Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

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mercedes-benz-bluezero-conceptMercedes-Benz has just released a couple of more photos of their Concept BlueZERO, which many say is most likely a preview of what the next generation B-Class will look like.

But like the name indicates, the BlueZERO is not just a showcase of future production models. The 4220 x 1890 x 1590mm vehicle uses a sandwich floor construction, much like the current A-Class and B-Class, but it’s been modified a little to accomodate electric drive. There are three versions of the Concept BlueZERO but with one commonality, all are front wheel drive
with an electric motor at the front axle.

With the BlueZERO E-CELL, two lithium ion battery packs (liquid cooled 35kWh capacity battery) are placed in the sandwich floor behind the electric motor. The other two variants are the BlueZERO F-CELL which is fuel-cell-powered with a battery and hydrogen tank in the sandwich floor.

Finally there is the E-CELL PLUS which is a range extender electric car, with some form of combustion engine used to recharge the batteries, like the Chevy Volt. Right now the proposed combustion engine is an inline-3 turbocharged petrol engine from the smart fortwo, producing 50kW.

Audi R8 by MTM – The Incredible Hulk

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Customers who want to avoid that their neighbours suddenly shows up with the same car, are now given a guarantee by MTM that this will certainly not happen. The new programme MTM individual meets all customer wishes and creates a unique automobile. Therefore, MTM allows an individualisation of the car, as far as the ideas of the customer reach. Nothing can top this exclusivity.
Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM) now shows what the individualisation programme offers. Following customer requirements, the automobile manufacturer from the Upper Bavarian town Wettstetten has modified the Audi R8 to such an extent that a unique sports machine has been created and there is no second car like that.
The most striking novelty of the middle-engine super sports car with the aluminium body is the garish green paint. “Porsche 2D8“ is the exact name of this brash colour which became famous on the Porsche GT3. With this work, MTM confirms its love for details. As apart from the large-scale paint of the aluminium body, the internationally successful car refiner also painted areas in the engine compartment and has left further accents all over the car. Therefore, not only the colouring is unique, but also the manufacture.
On all four black brake callipers and on the black fuel cap, there is a green “R8” nameplate. The ultra-light MTM Bimoto light alloy wheels measuring 9×20 and 11×20 inches in glossy black, show the green nameplate “MTM forged” on one spoke per wheel and therefore refer to the high-quality forged technology of the rim. In the interior, the exciting car colour repeats at the seams of the suede MTM steering wheel and the “Quattro” nameplate on the glove department flap. Also, the “R8” logo on the gear-shift shines in green.
But the striking colour does not reduce MTM´s own stylishness. Therefore, Motoren Technik Mayer sticks to the characteristic two-colour paint which is typical for the Audi R8. Behind the doors an area measuring 12 inches and painted in glossy black renders a contrast and gives the car a distinctive R8-appearance.
MTM-Compressor confers the V8-engine with 560 hp
And MTM would not be MTM when they settled with a new paint. Therefore, they also offer a significant performance enhancement. The especially developed compressor technology which made MTM famous all over the world, propels the performance of the V8-engine with 4.2 litres cubic capacity from 420 hp (313 kW) by a third up to breathtaking 560 hp (418 kW). Also the maximum torque increases by 34 percent from 430 to 580 Newton metres. MTM also offers this enormous power improvement for the Audi R8 with the V10-engine. By exchanging the motor electronics, the performance of the latter then increases from 520 hp (388 kW) to 560 hp (418 kW) as well.
The right sound is rendered by the new exhaust system with valve control which leads into four black ceramic-coated end pipes. Re-engineered side-blades which direct the airflow from behind the doors right into the middle engine provide the necessary air supply.
In order to transfer the newly gained power on the road, an extensive aerodynamics package renders the necessary downthrust. At the front, the splitter made of carbon fibre which is painted green on the top and matt black on the bottom thrusts the automobile on the tarmac. The side skirts and the rear diffuser, both also entirely made of green varnished carbon fibre hold the rear axle of this 4WD automobile on the road. Therefore, the MTM R8 achieves top speeds on the race track. In order to avoid hitting the ground on road bumps or garage exits, MTM added its Lift-up-System. This optionally elevates the front- or rear axle by 40 millimetres and enables the driver to master all everyday chicanes.
With the Audi R8 makeover, the world-wide renowned automobile manufacturer confirms that there are no limits to individual cars from MTM. This leads to exclusive automobiles in the highest production quality, precisely designed according to the wishes of the customer.
For more information about the extensive individualisation programme by MTM and all about tuning and technology, please visit the web site www.MTM–online.de or do not hesitate to contact us +49(0)841/98188-88.

