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The M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its luxury equipment, and its performance. A top speed of 158 mph (254 km/h) makes the European version the second fastest BMW ever built next to the M1. This is due to all other BMW models being electronically restricted to 155 mph (249 km/h). An M6 can be distinguished from other E24 models by a larger front air dam, a rear spoiler, BBS wheels, colour matching side view mirrors, M badges on the grille and back, and slightly larger front brakes.
The M6 was the second-most expensive BMW sold in the U.S. after the 760Li ($137,000), with an MSRP of $108,150 for the convertible and $102,350 for the coupe. In the U.S. the M6 had one of the largest residual value drops at 19%, as it had little if any changes since its 2006 introduction. Overall the M6 is a powerful vehicle
A8's core competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series with the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ described as secondary competitors. The 2011 A8 weighs about the same as the outgoing model despite being 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) versus competitors: 50lbs less than S Class RWD, and more than 200lbs (90.7kg) less than S Class AWD; more than 200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and more than 400lbs (181.4kg) less than 7 Series AWD.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”
Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, the initial engine offering is the well known 4.2 FSI V8 with 273 kW (372 hp). The standard transmission is an all-new eight speed tiptronic coupled to the latest generation quattro all wheel drive as standard. 0-100km/h (62 mph) arrives in 5.7 seconds while Audi is claiming an estimated 15 percent improvement in fuel consumption versus the current A8 (EPA figures TBD).
A long wheel base variant will be revealed in 2010 in addition to the confirmation of a hybrid model on the way.
Audi debuted a special Security edition of the A8. The A8 L Security features a core safety cell made from hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. The car receives a high level of armoring, an emergency exit system, and a ballistic protection rating of VR7 - strong enough to, according to Audi, withstand a military hand grenade attack. The A8 L Security receives Audi's 500 horsepower W12 engine.
The German carmaker claims the production version of last year's Sportback Concept brings together the best of three worlds:"the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon." In reality, the A7 Sportback is a shaper looking version of the next A6 with a lower roofline, a more practical rear hatch and seating for four.
The car's exterior and interior design has remained largely untouched over the 2009 Detroit show car with most changes concerning practical details such as the larger head- and tail lamps and the shape and size of the exterior mirrors, along with the less fancy trim inside. And oh, it also gets a neat retractable rear spoiler similar to the one found on the Porsche Panamera.
The five-door coupe, which is positioned between the A6 and A8, is 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but only 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. The rear hatch reveals a luggage compartment with a capacity of 535-liters (18.89 cu ft) that can swell to a volume of 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) with the split rear seat backrests folded down.
Under the sheetmetal, the A7 Sportback rides on a modified architecture of the next A6, which is due in both sedan and Avant (Audi talk for Station Wagon) forms in 2011.
Audi will initially offer the A7 Sportback with a choice of two gasoline and two turbo diesel V6 engines, all featuring direct injection, an energy recuperation system and stop & start technology.
The petrol range comprises of the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI models, both of which are paired with a dual clutch S-Tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The naturally-aspirated 2.8-liter unit produces 204HP and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm propelling the A7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 235 km/h (146mph). It consumes 8.0lt / 100 km (29.4 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to 187g/km of CO2 (300.95 g/mile).
The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 unit delivers 300 hp) between 5,250 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. The standard sprint takes 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while fuel consumption is 8.2 lt/100km (28.7 US mpg), corresponding to 190 g/km of CO2 (305.8 g/mile).
In the diesel front, Audi offers two versions of the 3.0-liter V6 TDI. The more powerful variant produces 245HP between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm and 500Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm, and comes with the S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0lt/100km (39.2 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km (254.3 g/mile).
The basic version of the 3.0-liter TDI churns out 204HP between 3,750 and 4,500 rpm and will be available only with front-wheel drive and a multitronic automatic transmission. With this engine, the A7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 234 km/h (145 mph), while consuming 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km (44.4 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km (223.70 g/mile).
The redesigned saloon sits on the longest wheelbase in the class, increasing interior space and chassis composure, optimising weight distribution for outstanding handling balance.
The A4 features new dynamic steering and, for quattro models, four-wheel-drive with 40:60 torque split also help to reinforce the overtly sporting slant.
The FSI direct petrol injection and common rail piezo TDI engine range will include the 157bhp 1.8 Turbo FSI four-cylinder, the 262bhp 3.2-litre V6 FSI, the 142bhp 2.0-litre TDI, the 180bhp 2.7-litre TDI and the 238bhp 3.0-litre TDI.
Motorists can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission or an updated version of the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The 2,808mm wheelbase benefits legroom, which has increased by 36mm, and the 480-litre boot, which increases to 962 litres.
The new Audi Drive Select enables the driver to select one of three driving modes - comfort, auto and sport – changing accelerator pedal response, transmission shift points, power steering assistance and shock absorber characteristics to be adjusted by the driver.
But to heck with the back-story. Let's kick off with the Big Numbers: the four-wheel-drive RS5 will crack 62mph in 4.6 seconds and run to 155mph - unless you ask Audi very nicely to remove the limiter, in which case it'll hit 174mph. Yes, it's faster - and more powerful - than the M3 Coupe.
That 444bhp comes courtesy of a reworked version of the R8's 4.2-litre V8, making a full 30bhp more and driving all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. A new centre diff feeds 60 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, but can send up to 85 per cent to the rear - or 70 per cent to the front - in extreme conditions. Oh, and you can turn the ESP off. Like, properly off. Good.
Visual differences from the S5 could best be described as ‘subtle': there's a new front splitter and bigger air intakes, with a retractable spoiler round the back that raises at 75mph, a feature officially known as the ‘Ooh, look at me, officer!' wing.
We're expecting the RS5 to cost around £60,000 when it goes on sale later this year, making it more expensive than that M3 Coupe. We'll bring you more details from the Geneva show next week. Waddya think, y'all?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that has been in production since 1989 for right hand drive markets. It was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races,and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through Mitsubishi Motors close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors, or DSM, and the vehicle trio through the close of the second-generation line were sometimes referred to by the DSM moniker among enthusiast circles.
The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines.
The car underwent minor changes throughout its production; 1992–1994 models have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles. The most notable of these changes is that the models have pop-up headlights. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995.
The Audi TT is a two-door sports car manufactured by Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. in Győr, Hungary, since 1998, for the German automaker and Volkswagen Group subsidiary AUDI AG.
The Audi TT is now in its second generation and both generations have been available in two car body styles; as a 2+2 Coupé, or two-seater Roadster. As a result of this platform-sharing, the Audi TT has identical powertrain and suspension layouts as its related platform-mates.
Early TT models gained press coverage for a series of high-speed accidents in Europe. Reported crashes and related fatalities occurred at speeds in excess of 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph), during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the Coupé and Roadster models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve predictability of the car's handling at very high speeds. Audi's Electronic Stability Programme, and rear spoiler were added, along with suspension modifications. All changes were subsequently incorporated into future series production versions of the car.
