New Chevrolet Epica PicturesWednesday, April 8, 2009
New Chevrolet Epica and Pictures
Dynamically styled notchback sedan celebrates its world premiere in Geneva. Generous amount of space for passengers and luggage.The world premiere of the Chevrolet Epica at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2 – 12, 2006) will be accompanied by three other important "firsts". To begin with, it is the first car that Chevrolet Europe will put on the market with a six-cylinder engine. Secondly, it will be the first transversally installed in-line six in the mid-size category in Europe, and finally, in early 2007, it will become available with a diesel engine. Boasting a comprehensive range of comfort and safety equipment, the new four-door Epica is scheduled for distribution in early summer 2006.
With its sporty yet stylish contours, the Evanda successor will suit the taste of European drivers. In the clearly organized front section, attention focuses in particular on design details like the large wrap-around, clear-glass headlamps, the powerful-looking cross strut with its large Chevrolet emblem in the chrome-plated grille, and the fog lamps integrated harmoniously like spotlights into the bumper.
The Epica also radiates a clean, modern look from the side. Its wedge-shaped profile is dominated by a striking character line that runs along the upper half of the door, extending to the front and rear wings. The effect is emphasized by the fact that the grab-type body-coloured door handles are positioned exactly on this character line. Another eyecatching feature are the large outer mirrors with integrated indicator lamps. The rear view is dominated by the large bumper and the tail lamps with circular lamp lenses, joined by a wide chrome strut.
Compared with its predecessor, the Evanda, the front-wheel Epica has grown in stature. The length of 4,804 mm (plus 34 mm), width of 1,807 mm and height of 1,449 mm, in combination with the wheelbase of 2,700 mm, guarantee a generous amount of space inside for the passengers and luggage. For the latter, the trunk has a capacity of 435 l (according to the VDA standard). With its asymmetrically split, folding rear seat backrest and an armrest opening for such items as skis, the new Epica is also well equipped for carrying difficult items.
Safety: Stable passenger compartment, six airbags and ABS brake system
The Epica has a modern chassis with McPherson suspension struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension. They are accompanied by a highly efficient brake unit with four disk brakes as standard (ventilated at the front), four-channel ABS and electronic brake-power distribution. The standard safety package for the Epica also includes many passive safety features like the rigid passenger cell (made 40 percent of high-strength steel) plus front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and side and curtain airbags.
The equipment in the new Chevrolet sedan corresponds to that of an upper mid-size car. The Epica is available in two equipment versions, the LS and LT. In the pleasantly styled interior, an ergonomically designed cockpit with a large display for the board computer (LT) makes driving both more comfortable and easier. The basic LS version has a height-adjustable driver's seat, electrical window raisers at the front and back, remote-controlled central locking, thermal insulation glass, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel. Optional accessories include light alloy wheels (up to 17") and audio units with an MP3 player.
The top model, the Epica LT, has additional features that include automatic air-conditioning and cruise control. The already comprehensive selection of equipment can be extended even further with other comfort and safety options that include the 8x adjustable driver's seat, full leather upholstery, traction control and a parking aid at the rear.
Engine: Transversally installed smooth-running power plants plus new automatic transmission
Initially, the front-wheel drive Epica will be powered by one of two six-cylinder gasoline engines with displacements of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. The transversally mounted in-line engines run outstandingly smoothly. It is all down to the construction: The crankshaft drive has perfect mass balance, which means that - unlike in a V-arrangement - neither free forces of inertia nor moments of inertia send annoying vibrations to the drive train.
Just as impressive as the smoothness of the 142 hp and 157 hp six-cylinder engines is their acceleration. They take the Epica from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 and 10.1 sec respectively*. The 2.0-litre engine is delivered as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the top model comes complete with a new five-speed automatic transmission that is also available as an option for the smaller engine. The MVEG combined fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre six-cylinder version is 9.0 l per 100 km, with automatic transmission 9.5 l.
In early 2007, Chevrolet will add the option of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel to its list of engines. This power plant has been developed jointly by GM Daewoo and GM Powertrain. It generates 150 hp and develops its maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2,000 rpm. A particle filter will also be available.
Between 2003 and 2005, over 10,000 Evandas (Epica's predecessor) were registered on the European market (including Russia and Ukraine). Chevrolet's European boss, Wayne Brannon: "The new Epica, with its European design and its unique range of in-line six-cylinder engines, certainly has what it takes to significantly exceed this figure."
article source : http://www.worldcarfans.com/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hawk Concept Car
Introducing the Hawk, a seriously cool concept car. It's powered by a Honda RC51 V-twin 999cc engine with a redline of 10,000rpm, 120RWhp and a theoretical top speed of 233 kilometers per hour.
