Tag: Audi

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Audi’s New Technology Digital Rear-View Mirror

Audi R8 e-tron will offer a new technology called digital rear-view mirror. This technology will replace the extremely effective traditional rear-view mirror. From one perspective, digital rear-view mirror is cleaver; thanks to designers in some vehicles we have nearly no rear view and digital rear-view becomes very useful. On the other hand, many vehicles still have proper design and you can see the behind very clear. I really like these new technologies but, a 7.7 inch AMOLED screen may not be very useful when there are too much sun shine. In traditional mirror, you have the view regardless of sun shine and also auto dimming ones are quite useful at night.
I am definitely sure that, next year Audi will offer digital rear-view mirror on their vehicle range! My price suggestion for this technology; if the screen has less pixel per inch than a iPhone (~330 ppi), it should be priced less than a iPad. So, it should be priced around £300 :)


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Audi R8 e-tron in Nürburgring Video

Audi R8 e-tron is the electric version of the Audi R8. For many people, electric powered Audi R8 is not something exciting or special, they want to feel the excitement of the petrol engine. I understand them very well and sometimes I agree with them.
However, world is changing so rapidly. A decade ago, mobile phones were no more than texting devices. Now, no one uses text messages, because we use our mobile phone like a computer! This rapid transition of the mobile phones and our ability to adapt this change shows that, electric powered sport car is not something far away and we will get use to them.
Audi R8 e-tron is a concept car powered by four individual electric motors. In total, R8 e-tron produces 308 PS and 4500 Nm of torque, needs only 4.8 seconds to reach 100 kph (62 mph) with 245 km (154 miles) of range.
And during February, Audi R8 e-tron manages to go around Nürburgring 8 minutes and 9 seconds. I never talk about Nürburgring lap times, because they are a bit senseless. You would never have opportunity to push those limits in everyday. However, this lap times is achieved by an electric car and shows that even the electric cars can go really fast.
Audi recently released the video of Audi R-8 e-tron’s lap in Nürburgring.
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New Audi R8 with Facelift

Audi R8 finally received a facelift and get rid of the R-Tronic automatic gearbox. Audi R8 is a really nice but with that single clutch R-Tronic gearbox the whole harmony the car is ruined. Everything is perfect but when it comes to gearbox, perfection did not go well.
Anyway, now Audi R8 offers 7-speed double clutch automatic gearbox, S-Tronic (VW calls it DSG). S-Tronic automatic gearbox is available with V8 and V10 engines, but optional with V8. 4.2-lt FSi V8 engine produces 430 PS and 430 Nm of torque with S-Tronic, R8 needs 4.3 seconds for 100 kph (62 mph) with the top speed of 302 kph (188 mph). If you pay more, you get more! 5.2-lt V10 engine produces 525 PS and 530 Nm of torque and again if you pay more, you get 550 PS and 540 Nm of torque. R8 V10 with Plus packages needs only 3.5 seconds with the top speed 317 kph (197 mph).
You may buy this facelifted better R8 at the end of year. So if you are planning to buy a R8, just wait until this model. It is definitely worth to wait!
Actually, with the new standard headlights Audi R8 looks like a car from alien ship. This facelift definitely made the R8 better :)

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BMW 7-Series Facelifted with More Information

