Audi R8 Launches all-LED Headlights

Since 1992, red LEDs have been used increasingly for high-level brake lights, as well for tail lights and regular brake lights. Audi became the first manufacturer to feature peripheral white LEDs as daytime running lights, first on the Audi A8 W12 in 2004 and then on the Audi S6, Audi R8 and Audi A5/S5 from 2006.

Audi is now premiering the first and only headlight unit in the world to deploy LEDs for all of the front lighting functions. Apart from the daytime running lights, these functions comprise the turn signals and the dipped beam and main beam headlights. Various groups of LEDs, known as arrays, produce the correct light distribution and brightness. Each headlight unit has a total of 54 LED light sources.

The outstanding benefits of LED technology include its low energy consumption (50 watts for the dipped beam headlights, 6 watts for the daytime running lights), a colour that is similar to daylight for enhanced contrast and more pleasant visual perception, the non-wearing design, lower voltage requirements, compact dimensions and the increased freedom of design.

A special permit from the EU has paved the way for incorporating front-lighting LED technology into series production ahead of schedule. This is because the corresponding EU regulation is not expected to come into force before 2008. Audi is a founding member of the working party that was set up in 2003 to bring about speedy approval for advanced and powerful lighting technology.

Innovations in the field of lighting technology are often based on the development of new light sources. Halogen bulbs were followed by xenon headlights, which were subsequently expanded to include cornering and static turning lights. Thanks to the rapid advances being made in LED technology, it will soon be possible to reproduce the same functions with these semiconductor elements too.

Each light unit consists of a housing, a chip or chip array, a circuit board and a heat sink. Electric ventilators ensure effective heat dissipation and also defrost the headlight units.

The LED headlight that will in future be available as an option for the Audi R8 is made up of the following components: LED dipped beam headlights as the primary function. Here, basic light distribution is taken care of by LED arrays, each consisting of four chips, which shine out of free-form reflectors. A further three two-chip LED arrays for light in the region of the light-dark boundary and for the headlight range are located behind the lens. Directly adjacent to this is the main beam headlight comprising one four-chip LED array inside each of the two reflector shells. The 24 white LEDs for the daytime running lights are distinctively positioned along the bottom edge of the headlight unit, giving it a three-dimensional and sophisticated appearance.

The turn signal with its eight yellow high-brightness LEDs is placed on the top edge of the headlight unit pointing towards the single-frame grille, where it combines with the strip of LED daytime running lights to form a frame around the headlight.

LED technology in Audi concept studies:

As long ago as the start of 2003 that Audi first unveiled an operational, slat-shaped LED fog light in its Pikes Peak show car at the Detroit Motor Show. An initial concept for an all-LED headlight was presented in the Audi Nuvolari quattro at the Geneva Motor Show in that same year, and in September the Le Mans quattro turned up on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show with LED headlights. The dipped beam light distribution already met the statutory requirements at this point. A fully functional LED headlight with lenses made from aluminium tools was featured on the allroad quattro concept car back in 2005. The Shooting Brake concept car then showcased an LED headlight with a bionic design, whose form resembled a pine cone. This same basic idea has now been transferred to the new series-production solution for the R8. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI (Detroit 2007) has already provided a preview of the next generation.

Audi Technology ABC

LED: light-emitting diode. Semiconductor light source which emits cold light at low voltages of 3 to 4 volts. The revolutionary new LED arrays in the Audi headlight produce a luminous flux of 400 lumen at a current strength of 1 A. Such luminous efficiency is unprecedented for LEDs.

Lumen: the unit of luminous flux. Describes the luminous power emitted by a light source.

Maserati Edo Competition MC12 Corsa

You can downlaod full gallery at the sidebar on the right or HERE.

During last year’s FIA GT championship Maserati drove their competitors into the ground with the MC12 GT1 (which already spawned the MC12). On the occasion of the overall victory, Maserati introduced the limited edition (12 units) MC12 Corsa.

The Über-Maserati weighs nearly 880 lbs less than the base MC12 (2530 lbs instead of 3368 lbs). This corresponds to a power-to-weight ratio of 3.36 lb / bhp. With 755 bhp and 546 lb-ft of torque, the Corsa will run circles around the regular MC12 (632 bhp).

Edo competition does not shy away from extreme sports cars such as this one; instead it gives them finishing touches. Consequently a special suspension system developed by Edo competition and manufactured by KW was fitted. The independently adjustable compression and rebound damping permits truly individual suspension setups. The unique system, with its three different adjustments, allows for low-speed compression damping characteristics to be altered while the high-speed settings, having a strong influence on ride-quality, remain constant. True racing technology for the road! Additionally the nose lift function available on the regular MC12 is carried over to avoid front and underbody damage.