It has 19 inch lightweight allow wheels with twin rear and front disc brakes. At the outside, it has a fiberglass outer shell and alloy chassis to get the aerodynamics needed to achieve the level of performance you expect from a roadbike with the comfort of a car. Internally you will see a combination of molded plastic and leather trim and digital dials.
New Zealander Alex Hodge is behind this cool concept. Here is Alex showing off this design:
It has 19 inch lightweight allow wheels with twin rear and front disc brakes. At the outside, it has a fiberglass outer shell and alloy chassis to get the aerodynamics needed to achieve the level of performance you expect from a roadbike with the comfort of a car. Internally you will see a combination of molded plastic and leather trim and digital dials.
New Zealander Alex Hodge is behind this cool concept. Here is Alex showing off this design:
Hawk Concept Car
Introducing the Hawk, a seriously cool concept car. It's powered by a Honda RC51 V-twin 999cc engine with a redline of 10,000rpm, 120RWhp and a theoretical top speed of 233 kilometers per hour.
It has 19 inch lightweight allow wheels with twin rear and front disc brakes. At the outside, it has a fiberglass outer shell and alloy chassis to get the aerodynamics needed to achieve the level of performance you expect from a roadbike with the comfort of a car. Internally you will see a combination of molded plastic and leather trim and digital dials.
New Zealander Alex Hodge is behind this cool concept. Here is Alex showing off this design:
It has 19 inch lightweight allow wheels with twin rear and front disc brakes. At the outside, it has a fiberglass outer shell and alloy chassis to get the aerodynamics needed to achieve the level of performance you expect from a roadbike with the comfort of a car. Internally you will see a combination of molded plastic and leather trim and digital dials.
New Zealander Alex Hodge is behind this cool concept. Here is Alex showing off this design:
Nissan Maxima - Monster Car
Check out this for a cool car! This is the Nissan Maxima and has a two-part hood, BMW 7-Series fascia, BMW M3-like front bumper, Lamborghini style front scissor doors, gullwing rear doors, and a Supra-like rear wing.
Nissan Maxima - Monster Car
Check out this for a cool car! This is the Nissan Maxima and has a two-part hood, BMW 7-Series fascia, BMW M3-like front bumper, Lamborghini style front scissor doors, gullwing rear doors, and a Supra-like rear wing.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Pictures
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid – the first General Motors vehicle to use the company’s all-new two-mode hybrid system – has been named Green Car Journal’s 2008 Green Car of the Year®. The award was presented at a press conference this morning at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
“This is a milestone in many respects,” says Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan. “People don’t think ‘green’ when SUVs are concerned, and for generally good reason since SUVs often get poor fuel economy compared to most other vehicles. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Hybrid changes this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent compared to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8.”
According to the EPA’s 2008 estimated fuel economy ratings, Chevrolet’s achievement is even more apparent during city driving where a large percentage of SUVs spend their time every day. In this environment, the 6.0-liter two-mode hybrid Tahoe achieves 50 percent better fuel economy than a Tahoe powered by a standard 5.3-liter V-8. What’s equally eye-opening is that the Tahoe’s 21 mpg city fuel efficiency rating is the same as that of the city EPA rating for the four-cylinder Toyota Camry sedan.
"We're thrilled to receive this recognition from Green Car Journal for our Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid,” says Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We've felt that the Tahoe Hybrid represents the best of both worlds – the great utility you'd expect from a Tahoe with fuel economy on par with today's mid-size cars. It's satisfying to receive this validation from such an authority on environmentally-friendly vehicles."
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was selected in a majority vote by a jury of high-profile environmental and industry leaders, along with four Green Car Journal editors. Invited jurors this year included Carroll Shelby, Jay Leno, Carl Pope (Sierra Club), Christopher Flavin (Worldwatch Institute), Jonathan Lash (World Resources Institute), and Jean-Michel Cousteau (Ocean Futures Society).
"GM promised they would use hybrid technology, and use it where it would make the most difference – on their biggest vehicles. They have delivered with the Chevy Tahoe,” says Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, pointing out that this vehicle ends the argument that efficiency and vehicle choice are incompatible. He adds that automakers should now make their entire fleets fuel efficient as fast as they can retool.
