Challenge Bibendum: Audi’s E100-capable A5 can get to 25 mpg and 146 mph
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Audi, AutoblogGreen Exclusive
E100-capable Audi A5 prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery
When we saw an Audi A5 quattro with the words “Ethanol E100″ at the Challenge Bibendum in Rio de Janiero recently, we knew it was something unusual. It was so different, in fact, that it’s taken Audi PR until today to get back to us and tell us exactly what we were looking at.
it’s not that surprising that a car at a green transportation event in Brazil burns ethanol, but the fact that it can use nothing but the biofuel is a bit surprising. Audi does offer some flex-fuel models, most notably the A4 and A4 Avant in Germany, and has tested E85 in the A5 in the past, but this is the first modern E100 Audi vehicle that we know of. Here are some key numbers about the pure ethanol-burning A5:
- Engine 2.0 TFSI 132 kW (180 PS), 320 Newton-meters of torque
- Manual 6-gear quattro transmission
- 0-100 kilometers per hour in 6.9 seconds
- Top speed: 236 km/h (146 miles per hour)
- Weight: 1,310 kilograms
The car officially consume 9.9 liters per 100 km (24 mile per gallon U.S.) when running on ethanol, but drivers managed 9.5 l/100 km (25 mpg) on ethanol during the Michelin Chalenge Bibendum Rallye.
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Fisker Automotive gets “Stevie” award as most innovative company
Filed under: Fisker
Henrik Fisker gives an update on the Karma – Click above for high-res image gallery
The American Business Awards gave out its “Stevie” awards earlier this week and Fisker Automotive walked away with a statue as “Most Innovative Company of the Year – up to 100 employees.” Wondering what a Stevie award is? So did we. Apparently, the American Business Awards were established in 2002 following the Enron debacle to honor companies and try to reestablish confidence in business. Like many lesser-known award programs, companies enter themselves although the fees for the Stevies are a comparatively low $160 rather than the thousands that some programs charge.
Whether the awards have achieved the original goal is open to debate and Fisker is just one of dozens of companies recognized this year. While it would be good to see Fisker succeed, it’s not entirely clear what is especially innovative about the company. A small startup automaker partnering with suppliers to provide major sub-systems and components is a pattern that goes back to the early days of the industry. As for the idea of a luxury plug-in vehicle, Tesla started down that road even before Fisker, although it appears Fisker may get to the finish line first. Even the powertrain architecture is pretty similar to the Chevrolet Volt. Ultimately, all the awards in the world mean nothing; the proof is in the product pudding.
Gallery: LA 2009: Fisker Karma
Another Win for Car Dealerships
American auto dealerships had as tough a 2009 as anybody in the business. Their comeback in 2010 surpasses any success General Motors or Chrysler have had, though, courtesy of their collective lobbying clout on Capitol Hill. Early Friday morning, House and Senate finance committees passed a lending reform bill, largely along party lines, with passage by both chambers of Congress practically certain. It’s known as the Volker Rule, for the former Federal Reserve chairman who recommended it. While lenders face what President Obama describes as easier to understand lending agreements and protection against hidden fees and penalties for small borrowers, it doesn’t apply if the loan is for a new car or truck.
New cars have traditionally been the second-largest purchase for most Americans, after their homes. Considering the condition of the housing market, a new car or truck now must be number one for more and more families and individuals.
The White House and the Pentagon both wanted restrictions on “companies that offered and promoted auto loans,” according to The New York Times. Obviously, we’re talking mostly about lenders that contract with car dealers to offer you paper right on the spot. The pitch comes up after you’ve spent hours negotiating for a fair price, plus the half hour or so waiting for the sales manager to “approve” your salesperson’s final price, plus another hour arguing why you don’t want the dealer’s extended service warranty, rust-proofing, undercoating, aftermarket security system and mudguards or vinyl top.
By now, you just want to get out with “free” floor mats and a half-tank of fuel in your new car.
Walk in the dealership with your own credit union loan in hand, and you’ll get resistance, even attitude, from the dealership’s finance guy. Before you can grab the keys, he’ll make you sign for a loan that kicks in just in case your pre-approved loan isn’t approved.