Customers who want to avoid that their neighbours suddenly shows up with the same car, are now given a guarantee by MTM that this will certainly not happen. The new programme MTM individual meets all customer wishes and creates a unique automobile. Therefore, MTM allows an individualisation of the car, as far as the ideas of the customer reach. Nothing can top this exclusivity.

Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM) now shows what the individualisation programme offers. Following customer requirements, the automobile manufacturer from the Upper Bavarian town Wettstetten has modified the Audi R8 to such an extent that a unique sports machine has been created and there is no second car like that.

The most striking novelty of the middle-engine super sports car with the aluminium body is the garish green paint. “Porsche 2D8“ is the exact name of this brash colour which became famous on the Porsche GT3. With this work, MTM confirms its love for details. As apart from the large-scale paint of the aluminium body, the internationally successful car refiner also painted areas in the engine compartment and has left further accents all over the car. Therefore, not only the colouring is unique, but also the manufacture.

On all four black brake callipers and on the black fuel cap, there is a green “R8” nameplate. The ultra-light MTM Bimoto light alloy wheels measuring 9×20 and 11×20 inches in glossy black, show the green nameplate “MTM forged” on one spoke per wheel and therefore refer to the high-quality forged technology of the rim. In the interior, the exciting car colour repeats at the seams of the suede MTM steering wheel and the “Quattro” nameplate on the glove department flap. Also, the “R8” logo on the gear-shift shines in green.

But the striking colour does not reduce MTM´s own stylishness. Therefore, Motoren Technik Mayer sticks to the characteristic two-colour paint which is typical for the Audi R8. Behind the doors an area measuring 12 inches and painted in glossy black renders a contrast and gives the car a distinctive R8-appearance.

MTM-Compressor confers the V8-engine with 560 hp

And MTM would not be MTM when they settled with a new paint. Therefore, they also offer a significant performance enhancement. The especially developed compressor technology which made MTM famous all over the world, propels the performance of the V8-engine with 4.2 litres cubic capacity from 420 hp (313 kW) by a third up to breathtaking 560 hp (418 kW). Also the maximum torque increases by 34 percent from 430 to 580 Newton metres. MTM also offers this enormous power improvement for the Audi R8 with the V10-engine. By exchanging the motor electronics, the performance of the latter then increases from 520 hp (388 kW) to 560 hp (418 kW) as well.

The right sound is rendered by the new exhaust system with valve control which leads into four black ceramic-coated end pipes. Re-engineered side-blades which direct the airflow from behind the doors right into the middle engine provide the necessary air supply.

In order to transfer the newly gained power on the road, an extensive aerodynamics package renders the necessary downthrust. At the front, the splitter made of carbon fibre which is painted green on the top and matt black on the bottom thrusts the automobile on the tarmac. The side skirts and the rear diffuser, both also entirely made of green varnished carbon fibre hold the rear axle of this 4WD automobile on the road. Therefore, the MTM R8 achieves top speeds on the race track. In order to avoid hitting the ground on road bumps or garage exits, MTM added its Lift-up-System. This optionally elevates the front- or rear axle by 40 millimetres and enables the driver to master all everyday chicanes.

With the Audi R8 makeover, the world-wide renowned automobile manufacturer confirms that there are no limits to individual cars from MTM. This leads to exclusive automobiles in the highest production quality, precisely designed according to the wishes of the customer.

