Porsche 911 Turbo S more dynamic

Stuttgart. The engineers at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, have developed a new top-of-the-range sports car for the customer who will only settle for the very best in terms of power, performance and driving dynamics: the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Porsche 911 Turbo S – Features

Engine Performance

The heart of the Porsche 911 Turbo S is of course a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, with an increase in power over the 911 Turbo by 30 to 530 bhp (390 kW). Maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb-ft). At the same time this new top model comes as standard with all high-tech components available only as options on the “regular” 911 Turbo.

Despite its significant increase in power and dynamic performance, the new Porsche 911 Turbo S, at 11.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 24.8 mpg imp), does not consume any more fuel than the Porsche 911 Turbo, making it by far the most efficient sports car in its performance class.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Porsche’s Double-Clutch Gearbox) conveying drive power to Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. Driving safety optimised to an even higher standard is ensured by Dynamic Engine Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) including a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle. In conjunction with Launch Control on the Sport Chrono Package Turbo likewise featured as standard, 911 Turbo S accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds

Top speed is 315 km/h or 195 mph. Extra-light and fading-resistant Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) provide the same outstanding performance in terms of stopping power and controlled application of the brakes.

Standard Equipment

The supreme level of standard equipment including Dynamic Bending Lights, 19-inch wheels in RS Spyder design with central locking, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, a CD/DVD changer and exclusive twin-tone leather upholstery in Black/Crema or Black/Titanium Blue additionally underlines the outstanding class and calibre of this first Turbo S in five years.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo S will be at the dealership as both a Coupé and Cabriolet as of May 2010. The German market price of the Turbo S Coupé is Euro 173,241 including 19 per cent value-added tax and local equipment in the market (the Euro base price is Euro 145,400). The Cabriolet retails in the German market at Euro 184.546, again including 19 per cent VAT and local equipment/specifications (base price Euro 154,900).

Mazda BT-50 EDGE in SA

Mazda is ready to take on the roughest terrain and most demanding topography with the latest edition to the BT-50 range – the limited edition Mazda BT-50 EDGE. Always ready for adventure, the Mazda BT-50 EDGE possesses a powerful 3.0-litre engine and features high-quality extras allowing you to tackle even the roughest playground in style and comfort.

Mazda BT-50 EDGE is ready for adventure

The heart of the Mazda BT-50 EDGE, the potent 3.0-litre power plant produces 115kW @ 3200rpm and offers a class leading torque of 380Nm at just 1800rpm. It is one of the most powerful pick-ups in its class and has already proved to be a popular choice with South African consumers.

Packaged as a sports activity vehicle the Mazda BT-50 EDGE caters for the adventurous at heart but without sacrificing on any creature comforts. The luxurious refinement of the cabin interior is almost enough to make you forget that the Mazda BT-50 EDGE is a pickup truck. The interior appointments offer user-oriented convenience and utility in a modern package that features sporty and athletic styling.

Mazda BT-50 EDGE – Price

Mazda BT-50 3.0-litre CRDi SLE 4×2 Double Cab EDGE : R 345 000

Prices include VAT.

POSITIVE FIRST DAY OF 2010 TESTING FOR DUCATI MOTOGP TEAM AT SEPANG

Today the full complement of MotoGP riders roared back into action for the first time in 2010 at Sepang, after a first day exclusively available to test riders, who performed ‘shakedown’ sessions on their machines yesterday. It was a positive start for the two Ducati MotoGP Team riders, who were 2nd and 7th fastest respectively. Stoner, who expressed his satisfaction with the new engine, was quickly on the pace and then focused on the set-up of his bike trying to solve a problem of chatter. Hayden, who was also testing a new fairing today, set a good pace but struggled with the same problem as his team-mate. The pair are now looking forward to working more on the base settings of the GP10 and are confident of improving it tomorrow.

Weather-wise it was a demanding day for all of the riders, with ambient temperatures reaching 40°C and the thermometer hitting 60°C on the track. Around fifteen minutes before the scheduled end of the test, a light rain shower brought it to an early conclusion. The track will be open again tomorrow from 9am to 5pm for the second and final day of the test.

1. Rossi (Yamaha) 2:01.411 (54 laps)
2. Stoner (Ducati) 2:01.902 (42)
3. Edwards (Yamaha) 2:01.932 (48)
4. Capirossi (Suzuki) 2:02.102 (58)
5. Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2:02.165 (57)

Audi sales hit record for January 2010

HERNDON, Va., Feb 2, 2010 – Audi sales for January in the U.S. totaled 6,510 luxury performance cars and SUVs, which accounted for a 37.9% overall increase from January 2009. The results followed strong year-end sales that gave Audi the largest 2009 market share gain in the imported luxury vehicle sector.