BMW 7-Series face lifted is recently revealed! Now more information is available! Even though the BMW 7-Series is revealed four years ago, existing design is not outdated or needs a facelift. However in automotive industry, facelift is a part of the job!
Face lifted BMW 7-Series may not look totally different but the main revision lays under the bonnet! New engines, standard 8-speed automatic transmission, new safety systems and better iDrive. Like many other brand, BMW 7-Series is now available full LED headlight, which gives a contemporary look especially at night. Interior of the 7-Series now offers better seating comfort, 1200-watt Bang Olufsen high end sound system (I found it too much for a car) with illuminated centre speaker. That’s important bit, illuminated sound system is the new trend creates a great interior ambience at night. Go for the sound system just for illumination :)
BMW 7-Series offers 10.25-inch screen for iDrive. This screen size is larger than a netbook’s screen, basically it is huge and optional. This huge screen is completed with 3D graphics like you find on your iPad. I assume there will be more animation with the new iDrive.
With engine technology, Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and second generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function for better consumption is not available. All these systems are for better fuel economy in BMW 7-Series. Engines starts from 730i and ends up with 760i.
BMW 730i; 3-lt six-cylinder petrol engine with 258 PS and 310 Nm of torque, 8.6 lt/km (32.9 mpg)
BMW 740i; 3-lt six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with 320 PS and 450 Nm of torque, 7.9 lt/km (35.8 mpg). Better fuel economy than 730i!
BMW 750i; 4.4-lt V8 petrol engine with 450 PS and 650 Nm of torque, 8.6 lt/km (32.9 mpg). Same consumption with 730i.
BMW 760i; 6-lt V12 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with 544 PS and 750 Nm of torque, 12.8 lt/km (22.1 mph)
BMW 730d; 3-lt turbo diesel engine with 258 PS and 560 Nm of torque, 5.6 lt/km (50.4 mpg)
BMW 740d; 3-lt TwinPower turbo diesel engine with 313 PS and 630 Nm of torque, 5.7 lt/km (49.6 mpg)
BMW 750d xDrive; Trio turbo diesel engine with 381 PS and 740 Nm of torque, 6.4 lt/km (44.1 mpg)
BMW 750d model is only offered with xDrive all-wheel drive option! Also, xDrive system can be ordered with 730d, 740d and 750i models.
If you are not satisfied with these engines, there is a hybrid model. BMW ActiveHybrid 7. 3-lt petrol engine with 354 PS and 500 Nm of torque with 210 Nm electric motor, 6.8 lt/km (41.5 mpg).
Unfortunately, BMW 7-Series now offers the electric steering wheel like others. So, this may vanish some of the driving pleasure. Still 7-Series does not offer all air suspension like Mercedes S-Class and only air suspension is available at the rear. This definitely reduces the ride quality; 7-Series offers a special hydraulic suspension in the front but it is not air suspension.
Face lifted 7-Series now available with Driving Assistant Plus system that can stop the car if an accident unavoidable, Attentiveness assistant can detect are you sleeping or not. Active Protection can fasten seat belts, close windows and sunroof; if there is a potential crash! Like 3-Series, you can open the boot of 7-Series by moving your foot under the boot.
Overall, BMW 7-Series with the face lift became more charming and more competitive with the new technologies. It does worth a test drive! And buy one, if you can afford one :)
Fore more photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

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Goodwood Festival of Speed: Orange Audi RS4 Avant

Orange Audi RS4 Avant from Goodwood Festival of Speed. I know it is a bit late but I have many photos from the Goodwood and I could not upload them. I really like the colour of the Audi RS4 Avant. I know orange colour may not be good for second hand value but still looks nice.
Audi RS4 Avant is powered by a 4,2-lt petrol engine with 420 PS of power and 430Nm of torque, needs only 4,7 seconds to reach 100 kph (62 mph) with 250 kph (155 mph) limited top speed!

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Crash Avoidance System: Mercedes – BMW – Audi

Pre-Collision (Crash Avoidance) system started with Mercedes S-Class in 2006, it was called BAS Plus. And it was only available with Mercedes. What is pre-collision system? Pre-Collision or Pre-Crash system works regardless of your cruise control system and scans the upcoming traffic all the time and applies maximum braking pressure if the drive does not respond or slow to react to a high possible crash. Even if you are driving without cruise control, Pre-Collision / Pre-Crash system scans the traffic and applies brakes if an accident is unavoidable.

Unfortunately, Pre-Collision / Pre-Crash system are available only with Mercedes, BMW, VW, Rolls Royce, Lexus, Audi. And don’t confuse with radar-guided cruise control that has braking function during cruise control is engaged. This system is not capable of stopping a car when driver is not using the cruise control. This is the main difference between radar-guided cruise control and pre-collision / pre-crash system.

Mercedes calls it BAS Plus, BMW calls it Collision Warning including Braking Assistance and Audi calls it Braking Guard. Other manufacturers created different names for the same system. Therefore, if you would like to have pre-collision / pre-crash system, you need to ask your dealer. Because, this system is not standard, you need to pay for it and it does worth it :)

Unfortunately, car manufacturers do not promote this system that much as I was expecting. And I really don’t know why.*I couldn’t find an exact video footage for BMW, existing one is from BMW’s Research & Development.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed: New Audi A3

New Audi A3 was presented during the Goodwood Festival of Speed last week. New A3 looks quite similar to previous model and unfortunately, has a similar face with Audi A1. Actually, new A3 looks like a bigger size A1. However, this new design creates a refreshed image and definitely will attract more people.

New Audi A3 is available with two petrol engines 1,4-lt TFSi (122 PS), 1,8-lt (180 PS) and one diesel 2-lt TDi (150 PS). Double clutch S-Tronic automatic is also available.