Engine-wise, Edo competition leaves the 755 bhp–strong MC12 Corsa untouched. However, the 6.0-liter V12 now announces its power through a newly developed Edo competition high-flow exhaust system – and it does so with a soundtrack guaranteed to induce goose bumps! The sports exhaust system with electronically controlled butterfly valves provides visual cues to the MC12 Corsa’s power thanks to dual exhaust tips, each with a diameter of 4 in. Edo competition put a strong emphasis on quality during its construction. The muffler and exhaust tips are made from durable V2A stainless steel. And, not to be overlooked: a remote control to adjust the sound intensity has been installed.

For better cold braking properties during road use, Edo competition employed a ceramic composite high-performance brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in) rotors in the front and 360 mm (14.2 in) rotors in the rear along with special brake pads at both ends.

Edo competition had newly developed forged wheels (in black) custom made for the edo MC12 Corsa. On the front axle they’re of size 10 J x 19 and on the rear axle of size 13 J x 20. The wheels employed by Edo competition are shod with 265/35 ZR19 (front) and 335/30 ZR20 (rear) tires.

An official approval for road service is in preparation so that this unique Edo MC12 can also be admired outside of the race track.

Subaru WRC Concept

Subaru has chosen September’s 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) for the biggest new model blitz in its history. Key attractions include the European debut for the completely new Impreza, a striking World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV, totally new Justy supermini and the world’s first horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ turbo-diesel engine – due to be progressively installed in various models from spring 2008.

Subaru WRC driver, Petter Solberg, will speak at the Subaru press conference (Tuesday, September 11, Hall 8 at 2 pm) when the new Impreza-based WRC Concept will be unveiled.

Described as an indication of future styling trends for a world rally car, the WRC Concept is sure to draw the crowds – and conjure up speculation among enthusiasts and the press alike.

Also presenting at the press conference is Mr Matsatsugu Nagato, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice President in charge of European markets.

He will unveil the completely new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated formats – aimed at appealing to a wider audience while still retaining Subaru’s distinctive ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Both technologies offer outstanding handling and roadholding with ‘real world’ active safety.

Other exhibits include a facelifted Tribeca with new front and rear styling plus a larger – but more efficient – 3.6 litre ‘boxer’ engine mated to a more responsive five-speed automatic gearbox. Other improvements include easier access to the optional third row of seats in the seven-seat versions.

A surprise appearance at the show is a completely new Justy 1.0 litre five-door supermini offering superb fuel economy coupled with low exhaust emissions. The front-wheel drive Justy will be supplied to Subaru for sale in Europe by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Also guaranteed to generate intense interest is a display Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel engine which will be fitted progressively to various models from spring 2008.

The world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine promises outstanding refinement, smoothness and low weight for excellent handling. In addition, fuel economy, performance and emissions will all be class-challenging.

Also underlying Subaru’s commitment to developing environmentally-friendly technologies is an example of its R1e electric city car – already in use in Japan.

MANSORY Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin Vanquish/S, tradition & high end associate to a breathtaking symbiosis, without a doubt: we are talking about the admiral of the Aston Martin family. The frontspoiler comes with aerodynamic carbonfibre trims left/right and a adaptive 4line grilleelemt, similiar to the new 6line lightweight main radiator grill.

Brembo brakes with dimension of 405/32 brake discs with 6 piston calibers for the front and for the rear dimension of 405/28 with 4 piston calibers and a integrated handbrake system Brand new fully forged Aluminium leightweight performance wheels with dimensions in front like 9x20J with accordant 255/35/20 high performance tires and for the rear 10.5x20J 285/30/20 or for front 275/35/20 and rear with unbelievable 315/35/20 tires.

Likewise the side skirts amend the aerodynamic and let the car looks much more deeper. Yet another typical detail are the integrated carbon flanks with air intakes behind of them, identic to all the modified range. The rear design shows the apron with an gigantic integrated carbon diffusor and againa a step more sportier the rear trunk lid spoiler which supporting the dynamic contact pressure. The chromed details are the new designed exhauts, chrome stripes for the trunk and rounded fully chromed trims like for the tail light rims.

Like all models also new for the Vanquish the extra large anodized aluminium air outtakes on the engine bonnet and the fully forged lightweight wheels, together they are toping the exterior in the look really off.

Also new the suspension lowering with sport performance springs, the complete vehicle come done 25mm

Big 3 Performance Ford Mustang Limited

Big 3 Performance and several of today's leading aftermarket manufacturers have embarked on a project to create a limited production Mustang. For this project Big 3 has taken their experience building one off customs to research what they believe will be the standard of performance for Mustangs in this price group.