Audi sales driven by increased demand for TDI engines

Audi sales of the A3 jumped 106.2% largely due to the availability of the A3 TDI clean diesel model, which won the 2010 Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

In fact, the fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions benefits of TDI technology continued to provide a winning story for Audi in January 2010. For the month, the A3 TDI made up 50% of all A3 sales, while demand for the larger Q7 TDI model constituted 48% of all Q7 sales. That level of demand far exceeds original expectations for TDI sales when Audi introduced the two models last year.

Audi sales of the Audi A4 sedan, the best-selling model in the Audi lineup, rose 60.3% in January 2010 compared to a year earlier. Audi sales of all A4 variants rose a solid 34.3% from a year earlier when the A4 Cabriolet was still available.

“Having ended 2009 on such a high note, it was important to ensure that our success was substantive and enduring,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “January sales figures reinforce the notion that our momentum is the byproduct of relentless innovation years in the making.”

Felipe Massa fastest driver in Valencia

Valencia, 1st February 2010 – Felipe Massa was the fastest driver on the track on the first day of testing at the Cheste circuit, just outside Valencia. The Brazilian drove the fastest lap in the last minutes of the session, while he had been leading the time sheet with his lap times before. The 1.12.574 taken by Massa for his fastest lap today can’t be judged in absolute terms regarding the competitors, because this year, understanding the fuel loads in the cars, is more difficult than ever. Although it has to be said that this result is a good prelude for the Ferrari F10 on the day of its debut.

Felipe Massa puts Ferrari F10 to the test

“I’m happy about how it went today,” Felipe Massa said at the end of the test session. “We worked very well and drove many kilometres without any problems. The first impression of the car is really positive: it is easier to drive compared to the F60, we can work better on the set up and last but not least there’s much more grip, which makes it much more pleasant to drive.

Naturally it’s still very early, but it’s a good start. The fastest lap? That doesn’t mean anything, but it’s always good being in the lead! I’m also satisfied with myself. It’s great being back on the track, together with all the others and to see that nothing has changed. I drove over 100 laps and I could have done another 100 from the physical and mental point of view.”

Obviously the first meeting between a driver, who has always been part of the Ferrari family and one who has taken a different road, attracted lots of interest. “I haven’t spoken to Michael yet, but we said hello when I passed him towards the end of the day. It’s very good for Formula 1 that he’s back. It’s strange seeing him with a red helmet in a grey car.”

There were two main technical issues: the new tyres and the cars’ behaviour with lots of petrol on board. Felipe said: “I tried the soft compound a lot today and I really liked it, but it’s really too early to draw a conclusion: we have to wait and see how it works with higher temperatures to see the wear. We also drove with different fuel loads and the car was very balanced under all conditions; that’s encouraging!”

Tomorrow there is an “encore” on the same stage.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sets new performance standards

Stuttgart – Pure fascination and high tech at the very highest level: with the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is completely redefining the speed, driving dynamics and design of the super sports car. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Constructed primarily from aluminium, it tips the scales at just 1620 kilograms, which equates to 2.84 kilograms per hp – an absolute peak value in the super sports car segment, guaranteeing driving dynamics in a class of their own.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to be gaming sensation

With its gullwing doors, long bonnet and an instrument panel which is reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit, it embodies a powerful and passionate sportiness, coupled with exceptional elegance. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an invitation to “take off” with all of the senses. This desire for a completely new driving sensation is also a highlight of the integrated marketing campaign which was launched at the vehicle’s world premiere in September at the International Motor Show (IAA), and is gradually building up to its market introduction in the first quarter of 2010.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5The gull-wing is not only expected to cause a stir on the roads with its breathtaking performance. The SLS AMG is also featured in the latest version of the PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) game Gran Turismo® 5, scheduled for release in 2010. In this new video game, gaming fans and car enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy an interactive driving experience first hand at the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in full HD quality thanks to extremely realistic rendering. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.

BMW S 1000 RR to race for 2010 IDM Championship

Two aspiring and talented young riders will be racing BMW S 1000 RR machines for a second year, but with a new team in the 2010 German Superbike Championship (IDM). Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will represent the ‘Sport-Evolution BMW Motorrad Junior-Team’ that will race BMW motorcycles in the Superbike IDM 2010.

Young guns to master the BMW S 1000 RR

Both riders were part of the Alpha Technik van-Zon squads that contested the 2009 series and will now ride for the Sport Evolution race team from Coblence that is well known for nurturing and developing promising young talent. Having won the IDM Supersport Championship in 2008 with Arne Tode, the Sport Evolution team graduated to the Superbike class and made an instant impression with Tode – winning two races and finishing fifth overall in the series.

