Ferrari's 60th Formula 1 creation, the F14 T – which was named formally yesterday following an public online poll -, will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Scuderia returnee Kimi Raikkonen, who comes back on board in place of Williams-bound Felipe Massa.
A car that began as a concept more than two years ago, the F14 T is the latest chassis to be revealed based around a raft of rule changes being introduced for 2014, not least the much anticipated changes to front-end designs.
Indeed, with McLaren and Lotus creating plenty of discussion with different designs, Ferrari has adopted another alternative look, with a wider and flatter interpretation than McLaren's thin, elongated nose and Lotus's dual-pronged nose.
Touching on the new-look, Ferrari says the design presented designers with a real challenge to repackage the front suspension into a much lower monocoque.
“The front wing is regulated to be 75mm narrower per side in order to make it less vulnerable to collisions with other cars and with the barriers,” read a launch statement. “This change, perhaps one of the less noticeable visual differences to the 2013 cars, has a profound effect on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
“The front wings used since 2009 have all featured elaborate measures to encourage the wake of the front wing endplates to pass around the outside of the front tyres in order to maximize the downforce on the car. An innocent change of just 75mm to the position of the wing tip has required us to reinvent completely the front wing aerodynamics for 2014.”
In addition, the 2014 rear wing shares nothing with the previous year owing to three rule changes requiring a much larger stroke DRS, a much smaller overall rear wing depth and removal of the beam wing.
Ferrari heads into the 2014 F1 season determined to reclaim a first Formula 1 World Championship title since 2007. On that occasion Raikkonen was crowned champion and the Finn has been charged with ending Ferrari's title drought once more following his highly publicised switch from Lotus.
Despite rumours of ructions between himself and management – partly due to Raikkonen's arrival as a threat to his No.1 superiority in the team -, Alonso remains on board for a fifth consecutive season with an eye on securing his third career F1 title, but a first in 'red', having finished runner-up to Sebastian Vettel in three of the last four seasons. The F14 T will get its first public test outing at Jerez next week on 28th January.
When the next A3 arrives early next year (in the first quarter of 2014 as a 2015 model), Audi will no longer be playing around. Specifically to please American and Chinese car shoppers, the third-generation model adds a sedan body style to our previously hatchback-only A3 lineup. We still will get a hatchback in the form of the five-door Sportback, although only the e-tron plug-in hybrid version has been confirmed for America.
The sedans, though, are where Audi is focusing its efforts. A base model will use a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and more than 180 lb-ft of torque, a new unit unrelated to the old 1.8T wedged into Audis of the last decade. (It’s part of the EA888 engine family, further details on which can be found here.) A slightly larger 2.0-liter version of the engine, omnipresent in Volkswagen and Audi products, and will serve up about 200 horses in the all-wheel-drive A3 Quattro. Diesel makes a return appearance in the American A3, too, and would you believe that more than half of the A3s sold in the U.S. in the past few years were TDIs? The new 2015 A3 will carry the latest Volkswagen-family 2.0-liter diesel four—TDI geeks, here’s its backstory—delivering about 150 horsepower. Torque from the diesel will probably come in at around 250 lb-ft.
From what Audi has said so far, it appears as if only the 2.0-liter four will be paired with all-wheel drive. That the base 1.8-liter engine and the 2.0-liter diesel will be front-wheel-drive-only isn’t a big deal, really—Benz will be selling a front-drive version of the CLA250—although the diesel’s torque might make hard launches a bit of a handful. Dynamically, we came away mostly impressed from our drive of a Euro-spec three-door hatchback, which bodes well for the sedan. The suspension consists of struts up front and a multilink rear, while steering is of the efficiency-boosting electric type.
Regardless of the engine or driven wheels, the only transmission on offer is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. A six-speed stick, available on the base trim of the outgoing A3, is off the books for the new sedan. Keep your fingers crossed that, should Audi offer a conventionally powered A3 Sportback in the U.S., a manual transmission appears on its options list. (Update: Nope, no chance. An Audi executive told us there is "no business case" for it.)
