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Responsibly Restrained 2009 Audi S5

2009 Audi S5

Though not packing quite as much punch as the RS4 or R8, I doubt anyone who has the pleasure of taking a spin in the still powerful 2009 Audi S5 will have anything but nice things to say about it.

The S5 along with the A5 was introduced last year featuring the same, though marginally tamer, 4.2-liter V8 engine that is found in the RS4 and R8. It produces 354hp and 325lb-ft of torque instead of the 420 hp and 317 lb-ft found in its siblings. Detuned or not, the motor is good enough to still propel the S5 to 60 mph in under five seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Like all Audi “S” models, the S5 has sportier suspension, unique front and rear fascias, performance wheels and brakes, carbon fiber interior elements, and the choice of a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox. A wide 62.6-inch front track, the widest in the sport coupe segment, helps “provide direct feedback to your most aggressive steering demands,” Audi says. The main competition for the S5 is the BMW M3 and Mercedes Benz CLK coupes, though the S5 gains a slight edge with the availability of a manual transmission. Also unlike the other two, Audi’s coupe is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, making it a capable all-year, all-weather vehicle. The Quattro system itself is also tuned to provide a more sporting driving experience thanks to its 40/60 front to rear bias.

S5 Interior

As would be expected, inside Audi hasn’t skimped on the accoutrements including an optional Bang & Olufsen surround sound system with 14 speakers and 505 digitally amplified watts that is enhanced by microphone-based noise compensation that ensures optimum sound under varying road conditions and speeds. The other major options include a navigation system with coverage for all of North America, a 7-inch touchscreen display and six-disc CD changer, as well as a technology package comprised of a parking assistance system with rear view camera, adaptive headlights and a key-less entry and vehicle start system.

The S5 has a price tag that starts at $50,500 with a manual transmission and $51,800 for the automatic. Realistically, even if it is slightly less aggressive in comparison to its big brothers, it’s still better than 99% of the cars on the road.

2011 Acura NSX Chasing The GT-R

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

It seems like an eternity since the NSX was shelved in 2005. Since that time, there has been a definite decline in aggressive automotive design at Honda/Acura that has hardly been filled by the likes of the S2000. So it is easy to get excited about news that the NEW NSX is being put through testing at the Nurburgring in Germany in preparation of a tentative 2011 release. With so much success in its past, and so many changes planned for the future, the biggest question may be how much “NSX-ness” is left?

New NSX Testing In Germany

The biggest, if mostly irrelevant question that plagued the old NSX was power. In its 15 years of production horsepower lingered around the mid to upper 200 range. Of course the fact that it was a rear-engine and lightweight aluminum vehicle meant it was still capable of Ferrarri-esqe performance. But if a lack of power was ever an issue, it appears to be a non-issue in the new NSX. If you believe the rumors, the new vehicle will have close to 550 horses and still be relatively lightweight in comparison to its self-chosen competition; the Nissan GT-R.

Gone from the new NSX is the rear-configured V6 engine. Added to the all-wheel-drive sports car is a front-loaded V10 with cylinder deactivation to shut down half of the engine in mild driving conditions for increased fuel efficiency and controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The new NSX also appears to be a 2+2 four-seater with the usual amount of unusability in the back seat.

The targeting of the GT-R as a benchmark is the result of a report that Honda CEO Takeo Fukui demanded that the Acura must be faster around the Nurburgring than the Nissan GT-R and future Lexus LF-A; a goal that the Acura is unofficially very close to achieving.

Though heavily camoflauged it appears that the general layout of Acura’s Advanced Sports Car Concept has survived although with minor changes that have been made to increase the level of aggressive styling for the NSX; a criticism of the concept. The production NSX retains the concept’s dual stacked exhaust set-up, but the rest of the rear bumper is completely different, with reconfigured air ducts now stretching all the way across the back that gives the car an athletic stance. The prototype’s fastback rear deck also shows significant changes from the concept. The rear hatch now kicks up between the tail-lights, which gives the prototype a stout look to match the Nissan GT-R.

Whether it truly matches the GT-R’s performance is yet to be determined. But even if it does, with all of the hype and press the GT-R is getting, the NSX may still get lost in the Nissan’s celebrity shadow.

New 2010 Mustang Pony Badge Revealed, Temporarily Sates Our Wild Mustang Lust

With no production photos to feed our gnawing hunger for the new, 2010 Ford Mustang, we’re gobbling up even the tiniest flashes of skin. Undoubtedly feeling our pain, last Wednesday, the guys at MuscleCarBlog threw us a bone and revealed the new pony badge the redesigned Ford Mustang will be wearing in 2010. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much of a difference between the reportedly “beefy” 2010 badge and the sleek ‘09 badge, but given the Mustang’s tradition-rich history, you didn’t really expect the new pony to look like a Budweiser Clydesdale, did you?