The Tahoe Hybrid is the industry’s first application of hybrid technology in a full-size SUV. While a few vehicles with V-6 and V-8 engines are offered with hybrid options, most hybrid technology is incorporated into mid-size or smaller vehicles with four-cylinder engines because this is where big fuel economy gains are most readily achieved. It’s a different challenge to achieve meaningful mpg increases on large vehicles of greater weight where substantial cargo hauling and towing may be needed, and larger engines are required for the job. For instance, the Tahoe Hybrid features seating for up to eight passengers, a 60 cubic foot cargo volume with the second and third row seats folded, the ability to carry up to 1400 pounds of cargo, and a tow rating of up to 6,200 pounds.
“The importance of GM’s accomplishment can’t be overstated,” says Cogan. “For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers because of their functionality, making them the number one class of vehicle on the market. The problem has been obvious: With larger vehicles generally comes poorer fuel economy because of greater size and curb weight. An ‘equalizer’ has been needed…and the two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe is clearly that equalizer.”
Along with the Tahoe Hybrid, the jury considered 2008 Green Car of the Year nominees including the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Saturn Aura Hybrid. Dozens of 2008 model year vehicles using all technologies and fuels were considered by the Green Car Journal staff in narrowing down the field to five nominees.
Along with their considerable achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance, each of those making the final cut had to meet the requirement of being on sale and widely available to the public by Jan. 1, 2008. “Newness” was also a factor in the nomination process, with nominees ideally in the earlier phases of their production cycle rather than near the end. Other factors that weigh in on the decision making include production volume and the likelihood of a candidate vehicle’s environmentally-focused technologies leading to further implementation in other vehicles.
source 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
“This is a milestone in many respects,” says Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan. “People don’t think ‘green’ when SUVs are concerned, and for generally good reason since SUVs often get poor fuel economy compared to most other vehicles. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Hybrid changes this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent compared to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8.”
According to the EPA’s 2008 estimated fuel economy ratings, Chevrolet’s achievement is even more apparent during city driving where a large percentage of SUVs spend their time every day. In this environment, the 6.0-liter two-mode hybrid Tahoe achieves 50 percent better fuel economy than a Tahoe powered by a standard 5.3-liter V-8. What’s equally eye-opening is that the Tahoe’s 21 mpg city fuel efficiency rating is the same as that of the city EPA rating for the four-cylinder Toyota Camry sedan.
"We're thrilled to receive this recognition from Green Car Journal for our Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid,” says Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We've felt that the Tahoe Hybrid represents the best of both worlds – the great utility you'd expect from a Tahoe with fuel economy on par with today's mid-size cars. It's satisfying to receive this validation from such an authority on environmentally-friendly vehicles."
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was selected in a majority vote by a jury of high-profile environmental and industry leaders, along with four Green Car Journal editors. Invited jurors this year included Carroll Shelby, Jay Leno, Carl Pope (Sierra Club), Christopher Flavin (Worldwatch Institute), Jonathan Lash (World Resources Institute), and Jean-Michel Cousteau (Ocean Futures Society).
"GM promised they would use hybrid technology, and use it where it would make the most difference – on their biggest vehicles. They have delivered with the Chevy Tahoe,” says Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, pointing out that this vehicle ends the argument that efficiency and vehicle choice are incompatible. He adds that automakers should now make their entire fleets fuel efficient as fast as they can retool.
The Tahoe Hybrid is the industry’s first application of hybrid technology in a full-size SUV. While a few vehicles with V-6 and V-8 engines are offered with hybrid options, most hybrid technology is incorporated into mid-size or smaller vehicles with four-cylinder engines because this is where big fuel economy gains are most readily achieved. It’s a different challenge to achieve meaningful mpg increases on large vehicles of greater weight where substantial cargo hauling and towing may be needed, and larger engines are required for the job. For instance, the Tahoe Hybrid features seating for up to eight passengers, a 60 cubic foot cargo volume with the second and third row seats folded, the ability to carry up to 1400 pounds of cargo, and a tow rating of up to 6,200 pounds.
“The importance of GM’s accomplishment can’t be overstated,” says Cogan. “For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers because of their functionality, making them the number one class of vehicle on the market. The problem has been obvious: With larger vehicles generally comes poorer fuel economy because of greater size and curb weight. An ‘equalizer’ has been needed…and the two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe is clearly that equalizer.”
Along with the Tahoe Hybrid, the jury considered 2008 Green Car of the Year nominees including the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Saturn Aura Hybrid. Dozens of 2008 model year vehicles using all technologies and fuels were considered by the Green Car Journal staff in narrowing down the field to five nominees.