For more information about the extensive individualisation programme by MTM and all about tuning and technology, please visit the web site www.MTM–online.de or do not hesitate to contact us +49(0)841/98188-88.

Audi A4 Allroad

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Styling/image
Take an SE-spec A4 quattro Avant and raise the ride height by 37millimetres, giving it just 20 millimetres less ground clearance than the more rugged Q5. Then add utilitarian plastic wheel arches and rugged bumpers and you have a car with all the road presence of an SUV, but the silhouette of an executive estate car.
Interior/practicality
The A4 allroad offers a beautifully built cabin, plus plenty of equipment. We particularly liked the dash mounted colour LCD screen and new eco driving display. Rear seats offer decent leg room, while the boot is spacious. 70:30 Split and fold seats are easy to operate.
Engine/performance
The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine offers 211bhp combined with low fuel consumption. 2.0 and punchy 2.7-litre diesel engines are also offered. Equipped with diesel particulate filters, all A4 engines already comply with the strict Euro 5 emissions standard, while the new 2.0-litre TDI also offers stop and start.
Driving experience
The allroad’s raised ride height allows the suspension more travel, making the ride a softer and more supple. Quite simply it’s the best riding A4 you can buy.
And when you turn off the roads and hit the tracks, the allroad doesn’t disgrace itself either. It’s no proper SUV, but the offroad ESP system, as featured in the Q5, works well at keeping you moving in slippy conditions and it won’t bottom out unless the terrain gets really tricky.
Ownership costs
A standard A4 Avant SE costs £26,000, whereas this 2.0-litre TDI allroad costs nearer the £30,000 mark. Audi also expects most customers add around £9,000 worth of options, so don’t expect much change from £40,000 when ordering flagship models… However slow depreciation and reasonable servicing costs mean cost of ownership is not as high as rivals.
Safety/environment
Based on the NCAP five star Audi A4, the allroad offers front, side and curtain airbags for all occupants. Add to that the car’s efficient diesel engines, and clean turbo petrol powerplants, and it’s easy to see why Audi says that this is the greenest way of going off road currently on offer.

Styling/image

Take an SE-spec A4 quattro Avant and raise the ride height by 37millimetres, giving it just 20 millimetres less ground clearance than the more rugged Q5. Then add utilitarian plastic wheel arches and rugged bumpers and you have a car with all the road presence of an SUV, but the silhouette of an executive estate car.

Interior/practicality

The A4 allroad offers a beautifully built cabin, plus plenty of equipment. We particularly liked the dash mounted colour LCD screen and new eco driving display. Rear seats offer decent leg room, while the boot is spacious. 70:30 Split and fold seats are easy to operate.

Engine/performance

The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine offers 211bhp combined with low fuel consumption. 2.0 and punchy 2.7-litre diesel engines are also offered. Equipped with diesel particulate filters, all A4 engines already comply with the strict Euro 5 emissions standard, while the new 2.0-litre TDI also offers stop and start.

Driving experience

The allroad’s raised ride height allows the suspension more travel, making the ride a softer and more supple. Quite simply it’s the best riding A4 you can buy.

And when you turn off the roads and hit the tracks, the allroad doesn’t disgrace itself either. It’s no proper SUV, but the offroad ESP system, as featured in the Q5, works well at keeping you moving in slippy conditions and it won’t bottom out unless the terrain gets really tricky.

Ownership costs

A standard A4 Avant SE costs £26,000, whereas this 2.0-litre TDI allroad costs nearer the £30,000 mark. Audi also expects most customers add around £9,000 worth of options, so don’t expect much change from £40,000 when ordering flagship models… However slow depreciation and reasonable servicing costs mean cost of ownership is not as high as rivals.

Safety/environment

Based on the NCAP five star Audi A4, the allroad offers front, side and curtain airbags for all occupants. Add to that the car’s efficient diesel engines, and clean turbo petrol powerplants, and it’s easy to see why Audi says that this is the greenest way of going off road currently on offer.

