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Mar
28th

The Third Generation Audi TT: Design

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It's not often that you hear Audi's sports coupe being compared to “Germany's Next Top Model.”

However, such was the case when Jürgen Löffler gave his presentation on the upcoming third generation of two-door. He used it in reference to the process of elimination in which the designs for the iconic vehicle were chosen.

Löffler mentioned that 20 designers brought forth their visions to create a vehicle with a history that dates back to its auto show introduction in 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Back then, it was a major step for Audi when it came to creating a vehicle that would stir the soul, as well as inspire driving.

The competition between the designers was rigorous. Initial sketches were presented. Those who made the cut would then render 3D drawings in CAD and then, through further elimination, clay models would be made, and then colours and contours added.

Finally, the winner would be awarded the project.

The process for bringing a car to market truly happens years before it sees the light of day.


Audi TT: Exterior Design
With all three generations present in Ingolstadt, Germany, (1998, 2006 and upcoming) Löffler explained the various features of the shape of things to come.

It's easy to see how designers used the original TT from 1998 as a platform and inspiration leading up to what will be seen on North American streets as of 2015.
Löffler used words such as “puristic” and “masculine” to sum up the Audi TT's exterior physique.

He added that if you have an icon in the company, you should maintain and build upon it.

Furthermore, in regards to its physique, he compared the TT to an athlete, a track athlete not a bodybuilder. The Audi TT is svelte, but also has clearly defined muscularity without the bulk.

Design characteristics encompass horizontal lines that dominate the brand new Audi TT's front end. You'll find the single-frame grille is wide and flat. Running from its top corners are the two contours that stretch across the hood that bears the Audi ring quartet. Webs structure the air intakes. The headlights are also designed with separating bars that radiate the daytime running lights. LED technology headlights are available as an option.

Many details in the profile of the new Coupé are borrowed from the first-generation model. Audi mentioned, “the sill contour forms a strong line, the wide wheel arches form their own geometric body. The front arch breaks through the line of the hood, which continues above the door as a tornado line and runs to the tail. The flat glass housing acts like a body in its own right, while a slight bend in the rear side window emphasizes the powerful C-pillar. The fuel tank flap features a traditional circular shape and opens by touch.”

What's new? There is no fuel tank cap under the flap. It's similar to what Ford currently uses on their vehicles.

Both headlight and taillights were designed to be mirror images of themselves. And their vertical geometry is a tribute to the brand's motorsport heritage.

Audi TT 2015
Photo: Alexandra Straub

Audi TT: Interior Design

When it came to the interior design, the team looked to the second generation TT. They used an existing model and took on the challenge of making it better.
Jet-engine inspired air vents accessorize the centre stack. This time around, climate controls are on the vents themselves, and so are the options for heating the seats.

The newly developed sports seats are mounted low and together, and they weigh 5 kg (11.02 lb) less than the seats in the Audi TT's predecessor.

For those looking inside, you'll find a brand new media interface (Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI) that can be controlled either via the steering wheel or the selection knob near the centre console.

As a 2+2, the new Audi TT is a sports car that is highly suited to everyday use. The luggage compartment has a volume of 305 litres (10.77 cubic feet), which is 13 litres (0.46 cubic feet) more than the previous model.

Audi TT 2015
Photo: Alexandra Straub

Audi TT: Under the hood
While there are no plans to bring the TDI version of the TT to Canada, there is still something to look forward to.

The 2.0 TFSI is available in two versions: in the Audi TT with 230 horsepower and 272.90 lb-ft of torque, and in the TTS with 310 hp and 280.27 lb-ft of torque. The Audi TTS advances in the top performance range -- it takes 4.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr, while the top speed (which is limited to 250 km/hr) is just a formality.

The new Audi TT will then have the option of either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed S tronic automatic with dual-clutch transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
Mar
28th

F1: Ferrari suffered FIA engine glitch in Melbourne

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From GMM

Fernando Alonso has denied that Ferrari is yet to 'turn its engine up' in the 2014 season.

Lewis Hamilton, a title favourite with the dominant team Mercedes, downplayed the German squad's superiority when he said at Sepang: "I'm sure Renault have not turned their engine up to max. It's the same with Ferrari. If you look at their apex speed, they have a good car."

