Speed Blogger

There’s a feeling that the new V10-engined R8 is one for the doubters. An R8 for those who still aren’t convinced that Audi can build a truly great junior-league supercar, despite the praise heaped on the original V8 R8 and despite a display cabinet at Ingolstadt crammed with Le Mans winners’ trophies.

Me? I don’t need convincing, but I can see where the doubters are coming from. I can appreciate that for some the original R8 isn’t gritty and supercar-y enough, and that despite those 24-hour wins it still somehow lacks the hard-won, ingrained credibility of, say, a Porsche. It takes mere moments behind the wheel of an R8 to realise that it is in fact a very, very good car, and only a little longer to appreciate that dynamically it’s quite exceptional (a process that can be hastened considerably by a visit to a race track). Yet even faced with the depth of its dynamic prowess, you can still recognise that, for some, there remains a missing something. It’s a number of little things which when gathered and pressed together form a word: passion.

Everything about the R8 is more than acceptable; the exterior styling, the cockpit ambience, the performance, the noise, the handling and the ride. There’s finely detailed tactility too. What there isn’t enough of is the raw, bold, uninhibited passion that makes a car irresistible, gives it character. The R8 is all the sensibilities and values of Audi moulded into the shape of a mid-engined supercar. A brilliant car, but one more like the Honda NSX than an Italian exotic.

The new R8 V10 addresses this. Not visually, though the side-scoops are kicked out to grab more air and give more shape to the flanks, while the intakes and vents front and rear have gappier spars and there are new crinkly 19in alloys. Not in the cockpit either, though the (optional) carbonfibre trim that loops up from low on the door casing, around the back of the instrument pod and back down to the centre console sets off the impeccably tailored leather wonderfully.

No, predictably it’s the 518bhp, 5.2-litre V10 engine that moves the R8 up the credibility rankings, taking its performance into pukka supercar territory. Audi says it propels the R8 to 60mph in under 4sec, to 124mph in 12sec and on to a whisker short of 200mph. Like the 414bhp FSI V8, this direct-injection V10 is a long-stroke design and combines thumping low-down torque (80 per cent of the 391lb ft peak almost from tickover) with a potent, furious top-end that reaches as far as 8700rpm. Of course, it also adds a more intriguing, exotic soundtrack, erupting into life with a lightly silenced, nasally whoop.

There’s more. To go with the more muscular engine there’s a sharper, more dialled-in chassis, and its presence is apparent almost from the moment the wheels get turning. Steering weight is increased, but this is no simple tweak of the power assistance because beneath it there’s an appealing sense that the nose is better stuck to the asphalt. It’s reminiscent of the front-end feel of another mid-engined, four-wheel-drive, V10 supercar, but we’ll come to that soon enough.

There’s a keener edge to the ride too, which altogether gives the V10 a different, sportier vibe. The V8’s more supple damping and lighter, more delicate steering position it as a mid-engined GT while the V10 is more, well, GT3 (see box-out, p112). Stephan Reil, head of development at quattro GmbH, explains that the set-up of the V10 is stiffer overall, with uprated springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and a rear limited-slip differential with a higher locking rating to cope with the increased torque. Altogether they make the V10 crisper handling, with a little understeer built in at the limit ‘to give a warning of where you are,’ as Reil puts it.

The weather of Spain’s Costa del Sol isn’t being kind to us. Up in the hills back from the coast it’s cold, with layers of rain and mist. Even so, the 5.2-litre R8 is a satisfying place to be. There’s a very fine finish to its Nappa leather-lined interior and the dynamics feel every bit as smooth and finely finished. Over broken and ruckled asphalt back in Marbella it felt firmly suspended but took the sting out of the sharpest surfaces, and now we’re loping along the meandering, smooth-surfaced ‘Ronda Road’ it feels wonderfully direct and poised. Until you give in to the urge to fully exploit one of the rare straights and get the throttle to the stop…

Instantaneously the V10 delivers a massive kick, and the shove is relentless and consistent, right up to the point where the wharp-ing note of the V10 starts to sound a little crazy, as if it’s being speeded up. That’s around peak torque at 6500rpm, which, on this rain-slicked surface, is when the fat rear Pirellis can contain the engine’s urge no longer – both spin up and the back end jinks a degrees or two sideways before ASR steps in.

Yes, it’s a car with more of an edge to it, and as Reil had promised, when the front end comes slightly unstuck as you turn in, communicated by weight dropping from the steering wheel, that’s a warning shot across your bows. Flex your right leg a bit too keenly now and the rear will get loose quickly, before being arrested just as quickly by the well-judged stability control. In the dry I expect it’s as easy to over-drive as the V8, despite carrying an extra 31kg of engine, because it feels equally well balanced and even better hooked up at the front.

