Ferrari California

2009 Ferrari California
Ferrari Press Release

The Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolise not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.

This new car joins Ferrari's 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It also flanks the 12-cylinder flagship 612 Scaglietti in the Grand Tourer category. The Ferrari California is a car with the track in its DNA. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfil the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers.

In line with Ferrari tradition, this model positively brims with innovative features. In addition to its retractable hard top and the aforementioned original 2+ concept, the new Prancing Horse car also offers: a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles coupled with a new dual clutch, a new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear), the new evolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs as standard (this latter feature is shared by the other models in the current range).

Styling
The California's sleek aerodynamic styling is, like the rest of the current Ferrari models, the result of our longstanding collaboration with Pininfarina and offers a host of signature Ferrari styling cues. Viewed from the side, the aerodynamic sweep of the bonnet beautifully contrasts with the compact tail volume and the pulled-back cabin. The front continues some of the themes hinted at on the flanks, harmoniously alternating concave and convex volumes. Seen head-on, the car clearly takes it much of its inspiration from the prestigious Prancing Horse car from which it takes its name: the grille and slender air intake at the centre of the bonnet most notably harking back to the 250 GT California. At the rear, the sides and the muscular tail section are both familiar too. As at the front, the single round LED taillights are inset directly along the edge of the boot. The California's vertically stacked twin tailpipes are an original flourish as is the boot which sweeps right down to the bumpers to improve functionality. Of course, the interior also reflects the same level of design sophistication, exuding a sense of refined luxury, comfort and bespoke quality. Situated between the front seats, the new aluminium-trimmed centre console is another distinctive touch that goes beyond the merely aesthetic, beautifully combining functionality and design.

Aerodynamics
The Ferrari California's aerodynamics were, of course, developed in tandem with its styling. This allowed Ferrari to keep the Cx (drag coefficient) right down with respect to the downforce required for optimal vehicle dynamics. In the coupe configuration, the California has a Cx value of 0.32. A desire to achieve perfect balance between vertical load and drag influenced the shape of the rear diffuser and the spoiler incorporated into the front bumper. Drag has been cut to 10% lower than on the other Ferrari models which not only makes the California a more aerodynamically efficient car but also reduces fuel consumption. Last but not least, the air intake on the bonnet ensures highly efficient cooling of the engine compartment.

The new 8-cylinder engine
This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminium, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks.

The engine has a total displacement of 4,300 cc and a maximum power output of 460 hp/338 kW at 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of 107 hp/litre, its maximum torque is 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and delivers a blistering 310 km/h top speed.

The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards. Thanks in part to these solutions, the Ferrari California consumes just 13.1 litres/100 km (ECE combined) and has carbon emissions of 305.6 g\km (ECE combined).

The California's engine sound was also carefully developed as this is one of the great Ferrari signatures and really does contribute to enhancing driving pleasure. Particular attention was lavished on sound perception in the cabin both with the top up and down to ensure that trademark thrill without compromising on occupant acoustic comfort.

Gearbox and transmission
The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort. With the dual clutch, one clutch is used for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered ones, and allows the pre-selection of the next gear required. The gears are changed by overlapping the opening and closing stage of both clutches, resulting in gear shifting times that are close to zero and with no "torque interrupt". The result is not only enhanced performance but truly thrilling driving pleasure. The traditional transaxle layout (engine to the front and gearbox to the rear) also contributes to the California's perfect weight distribution (47% front - 53% rear) and to reducing vibration to the bodyshell. In manual mode, the new gearbox guarantees great sporty driving pleasure while extra comfort is assured in automatic.

Chassis and suspensions
The Ferrari California's chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminium. Thanks to the use of different aluminium technologies (extrusions and shell casts), the car's exceptional versatility, onboard comfort and driveability has not added to chassis weight or to the dimensions of the structural sections - something that simply would not be the case had traditional steel architecture and technologies been used. Furthermore, static rigidity (torsional and flexional) has been improved with respect to average figures for a Spider to ensure exceptional handling in any kind of road conditions and to guarantee GT-standard comfort both with the top up and down.


