effect finishes to a specially pigmented crystal effect paint.

Inside the Audi RS5, the standard sport seats with integrated headrests are power adjustable and covered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara. Audi also offers seat upholstery in Fine Nappa leather in a choice of black or lunar silver, both subtly accented with rock gray piping. Other options include bucket seats with folding backrests or comfortable, climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation function. The interior of the Audi RS5 is bathed in black, with narrow chrome clasps at the switches and control elements providing delicate accents. Inlays are available in a choice of carbon, brushed or etched aluminum, a high-gloss piano finish or a light-colored stainless steel mesh. 

The new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

The wraps are off, Porsche announces the new 911 Carrera for 2012. Porsche is set to debut the Carrera at this years IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Lighter, longer, smoother and more power make this new version of the 911 outstanding. 20″ wheels sit under a 3.9in longer wheelbase and support a 100lbs weight reduction. With its new power the Carrera S the 3.8L Boxster engine uses less fuel and outputs less CO2. On a run from 0-62, the Carrera S with Sport Chrono on nails it in 4.1 seconds. No word on U.S dates but European ordering starts September 1st with a price of 88,038 euro ($127,000 USD).

At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever: The completely redesigned generation of the sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with its flat, stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed details, yet from the very first glance it remains unmistakably a 911. True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language with its tendons and muscles exudes power and elegance.

The 100 millimeter (~ 3.9 inches) longer wheelbase and reduced height combined with the up to 20-inch wheels underpin the athletic appearance. At the same time, the typical sports car compact exterior dimensions were retained. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911’s trademark wide-arched wings. They emphasize the wider front track, so that the new 911 Carrera models sit even more solidly on the road. The remodeled exterior mirrors are accommodated on the upper edge of the door and not as before on the mirror triangle. Not only is this aerodynamically advantageous, it also emphasizes the new design line and visual impression of width.

The all-new, lightweight body is an intelligent aluminum-steel construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the weight reduction of up to 45 kilograms. Combined with significantly greater rigidity. Aerodynamic optimization – including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler – enabled the new 911 Carrera’s lift to be reduced yet further while retaining a very good Cd value.

To complement the modern exterior design, the Porsche designers created an interior, the architecture of which takes its cue from the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever or gear selector located especially close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche elements are also to be found inside, as they are on the outside: the instrument cluster with five round instruments – one of them a high resolution multifunction screen, the central rev counter and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency bar yet another notch. All versions get by with significantly less than ten liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (28 mpg imp.). Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessor. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – sailing as it is called. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers not only Porsche’s typical precision and feedback but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel-consumption.

For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (~ 257 kW) 3.4-litre boxer engine and optional PDK consumes a mere 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (~ 34 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) – 1.6 l/100 km (~ 6 mpg imp.) less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to make it below the 200 g/km mark. With the 911 Carrera S as well, with its 3.8-litre boxer engine and what is now 400 hp (~ 294 kW), fuel consumption when paired with the optional PDK is reduced by 14 per cent or 1.5 l/100 km (~ 5 mpg imp.) to 8.7 l/100 km (~ 32 mpg imp.) despite 15 hp (~ 11 kW) more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

At the same time there are performance improvements in both models. The 911 Carrera S with PDK manages to accelerate from nought to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph) in 4.3 seconds. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono package cuts that to 4.1 seconds. The 911 Carrera with PDK needs only 4.6 seconds (Sport Plus 4.4 seconds) to sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph).

The new 911 doesn’t just offer better longitudinal dynamics, however, but top performance at an unprecedented level in terms of transverse dynamics as well. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. For example, the system reduces lateral inclination when cornering, the tires always being in the optimal position relative to the road surface and able to transmit higher lateral forces. Maximum cornering speeds are increased; even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

It has therefore been possible in the new model to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday practicality that has always typified the Porsche 911. That makes the 911 Carrera more of a 911 than ever. The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The launch of the new 911 models gets under way on 3 December 2011, the new cars can be ordered from September 1st. Prices in Germany are 88,038 euro for the 911 Carrera and 102,436 euro for the 911 Carrera S, including 19 per cent VAT and market-specific equipment.

2012 Honda Civic EU-Version

Announced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show IAA, the Honda Civic developed specially for the European market will be offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback. The new Honda Civic will reach European showrooms in early 2012.

The new Honda Civic will be offered with three engine options: a 1.4 l petrol unit, a 1.8 l petrol unit and a 2.2 l diesel unit. All the engines are combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, ECO Assist, advanced fueling control technology and Idle Stop. 

The chief goal in the engine and transmission development was to maintain the high performance driving experience whilst improving the overall efficiency of the engine resulting in lower running costs.