Standard kit on the V10 is more generous than on the V8 and includes Audi’s ‘magnetic ride’ dampers, offering Comfort and Sport settings. It’s when I go for the button to compare the two that I discover we have regular fixed-rate dampers – a no-cost option. This pretty much matches the Sport setting on the magnetic set-up and, says my colleague John Simister, who’s tried both, you’d only miss the comfort setting occasionally. I certainly haven’t.

There’s no question that the V10 offers a lot more low-rev urge than the V8, and it delivers in a more linear fashion too, the final lunge for peak power at 8000rpm a smooth, insistent ramping up from peak torque. Let it zing to the 8700rpm limiter just for the thrill of it and the noise is extraordinary. And yet like many other V10s, it’s a rather monotone, glum-sounding engine when it’s not hard at work, its note all soft-edged bass unrelieved by spangly middle or treble. Hooked up to the optional R-tronic automated manual gearbox in auto mode, on a steady throttle it can induce melancholy by playing a descending scale as it shuffles into the highest feasible gear as quickly as it can.

The regular manual shares identical ratios and is a delight to use, the lever sliding between the fingers of the open gate with a pleasingly direct, metallic action. Yet R-tronic, in maximum-attack Sport mode, sets that headline 12sec time to 124mph (the pure manual trailing on 12.3), though that’s not why we’ve chosen it.

When it arrives in the UK this summer the R8 V10 will cost £99,575, same as a 911 Turbo, give or take a pair of floor mats. Yet in many ways the more interesting comparison is with the Audi’s cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560‑4. The similarities go right to the core: they both have an aluminium chassis and body and the same V10 engine and automated manual gearbox. The only differences between their engines are the intakes and exhaust systems and mapping – the Audi could have the same 552bhp – while their gearboxes differ only in software calibration. Is Audi undermining its extrovert Italian arm? Is the R8 V10 a Gallardo on the cheap?

Certainly the V10 R8 is a more serious proposition than the V8, an R8 with the performance to lobby strongly for supercar status, but you only have to park it alongside the Gallardo to realise that doing the numbers is not nearly enough. Your eye flits from the sharp-edged drama and boldness of the Lambo to the soft-edged Audi and, despite its similar proportions and its scoops and grilles in roughly the same places, the R8 is put utterly in the shade.

In truth, the Gallardo’s cockpit is a bit ordinary, a slight anti-climax, though the exterior shape dictates a high waistline that, combined with the fat screen pillars, gives a distinctive pillbox-like feel. Good if you reckon a supercar should be a little intimidating, but the R8 offers great all-round visibility for a low-slung, mid-engined car.

Fire up the Lambo and you might think it’s powered by a whole other V10. It catches with a thunderous outburst loaded with a fluty, off-beat yowl, and if there are valves in its exhaust system they appear to be jammed open. It’s hungry, edgy sounding at all times, and it behaves how it sounds. The R8 has superb throttle response but the Gallardo snaps forward like it’s been given an electric shock, and the force that drives you into your seat is stronger too. Do the maths and together the extra 34bhp and 120kg off the kerb weight are surprisingly effective, massaging the power-to-weight ratio up from the R8’s admirable 325bhp per ton to a more striking 374.

Shift refinement has never been the Gallardo’s greatest strength and the R8’s shows up the rough edges. Also, the stumpy gearlever of the Audi may have + and – placed counter-intuitively but it’s much more natural to drop a hand to the centre console to select reverse than to hunt the facia for a button marked with a big ‘R’, as you do in the Lambo. Another area where the Audi scores easy points is in brake feel. This car has the optional carbon-ceramic discs (£6995) and they may be a little sharp-acting, but unlike the Gallardo’s at least they react for those confidence-inspiring brushes of the pedal to trim corner-entry speed.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is the way these two cars feel on the road. The chassis of the V10 R8 is much firmer and more direct than the original V8, yet in comparison with the Gallardo on these soaking roads it has suppleness and feel to spare. The LP560 seems stiffer and reports every knobble and pimple in the surface while at the same time feeling less well connected to it. Sure, it covers the ground quickly, but it’s keener to push wide and to spin-up its rear wheels and the Audi maintains the same pace with relative ease. Of course, for a definitive verdict what we need to do is schedule a more thorough comparison on dry roads and maybe throw in a track and an epic drive too…

Despite its obvious shortcomings and price, the Lamborghini is the much more desirable car, the true supercar, the embodiment of passion. The R8 V10 takes Audi closer to Lamborghini territory but there’s no threat; the two sit together in Audi’s portfolio like olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Make no mistake, the R8 V10 is an excellent car that’s certain to give the 911 Turbo a very hard time and which will draw interest from those considering an Aston DB9 or Mercedes SL63 AMG. And yet, the car the V10 really has to beat is the original V8-engined R8.