The Ferrari California retains the traditional double wishbone suspension to the front while a new multilink system has been specially developed for the rear. The multilink system improves longitudinal flexibility of the suspension, keeping transverse rigidity values high. What this means in practice is that the car beautifully absorbs any unevenness, and noise and vibration are efficiently damped for exceptional ride comfort well on a par with the car's nimble handling. The SCM Magnetorheological Suspension Control System, debuted on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, is also available on request.

Retractable Hard Top
Of course the Ferrari California's signature feature has to be its retractable hard top (RHT). It is made from aluminium panels and has a cast aluminium weight-bearing structure which has reduced its overall weight and the moving masses involved. The entire opening/closing cycle is completed in just 14 seconds and thanks to the original stowage system, the California's boot space remains extremely generous regardless of whether it is up or down.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.3 litre V8
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 460 hp (343 kW)
Maximum Torque: 358 lb-ft (485 Nm)
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Source: Ferrari Press Releases

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Audi A4 2.0 TDI e

2009 Audi A4 2.0 TDI e
Audi Press Release

Audi will soon launch the most efficient standard-size sedan. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e will be available at dealerships starting in early June. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, this sedan sips 4.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (51.13 miles per U.S. gallon). It consequently emits a mere 119 grams of CO2 per kilometre (191.51 grams per mile): the best value of any vehicle in its class. "Efficiency is standard in every Audi. The A4 2.0 TDI e is particularly persuasive proof that efficiency, outstanding performance, comfort and driving enjoyment are not mutually exclusive," says Michael Dick, Board of Management Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. This 'e' model develops an output of 136 bhp (100 kW); it reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds and swiftly tops out at 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The sedan can be ordered now and costs 30,800 euros. This remarkably efficient A4 is also available as an Avant.

The combined impact of several features facilitates the vehicle's increased efficiency. The standard start-stop system is especially effective during city driving. As soon as the vehicle comes to a stop, the shift lever is in neutral, and the driver removes his or her foot from the clutch pedal, the system turns the engine off. The engine then turns back on as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.

The start-stop system functions extremely quietly, smoothly, and quickly. While the driver is stepping on the clutch pedal to shift into first gear, the engine instantaneously returns to its idle speed. In the standardised driving cycle, the start-stop system reduces fuel consumption by some 0.2 litres/100 km, which equates to about 5 grams CO2/km (8.05 g/mile).

Furthermore, this 'e' model features a 6-speed manual transmission with a final-drive ratio higher by five percent — enabling a reduction in engine speed in each of the six gears. The engine-management system has also been modified for maximum efficiency. The fuel-saving low-resistance tyres (205/60 R 16) improve rolling resistance and are exclusive to the A4 model line's 'e' model. Standard equipment also includes the recovery of braking energy. Aided by intelligent alternator regulation, this system converts surplus kinetic energy to electrical energy during a vehicle's braking phases. This electrical energy is temporarily stored in the electrical system's battery. When the vehicle resumes acceleration, the battery supplies this stored energy to the vehicle's network — reducing the load on the alternator and thus saving fuel.

An on-board computer with efficiency program is also part of the standard-equipment package. The driver information system with gearshift indicator and efficiency-data display notifies the driver when it is sensible to shift gears to conserve fuel. The on-board computer displays all fuel-efficiency data on the center screen. These recommendations enable drivers to conserve fuel to the tune of 30 percent — simply by modifying their particular driving habits. Audi's efficiency program continuously analyses the vehicle's energy consumption and gives the driver situation-specific advice on how to optimise fuel efficiency based on the given driving situation or driving style.

The A4 2.0 TDI e also consumes less fuel thanks to enhanced aerodynamics made possible by additional aerodynamic-drag optimisations such as an underbody trim panel, the partially enclosed radiator grille, and the reduction in ride height of 20 millimetres (0.79 inches) facilitated by the sports chassis.

The A4 2.0 TDI e is also available as an Avant. Its combined fuel consumption amounts to just 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (48.00 miles per U.S. gallon). This Avant consequently emits 129 grams of CO2 per kilometre (207.61 grams per mile). The basic price for the Avant is 32,800 euros.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Power: 136 hp (100 kW)
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

Source: Audi Press Releases

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Mercedes-Benz CL 500

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 500
Daimler Press Release

This year Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the one hundredth birthday of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the Benz emblem with a particularly exclusive edition of the CL Coupe. This anniversary model shines with an extensive package of appointments and exquisite details. These include an elegant paint finish from the designo collection, a new AMG Sports package, top-class leather, black piano lacquer trim and beautifully executed emblems of the original trademarks inset into the centre console. These are accurate reproductions of the emblems that Daimler Motorengesellschaft and Benz & Cie registered as trademarks one hundred years ago, forming the basis for the Mercedes star. With this special edition, Mercedes-Benz is adding even more individuality to the luxury coupe, and showing that even the best can still be perfected.