Along with their considerable achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance, each of those making the final cut had to meet the requirement of being on sale and widely available to the public by Jan. 1, 2008. “Newness” was also a factor in the nomination process, with nominees ideally in the earlier phases of their production cycle rather than near the end. Other factors that weigh in on the decision making include production volume and the likelihood of a candidate vehicle’s environmentally-focused technologies leading to further implementation in other vehicles.
source 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Toyota Sells Millionth Hybrid Pictures
June 7, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the one-millionth hybrid sale today by parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. Of the one million hybrid sales worldwide, more than half have been sold in the United States — 541,210 units from 2000 through April 2007.
June 7, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the one-millionth hybrid sale today by parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. Of the one million hybrid sales worldwide, more than half have been sold in the United States — 541,210 units from 2000 through April 2007.
“The cost benefit of hybrids is becoming more apparent with climbing gas prices,” said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. “We anticipate combined sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids of a quarter million units in the U.S. during calendar year 2007.”
Despite earlier concerns that decreased tax credits from the IRS would dampen hybrid demand, Toyota continues to post record hybrid sales. Calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales for TMS totaled 119,154 units, an increase of 75 percent over the same period last year.
In May, TMS posted sales of 36,101 hybrid vehicles, up 102 percent over last May. Toyota Division posted sales of 34,174 hybrids, up 121 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,927 hybrids.
As consumers begin the summer driving season, the broad benefits of hybrid technology reveal discernible cost-savings with strong sales of Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Prius.
Aside from the gas-savings to hybrid owners, the significant reduction in tailpipe emissions, as well as the reduction in foreign oil dependence, has been a factor among many buyers who say they are concerned about the environment. According to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), hybrid vehicles have saved close to 215 million gallons, or 5.1 million barrels, of fuel in the U.S. since their introduction in 1999. As the market share leader in the hybrid segment, Toyota accounted for 66 percent of all hybrids sold in America during that period.
Additionally, Toyota has calculated that global sales of hybrid vehicles have greatly contributed to reductions in CO2 emissions. Since the introduction of Toyota’s first hybrid in 1997, approximately 3.5 million fewer tons of CO2 were emitted when comparing emissions from gas-powered vehicles to hybrids of the same class.
Also significant to buyers who may base their next purchase on environmental priorities are the results of recent lifecycle assessment studies of hybrid vehicles. A variety of studies, including one from the Argonne National Laboratory, have concluded that the total lifetime energy use of hybrid vehicles—from development, through production, through on-highway use, to end-of-life recycling and landfill—is significantly lower than conventional vehicles.
Prius was launched in the Japan domestic market in 1997, and in the U.S. market as a 2001-model in 2000. In 2005, the Highlander Hybrid SUV debuted as a model year 2006. For the first time, the Toyota Camry added a hybrid option for model year 2007.
In 2005 Lexus entered the hybrid fold with the launch of the world’s first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h luxury sport utility vehicle. Powered by its Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the RX 400h is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 and two electric motor generators, delivering an impressive 268 total system horsepower while rated an EPA estimate of 32 miles-per-gallon during city driving. The new hybrid luxury SUV has proved popular with environmentally-conscious luxury buyers as the RX 400h has made up nearly 20 percent of all RX sales since it launched.
Lexus continued its venture into hybrids in 2006 with the launch of the GS 450h performance luxury sedan. The GS450h gave further proof that hybrid technology could be used in many different types of vehicles.
The Lexus commitment to hybrid technology continues with the launch of the all-new 2008 LS 600h L premium luxury hybrid sedan when it goes on sale this summer.
Article by. Joel in http://www.thecarblog.com/
June 7, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the one-millionth hybrid sale today by parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. Of the one million hybrid sales worldwide, more than half have been sold in the United States — 541,210 units from 2000 through April 2007.
“The cost benefit of hybrids is becoming more apparent with climbing gas prices,” said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. “We anticipate combined sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids of a quarter million units in the U.S. during calendar year 2007.”
Despite earlier concerns that decreased tax credits from the IRS would dampen hybrid demand, Toyota continues to post record hybrid sales. Calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales for TMS totaled 119,154 units, an increase of 75 percent over the same period last year.
In May, TMS posted sales of 36,101 hybrid vehicles, up 102 percent over last May. Toyota Division posted sales of 34,174 hybrids, up 121 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,927 hybrids.
As consumers begin the summer driving season, the broad benefits of hybrid technology reveal discernible cost-savings with strong sales of Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Prius.