Speaking of lists, here’s one of available A3 technology (some of which we previewed way back at the 2012 CES show): the latest MMI infotainment system, full-LED headlamps, LED interior lighting, 4G LTE connectivity for Google Maps integration and other internet-type functions, and a 705-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Leather upholstery will be standard, as will rain-sensing wipers and a big sunroof. The car also will offer what Audi calls a “phone box.” Basically, drop your phone into the center bin under the armrest, and the car will boost your cell signal using an antenna embedded in the rear glass.
BMW M5 Competition Package versus Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S Model. All unit is 2014 production, same V8 engine. But engine capacity is different, with smaller engine capacity BMW M5 ready to attack the thick and heavy Mercedes-Benz.
Another comparision who is the best Supercar in the world? The Godzilla with Audi R8 V10 Plus. Japanese Versus European, Sushi or Bratwurst? But my favourite is Japanese Samurai. GT-R is one of the best Supercar in the world.
Nissan has build GT-R from passion about speed, performance, grip, and driver enthusiast. Ride with GT-R is easy to handling like a hatchback, or premium sedan. But when we kick pedal to metal, we know the engine will throw you to hell...
Curios about performance Nissan GT-R? Same here, this is head to head The Godzilla vs powerfull Audi RS6 Avant. Not in same class, supercar vs supercar. But Audi RS6 has a powerfull engine and 4WD.
This 4WD Comparision made by AutoCar.co.uk, full throttle guys!
It a long title headline? This day is hot or just me? Merc A45 vs VW Golf GTi vs BMW M135i is a real hot hatchback, what do you think?
VW Golf GTi is a popular hatch before Merc A45 is born. A real battle, same class, build in Europe. Can Merc A45 and BMW M135i wins and grab the Golf GTi crown? Lets check Autocar Channel to find out who's the winner.
Ken Block is still full throttle on his Ford Fiesta, Pedal to metal it means insane. This episode still burn the tyres baby.. Ford Fiesta is absolutely a boy toys. Do you dare to challenge this Ford Fiesta Monster? This is a great video to learn, drift, and watch.
BMW M GmbH’s most successful model is also undergoing a carefully devised revision. Fine-tuned design underscores the hallmark M athleticism and challenging presence of the new BMW M5, while the optional Competition Package, new equipment features and a further extended range of BMW ConnectedDrive features emphasise its innovative character.
The BMW M5 is driven by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and peak output of 412 kW/560 hp. In combination with the seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission, the Active M Differential at the rear axle and model-specific suspension technology precisely tuned to the performance curve with racing know-how, this high-revving power unit guarantees outstanding dynamic driving performance. For a further boost in performance, the Competition Package now comes as an optional extra with features that tap into a new dimension of dynamics in trademark BMW M style.
The Competition Package was specifically devised to boost the handling properties of the BMW M5. With the Competition Package, the output of the high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology is raised by 11 kW to 423 kW/575 hp. In addition, the newly developed M carbon ceramic brakes have been available as an option since March 2013.
A particularly striking innovation in the appearance of the BMW M5 is the M “kidney grille”, which now features the model designation and whose slats cite the double-spoke design of the M light alloys. In addition to standard xenon headlights, there is now the option of Adaptive LED Headlights which emit a particularly bright white light generated by a pair of LED units situated horizontally in the middle of each light ring. A standard feature on the BMW M5 are the new-design tail lights with strikingly thin LED light strips that generate a high contrast and add to the unmistakable night-time look.
The hallmark M feeling is also conveyed by the M leather steering wheel, whose new design likewise takes visual cues from the double-spoke wheels. The interior of the sedan has also gained an increase in volume of the storage compartment under the armrest in the centre console area. The Control Display of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system now features chrome trim on the sides. For the first time, an optional Touch Controller is available with a touch-sensitive surface allowing, for example, characters to be entered when programming a destination for the navigation system.