According to Spaniard Alonso, however, that's not right. "As far as the electrical side, yes, we are using the full power.

"But in the early laps in Melbourne we had a problem that we were blocked and so it didn't work fully," he is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo.

Alonso is referring to the energy-recovery side of the new 'power unit' that, in the opening phase of a grand prix, is automatically 'blocked' by the FIA.

But the Ferrari-powered cars in Melbourne were without up to 100 horse power for the entire first stint until the pitstop, due to an FIA glitch.

F1 Ferrari F14-T
Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

It is also clear that Ferrari's 'power unit' is up to 13 kilograms overweight.

"Yes," Ferrari-powered Sauber's Esteban Gutierrez confirmed to Spain's Marca, "but the positive thing is that this is a new world (in F1) and the possibilities for development are vast."

Fernando Alonso has won at Sepang in a Renault, a McLaren and a Ferrari, but he effectively ruled out a repeat of his surprise 2012 win this weekend.

"This is formula one and anything can happen," he is quoted by the EFE news agency, "but I think what we saw in 2012 was once in a lifetime."

Beyond that, he is not willing to talk too much about his 2014 prospects.

"If I say I am happy with fourth place, someone will say that I am no longer hungry for results," said Fernando Alonso. "And if I say that I am not happy, someone will have something to say about that too."


Mar
28th

2014 Dodge Journey R/T review

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One has to hand it to Chrysler: Every once in a while, they really shake up the car business with some insanely (at the time) crazy ideas that typically catch on and eventually become the norm. The most obvious and well-known: the minivan.

Occasionally, they come up with alternatives to mainstream products that resound with the buying public without changing the course of the car business. This alternative to their own creation, again the minivan, is the Dodge Journey.

Unlike any other compact CUV, the Journey blends the undeniable utility of the minivan with the “coolness” factor of the crossover. The Journey also happens to be affordable and a better than decent drive. It's no wonder then that it thrives despite being 6 years old.


What is a Dodge Journey?
The 2014 Dodge Journey is Chrysler's answer to the uber popular compact crossover segment and is capable of accommodating up to 7 passengers, loads of gear and can be had with much equipment.

Unlike its competition, the Journey offers up vast amounts of interior space at the expense of some enticing styling, which clearly works.

2014 Dodge Journey Price and Specs
The basic FWD Canada Value Package 2014 Dodge Journey has a retail price of $21,495. At the top of the heap sits the R/T Rallye with AWD and its starting price is $33,895.

The latter version was my tester, and its sticker price with options such as navigation and sunroof topped out at $36,210. At this point in the Journey's career, discounts are readily offered and thus paying the retail price is just about impossible.

Entry-level Journeys run on a 173-horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. To it is connected a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels exclusively. The other engine is a potent 283-horsepower 3.6L V6, which is mated to a 6-speed autobox and available with either FWD or AWD.

Driving the 2014 Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey drives its age; this was my first observation minutes after taking off. As technologies progress and chassis engineering defies the laws of gravity, the Journey feels slightly sloppier than a number of its competitors especially where steering and ride quality are concerned.

I quickly left that frame of mind when I reminded myself who actually buys the Journey. I may have been thrown by the fact that my tester was an R/T with 19” wheels and a standard performance suspension. My inner monologue then moved on to the realization that few actually buy this version. In actuality, the R/T is the least representative of the Journey's stuffed lineup of trims.

On the road, the 2014 Dodge Journey feels heavy and not particularly nimble. Steering is numb and could use a little tightening, but this is not the most annoying issue with the drive. The transmission is generally reluctant to give the V6 free reign and allow it to unleash its power. Throttle response is slow-ish and the slushbox plays the same game.

Once more, this thinking has little to do with the large crowd that requires a means of transportation that is all about safety, room and who are on a budget. The 2014 Journey juggles all of the above with a fair degree of skill and it must be said that, once underway, the V6 does boogie.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Dodge Journey
The Journey's exterior shape is not the most inspiring, however, it's aged fairly well. Unlike some modern mind-bending designs, the Journey's squared-off body remains unfettered by the ravages of time. The 2011 facelift did help.