The histories of the Mercedes star and the Benz laurel wreath began independently of each other: on 24 June 1909 Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft officially registered the design of the Mercedes star, and on 6 August Benz & Cie. registered the letters "Benz", enclosed by a laurel wreath, as a trademark with the Imperial Patent Office. The fact that both vehicle makers registered their new trademarks in the summer of 1909 appears in retrospect as a parallel to the year 1886. That was the year when, again independently of each other, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz invented the automobile. Twenty-three years later the two companies, competitors at the time, created new brand symbols which promptly appeared as a badge and device on their respective vehicles.

On 18 February 1925 - more than a year prior to the merger of Daimler and Benz on 28 June 1926 - the two brands registered the new joint logo: Daimler's Mercedes star set within Benz's laurel wreath. From this the trademark of Mercedes-Benz, valid to this day, developed.

The CL-Class has been acknowledged as a masterpiece of automobile engineering since its inception. It combines the comfort of a prestigious luxury saloon with the dynamism of a sports car, with a captivating design and trailblazing high-tech features. With its exclusive appointments, the special "Trademark Centenary" model underlines the special status of the CL.

The crowning highlights of the anniversary edition are the historic trademarks dating from 1909 in gilded plate brass, which are inset into the centre console. Together with the designo metallic graphite paint finish these accentuate the model's exquisitely luxurious character. Sporty visual touches are provided by the new AMG Sports package with muscular front and rear aprons, side skirts and sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs, plus painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering. The anniversary edition also includes high-sheen 20-inch 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey, which are only available for this special CL-Class model. They are shod with 255/35 R 20 tyres at the front and 275/35 R 20 at the rear.

The interior is fitted with exquisite, partly hand-stitched designo aniline leather with contrasting seams in a light sand colour. The high-quality wood/leather steering wheel harmonises with the interior trim in shining black piano lacquer and the anthracite Alcantara roof lining. The black floor mats with AMG lettering feature sand-coloured edging.

The 285 kW (388 hp) special CL 500 model "Trademark Centenary" is equipped with all the new features of model year 2009. These include new exterior mirrors with larger lenses, an eye-catching indicator design in LED technology and improved aerodynamics, a new, upgraded telematics generation with a further development of COMAND APS, an SD card slot in the centre console and a USB interface in the glove compartment. The Front Seat Entertainment package is also available as an option, with a 6-disc DVD changer, surround-sound system and SPLITVIEW. This innovative display technology enables the driver and front passenger to view different content on the same display at the same time. On request a universal Media Interface is available for connecting mobile audio devices.

The special "Trademark Centenary" model can be ordered with immediate effect, and will be available from 26 June as the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC. The extra price for the extensive and highly desirable additional appointments is 17,850 Euro incl. 19% German VAT.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 5.5 litre V8
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 285 kW (388 hp) @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) @ 2800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Source: Daimler Press Releases

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Audi Q7

2009 Audi Q7
Audi Press Release

When it was first rolled out three years ago, the Audi Q7 performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position – as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale. Now Audi is making it even better – more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions: the Q7 3.0 TDI consumes only 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres (25.85 US mpg). And now it's also available in a new version as a TDI clean diesel, with the world's cleanest diesel technology and even lower fuel consumption of only 8.9 litres/100 km (26.43 US mpg).

The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.

The design: The language of dynamics
At the front end, the large single-frame radiator grille has been redesigned. Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. The bumpers too have been restyled. Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body colour. The newly integrated underbody protection in the center section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design.

As alternatives to the standard halogen headlights, Audi offers a xenon plus variant and a new adaptive-light system that integrates not only low-beam, high-beam and a special superhighway beam but also turning and cornering lights. In conjunction with the xenon headlights, light-emitting diodes assembled to form U-shaped bands provide the daytime running lights. The front blinkers are also composed of LEDs as straight-line arrays, located at the upper edge of the air intakes.