Big 3 Performance has joined up with some of the biggest names in aftermarket performance and restyling to take on the likes of America's premier muscle cars. Big 3 has assembled a group of industry giants that have extensive experience in the Mustang enthusiast market to produce a limited number of 100 vehicles for the 2007-2008 model years. Over the past year Big 3 Performance has combined their research, experience and ambition to offer this hand assembled Limited Edition Mustang. Big 3 not only promises more performance per dollar than their competition but also offers a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on these vehicles.

The Big 3 Performance Limited Edition Mustang's feature many enhancements that not only stay true to the classic design but also add a modern aggressive twist. Of the 100 vehicles built, Big 3 plans on producing just twenty of these 650 horsepower Mustangs. There will also be thirty 500 horsepower cars and fifty vehicles equipped with this menacing appearance package.

Big 3 Performance has established a reputation for their dedication to perfection that has made them highly respected among their piers. Their special combination of innovative ideas and ambition has placed them at the forefront of performance for today's modern muscle cars. The release of these Limited Edition Mustang's is a testament to their ongoing pursuit to bring super car performance to all generations of Mustang enthusiasts.

Audi A8 Reveals New Skin

The 2008 Audi A8 not only offers the sportiest performance of any luxury-class saloon, it also stands out as a model of efficiency. A particularly outstanding example is the new A8 2.8 FSI: superlative performance and excellent comfort make it a joy to drive. But at the same time, with a standard fuel consumption of 8.3 l/100 km, its CO2 emissions of 199 g/km are the lowest in its class.

The new A8 model series features major advancements across the range, which includes the top models Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, and offers a new driving feel whilst building on traditional strengths. An even more precise driving feel, even better ride and acoustic comfort, and subtle refinements to the exterior and interior serve to strengthen the special status of Audi's flagship model.

Unique character – consistently enhanced
To achieve this, many aspects have been refined in the unique blend of sportiness, elegance, supreme control and sophistication that forms the Audi A8 character. For instance, the more direct steering and re-engineered running gear have produced even more exact handling. Overall travelling comfort has also been enhanced by the modified adaptive air suspension and extensive improvements to noise insulation. These make the Audi A8 one of the world's quietest and most comfortable saloon cars.

The new assistance systems Audi lane assist and Audi side assist promise to make life easier for the driver and considerably enhance safety, especially on long journeys. Their tasks are to alert the driver if the car begins to drift out of its lane and to warn of vehicles in the adjacent lane.

Luxurious, sporty motoring with low fuel consumption
The 2.8 FSI impressively demonstrates how well the Audi A8 combines luxurious, sporty motoring with high efficiency and low fuel consumption. Its efficiency nevertheless comes with exciting performance, as the new high-tech V6 engine produces 154 kW / 210 bhp and delivers its maximum torque of 280 newton metres over the broad rev band of 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. With acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 238 km/h, the Audi A8 2.8 FSI is an effortlessly powerful performer.

High-tech engine with lightweight design concept
Thanks to its state-of-the-art engine and an exceptionally low vehicle weight of only 1,690 kilograms, the A8 2.8 FSI has a standard fuel consumption of just 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre – the lowest value of any luxury-class car. Here the dual benefits of low vehicle weight – thanks to lightweight aluminium design based on Audi Space Frame technology – and low wind resistance make themselves felt, in both excellent performance and equally good fuel economy.

The new six-cylinder engine demonstrates "Vorsprung durch Technik" with FSI petrol direct injection and the innovative Audi valvelift system. This new technology adjusts the valve lift, varying it between two levels. The Audi valvelift system uses sliding cam units mounted on the intake camshaft, which are moved by an electronic control mechanism. Depending on the engine power demand, the valves are opened wide or less wide as determined by the position of the cam units.

The advantage: the required quantity of fresh charge can be very efficiently controlled via the valve opening. Most of the time, the throttle valve remains fully open, thus substantially reducing throttle loss. In combination with a series of additional measures to reduce friction on numerous components, the Audi valvelift system reduces fuel consumption by ten percent.

High power transmission comfort with athletic qualities
The new A8 2.8 FSI is equipped with front wheel drive and the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The multitronic not only offers unmatched power transmission comfort with fully jolt-free acceleration, its tall overall gear ratios make for very fuel-efficient motoring. Nevertheless, the seven fixed ratios available in manual mode reveal its thoroughly athletic qualities.

In Germany the Audi A8 2.8 FSI with its extensive standard equipment costs from 61,900 euros incl. VAT.