View The New Badge After The Jump

If you look closely, the subtle changes to the 2010 pony definitely make for a meaner, faster looking steed. Chief designer for 2010 Ford Mustang, Douglas Gaffka explained, “We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,” apparently to more accurately convey the sentiment of most Mustang drivers: “I slow down to 85mph in school zones.” Gaffka went on to explain that the 2010 Mustang is intended to look more like the wild horse that it is, “It’s more chiseled and more defined.” Although the new pony will feature the same chrome finish as its predecessor, the 2010 Mustang GT will get a more aggressive pony finished in black chrome [as pictured below].

The Monticello Motor Club: I’m Wealthy on the Inside

I like fast cars and silver canes and Pernod. I’m a wealthy man trapped in an average man’s body. It’s a shame really, there should be surgery for people like me. Surgically implant money into my pockets.

The Monticello Motor Club is my kind of place, but of course, they’d never accept me because of my condition. They’d call me a freak.
They just don’t understand.

Just like Ascari in Spain, the Monticello Motor Club is a country club for very wealthy car enthusiasts, located about 90 minutes from New York City. Most of the members have a net worth of over $20 million.

Drivers who pay the $125,000 entry fee still have to pay $7,500 in annual dues. Discrimination against transclass people like me I guess.

It’s still being completed, but eventually, members will have access to a huge clubhouse featuring 30,000 square feet of contemporary architecture. And luxury amenities include five-star dining, full spa, exercise facility, pro-shop and private member lounge. But that’s not why people are joining. The centerpiece though, the whole purpose of this place, is the 22 turn, 4.1 mile road course where you can go as fast as you like.

The design of the road course is the first combined effort of Brian Redman, world-famous driving champion and winner of 77 races in 12 countries, and Bruce Hawkins, the preeminent architect of next generation racetracks. “MMC’s track will be among the best in the world,” said Mr. Redman. “The turns
and challenges will excite drivers of all levels,” he added.

“It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done,” said Bill McMichael, head man at the MMC. “I’ve played almost every sport you can imagine. Nothing gives me the same sensation, the excitement, the thrill of driving a really fast car on a track.”
I’m with you, Bill.

RoadandTrack.com’s First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1. All Photos by Marc Urbano

Check out Shaun Bailey’s article on the 2009 Corvette ZR1:
“This is not a happy day for other exotic-car owners. The $103,000 super Vette, the ZR1, is out. Its 638 horsepower was unleashed on a select group of journalists at GM’s Milford proving grounds near Detroit for a controlled drive. A testament to the ZR1’s civility and balance is the fact that no one crashed, although a few orange cones were sacrificed to Jake. Who’s Jake, you ask? He’s the evil-eyed skull mascot for Badboy Vettes that’s emblazoned on the C6.R racer and has made his first appearance on a production Corvette, worn proudly on the ZR1’s intake ducting.

Rather than see journalists jeopardize their driver’s licenses by letting Jake out onto the street, GM had us drive their new baby around what is commonly referred to as the Lutz ring — a technical track whose corners simulate those from great circuits the world over. The focus is testing driveability. Most notable is the bowl-turn that simulates the Nürburgring’s famous carousel.

Check out the Corvette ZR1 Video and The Slideshow

For our limited drive, we were kept off the bowl and our speeds were hampered by a mid-course cone chicane. Even so, our top speed was well above 100 mph and nearly the entire track could be done in 3rd gear. With the massive twist of 604 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, it behooved us to avoid dropping to 2nd gear, except for the slowest of corners.

2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 Speedometer

As expected, the supercharged LS9 superbly blends the Z06’s raucous LS7 with the smoothness of the modern LS3. At idle there is only a hushed V-8 warble, yet get to 3000 rpm with intent and a pleasant snarl emanates. Knowing that there is an extra 133 horsepower on tap, beyond the already terror-instilling Z06’s 505, I worked my way up to applying full throttle. Surprisingly, the ZR1 is far superior to the Z06 in driveability, refinement and speed.

Everything we gripe about in the Z06 — aside from the unsupportive seats — has been remedied. The twitchy rear end is gone, thanks to Magnetic Ride Control that allows for softer springs and heavier anti-roll bars. At times on the track I’d think, If I were in a Z06, I’d never go flat over this rise, but in the ZR1 the confidence and road-holding abilities are there.”

2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1

More at RoadandTrack.com

The Designer of the Century’s 5 Most Beautiful Cars

Giorgetto Giugiaro is a very important person; probably the most important person that no one’s ever heard of. He’s the car designer of the century, and he’s responsible for some of the most beautiful and influential vehicles of all time.

Here are his 5 most beautiful creations:

1. The Iso Grifo – 1963

There were actually two body styles for the early Iso Grifo, the A3/L (the one pictured above) and the A3/C, and they were both designed by Giugiaro when he was only 25 years old. The A3/C was the sleek competition version that looked almost like a lighter Ford GT40, and the A3/L was the more aggressive street version, with the mean brow and front end that inspired the American muscle cars later on in the decade.