Audi E1

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mini-Audi11.bmp

IT’s the all-new Audi that claims to pick up where the original Mini left off! This is the E1 – an ultra-efficient city car from the German firm and a model which is being hailed as a spiritual successor to Alec Issigonis’ masterpiece.
Sharing its platform with VW’s forthcoming up!, the newcomer takes Audi firmly into new territory. It’s designed to sit below the Polo-based A1 – due next year – as the entry point into its model line-up, and is aimed at the likes of the new Fiat Topolino and MINI Spirit (revealed in Issue 1,056). Signifying the launch of a new wave of hi-tech Audis, the E1 goes on sale in 2011 and will be the first car from the company to wear the ‘E’ tag.
It will be closely followed by a full range of E-badged models over the next five years. And with a hybrid version of the A1 due shortly after the standard supermini’s 2010 launch, Audi is clearly readying itself for an assault on the eco-friendly small-car market.
However, despite its diminutive size, the E1 will remain a premium product that fits in with the brand. Although its proportions are reminiscent of those of the VW up!, the familiar mesh-styled grille, short overhangs and huge front badge make the electric three-door instantly recognisable as an Audi. Futuristic front and rear LED light clusters, large alloys and a sharply rising waistline that meets a neatly kicked-up C-pillar complete the E1’s look.
Inside, buyers can anticipate more of the same, with a cabin that boasts the usual premium levels of material quality but with a more creative design. As previewed on the A1, the E1 will get a development of Audi’s new mobile device – essentially a hand-held portable sat-nav, phone and MP3 player with touchscreen display. The gadget replaces the key and plugs into the centre console.
The E1 will be packaged similarly to Toyota’s iQ, which means customers can expect a 2+1 layout with plenty of room up front and enough space in the back for luggage or one small passenger.
A variety of engines will be offered, although the star of the show will be an electric powerplant. It incorporates lightweight lithium-polymer batteries and a punchy electric motor driving the front wheels.
So the small, agile car will be ideal for city motoring, delivering 0-60mph in around 10 seconds. And with a full charge providing enough energy to travel up to 100 miles helped by regenerative braking, the plug-in machine will have real all-round ability.
In addition to the electric variant, there will be petrol and diesel versions, using new 600cc two-cylinder turbo units. These will aim to offer sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and economy of 94mpg. A 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol is under consideration, too.
The E1 will be built at VW’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside the up! as well as Skoda and SEAT variants. Audi’s version will carry a price tag of around £12,000, which will pitch it against rivals such as Smart’s electric ForTwo and Fiat’s forthcoming hybrid 500.
The electric E1 will be eligible for a Government grant worth up to £5,000 which will be made available to all buyers of electric cars and hybrids from 2011.

IT’s the all-new Audi that claims to pick up where the original Mini left off! This is the E1 – an ultra-efficient city car from the German firm and a model which is being hailed as a spiritual successor to Alec Issigonis’ masterpiece.

Sharing its platform with VW’s forthcoming up!, the newcomer takes Audi firmly into new territory. It’s designed to sit below the Polo-based A1 – due next year – as the entry point into its model line-up, and is aimed at the likes of the new Fiat Topolino and MINI Spirit (revealed in Issue 1,056). Signifying the launch of a new wave of hi-tech Audis, the E1 goes on sale in 2011 and will be the first car from the company to wear the ‘E’ tag.

It will be closely followed by a full range of E-badged models over the next five years. And with a hybrid version of the A1 due shortly after the standard supermini’s 2010 launch, Audi is clearly readying itself for an assault on the eco-friendly small-car market.

However, despite its diminutive size, the E1 will remain a premium product that fits in with the brand. Although its proportions are reminiscent of those of the VW up!, the familiar mesh-styled grille, short overhangs and huge front badge make the electric three-door instantly recognisable as an Audi. Futuristic front and rear LED light clusters, large alloys and a sharply rising waistline that meets a neatly kicked-up C-pillar complete the E1’s look.