Consistently enhanced
The A8 impressively embodies the progressiveness of the Audi brand: its extremely rigid lightweight body based on the Audi Space Frame principle, the powerful FSI and TDI engines, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly acclaimed MMI operating system are a few of the elements that demonstrate Audi's impressive "Vorsprung durch Technik" in the luxury class.

The character of the Audi A8 is formed by a synthesis of dynamic and agile performance and exceptionally refined ride and acoustic comfort. While setting new standards with its agility and steering precision, the A8 displays handling with definite sports car qualities. Even long journeys are both relaxing and pleasurable.

To underscore the unique character of this luxury saloon, Audi has further enhanced the two major strengths of the A8. The rack-and-pinion steering with variable steering ratio and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance has been optimised and engineered for a more direct feel. The dampers, supports and tuning of the adaptive air suspension have been revised. As a result, the A8 shows an even more spontaneous response to steering input, tightly follows winding country roads and effortlessly maintains a smooth straight line at high speeds.

Air suspension with even more sensitive comfort
Gains in performance and handling are matched by those in ride comfort: the standard-specification adaptive air suspension is now even more sensitive in responding to fine bumps. The electronically controlled variable dampers are now fitted with new seals to reduce friction. These are combined with new valves that have optimised characteristic curves, and the entire hydraulics have also been retuned. The A8 absorbs expansion joint grooves with supple ease and without even the hint of a vibration. With the addition of an insulation package to reduce rolling noise and road noise, the luxury saloon from Audi offers outstanding comfort.

Exemplary soundproofing
Even the complete acoustics of the A8 have been optimised with the use of innovative materials – after all, Audi approaches noise insulation as a component of its intelligent lightweight construction. The result: without gaining weight, the Audi A8 achieves the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise levels in its class. Being one of the quietest cars in the world is an important element of the relaxing long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of the Audi A8.

Assistance systems bring comfort and safety
Drivers of the Audi A8 can rely on the support of the most up-to-date assistance systems. They serve to enhance comfort and combat driver fatigue on long journeys, thus making an important contribution to safety. The new Audi side assist in the A8 makes use of intelligent radar technology.

The system is especially designed for lane-changing manoeuvres and warns the driver of dangerous situations: whenever there is another vehicle in the critical zone, a yellow LED display in the exterior mirror housing lights up and remains on.

If the driver of the A8 activates the indicator to change lane even though the warning display is lit up, the LEDs become brighter and flash more quickly at shorter intervals. This signal is almost impossible to miss as the peripheral vision of the human eye is extremely sensitive to changes in contrast.

Audi lane assist warns the driver to prevent an unintentional departure from the lane. A small camera positioned above the interior mirror on the windscreen observes the road ahead of the car and a high-speed computer detects the lane marking lines. If the driver moves towards one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist makes the driver aware of this by a vibration in the steering wheel.

Still a step ahead in the luxury class
The clear and progressive design idiom of the Audi A8 stands out for its timeless quality. The exterior design has thus only been accentuated at carefully chosen points – from the modified single-frame grille and new exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals to the new wheel designs and LED tail lights with their innovative night design. To complete the range, the A8 is available in new paint finishes and with sophisticated aluminium trim inserts plus new interior colour schemes and inlays.

The Audi A8 thus resolutely continues its progress on the road to success. With sales of over 100,000 vehicles so far, the current model has already exceeded the total sales volume of its predecessor. And it is continuing to make gains year by year in a market segment that has remained flat overall. How come? Because the A8 steadily attracts customers from other brands with its clear character, while at the same time product loyalty and repurchase rates among A8 drivers are above average.

Audi A5 Advanced 6 Cylinder Engines

The Audi A5, successfully launched on the market in mid-June, is now available in two new engine versions: as a 2.7 TDI and as a 3.2 FSI, each combined with continuously variable multitronic transmission. Audi is thus continuing to extend its range in the high-quality coupé segment.

New engines for the Audi A5 are a choice of two high-revving and efficient six-cylinder engines with continuously variable multitronic for comfort-oriented drivers.

Both the petrol and the diesel version come in the guise of impressive six-cylinder engines with direct injection. The 2.7 TDI has a power output of 140 kW (190 bhp). This model’s peak torque of 400 Nm is available at between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. The high-tech diesel engine with a common-rail fuel injection system reaches the 100 km/h mark in just 7.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 232 km/h. It uses an average of just 6.7 litres of diesel per 100 km.

The V6 petrol direct injection engine with a capacity of 3.2 litres is remarkable for its output of 195 kW (265 bhp) and its maximum torque of 330 Newton metres. This engine is equipped with the Audi valvelift system (AVS). Thanks to this variable valve lift control, fuel consumption can be considerably reduced and the efficiency of the engine further increased. The Audi A5 3.2 FSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 8.7 litres.