Aside from the gas-savings to hybrid owners, the significant reduction in tailpipe emissions, as well as the reduction in foreign oil dependence, has been a factor among many buyers who say they are concerned about the environment. According to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), hybrid vehicles have saved close to 215 million gallons, or 5.1 million barrels, of fuel in the U.S. since their introduction in 1999. As the market share leader in the hybrid segment, Toyota accounted for 66 percent of all hybrids sold in America during that period.
Additionally, Toyota has calculated that global sales of hybrid vehicles have greatly contributed to reductions in CO2 emissions. Since the introduction of Toyota’s first hybrid in 1997, approximately 3.5 million fewer tons of CO2 were emitted when comparing emissions from gas-powered vehicles to hybrids of the same class.
Also significant to buyers who may base their next purchase on environmental priorities are the results of recent lifecycle assessment studies of hybrid vehicles. A variety of studies, including one from the Argonne National Laboratory, have concluded that the total lifetime energy use of hybrid vehicles—from development, through production, through on-highway use, to end-of-life recycling and landfill—is significantly lower than conventional vehicles.
Prius was launched in the Japan domestic market in 1997, and in the U.S. market as a 2001-model in 2000. In 2005, the Highlander Hybrid SUV debuted as a model year 2006. For the first time, the Toyota Camry added a hybrid option for model year 2007.
In 2005 Lexus entered the hybrid fold with the launch of the world’s first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h luxury sport utility vehicle. Powered by its Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the RX 400h is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 and two electric motor generators, delivering an impressive 268 total system horsepower while rated an EPA estimate of 32 miles-per-gallon during city driving. The new hybrid luxury SUV has proved popular with environmentally-conscious luxury buyers as the RX 400h has made up nearly 20 percent of all RX sales since it launched.
Lexus continued its venture into hybrids in 2006 with the launch of the GS 450h performance luxury sedan. The GS450h gave further proof that hybrid technology could be used in many different types of vehicles.
The Lexus commitment to hybrid technology continues with the launch of the all-new 2008 LS 600h L premium luxury hybrid sedan when it goes on sale this summer.
Article by. Joel in http://www.thecarblog.com/
Friday, April 3, 2009
2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro Road Test
A bigger stick for the soft-spoken supercar, and a price to match.
By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars.
The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4.
Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.
We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg.
Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.
With the help of launch control, a first for the R8’s manual transmission, we managed the 0-to-60 dash in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph.
That’s a full second quicker in the quarter-mile than we recorded in a manual-transmission V-8 R8 and dead even with a Porsche 911 GT2. This was measured in a down-and-dirty test run during a preview drive in Spain.
Lamborghini owners need not fret that this R8 will steal the Gallardo’s thunder, as the V-10 R8’s numbers are quite a few ticks behind those of the automated-manual LP560-4 we tested in February.
A more formal test with the paddle-shifted transmission should improve our times, but still, we don’t see a lot of cross-shopping between these corporate cousins.
The Lamborghini is a car for extroverts—loud, brash, in your face. The Audi is more of a speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick car. The exhaust—quiet during relaxed driving and escalating in volume above 4000 rpm—never fully intrudes on the serenity in the cockpit until you approach the 8700-rpm redline (700 more than the V-8’s and 200 higher than the Lambo’s).
The extra oomph is obvious as soon as the R8 5.2 starts moving, but the power increase hasn’t upset the R8’s user-friendliness and neutral handling. Easy driving is still the name of the game; both models have graceful manners even when driven hard around a track.
Visual differences between V-8 and V-10 R8s are slight. The V-10 model has wider intakes behind the doors, which sit atop wider body sills. In front and back, the black accents are glossy instead of flat, and there are two crossbraces to the air intake rather than three.
The V-10 R8’s exhaust tips are larger and oval-shaped, and this model also sports standard LED lighting, previously an option. The seats, a carry-over from the V-8 model, had us at times wishing for more lateral support.
We’re pleased the R8’s optional ceramic brakes might make it to North America. They’re strong, completely free of fade, and—unlike the on-off brakes in the Gallardo—can actually be modulated for smooth driving.
Audi won’t pinpoint when the V-10 R8 will go on sale or what it will cost. We’ll bet on late this year at the earliest, with a premium of maybe $45,000 over the V-8 R8’s $117,500 base price.
By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars.
The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4.
Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.
We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg.
Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.
With the help of launch control, a first for the R8’s manual transmission, we managed the 0-to-60 dash in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph.