As of July, BMW Individual will be offering a range of new exterior colours for the BMW M5 (Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic and further BMW Individual matt paintwork finishes), as well as exclusive leather shades (Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg). With the BMW Individual paintwork Pure Metal Silver, for example, the body takes on a deep, brilliant lustre. This unique metallic gleam is down to the combination of a special-effect pigment with a water-based paint system. The addition of ultra-thin aluminium flakes guarantees a uniform and gleaming surface. Depending on the angle of view, these flakes create a light-dark contrast and accentuate the surfaces of the body. This paintwork showcases the model’s lines and contours to even better effect and adds striking touches to the vehicle’s design.
The further extended range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive also ensures that the new BMW M5 is in pole position in its sector when it comes to intelligent connectivity. Innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services optimise safety and comfort while driving as well as the use of infotainment programmes. The new Driving Assistant system combines Lane Departure Warning with Collision Warning including braking function. Its camera, mounted in the windscreen area, registers vehicles and pedestrians and gives the driver visual and acoustic warning signals if a potential collision is detected. In critical situations, moderate hazard braking is actuated. The glare-free High Beam Assistant is now also optionally available for the BMW M5, while the Lane Change Warning system can now be used from a speed of 20 km/h (12.4 mph).
The new Online Entertainment option, meanwhile, makes for a particularly varied audio programme. It allows online access to a music database containing around 12 million tracks. In conjunction with the Navigation System Professional and the ConnectedDrive Services option, additional features are available, among them Concierge Services, Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information.
With Ford Fiesta Ken Block is a Master, easy to handling, easy to ride. A fast and reliable car to be a race car. Ken Block and Monster Energy has build a "Monster" but still a lot fun to drive.
Subaru confirmed that it will unveil the hottest version of its Impreza-based rally car at Detroit. STI, by the way, stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the company’s performance division. Hence, the STI is a step up from the already-capable WRX.
Unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2015 WRX was more evolution than revolution, so expect the STI to take a similar course. It will likely boast a little more than the current model’s 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, but what’s that they say about fixing what isn’t broken?
That power will mostly come from an upgraded version of the 2015 WRX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected boxer-four, although it’s possible that the new STI will retain the current model’s 2.5-liter displacement.
As usual, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission will be standard; the 2015 WRX’s optional CVT seems a little out of character for this more intense performance model. Expect more aggressive styling to distinguish the STI from the WRX.
However, the new model will probably ditch the old one’s optional hatchback body style. Like the WRX, the STI will only be available as a sedan.
Subaru is keeping most of the details under wraps until the WRX STI’s January 14 unveiling, but as with many of the company’s recent models, the script seems familiar. Subaru fans know what they want, and the company is happy to give it to them.
The new A8 places Audi among the innovation leaders in the luxury segment. One great strength of the big sedan is its lightweight construction. The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms (4,034.46 lb) – best-in-class for models with all-wheel drive. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum; an Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb).
Length (5.14 meters [16.86 ft]), wheelbase (2.99 meters [9.81 ft]), width (1.95 meters [6.40 ft]) and height (1.46 meters [4.79 ft]) remain unchanged, making the Audi A8 the sportiest sedan in the segment. The A8 L gains an additional 13 centimeters (5.12 in) in both length and wheelbase. Both body variants feature a new trunk layout for easier loading. Additional noise damping measures reduce the already low interior noise level even further.
The dynamic design of the big sedan has become even more expressive. The engine hood, the Singleframe grille and the front bumper are even more sculptured; the lower edge of the headlight units is straight. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine. Audi also offers optional headlights featuring Matrix LED technology, which sets new benchmarks with respect to design and technology. With these headlights, the high-beam comprises 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation.
This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while always brightly illuminating the road. Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering light, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals. The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation. In combination with the optional Navigation plus with MMI touch, the system recognizes route data contained in the navigation system, such as curves and road classifications.
The LED lamps at the rear of the new Audi A8 have also become flatter. In all models except the S8, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes. New chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames round out the differentiating design details. There is a choice of twelve colors, including five new ones. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches.
The engines: more power and efficiency
Audi offer the A8 on the German market with two gasoline and two diesel engines. These are the supercharged 3.0 TFSI with 228 kW (310 hp), the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with 320 kW (435 hp), the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 190 kW (258 hp) and the extremely high-torque 4.2 TDI clean diesel, which produces 283 kW (385 hp) and 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft).
