Audi unveils the 2012 SQ5
Audi has unveiled the first of its sporty production SUVs in the shape of the diesel-powered SQ5.
The new SUV is the first TDI-powered “S” model in the history of the Audi brand. The 3.0-litre BiTDI engine powering the SQ5 TDI produces a 230kW and 650Nm of torque between 1450 and 2800rpm. The SUV can reach 0 -100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
The body is lowered by 30mm due to sport suspension. The standard 20-inch wheels (or 21-inch optional), feature a five parallel-spoke design and are fitted with 255/45 tyres.
Other exterior features include flared air intakes, silver exterior mirrors, painted brake callipers and quad exhausts.
As the for interior, it sports a predominantly black finish with lunar silver as an available option for the headlining. The power-adjustable sport seats are leather-upholstered as standard, with brushed aluminium inlays with a variety of colours to choose from. S badging also adorns the dials, seats and sills, steering wheel and start button.
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Vorsteiner Limited Edition GTRS5 Tuning Program
To commemorate the retiring of the E92 M3, Vorsteiner introduces the next generation of GTRS series widebody conversions. The GTRS5 commands attention with its presence on the road or track. Its unmistakable race car stance is true to the heritage of the GTRS3 but has its own distinct characteristics.
Perfection is in the detail which is the reason for the redesigned front and rear bumper covers. The new styling enhancements give the GTRS5 a more aggressive look but more importantly it adds to the functionality and performance. The front bumper is designed with additional vertical vents to allow for improved airflow.
The rear bumper cover integrated diffuser features slightly longer aero fins to assist in creating additional downforce. Along either side of the rear bumper is the vertical vents with carbon fiber inserts. More than just a beauty piece, the design change is to enhance performance by increasing air flow and reduce drag.
The alluring mystique of the GTRS5 is it will be a limited production of 40 worldwide and is currently available.
IND updates the M3 “Green Hell”
Words and Photos by IND
It has been said that with distance comes clarity and focus. Without leaving the planet, our client has traveled one of the greatest distances from our shop that a person can manage: Australia. A total of 9,000 miles and up to two years’ time lie between him and his car, the infamous Green Hell project. IND has been tasked with the responsibility of storing and maintaining Green Hell while it’s owner is taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime in the land Down Under. We are honored and fortunate to be able to take care of such an iconic creation.
With this responsibility came also the opportunity to perform a bit of cosmetic adjustment. Because Green Hell is in a somewhat permanent storage, IND is able to make changes to the car at will and add components from our in stock inventory. Not only were we given free reign to change a few major components, these modifications were carried out without our client’s specific knowledge of which parts were installed. You are discovering our changes at the very same moment he is!
With alacrity and excitement we set to work. It quickly became apparent that a streamlined yet functional approach was essential, and with that focal point in mind, we realized only one rear wing could replace the recognizably massive M24 unit, and that was RKP’s lightweight carbon fiber GTS wing painted in a matte black finish. Carefully paired with this on the front end is an RKP GT4 front lip, also laid in highly polished bare carbon fiber. To finish off the appearance, a set of Volk Racing TE37 SL wheels in the pressed graphite finish and color-matched green decals were installed.
The finished effect is a noticeable and striking study in contrast. While Green Hell still screams aggression, both visually and aurally, the lines and extensions seem to be pulled back into a taut, poised creature with intent to strike. Motorsport and competition still dominate the thematic structure, however tasteful restraint is quite obviously the order of the day. Something about the way the M3 squats over the TE37 SLs and hugs the ground with its new carbon aero components inspires a picture of speed and competence. Every one of us is overcome with pride, and while the internals remain intact for now, something tells us we have not seen the last of this car’s never-ending evolution.
You Never Know What Might Come Your Way on Russian Roads…
There are so many weird things being recorded on film on Russian roads these days that sometimes, we just have to bundle several related videos together in one post.
Today’s trio of clips can be simply classified under the “bizarre encounters” file. Though somewhat blurred, we would say the second video is NSFW. Check them all out right after the jump.
VIDEO
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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Quick Drive
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE
On paper, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sounds like the ideal compact crossover solution for those on a limited budget.
It’s small in size, coming in at over a foot shorter than the standard Mitsubishi Outlander, which shaves some 700 pounds off the crossover’s curb weight. Power comes from the same 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower four cylinder that’s found in the Mitsubishi Lancer.
According to the EPA, front-wheel-drive Outlander Sport models will deliver 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, thanks in part to its continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Even well equipped with Premium and Navigation packages, the Outlander Sport struggles to break the $ 27,000 barrier, and that gives it such amenities as a panoramic glass roof, a rear-view camera and a premium audio system.
It even rides well enough, offering up a decent blend of comfort and handling. Sure, acceleration is lacking and Mitsubishi’s CVT isn’t on par with more refined units from Nissan, but all that can be forgiven if price is your primary consideration.
Cadillac launches online configurator for 2013 ATS w/o pricing
Cadillac clearly has its sights set on the likes of the Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Infiniti G37 sedan, the Lexus IS, but most of all the BMW 3-Series. And it couldn’t be more obvious from the way Cadillac touts its extensively Eurocentric research and development on its much-anticipated ATS.
To help build up tension, Cadillac has just recently launched its new online configuration for those who would like to either prepare for the ATS’s triumphant launch or, perhaps add the car to one’s wishlist.
Click here for the Top 10 Things you need to know about the 2013 Cadillac ATS.
From a performance standpoint on paper—adding to the ATS’s direct aim at the BMW 3-Series—the new 2013 Cadillac ATS boasts the lowest curb weight in its class, at less than 3,400lbs with a near 50/50 weight balance. And from the get go, that’s already some pretty substantial accomplishments for an American compact luxury sports sedan, and something only the geniuses in Munich have been doing for decades with other brands just catching up.
So if you read this and you’re looking for something to occupy your lunchtime with other than your typical helping of grub, head on over to the Cadillac ATS’s webpage and create your own ATS.
Though, it must be noted, that the new ATS appears to only be available in a manual transmission with the 2.0L turbo and rear-wheel drive. Now, that’s a bit discerning after Cadillac clearly wants to take BMW down. Typically, brands have reduced the availability of manual transmission-equipped automobiles due to dwindling demand.
Audi Hybrids Dominate 24 Hours of Le Mans
Congratulations to Andre Lotterer, driver of the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro on his 2012 Le Mans win, and Audi Sport on their 1, 2, 3 victory
The two biggest questions coming into the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans were answered in emphatic fashion over the weekend.
Would Audi’s all-new R18 e-tron quattro diesel/hybrid-powered prototypes last through the grueling punishment the 8.5-mile circuit? And could Toyota, with its raw and unproven TS030 Hybrids, even make it to half-distance before retiring?
The German endurance racing aces not only got both e-tron quottros to the finish, the space-age LMP1 cars took first and second, with last year’s R18 ultra rounding out the top three overall positions.
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