For 2010, Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will start their second full season riding the BMW S 1000 RR superbike. Both young racers bring a year’s experience of top-flight competition with them from the 2009 IDM series. Filip Altendorfer already showed his potential as an up-and-coming Superbike Junior rider last year when he scored a seventh place finish at the Nürburgring in May, eventually finishing in 16th place in the overall rankings. The 23-year-old from Raubling, who has made the journey to Superbike racing via the IDM 125cc and Yamaha R6 Cup classes, will be hoping that regular top 10 finishes will be achievable in this year’s eight-round, 16-race series.

Altendorfer’s team-mate, Toni Wirsing, made the step up to the IDM series via the 250cc European Championship. Although only 18-years-old when he first sat on a superbike in 2009, the youngster from Chemnitz was among the points in his first race, eventually finishing in 30th place. With the experienced team leader Dietmar Franzen managing the Sport Evolution team for 2010, both BMW Juniors will have an extremely promising foundation on which to develop their talent throughout the 2010 IDM season, which begins on 23 April at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz.

Best cars of 2010 – Three Audi models win

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 28, 2010 – Audi has continued its success story in the Best Cars of 2010 readers’ poll conducted by the magazine “auto motor und sport” (ams). Readers voted three Audi models – the Audi A4, R8 Spyder and Audi Q5 – into first place in their categories. Second places for the Audi A3, A6 and R8 Coupé rounded out the outstanding result.

Audi voted to produce some of the best cars in the world

The three first-place finishes once again made Audi one of the most successful brands in the readers’ poll. The Audi R8 Spyder finished top of the category “Convertibles” this year at the first time of asking. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, took receipt of the award in the “Alte Reithalle” in Stuttgart. In the “Off-road vehicles” category, the Audi Q5 left its competitors trailing. The award was accepted by Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

And in the “Midsize class” category, the Audi A4 was the undisputed number one for the third successive occasion. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, received this award on the company’s behalf in Stuttgart.

These impressive results were rounded out by the three second-place finishes. Readers of ams voted the Audi A3 into second place in the “Lower midsize class” category, a feat emulated by the Audi A6 in the “Upper midsize class” and the Audi R8 Coupé in the “Sports car” categories.

BMW R 1150 R goes the extra miles

When American rider Barb Smith first started riding BMW motorcycles in the summer of 2005, she had no idea that less than four years later, she would be picking up a special 100,000 mile award (160,000 kilometres) from BMW Motorrad USA.

The great escape on a BMW R 1150 R made easy

Having passed her motorcycle test in August 2002, she spent her first two years riding a Japanese cruiser, but after realising its limitations, the rider from Texas was persuaded by a friend that she was ready for a BMW. A new BMW R 1150 R in the summer of 2005 changed her riding forever. In March 2006 she did a ‘Saddlesore 1000’ event to become a member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA) and thus began her long-distance riding career.

In just three years, she put nearly 90,000 miles on the BMW R 1550 R, criss-crossing the continent to attend motorcycling events, and to visit every National Park within easy reach of an interstate highway. However, for Barb it wasn’t really about accumulating these miles, it was all about escape…

“The BMW was an excellent conveyance to parts of the country I’d always wanted to visit and see: Mt. Rushmore; Acadia National Park; the great plains of the Midwest; Rocky Mountains; mid-Atlantic seashore. It was about satisfying my wanderlust and need to travel.”

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year

Just in case there was ever any doubt, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider supercar has been officially named as the Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2009 by Top Gear magazine. Judged by a Top Gear panel consisting of TV, magazine and online teams – spanning 24 international editions – the awards recognise the most innovative and exciting cars to be launched over the past 12 months.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider ticks all the right boxes

Described as ‘perfection’ by Top Gear, the 8C Spider’s good looks are more than skin deep. A responsive 4.7litre V8 engine produces an awesome 450BHP which is channelled through a sophisticated 6-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to the rear wheels, producing enough power to launch its occupants from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 181mph.

UK Brand Communications Manager, Damien Dally, said:

“There’s no doubt that the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sensational supercar but to have the recognition of the Top Gear panel is a perfect way to end the year.”

Limited to a production run of just 500 examples, 35 Alfa Romeo 8C Spiders are destined for the UK, with most of them sold before you could say “bellissima”. Valued at around £174,000 (R2.1m) the chance of owning an example remains ultra exclusive, however the latest models in Alfa Romeo’s line up have taken inspiration from the Alfa 8C Competizione and Spider – such as the sporty compact Alfa MiTo and 2010’s Alfa Giulietta.