Overall the new Honda Civic builds on the core strengths of its predecessor and takes them to an appreciably higher level. It also is one of the sector’s best in performance against low CO2 emissions – the diesel model produces just 110 g/km with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

The new 2012 Audi S7 Sportback

The Audi S7 Sportback uses the same engine as the S6 and S6 Avant, the new 4.0 TFSI with 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque. The twin-turbo V8 accelerates the five-door coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The cultivated eight-cylinder, which uses Audi’s “cylinder on demand” technology under part load, consumes on average just 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg).

Much of this groundbreaking efficiency can be attributed to the lightweight body. A hybrid aluminum construction, it weighs roughly 15 percent less than a comparable all-steel body. Lightweight components include the long rear hatch that opens and closes electrically as standard. Beneath it is a luggage compartment with a volume of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), which increases to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) with the rear seat backs folded down.

Drivetrain and Chasis

Power transmission in the Audi S7 Sportback is provided by the dynamic seven-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. The optional sport differential from Audi distributes the power in variable proportions between the rear wheels.

The S7 Sportback comes standard with the adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system. Mounted behind the 19-inch wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Their matt black calipers sport S7 logos up front. Carbon fiber-ceramic discs are available as an option.

Other chassis options include 19- and 20-inch wheels and dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed.

Body and Design

The design of the Audi S7 Sportback is seamless. The long engine hood, the long wheelbase and the short overhangs create perfect proportions. The low, dynamically tensioned roof line gives the five-door model the character of a coupe. At highway speeds, a rear spoiler extends from the rear hatch to improve stability.

Subtle yet eye-catching details signal the top position in the model series occupied by the 4,980-millimeter (16.34 ft) S7 Sportback. These can be found at the single-frame grille, the front bumper, the side mirrors, the sills, the rear bumper, the diffuser and the tailpipes. Nine exterior colors are available, including the exclusive shades Estoril Blue, crystal effect and Prism Silver, crystal effect. The body is decorated with S and V8 T badges.

Interior

The S7 Sportback shows its sporty character in the interior, too. This can be seen in numerous details – the S badges, the red ring on the start-stop button, the S7 logo in the illuminated door sill trims, the aluminum strip on the S tronic selector lever and the aluminum shift paddles. The footrest and the pedals are made of stainless steel, and the soft keys of the MMI operating system are in an aluminum-look finish.

Customers can choose decorative inlays in standard aluminum, carbon, natural fine grain ash and layered Beaufort oak. Black, lunar silver and goa beige (only for the seat upholstery) comprise the color palette for the headlining, instrument panel, carpet and seats. The standard seat upholstery is a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with the leather grades Milano and Valcona available as options.

Audi equips the S7 Sportback with height-adjustable S sport seats with power lumbar supports as standard. Comfort seats and regular seats are available as options. The backrests of the S sport seats are embossed with S logos.

Equipment

Delivery of the S7 Sportback is scheduled to begin in spring 2012. Among the standard equipment highlights are the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the driver information system with color display and the versatile MMI radio plus audio and operating system. Both information hubs are easy to operate.

The S7 Sportback can be optionally equipped with all of the high-end extras of the model series. Moreover, all driver assistance and infotainment systems are available, including the Bluetooth online car phone that connects the S7 Sportback with the Internet.

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R

Amongst racing customers all over the world, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is extremely popular for its forgiving handling and basic speed. And it is exactly in this direction that the improvements for the 2012 model year have been targeted. The engine output has increased by 20 hp to now deliver 500 hp (368 kW). Paddle-shifts on the steering wheel ensure gear changes are even quicker and simpler, making it easier for pilots to concentrate on braking. Moreover, the transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, make it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. A softer anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces understeer. 

The power increase of the four-litre, six-cylinder flat engine in the rear was achieved through optimization of the intake system. The gearing of the sequential six-speed dog-type gearbox was adapted to the higher maximum output. In order to bring the power to the tarmac safely and to assist race drivers, the 911 GT3 R has featured a sophisticated ex-works traction control since the 2010 model year. An efficient race-ABS assists braking.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R will be delivered to teams around the world from November 2011. The vehicle costs 304,500 Euro plus the value added tax of respective countries. The Porsche 911 GT3 R from the 2010 and 2011 model years can be upgraded to the 2012-spec. An upgrade kit is available from Porsche Motorsport for 43,100 Euro.

The 911 GT3 R represents the mid-range of Porsche’s customer racing vehicles. The 911 GT3 Cup, as the top-selling race car in the world, serves as the basis. Ranking above the 911 GT3 R is the 911 GT3 RSR, built for GT2 racing, which competes in series like the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 hour race.