Price-wise, it’s a big step – from £77K to £99K. There is, Audi says, over £10K’s worth of kit on the V10 that’s optional on the V8, including satnav, premium hi-fi and magnetic ride damping. Fair enough, but I wonder whether the V10 makes the R8 a significantly more desirable car. Sure, it’s a keener-edged drivers’ car, the engine delivers the goods alright, and in supercar terms it has cylinder count on its side, but I’m not much taken with the noise it makes. Also, I reckon the V8 has more character to its delivery; it’s always thrilling when it gets its second wind at 6000rpm and lunges for the 8000rpm red line. Trouble is, I suspect that once you’ve tasted an R8 with over 500bhp, there’s no going back.

Source: Evo

A few of my fav pics enjoy.

BMW has officially unveiled their new 760i and 760Li which are powered by a brand new twin-turbo V12 that produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Directly aimed at the 5.5-liter biturbo V12 Mercedes S600 with 380 kW (517 hp) and 829 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, the new BMW 760's have more horsepower but less torque.

The new all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 was designed from the ground up and features the latest technology such as high precision fuel injection, infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and a volume flow-controlled oil pump. BMW went to great length to specifically design the two exhaust gas turbochargers so they would provide unparalleled power and performance worthy of the wealthy owners who typically flock to this high-end model. Despite the fact that the car boasts more power than its predecessor, the new 760i actually features a 4.5 percent increase in fuel economy for an estimated rating of 12.9L/100km (21.9mpg UK / 18.2mpg US). In the terms of performance, 0-100 km/h comes in just 4.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Power flows to the rear wheels through a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission that was designed to provide maximum gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency. By partnering with transmission specialist ZF, BMW was able to find a way to allow the car to use its highest gear at reduced engine speeds for improved fuel economy and smoothness.

Exterior styling differences between the 760i and 750i are minor but include the addition of V12 badges, a slightly revised grille, unique 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and special dual exhaust tips. Interior changes include new stainless-steel door guards with illumination, a leather wrapped instrument panel, an alcantara lined roof, and exclusive burr walnut wood trim.

As BMW's flagship model, the new 760's boast a high level of performance driving equipment such as dynamic damping control, dynamic driving control, speed sensitive steering, an air suspension, and the dynamic drive anti-roll stability system. Luxury features include GPS navigation, four-zone climate control, automatic soft close doors, cruise control with automatic braking, and park distance control. On the options list there is active cruise control, a night vision system with pedestrian detection, a heads-up display, a rearview camera, and high-beam assistant.




Source: BMW , WORLDCARFANS

Labels: BMW 7 SERIES

Like the new LR4 and classic Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport also gets plenty of upgrades for the 2010 model year. Like the regular RR, the Sport gets the same 5.0L direct-inject V8s from Jaguar in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise plus a new six-speed automatic transmission. The NA puts out 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque while the force fed mill creates 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, the latter good for 5.9-second sprints to 60 mph. The Sport's exterior has also been tweaked with a new two-bar grille centered in the revised front end and new rear tail-lamps nestled above a redesigned rear bumper. The interior has also been redone with higher quality materials and a new steering wheel that includes paddle shifters on the supercharged model. Throw in enough electronic nannies to make even the Queen look like a good driver and you've got an eminently more capable sports SUV than the one it replaces

Source:AutoBlog

Labels: autoatl, car, Range Rover 510 hp, truck

Project Kahn has made a few modifications to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Most notable of these are the four 22-inch "White Mist" diamond cut alloy wheels which Kahn says enhance the car's elegant curves while embracing its distinct style.

Part of the package is an electronic lowering module which can adjust the suspension to what the owner demands. The UK-based design house also fitted quilted leather inside the car.

The 5.3 metre-long Continental Flying Spur is powered by 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine. Maximum power is 552bhp (412kW) and peak torque comes in at 650Nm (479ft lbs). Its 6-speed automatic ZF transmission helps it get from 0 - 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.



Source: Project Kahn & Worldcarfans

The vehicles have uprated versions of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that debuted in the X6 last year. Power goes from a mere 400 hp up to 555 hp in M form with torque swelling from 450 to 500 lb-ft. While the increase in twist doesn't seem like all that much, BMW is claiming it's produced from 1,500 all the way to 5,650 rpm.

The 4.4-liter V8 is direct injected and like other such engines with turbos, torque aplenty is the result. Like the standard version of the V8, the M variant has the intakes on the outside of the cylinder heads with the exhaust and twin turbos planted in the valley between the banks. This new version sports a revised exhaust manifold that combines the flow from both banks into the duo of twin scroll turbochargers.


source:autoblog

09 Bugatti in action.







Source:worldcarfans.com