Honda CR-Z pricing announced (U.S)
Honda has announced prices and specification information for the 2011 CR-Z sport coupe.
The CR-Z goes on sale 24th August and the hybrid coupe will be priced from $19,200 (excluding destination and handling charge of $750). The entry-level model is equipped with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system, automatic climate control, electric front windows, remote central locking w/keyless entry, steering-wheel paddle shifters (CVT only) and cruise control.
The range-topping EX comes in at an extra $1,560, and adds a 360 watt premium sound system (with 7 speakers and a subwoofer), Bluetooth connectivity, and leather steering wheel. At $22,560, the CR-Z EX with Navigation features all the aforementioned equipment as well as a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. Amazingly, UK cars come with bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running lights, panoramic glass sunroof and electric folding door mirrors, which all seem to be absent from U.S bound cars.
Under the bonnet, all CR-Z’s feature a 1.5 litre petrol engine with 122bhp (124PS) and 174Nm (128 lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which costs an extra $650.
eBay Find of the Day: Toyota MR2 dressed up as Gumpert Apollo
Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Toyota, Specialty
Gumpert Apollo Replica, and yes, we use that term loosely – Click above for image gallery
Ever seen a Salet S5 Turbo Concept Car? Well, you have now. And it’s actually more of a rebodied Toyota MR2 than anything else, designed and built to look something like a Gumpert Apollo. And you thought that such kit cars would end as the world’s supply of unmolested Pontiac Fieros dried up? Don’t be so sure.
According to the seller (yep, this sucker is available on eBay), a Toyota MR2 frame was utilized, “along with the modern conveniences of airbags, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, exhaust and suspension.” No, we don’t consider exhaust and suspension modern conveniences, either. But we digress…
Supposedly, the massaged 2.0-liter Twin Cam engine from the donor Toyota has been dyno’d at 255 rear-wheel horsepower thanks to the large aftermarket turbocharger. Crank it all the way up to 19 pounds of boost and you’re at 303 horses. Not bad, but still a far cry from the 650-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in its supercar inspiration.
In any case, feel free to browse our image gallery below, and click here if you’ve got itchy bidding fingers.
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- ebay toyota mr 2
- ebay Toyota MRS
BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading
Filed under: Etc., Technology, BMW
BMW ConnectedDrive has been upgraded, turning the automaker’s vehicles into the world’s best four-wheeled email client. Beginning this autumn, iDrive will be able to connect to BlackBerry phones via Bluetooth and iDrive will be able to display email on its LCD screen. A voice output function is an optional add-on, giving your Bimmer the ability to reads your messages to you. The email functionality bolsters the office functions already included in BMW ConnectedDrive that allows compatible smartphones to pass calendars, text messages and even music player functions to the iDrive system in BMW vehicles.
The first BlackBerry phone that supports ConnectedDrive email is the Pearl 3G, though more will become compatible soon. The key to it all is Bluetooth, which expands the communication and entertainment capabilities of the iDrive system while also enhancing safety by reducing distraction. All BMWs equipped with the Professional navigation option can add the email function once it officially hits showrooms this fall. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: BMW]
Continue reading BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading
BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
GM marketing chief Ewanick moving Cadillac ad account
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM
Cadillac CTS-V commercial – Click above to watch video after the jump
Remember those Cadillac commercials from a couple months back? Well, General Motors’ marketing VP Joel Ewanick, who took the job just 30 days ago, apparently didn’t think too much of them. That’s why Ad Age is reporting the Cadillac ad account will be taken away from Bartle Bogle Hegarty, who won the account in January and created those recently aired commercials. The move follows the transfer of Chevrolet’s ad account from Publicis to Goodby, Silverstein & Partners last month.
Ewanick is said to be unhappy with the tag line “Mark of Leadership.” Perhaps he can use our own Jonny Lieberman’s line, created with the help of the wreath-and-crest itself: “Audacity in Motion.” Regardless, with all this sound and fury, whatever they eventually come up with better be good. Have a look at the commercial after the jump for one of those deemed not good enough.
[Source: Ad Age]
Continue reading GM marketing chief Ewanick moving Cadillac ad account
GM marketing chief Ewanick moving Cadillac ad account originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