The R/T gains body-colour grille and door handles and the 19” Satin Carbon aluminum wheels, which enhance the Journey's on-road presence.

The 2014 Dodge Journey's cabin fits with Chrysler's efforts of making the space occupied by passengers as pleasant and stylish as possible. Presentation-wise, the Journey's dashboard is both functional and well assembled. My loaded R/T featured navigation and all the bells and whistles, and all works very well.

Seats, in the first two rows, are fair too good, offering an appreciable level of comfort. The third row, as are all of them in this segment, are reserved for the shorter and more flexible amongst us. The best aspect of the interior is the trunk, which is vast, and is able to swallow 1,121 litres of stuff.

Comparing the 2014 Dodge Journey
As the bestselling midsize CUV in Canada with deliveries of 27,745 units in 2013 and 28,888 in 2012, the Dodge Journey sits high on the hog for value and content.

Alongside it, shoppers will find the Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, and Honda Pilot, all worthy however the Journey's price point is far more attractive.

Mar
28th

The Ultimate 2014 Summer Tire Guide

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The editorial team at Auto123.com is proud to bring you its annual Summer Tire Guide to help you make a smarter decision when it comes to picking the right summer tires for your car. Whether you're looking for information about a specific model, tire maintenance, or load and speed ratings, we promise to answer all your questions!

Mar
28th

Classic 1920 Ford Model TT converted into snowmobile

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Car classifieds often conceal rare and unique items. One example is this 1920 Ford Model TT that was fully restored and converted into a snowmobile.

It has seldom been used and has always been stored indoors. Now that the owner has passed away, his son is putting it on the market for US$7,000.

Interested?

Source : hemmings.com

Classic 1920 Ford Model TT converted into snowmobile
Photo: howstuffworks


Mar
28th

F1: Red Bull’s fuel flow problems continue in Malaysia

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From GMM

The 'fuel flow' saga is continuing in Malaysia.

The Times newspaper reports that, after Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification in Melbourne, Red Bull spent over $130,000 on five brand new FIA-mandated Gill sensors for the Sepang race.

"We are not taking any chances and we have gone out independently and bought sensors so we know that we will have at least one that works properly," a team source said.

Red Bull has appealed Ricciardo's exclusion, and last week at Milton Keynes FIA figures had been invited to inspect the sensors the reigning world champions claim were faulty in Australia.

But the trouble hasn't stopped there.

F1 Red Bull RB10 cover
The RedBull RB10 without its cover. (Photo: WRi2)

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that, during the first practice session at Sepang, Ricciardo's RB10 once again struck fuel flow sensor problems.

And correspondent Michael Schmidt said the similarly Renault-powered sister team Toro Rosso also had problems getting a signal from the sensors.

A new sensor - costing $26,000 at full calibration - was fitted to Ricciardo's car for second practice.

"So much for saving money," Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko bluntly observed.

More serious, however, is the risk of further disqualifications. What will Red Bull do now if, as in Melbourne, the FIA asks the team to reduce the Renault engine's fuel flow?

"I don't know," team boss Christian Horner answered. "Maybe two sensors should be installed in different places, and the average value should be read in order to reduce the risk of incorrect measurements."


Mar
28th

Tesla hopes titanium underbody shield will prevent fires

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Medium.com that all Model S cars built after March 6th, 2014, will have a titanium underbody shield to protect the battery packs from road debris and prevent them from catching fire.

Musk deemed the measure to be necessary after three Model S fires were reported last year, even though the drivers came out unharmed.

Tesla also posted videos showing the effectiveness of the new titanium underbody shield when hitting an errant ball hitch, a concrete block, and a car alternator.

Source : medium.com

Tesla: un revêtement en titane pour les batteries
Photo: TransportEvolved.com

Tesla: un revêtement en titane pour les batteries
Photo: TransportEvolved.com

Tesla: un revêtement en titane pour les batteries
Photo: TransportEvolved.com



















Mar
28th

F1: Kamui Kobayashi worried about ”submarining” noses

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From GMM

Kamui Kobayashi has confirmed he is worried about the safety of this year's low nose designs.

