These convincing looking shots of the new 2010 Audi RS5 have leaked onto the Internet a week ahead of the car’s official unveiling at the 2010 Geneva motor show. From what we’re hearing, under the hood the new Audi RS5 has a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine that churns out some 450bhp and 332lb ft of torque, which is mated to an automatic S tronic transmission. Expected to be officially unveiled sometime on March 2nd, the 2010 Audi RS5 will be available as a soft-top version at first, with a sportier coupé (pictured) coming up, soon after. As for what this beast will go for, rumors have it that in the UK it will cost you a good £60,000.
I recently took the new VW Golf VI for a ride to see how much has really changed since the Mk5. After the success of the Mk5, it was clear that the Mk6 had much to live up to.
The moment I left the driveway I could tell the ride is much softer than it was which made me a bit concerned as to whether it would have any effect on handling. I am happy to report that is not the case. The Mk6 now features VW’s EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) which works by applying pressure to front inner wheel exactly where it is needed on fast cornering to prevent spinning. This maximizes traction, reduces under steer and improves response.
The Mk6 manages to achieve a perfect and subtle blend between performance handling and comfort driving. Under intense driving the GTi has a steering pulse which alerts you that the limit of traction is about to be reached, so you don’t end up sliding into a ditch.
So handling wise the car hits the nail on the head once again, but performance was the one area where the Mk5 needed attention since it was outperformed by the other hot hatches. VW’s answer was to make the engine 3kg lighter and adding on a supercharger to the turbocharged 2.0l engine increasing the power output to 155kw and 280Nm torque, with the torque kicking in at 1800rpm. This launches the GTi from 0 – 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 240km/h. In the DSG model, which is the same one I drove, you get a dual clutch semi-auto gearbox, so the one clutch is leading while the other preselects the next gear, making gear changes smoother and quicker.
As both a family and performance car the Golf GTi is an absolute pleasure. With a 275 liter boot, loads of legroom and an impressive 6.1 liters per 100km, it’s a perfect blend of the two. You can really point its nose in the direction you want to go and shoot at it. Safety features include ABS, EBD, ESP, adjustable whiplash optimized head restraints and 7 airbags, making the GTi one of the safest cars ever built and giving it 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
There are a couple of other cars to choose from in the same price class as the Mk6 GTi, but for a balanced combination of speed, luxury, reliability and practicality I’d say the GTi is certainly one of the best.
Finally a straight challenge for the Mini has been released; it’s called the Citroen DS3, and its Citroen’s version of the legendary Mini. Unfortunately Citroen SA has not yet approved the car for import, so for now we can only hope it will reach our shores soon.
The new DS line will have three versions to choose from, although the other two will only be released at a later stage. For now the DS3 will be available in one of five CO2-efficient Euro V engines, two of them diesel and three will be petrol, with the latter being co-developed by BMW. The two HDi diesel engines will produce 90bhp and 110bhp and will have Citroen’s DPFS, which stands for diesel particulate filter system. The three petrol engines will produce from the VTi 95bhp and 110bhp, and the THP will produce 150bhp. (more…)
Nissan found a really nice way to say Happy New Year to those passionate about speed and style. Debuted in November at the LA Auto Show, their 2009 Nissan 370Z got more specs out including a price. The super coupe is replacing the older 350Z, and is now powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Also interesting is that the new Nissan 370Z is going to feature two new transmission options including a six-speed manual with an optional rev-matching feature (automatically blips the throttle on downshifts) and a seven-speed automatic.
On the inside it promotes luxurious materials that scream comfort and exquisiteness from every single part: amazing stereo, leather-trimmed sport seats, navigation with with iPod connectivity.
On the outside and spec-wise Nissan 370Z should include a double-wishbone front suspension, a wider body (1.1 inches), front and rear spoilers, Nissan Sport brakes (sport package), boomerang-style headlights and taillights, and a antilevered roofline.
Starting at $29,930 for the base version (6-speed transmission), the 370Z Coupe hops at $31,230 if you’d like the 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230. The other version the car will be offered in, the Touring model, starts at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual or $35,760 with the aforementioned automatic.
Oh and if you think that’s not enough, then there’s a stylish package that should tune it up really nice. We’re sold. How about you?
The Alfa Romeo Brera S (‘S’ for speciale) made in collaboration with Prodrive will only be sold in the UK and production will be limited to 500 hundred individually numbered models. The Brera S will be available with the two existing petrol engines, namely the 185Hp 2.2 litre and the 260Hp 3.2 V6 engines.
Prodrive has made changes to the suspension, interior, exterior as well as including a new exhaust system. Their main aim was to refine the Brera’s handling and this was achieved with new stiffer springs and dampers and the car was also slightly lowered (-10mm).
According to Peter Cambridge (Prodrive Project leader), the result is “a car that ‘shrinks’ around the driver and delivers all the fun and engagement of a sports car driving experience on A and B-roads. Yet, on motorways, offers a compliant and composed ride.”
The exterior of the Brera S boasts lightweight 19″ alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero Tyres ispired by the Alfa 8C Competizione, the new supercar flagship for the Alfa Romeo range. The interior of the Brera S is dressed in black leather completed with red stitiching and the centre console is accentuated with a dark finish. The headrests include a limited edition Brera S aluminium plate featuring the British and Italian flags.
Hopefully for the lucky 500 the one year development at Prodrive will pay off and this car will be more go than show due to the weight reduction.