The side view too, with its coupe-like roofline, low window area and tautly curved body surfaces, reinforces the dynamic look of the Q7. Door mouldings have been modified to add interest. The lightweight alloy wheels are size 7.5 J x 18, the wheels size 235/60. In the V6 vehicles they have seven spokes, in the V8 versions they have six in size 8 J x 18.

At the rear end, the bumper has also been given two-tone paintwork; the tailgate, which includes a portion of the rear pillars in an S-shaped contour, has been given a new and distinctively 3D shape in the vicinity of the license plate bracket. To reduce the weight of the Q7, the tailgate has been made of aluminium, as have the engine hood and the fenders. Standard LEDs in the tail lights create a distinctive lighting pattern.

Eleven paint finishes for the Audi Q7 include four new shades: Ibis White, Graphite Gray, metallic, Teak Brown, metallic, and Orca Black, metallic. An aluminium exterior package is optionally available from Audi: gleaming chrome bars in the bumpers and door mouldings; the lower portion of the bumpers is painted in the body colour; the center portion of the front apron and the diffuser are painted in a contrasting shade.

The interior: Room to spare
Thanks to its luxurious 300-centimeter (118.11-inch) wheelbase within an overall length of 5.09 meters (16.70 feet), the Audi Q7 has interior room to spare, and the interior flexibility is unrivalled. The seatbacks in the second row are divided into three fold-down sections to provide a level cargo floor.

This increases the luggage space from a volume of 775 litres (27.37 cubic feet) to 2,035 litres (71.87 cubic feet). With the leather upholstery option, the middle seat now has an even more comfortable contour.

Two very useful features are optionally available: either a longitudinally displaceable second seat row or individual comfort seats that are separately displaceable. Another available option is a third row for passengers no taller than 1.60 meters (5.25 feet), combined with an improved easy entry function.

A multitude of detailed improvements in the interior enhance the elegance and the sense of well-being. The instrument cluster has been redesigned: the large, round, easily readable instruments are encircled by metallic frames. Interior lights in the door linings and an inlay on the passenger side enhance the interior styling. Many details of the control elements have been restyled and also enhanced by chrome elements.

The selection of interior colours and materials is also new. Upholstery fabrics are available in black and light gray; leather upholstery additionally also in Para Brown, Savannah Beige and Cardamon Beige. Standard inlays are finished in matt black. In optional design packages, aluminium and wood finishes are used.

The power train: Performance and efficiency
The Audi Q7 is available with six powerful and highly efficient direct injection engines, two of them gasoline-powered and four diesel engines, including the world's most powerful diesel SUV, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Their power is transmitted via a convenient and fast-shifting six-speed tiptronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes it between the axles with slightly more than half to the rear.

The 3.0 TDI puts out 176 kW (240 bhp) and delivers as much as 550 Nm between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm, yet on the EU cycle it consumes only 9.1 litres / 100 km (25.85 US mpg). The optionally available 3.0 TDI clean diesel even consumes 0.2 litres (0.05 US gallons) less.

Despite highly complex exhaust gas recirculation and the resulting world's cleanest diesel technology, it consumes just 8.9 litres/100 km (26.43 US mpg). It meets the strict LEV II Bin 5 US standard and already complies with the Euro 6 limits announced for 2014.

The technology of the TDI clean diesel is highly complex. An advanced version of the common rail injection system with 2,000 bars of pressure, new combustion chamber sensors and a high-performance exhaust recirculating system ensure a highly efficient combustion process. An innovative DeNOx catalytic converter reduces the remaining nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow, where this solution decomposes into ammonia, which splits the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. Audi partners replenish the additive during regular maintenance servicing.

In the Q7 4.2 TDI too, fuel consumption has been drastically reduced – from 11.1 (21.19 US mpg) to 9.9 litres per 100 km (23.76 US mpg). Yet the V8 diesel is more powerful: with an output of 250 kW (340 bhp) and a torque of 760 Nm, it develops enormous propulsive power. This maximum torque is available in the range from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

At Audi, efficiency and dynamics go hand in hand. That's also the case in gasoline engines. The 3.6 FSI, a V6 with a small cylinder angle, has a power output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and delivers 360 Nm between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Its average fuel consumption is 12.1 litres per 100 km (19.44 US mpg). The 4.2 FSI, a V8, delivers 257 kW (350 bhp) and 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Its fuel consumption is 12.7 litres/100 km (18.52 US mpg).