Performance has increased with most engines. When paired with quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now accelerates the A8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.5 seconds. Under partial load, the Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system deactivates four of the eight cylinders. The most efficient engine is the 3.0 TDI clean diesel, which consumes just 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg), which corresponds to 155 grams CO2 per kilometer (249.45 g/mile) All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard. Friction-reducing measures reduce consumption by as much as 10 percent.
These variants are joined by three additional models. The top-of-the-line model is the luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro. Its gasoline engine is particularly short and lightweight thanks to its W layout. Displacing 6.3 liters, it produces 368 kW (500 hp). It also boasts best-in-class fuel consumption of 11.7 liters per 100 kilometers (20.10 US mpg), corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometer (434.52 g/mile). It also has a COD system that was designed specifically for it. At low load, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders. The available Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ensures excellent acoustic comfort.
With 380 kW (520 hp), the S8 is Audi's big sports sedan. Paired with quattro all-wheel drive, its sonorous 4.0 TFSI accelerates the S8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the S8 is just 10.1 liters per 100 kilometers (23.29 US mpg), corresponding to 235 grams CO2 per kilometer (378.20 g/mile). The COD system plays a key role here, too. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is also used in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, uses precise antiphase noise to compensate for intrusive noise in the cabin while operating on four cylinders while active engine mounts dampen vibration. The chassis and many body details reflect the sporty positioning of the S8.
The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The engine’s power flows to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic. The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) with a range of roughly three kilometers (1.86 miles). The A8 hybrid consumes on average just 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (147 grams CO2 per kilometer [37.34 US mpg/236.57 g/mile]).
The new A8 comes standard with a fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic. The electronically controlled automatic transmission is paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Audi also offers an optional sport differential for the rear axle, which distributes the power between the rear wheels as needed. The sport differential is standard in the S8 and the A8 4.2 TDI clean diesel quattro.
The sedan owes its sporty character in large part to the sophisticated chassis. The Audi drive select system, which varies the function of various technology modules, is standard. It also controls the adaptive air suspension with adaptive damping. Audi offers the air suspension with a sporty setup upon request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive. Dynamic steering, which varies boost as a function of the speed driven, is available as an option. Carbon fiber ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro.
Another option is for 9 J x 20 aluminum-technology wheels which are based on forged support wheels. A special process joins the support wheel to a ten-spoke design element of high-strength polymer.
Hand-built character: The interior of the Audi A8
The interior of the Audi flagship dazzles with its elegant lines and generous spaciousness. Options for the front seats include ventilation and massage. Electrically adjustable, individual rear seats are available as an option for the A8 and the A8 L. The A8 L is also available with a continuous, leather-covered center console. The first-class solution here is the relaxation seat with power footrest. A large number of additional features are also available, from four-zone automatic air conditioning and power-assisted closing to a cooler.
All components in the new A8 have been carefully chosen and processed with the utmost precision. Each of the lovingly executed details documents the hand-built character of the interior. A new range of choices for seat coverings, inlays and colors is available in many areas. New additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unikat, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable. The Audi design selection offers a preselection of exclusive materials and colors for the interior, including sycamore gray/marble gray. The design selection black/vermont brown with Carbon twill copper inlays is available for the Audi S8. The Audi exclusive range offers additional individualization options for particularly discerning customers.
As is typical for Audi, the new A8 features exemplarily clear controls despite the abundance of functions. Taking center stage is the MMI control element on the tunnel's center console. MMI navigation plus also includes a touchpad. The driver draws characters on the pad (MMI touch) to control numerous navigation and multimedia functions.
For more composed driving: the assistance systems
Driving is even more composed with the optional assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function is coupled with an expanded version of the standard Audi pre sense basic safety system. The same applies to Audi side assist. New in the A8 are Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, and the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking. The head-up display, which is also new, projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windshield. The night vision assistant can now also recognize larger animals in addition to pedestrians. Audi connect including car phone is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect to the car, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news. The multimedia highlight is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The Rear Seat Entertainment system includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.