Inside, buyers can anticipate more of the same, with a cabin that boasts the usual premium levels of material quality but with a more creative design. As previewed on the A1, the E1 will get a development of Audi’s new mobile device – essentially a hand-held portable sat-nav, phone and MP3 player with touchscreen display. The gadget replaces the key and plugs into the centre console.

The E1 will be packaged similarly to Toyota’s iQ, which means customers can expect a 2+1 layout with plenty of room up front and enough space in the back for luggage or one small passenger.

A variety of engines will be offered, although the star of the show will be an electric powerplant. It incorporates lightweight lithium-polymer batteries and a punchy electric motor driving the front wheels.

So the small, agile car will be ideal for city motoring, delivering 0-60mph in around 10 seconds. And with a full charge providing enough energy to travel up to 100 miles helped by regenerative braking, the plug-in machine will have real all-round ability.

In addition to the electric variant, there will be petrol and diesel versions, using new 600cc two-cylinder turbo units. These will aim to offer sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and economy of 94mpg. A 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol is under consideration, too.

The E1 will be built at VW’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside the up! as well as Skoda and SEAT variants. Audi’s version will carry a price tag of around £12,000, which will pitch it against rivals such as Smart’s electric ForTwo and Fiat’s forthcoming hybrid 500.

The electric E1 will be eligible for a Government grant worth up to £5,000 which will be made available to all buyers of electric cars and hybrids from 2011.

New Technologies for Efficient Driving

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Audi is consistently pressing forward to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Starting in the second quarter of 2009, the modular efficiency platform will benefit from additional new technologies: The on-board computer with the efficiency program and the start-stop system will raise the efficiency and convenience of the Audi models to a new level. By 2012 the fuel consumption of the Audi model range should drop by 20 percent.
Audi’s modular efficiency platform combines reduced consumption with great driveability and outstanding sportiness. And now Audi is bringing two additional efficiency technologies up to the starting line: the start-stop system and the on-board computer with efficiency program. These complement the energy recovery system, which already belongs to the standard specification of many Audi models and feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration phases.
The start-stop system realizes its efficiency potential especially in urban traffic, significantly reducing consumption while relieving the driver: The system shuts down the engine once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever stands at idle and the driver releases the clutch pedal. Operating the clutch then starts up the engine again. The start-stop system is extremely quiet, convenient to operate, and fast: The engine returns to idle speed while the driver is shifting gears.
Audi combines the start-stop system with efficient battery technology and sophisticated energy management, to maintain functioning even at low temperatures. The system is inactive during the warm-up phase of the engine, so that the engine oil becomes warmer and the exhaust gas cleaning systems reach their operating temperature faster. The driver can also switch off the start-stop system at any time by pressing a button.
In the standardized driving cycle the start-stop system lowers fuel consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 km, and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by around 5 g/km. The new system is being used for the first time in the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with manual transmission and in the Audi A4 and A5 with two-liter engines and manual gearshift. Numerous other models will follow this year.
The second newcomer in the modular efficiency platform is the on-board computer with the efficiency program, an addition to the Audi Driver Information System. All consumption-related data appear in the center display, with recommendations for efficient driving – after all, up to 30 percent of fuel consumption depends on the individual driving style. The efficiency program continuously analyzes the energy consumption in the vehicle and gives the driver up-to-date tips for saving fuel, depending on the driving situation and driving style.
The newly designed gearshift indicator signals to the driver when to shift, for optimal fuel economy: A large and color-coded display indicates whether the right gear is engaged, or whether shifting would be practical for the sake of efficiency. Comfort features like air conditioning and seat heating also increase fuel consumption. A specially developed display in the efficiency program identifies the systems requiring extra energy and indicates their share in fuel consumption.
The energy recovery system already uses deceleration phases to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the car accelerates again, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the alternator and thereby save fuel. The energy recovery system is already standard equipment on the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with manual transmission, the Audi A4, A5 Coupé and A5 Cabriolet with two-liter engine and manual transmission, the A6 and the Audi Q5 and Q7.
From innovative powertrain technologies to highly efficient air conditioning, the goal of the modular efficiency platform is to improve the entire vehicle’s energy management. And Audi’s efficiency technologies are systematically geared to the driver’s needs.
The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Audi also employs a host of measures to minimize driving resistance and optimize aerodynamics. These benefits are made tangible for the driver by a range of innovative assistance systems, with the standard specification of many current Audi models already featuring numerous efficiency technologies such as the Audi valvelift system, high-efficiency transmission and tires with optimized rolling resistance.
By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20 percent compared with the 2007 level. The brand will then have further enhanced its sporty and progressive profile, for efficiency and sportiness are inextricably linked at Audi.