A novel technology from the Modular Efficiency Platform further improves fuel efficiency in all the engines: the recovery system, which during braking and coasting phases converts mechanical energy into electric energy and buffer-stores it in the battery. It reduces CO2 emissions by up to 5 g/km (8.05 g/mile).

The chassis: Safe and sporty
In its suspension technology too the Audi Q7 is exceptional. As a customer option, Audi equips the Q7 with adaptive air suspension – a pneumatic suspension system that operates in conjunction with an electronic shock absorber control, varies the ground clearance at five different levels, and lets the driver select three driving modes: comfort, automatic and dynamic. In its road handling the Q7 excels in its sporty, highly responsive precision. Off-road, it provides a superior ride on widely varying terrains.

The choice of wheels ranges from 18 inches to the 10 J x 21 top version with 295/35 tyres. Ten different designs are available, including two very elegant, high-lustre, bicolour versions. Large brake discs provide superb deceleration – with 18-inch diameters front and 17-inch diameter rear. For all Q7 with a V8 engine is the diameter 18-inch front and rear.

Optionally available in the eight-cylinder models are carbon-fibre ceramic disk brakes which further enhance the dynamic character of this performance SUV: they are lighter than their steel equivalents, extremely abrasion-resistant and virtually fading-free. They achieve high driving performance and ensure short braking distances. The diameters of the ceramic discs are 420 millimetres (16.54 inches) in front and 370 millimetres (14.57 inches) at the rear. The callipers are black and adorned with the wording “Audi ceramic”. A total of 24 pistons are used on the front and rear axles.

The equipment: Luxury and high-tech
The Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment. The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers.

The option program includes luxury features such as the remote key and four-zone automatic air conditioning. Another high-end option is the climate-controlled comfort seat, which can keep the body warm or cool it by means of small fans.

Particularly dynamic Q7 drivers may wish to consider one of two other quality option packages. The S line exterior package enhances the styling with details such as distinctive bumpers and a solid paint finish. The S line sports package includes a black interior, sport seats with Alcantara leather or Verano leather upholstery, aluminium trim (optionally in piano lacquer finish or birch grain wood), special exterior colours, 20-inch wheels, and a firmer setup for the steel spring suspension or the adaptive air suspension.

The Q7 also offers many intelligent solutions for the practical needs of everyday use – such as an electric luggage space cover, a reversible floor mat, a set of luggage rails, a removable ski bag, and a moveable storage box. The options program includes separation grids, an interior bicycle stand, various roof-mounted carriers, a distinctive off-road styling package, and a pivoting trailer hitch: this powerful SUV can tow up to 3.5 metric tons.

In the infotainment field, Audi provides a carefully differentiated selection of modules. The three optional systems are part of the new generation of Audi devices. The top-of-the-line version integrates a hard drive for navigation, music and telephone data, a high-resolution colour monitor and 3D map graphics, a DVD player as well as voice control. It can be expanded into a luxury media center with features such as a Bluetooth telephone, a TV tuner, a digital radio tuner, plus rear seat entertainment. A very special highlight is the advanced sound system from Bang & Olufsen with its 14 channels, 1000 watts of power and 14 loudspeakers.

The range of optional equipment is rounded off by technologies from the luxury class. The radar-supported adaptive cruise control regulates the speed and the distance to the preceding vehicle in a range from 30 to 200 km/h (18.64 to 124.27 mph) by acceleration and deceleration. If a threat is detected, the integrated Audi braking guard warns the driver at two levels.

From a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), Audi lane assist helps the driver stay in lane by means of a camera that recognises the lane lines. Audi side assist ensures safe lane changes above 30 km/h (18.64 mph) with the aid of a radar system that monitors the traffic pattern within 70 meters (229.66 feet) behind the vehicle. Finally, the Audi parking system advanced assists parking by means of a rearview camera and reference lines on the onboard monitor.

The world's strongest diesel SUV: The Audi Q7 V12 TDI
Even when it was first rolled out, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, the world's strongest diesel SUV, had a uniquely distinctive look resulting from its large air intakes. The new version features modifications to the interior and the rear end.