Before the season began, Red Bull designer Adrian Newey expressed concern about the new, low front noses, arguing not only that they are ugly, but they might also be dangerous.

The reduced height minimises the risk of cars being launched into the air, but "I am concerned the opposite may now happen, that cars now (will) submarine effectively," the Briton had said.

Indeed, alarming images of the crash involving Kamui Kobayashi and Felipe Massa at the first corner in Melbourne subsequently emerged, showing the front of Kobayashi's Caterham 'submarining' under the diffuser of Massa's Williams.

F1 Kamui Kobayashi Caterham crash Australia Felipe Massa Williams
Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham) just before hitting Felipe Massa (Williams). (Photo: WRi2)

"It was a very serious problem," Japanese Kobayashi was quoted in Malaysia by Brazil's Globo, "and it can be very dangerous for drivers. I think I was lucky not to be hurt -- if it had happened at Monza, the outcome could have been different."

"We need to seriously discuss what happened, because the design of the noses was changed just for safety. If they are more dangerous, then I think we need to talk again about what we need to change in the regulations," he continued.



Mar
27th

What would the Ninja Turtles drive?: We place the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in cars of our choice

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The new and#8220;Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesand#8221; live-action trailer made its online debut today. The four heroes in a half shell are back in New York, with a tarted-up Megan Fox playing April O'Neil -- somehow without red hair.
Mar
27th

BMW X7 poised to make S.C. plant an even bigger manufacturing powerhouse

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BMW's next expansion at its Spartanburg, S.C., plant and the addition of the X7 crossover will mark another milestone for a factory that's become a centerpiece of BMW's global manufacturing strategy.
Mar
27th

Ford spoofs Cadillac ELR with latest ad: It’s plug-in vs. plug-in with new Ford spot named ‘Upside’

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Rule Number One of advertising is, "kick 'em when they're down." Or was that Sun Tzu...or
Mar
27th

David Brown Speedback revealed

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David Brown Speedback front
News 27 Mar, 2014

It looks like an Aston Martin DB5, but new handmade British sports car is a Jaguar XKR underneath

Mar
27th

80 mph speed limit: Idaho and Wyoming poised to be next: Western states set to join Texas and Utah with 80-mph limits on stretches of interstate

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Idaho and Wyoming could soon see 80 mph speed limits introduced to a number of highways, joining Texas and Utah as the states with some of the fastest permitted passenger car-driving speeds,
Mar
27th

David Brown Speedback revealed – pictures

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Pictures See all 6 picturesDavid Brown Speedback frontDavid Brown Speedback sideDavid Brown Speedback interior 27 Mar, 2014
Mar
27th

MALAYSIA: Renault set to receive first EEV-making licence – reports

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A local market research company has predicted Renault would receive the first licence under the government's plan to turn Malaysia into a hybrid- and electric-vehicles hub in the ASEAN regional trade bloc, a media report said.
Mar
27th

Watch the 2016 Audi R8 testing on the Nürburgring: Audi supercar gets evolved sheetmetal, dual-clutch transmission and a great soundtrack

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The next Audi R8 is in the works, and now there's video of the latest from Ingolstadt testing on the Nürburgring.
Mar
27th

Bill Ford says UAW’s Gettelfinger deserves more credit ‘for helping save Ford’

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Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford today credited the UAW for helping to 'save' the automaker and stood by the track record of Ford's dealer network as Tesla Motors pushes its direct-sales model.
Mar
27th

Hotter VW Golf R spied

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VW Golf R Evo front
News 27 Mar, 2014

Lighter, more powerful Volkswagen Golf R spied under GTI disguise, could debut at Beijing Motor Show next month

Mar
27th

Hotter VW Golf R spied – pictures

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Pictures See all 6 picturesVW Golf R Evo frontVW Golf R Evo rearVW Golf R Evo front quarter 27 Mar, 2014
Mar
27th

VW reassigns U.S. plant chief Fischer amid management shuffle

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Frank Fischer, who has led Volkswagen's operations in Chattanooga since the automaker announced its return to manufacturing in the United States in 2008, has been reassigned to lead an assembly plant in Germany.
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