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New Range Rover Caught by a Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

New Range Rover 2013 prototype was caught while testing on Dubai by a Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG driver. It is very easy to identify the monster Mercedes V8 Kompressor engine!
And from the footage, the major lines of the new Range Rover is very clear. And I can say one thing, Land Rover did not take a risk to introduce a fully refresh Range Rover. Instead, Land Rover re-interpret the well respected Range Rover design shift into a higher level. This re-interpretation of design is done by Bentley Continental, Audi A3. Because, including Range Rover these vehicles receive really high demand from customers and people are willing to own one. Therefore, manufacturers do not wish to take a risk and introduce something totally different, instead they introduce a car that looks a bit similar to previous generation. So, existing customers will be buy it and existing fans will keep loving it.
However, in my opinion a new car needs to be a new car. Especially in terms of design. You never see a Maserati or a Ferrari or an Alfa Romeo with similar lines with previous model. I do not criticise the manufacturers and I do understand the huge risk of introducing a totally new design for a vehicle that has very solid sales performance.
Still, I go for the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon :)
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New Audi A3

New Audi A3, I totally forgot to upload the photos. When the Audi revealed the previous A3 in 2003, A3 was the best-looking car on market. The front look and interior was totally set a new benchmark for the market. I can still clearly remember, how people were rushing into A3 in 2003 and in following years.
And now, new Audi A3 is revealed but it didn’t create the same sensation like the previous A3. Its exterior and interior is better but it is not ground breaking. Actually, Audi did not wish to reveal a radical design change to scare customers and stick on the existing concept. Therefore, new Audi A3 will not be like the previous model. I am not criticizing, this happened with Ford Focus as well. When a company sets a benchmark so high, it is really hard to improve or increase it again with the new product. It looks really well-made and nice but, I still go for Alfa Romeo Giulietta!
Engine options are; petrols are 1.2-lt 105 PS, 2-lt 211 PS and diesels are 1.6-lt 105 PS, 2-lt 180 PS. Don’t worry, new engines will be available soon!

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Facelift BMW 7-Series vs. Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8

BMW 7-Series is received facelift. For quite long time, everyone was expecting to see the facelift BMW 7-Series. It was spotted in Nürburgring many times under heavy camouflage and finally we have the official image of face lifted BMW 7-Series!
When you first look at the BMW 7-Series with facelift, you won’t notice a major difference from the previous one. But the difference lays in details. BMW 7-Series with facelift offers more competitive features! Full LED headlights, this means you never need to replace your headlights because LED never breaks down. Okay, it breaks down but quite rarely! Hopefully, 3D navigation is available with  BMW 7-Series with facelift. Now, you will have a great view on your navigation screen. 
There are new engines as well, and 8-speed automatic gearbox standard with %25 better fuel economy. Honestly, do BMW 760i owners really care about the fuel efficiency? If you are not into V12 petrol engine, a second generation BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid 7 is also available. 
The chassis is revised as well and rear air suspension became standard. However, you cannot have air suspension in front wheels! I really don’t why BMW keeps ignoring this. Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class offer air suspension in the front and in the end but, BMW tries to keep it in the rear. And BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection are available.
Active Protection is similar to Mercedes Pre-Safe technology. Active Technology has to two functions. First, it scans the driver’s driving behaviour, engine parameters, steering wheel angle and if BMW 7-Series detects fatigue in your driving behaviour, 7-Series will warns you. The second function is the detecting any possible crash. If BMW 7-Series identifies a possible accident, seat belts will be tightened, windows and sunroof will be closed. Thus, injury from a possible crash will be minimized. This system is available in Mercedes under the name of Pre-Safe. BMW 7-Series will also apply brake, if a crash is unavoidable and driver does not pay attention. All these data transferred from various sensors, front camera or radar.
You can also open the boot of BMW 7-Series with facelift by moving your foot under the boot. This system sounds really practical! Additionally all these systems, you will have ABS, DSC, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Corner Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Dry Braking, Fading Compensation (Increases brake pressure, if brakes are too hot), Start-off Assistant, Dynamic Damping Control, Dynamic Drive Anti-Roll Stability is optional and buy it. It does worth the money. This system improves the driving pleasure.
And last news is the shocking one! BMW 7-Series with facelift features a high resolution screen instead of analog instrument panel. It is similar to Jaguar XJ’s instrument panel but with a way much better resolution.
In my opinion, BMW 7-Series looks really beautiful, compared to Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8. It offers state-of-art technology. And focused on more sportive character than Mercedes S-Class. If I take out Jaguar XJ and Maserati Quattroporte, I would definitely buy a BMW 7-Series.
Technical Details: (x Drive represents all-wheel-drive technology)
BMW 740i: 6-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 320 PS of power, 450 nm of torque, 184 CO2
BMW 750i and 750i xDrive: V8, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 450 PS of power, 650 nm of torque, 199 CO2
BMW 760i: V12, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 544 PS of power, 750 nm of torque, 299 CO2
BMW 730d / 730d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 258 PS of power, 560 nm of torque, 158 CO2
BMW 740d / 740d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 313 PS of power, 630 nm of torque, 159 CO2
BMW 750d / 750d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 381 PS of power, 740 nm of torque, 169 CO2

For more photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page (All press photos are available)

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