The V12 diesel, with a 6-litre (6,000 cc) engine closely related to that of the R10 TDI racing car – a triple Le Mans winner – delivers 368 kW (500 bhp) and develops a torque of 1,000 Nm between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) equal the driving performance of a powerful sports car. Despite these impressive performance data, the V12 diesel gets by on an average of 11.3 litres of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg). Its luxurious standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a Bose sound system, and many additional features.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 6.0 litre V12 diesel
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Power: 368 kW (500 hp) @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 1000 Nm (758 lb-ft) @ 1750 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed tiptronic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

Source: Audi Press Releases

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
GM Media Release

Equipped with a 377 kW LS7 V8 engine and built on a lightweight chassis, the Corvette Z06 is a road going descendant of the championship-winning Corvette racing programme that includes the Le Mans 24-Hour race in its annual schedule. With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, the Corvette Z06 delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology.

The aerodynamics of the Z06's were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the race-cars use large rear wings, the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06's Cd is 0.34.

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a high-performance vehicle suitable for daily use. To that end, comfort and convenience features are of a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD), with track mode and g-meter, are standard.

LS7 engine
The Z06's LS7 seven litre engine delivers 377 kW in a vehicle that weighs just 1,442 kg – a combination that delivers a 0-100 acceleration of 3.7 seconds in first gear and a top speed of 320 km/h recorded on the Autobahn in Germany. It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 100-0 km/h braking in just 34 metres; a level of performance that allowed the Corvette Z06 to lap the famed Nürburgring circuit in a time of 7:43 from a standing start in testing.

The LS7 engine shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Chevrolet 6.2-litre LS3 engine, but it uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine's larger diameter 104.8 mm cylinder bores.

Internally, the LS7's reciprocating components are based on racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost power and rpm capability. The rev-limit, imposed by a fuel cut-off, is 7,100 rpm.

One of the clearest examples of the LS7's race-bred technology is its use of titanium connecting rods. These weigh just 464 grams apiece and besides being lightweight, which enhances high-rpm performance, the titanium material makes the rods extremely durable.

The LS7's CNC-ported aluminium cylinder heads are designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine's 7.0-litre displacement. To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7's heads have straight, tunnel-like intake ports. Very large by production-vehicle standards – even racing standards – they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm.

The LS7 has a dry-sump system designed to keep the engine fully lubricated during the high cornering loads the Corvette Z06 is capable of producing. The pressurised oil feed keeps the oil pick-up continually immersed in oil at cornering loads exceeding 1 g.

Oil circulates through the engine and down to the sump pan, where it is sent back to the reservoir via a scavenge pump. The large-capacity (9.9 litre) reservoir, combined with a high efficiency air-to-oil cooler, provides necessary engine oil cooling under the demands of the engine's high power output.

Drivetrain
A high-capacity clutch channels the vast torque of the LS7 engine to the rear mounted six-speed manual transaxle. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to a front mounted oil radiator for cooling. On its return the fluid passes through a heat exchanger to remove heat from the differential lubrication system. The six-speed transaxle includes a limited-slip differential.

Structure
The Z06 has a unique aluminium body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight. Perimeter chassis members are one-piece hydroformed aluminium components featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models.

Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fibre are bonded to the aluminium structure. The wide front wheel-wells, for example, are made from carbon composite and the passenger compartment floor combines carbon-fibre skins that sandwich an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.

The Z06 has a magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and front suspension components. Lighter than aluminium yet incredibly strong, the magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fibre front fenders. Engineers also moved the battery from under the bonnet to a position in the rear of the car to optimise the weight distribution.

Suspension and brakes
The Z06 retains the standard Corvette wheelbase of 2686-mm. The race bred suspension works harmoniously with 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminium wheels and 275/35ZR18 tyres at the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminium wheels with 325/30ZR19 tyres at the rear. The tyres use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tyres eliminate the need for a spare tyre while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability in the event that a tyre loses air pressure.

Brakes are 355 mm diameter vented and cross-drilled discs at the front and 340mm vented and cross-drilled discs at the rear.

Large, red-painted, six-piston callipers with six individual brake pads are fitted at the front. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalised wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston callipers with four individual brake pads are used. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 7.0 litre LS7 V8
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 377 kW (505 hp) @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Source: GM Media Releases

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