That’s a full second quicker in the quarter-mile than we recorded in a manual-transmission V-8 R8 and dead even with a Porsche 911 GT2. This was measured in a down-and-dirty test run during a preview drive in Spain.
Lamborghini owners need not fret that this R8 will steal the Gallardo’s thunder, as the V-10 R8’s numbers are quite a few ticks behind those of the automated-manual LP560-4 we tested in February.
A more formal test with the paddle-shifted transmission should improve our times, but still, we don’t see a lot of cross-shopping between these corporate cousins.
The Lamborghini is a car for extroverts—loud, brash, in your face. The Audi is more of a speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick car. The exhaust—quiet during relaxed driving and escalating in volume above 4000 rpm—never fully intrudes on the serenity in the cockpit until you approach the 8700-rpm redline (700 more than the V-8’s and 200 higher than the Lambo’s).
The extra oomph is obvious as soon as the R8 5.2 starts moving, but the power increase hasn’t upset the R8’s user-friendliness and neutral handling. Easy driving is still the name of the game; both models have graceful manners even when driven hard around a track.
Visual differences between V-8 and V-10 R8s are slight. The V-10 model has wider intakes behind the doors, which sit atop wider body sills. In front and back, the black accents are glossy instead of flat, and there are two crossbraces to the air intake rather than three.
The V-10 R8’s exhaust tips are larger and oval-shaped, and this model also sports standard LED lighting, previously an option. The seats, a carry-over from the V-8 model, had us at times wishing for more lateral support.
We’re pleased the R8’s optional ceramic brakes might make it to North America. They’re strong, completely free of fade, and—unlike the on-off brakes in the Gallardo—can actually be modulated for smooth driving.
Audi won’t pinpoint when the V-10 R8 will go on sale or what it will cost. We’ll bet on late this year at the earliest, with a premium of maybe $45,000 over the V-8 R8’s $117,500 base price.
凯雷德Hybrid惊现国内
凯迪拉克凯雷德Hybrid，作为当今全球汽车混合动力技术最高成就的代表，自去年北京车展首度亮相后就一直备受各界关注，而关于这款车何时在国内上市的各种传言也显示了广大车迷们对它的期待心理。
近日随着上海车展的日益临近，一款白色凯雷德Hybrid惊现国内某片场，这似乎预示着Hybrid技术加身的凯雷德混合动力版已经离中国消费者越来越近了。
谍照显示，这款Hybrid车型除了车身标有明显的“Hybrid”字样之外，外观上与在售普通版凯雷德没有太大差异。凯雷德Hybrid搭载6.0升V8发动机，并且还搭载一个先进的电控变速系统（EVT）和一个安装在车体中部的扁平化的300伏镍金属氢化物电池组。动力方面，最大功率达332马力，最大扭矩可达497N·m。
在高速巡航的状态下，该发动机能够关闭一半的汽缸运作，而在低速时，除了可使用电动马达来驱动之外，也能够以四缸模式实现经济运转。这款混合动力车型的耗油量比传统的大型SUV节省50％之多，甚至低于市面上普通六缸轿车的油耗，加一次油可以比普通款SUV增加一倍的续航里程。
『现款凯雷德』
谍照里露面的这辆凯雷德极有可能是将在4月的上海车展上亮相的实车，而此次凯雷德Hybrid在国内的第二次亮相。更多消息我们将继续关注，为您及时报道。
近日随着上海车展的日益临近，一款白色凯雷德Hybrid惊现国内某片场，这似乎预示着Hybrid技术加身的凯雷德混合动力版已经离中国消费者越来越近了。
谍照显示，这款Hybrid车型除了车身标有明显的“Hybrid”字样之外，外观上与在售普通版凯雷德没有太大差异。凯雷德Hybrid搭载6.0升V8发动机，并且还搭载一个先进的电控变速系统（EVT）和一个安装在车体中部的扁平化的300伏镍金属氢化物电池组。动力方面，最大功率达332马力，最大扭矩可达497N·m。
在高速巡航的状态下，该发动机能够关闭一半的汽缸运作，而在低速时，除了可使用电动马达来驱动之外，也能够以四缸模式实现经济运转。这款混合动力车型的耗油量比传统的大型SUV节省50％之多，甚至低于市面上普通六缸轿车的油耗，加一次油可以比普通款SUV增加一倍的续航里程。
『现款凯雷德』
谍照里露面的这辆凯雷德极有可能是将在4月的上海车展上亮相的实车，而此次凯雷德Hybrid在国内的第二次亮相。更多消息我们将继续关注，为您及时报道。
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