Audi is consistently pressing forward to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Starting in the second quarter of 2009, the modular efficiency platform will benefit from additional new technologies: The on-board computer with the efficiency program and the start-stop system will raise the efficiency and convenience of the Audi models to a new level. By 2012 the fuel consumption of the Audi model range should drop by 20 percent.

Audi’s modular efficiency platform combines reduced consumption with great driveability and outstanding sportiness. And now Audi is bringing two additional efficiency technologies up to the starting line: the start-stop system and the on-board computer with efficiency program. These complement the energy recovery system, which already belongs to the standard specification of many Audi models and feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration phases.

The start-stop system realizes its efficiency potential especially in urban traffic, significantly reducing consumption while relieving the driver: The system shuts down the engine once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever stands at idle and the driver releases the clutch pedal. Operating the clutch then starts up the engine again. The start-stop system is extremely quiet, convenient to operate, and fast: The engine returns to idle speed while the driver is shifting gears.

Audi combines the start-stop system with efficient battery technology and sophisticated energy management, to maintain functioning even at low temperatures. The system is inactive during the warm-up phase of the engine, so that the engine oil becomes warmer and the exhaust gas cleaning systems reach their operating temperature faster. The driver can also switch off the start-stop system at any time by pressing a button.

In the standardized driving cycle the start-stop system lowers fuel consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 km, and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by around 5 g/km. The new system is being used for the first time in the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with manual transmission and in the Audi A4 and A5 with two-liter engines and manual gearshift. Numerous other models will follow this year.

The second newcomer in the modular efficiency platform is the on-board computer with the efficiency program, an addition to the Audi Driver Information System. All consumption-related data appear in the center display, with recommendations for efficient driving – after all, up to 30 percent of fuel consumption depends on the individual driving style. The efficiency program continuously analyzes the energy consumption in the vehicle and gives the driver up-to-date tips for saving fuel, depending on the driving situation and driving style.

The newly designed gearshift indicator signals to the driver when to shift, for optimal fuel economy: A large and color-coded display indicates whether the right gear is engaged, or whether shifting would be practical for the sake of efficiency. Comfort features like air conditioning and seat heating also increase fuel consumption. A specially developed display in the efficiency program identifies the systems requiring extra energy and indicates their share in fuel consumption.

The energy recovery system already uses deceleration phases to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the car accelerates again, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the alternator and thereby save fuel. The energy recovery system is already standard equipment on the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with manual transmission, the Audi A4, A5 Coupé and A5 Cabriolet with two-liter engine and manual transmission, the A6 and the Audi Q5 and Q7.

From innovative powertrain technologies to highly efficient air conditioning, the goal of the modular efficiency platform is to improve the entire vehicle’s energy management. And Audi’s efficiency technologies are systematically geared to the driver’s needs.

The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Audi also employs a host of measures to minimize driving resistance and optimize aerodynamics. These benefits are made tangible for the driver by a range of innovative assistance systems, with the standard specification of many current Audi models already featuring numerous efficiency technologies such as the Audi valvelift system, high-efficiency transmission and tires with optimized rolling resistance.

By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20 percent compared with the 2007 level. The brand will then have further enhanced its sporty and progressive profile, for efficiency and sportiness are inextricably linked at Audi.