2. Fiat 850 Spyder - 1965

A tiny little car with a tiny little engine. Grossly underpowered compared to the other 4 cars on the list, but still important because of the straight, clean lines and really simple elegance of the car.

Where do you think the Mazda Miata’s styling comes from?

3. DeTomaso Mangusta - 1966

The Mangusta was slightly more accessible than the Vallelunga before it and better quality than the Pantera after it. It’s DeTomaso’s coolest car, and one of my favorite cars of all time. It looks like it’s going to take off and attack an impala and go eat it in a tree or something. It’s a monster car.

4. Maserati Ghibli - 1966

Anything Giugiaro did for Maserati was solid gold, but the Ghibli was the best. This car was the European version of the C4 Corvette, nearly 20 years before that Corvette was designed. Again, Giugiaro was ahead of his time with a beautiful, really clean body style. It looks fast just sitting there.

5. Lotus Esprit - 1972

This is the big one. Giugiaro designed the concept for the Lotus Esprit in 1972 and it went into production in 1976. The Lotus Esprit wasn’t just another angular sports car, this was the first angular sports car. Nothing looked like this before 1976, and everything looks like it after. Any sports car built today, you can still see the influence of the Lotus Esprit. The Ferrari Testarossa, the Lamborghini Countach, the Diablo, basically all modern Lamborghini’s, and just about all of those modern high level sports cars can trace their design linage to the 1976 Lotus Esprit, and so, to Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Geneva 2008: Audi’s Q7 V12 TDI Looks Show Quaility and Showroom Ready!

AudiQ7-2a.jpg picture by willfusion

While most industry executives are tossing hybrid systems and electric motors at their engineers to squeeze into their cars Audi’s sports minded leaders must have said, “I think we can fit four more cylinders on that engine!”
Coming to the Geneva Auto Show later this week will be Audi’s introduction of the all new Q7 V12 TDI Quattro in all its might and gloss. If there was room to squeeze an “R” or and “S” schematically in the name Audi should have done it, because they have done everything else to this sports flavored SUV. You are looking at a 500-hp 6.0 liter V12 that will be chewing up the pavement with 758-ft.lbs of torque. If zero-to-sixty is your thing the Audi Q7 V12 puts that in a the sportscar range of 5.5 seconds. This is no average soccer parents SUV. However, at just under 20 mpg and with special emissions controls the Q7 already meets the next level of fuel standards.

The flash and dash on the Audi Q7 V12 TDI is not limited to the performance sector as the interior comes with all the leather trimmings and aluminum stripping a buyer could want. With black leather along the dash, the tops of the doors and roof of the Q7 and leather on the seats the occupants are literally folded up in a cocoon of leather opulence. However, this cocoon comes with a glass roof view that opens up the skyline to cloud watchers (driver excluded). …Press Release and Photo Gallery to follow… (more…)

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC comes out of hiding ahead of LA Auto Show Debut

vipersrt10arc-1.jpg picture by willfusion

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC is ready to revive the good old days of racing when your track car was also the car that got you to and from the race. The Viper SRT10 seemed ready enough for anything with its 8.4 Liter V10 pumping out 600 horses and 560 ft.lbs of torque, but the SRT gurus at Dodge thought differently. They have found the means to reduce the over-all weight of the SRT10 by 40 pounds, or 80 pounds if you buy the audio delete package, and have increased down force, improved breaking and simplified racing setup adjustments to make the Viper SRT10 ARC track ready. The race inspired Viper SRT10 ARC will be on display growling from its pedestal at the Los Angeles Auto Show that runs from Nov. 16th through the 25th.

All of the race ready provisions of the Viper SRT10 ARC are the result of and to validate the Dodge SRT core vision:
“Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility.” (more…)

Audi R8 Test Mule Proves Combustable

The above Audi R8 is a test drive mule that is supposedly from pre-production. Back during the testing phases of the R8 Audi reported some combustibility tendencies in the engine bay behind the seats, but those concerns have (according to Audi) been addressed in the production version. In the forum post where this report was found it mentioned that some fuel during fill-up may have spilled down in the engine bay on or near the exhaust. Ofcourse the actual cause can still be any number of things.

The forum post that is the source for this story recommends that Audi R8 owners not use any flammable cleaners or solvents on their engine. He also recommends allow the gas tank to vent a seconds before commencing to fill the tank. Apparently there is a belief that the rising fumes could block the flow of gas and cause the fuel to over-spill. Now I would not attest to any of these things being likely to have caused the above captured fire, but if I were an R8 owner there is a good chance I would take the precautions described.

For some additional photos of the charred Audi R8 you can follow the link below to the forum. There you can also read through the worried or doubtful posts of other R8 owners. Hopefully there will be no further test mule instances nor any production model R8’s being claimed in the name of pyrotechnics. Such a shame to see such artistry so dismembered and mangled… although thankfully no injuries were reported.

Source[R8talkvia AutoBlog]

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