Audi TT Gets 180PS 1.8 TFSI

Audi has announced a new engine version for the all-new TT family which will act as the entry-level model. 

From July, the Audi TT will be available with a new 1.8 TFSI engine producing 180PS (178hp) and 250Nm (184lb-ft) of torque from 1,250 to 5,000 rpm.

Performance remains respectable despite the power deficit compared to other TT versions. The Audi TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI with six‑speed manual transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds (7.0 seconds with the optional six‑speed S tronic), while top speed is 241 km/h (150 mph).

The TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI with manual transmission needs 7.2 seconds to cover the 0-100 km/h sprint (7.3 seconds for the S tronic version), with a top speed of 237 km/h (147 mph).

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 1.8 TFSI Coupé averages as low as 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 129 g/km. The TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI’s combined fuel consumption is 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 132 g/km. 

Prices in Germany for the entry-level Audi TT start from €32,100 ($34,455) for the Coupé and €34,500 ($37,040) for the Roadster.

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New McLaren 570S

On Monday night, McLaren finally unveiled its new 570S sports car just days ahead of the 2015 NY Auto Show. We were invited to take an even closer look at McLaren's launch event in New York City.

According to McLaren, the new 570S represents the company's brand-new Sports Series category, which will slot below the Super Series (675LT, 650S, 650S Spider) and the top-of-the line Ultimate Series (P1).

The new McLaren 570S boasts the latest tune of the potent M838TE twin turbo V8 engine, this time featuring up to 30 percent new components. As the 570S moniker suggests, the new mid-engine sports coupe produces 570hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

When McLaren developed the 570S, the performance benchmarks were aimed squarely at the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911 Turbo. The McLaren 570S is capable of rocketing from 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) in just 3.2 seconds. The 570S also rockets from 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in just 9.5 seconds before going all the way to a top speed of 204 mph. 

As the brand DNA dictates, the foundation of any McLaren is its super light weight carbon fiber monocell platform. In the new 570S, McLaren developed a new structure called the "MonoCell II." According to McLaren, the MonoCell II is designed to have a more usable day-to-day experience by improving its ingress and egress ability. 

Just like the original MonoCell, the MonoCell II is extremely light, weighing in at under 80 kg, while providing the utmost in passenger cell protection. In fact, the 570S places special emphasis on weight throughout its design. All in all, the McLaren 570S boasts a dry weight of just 2895 pounds. In comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo weighs 3,538 pounds while the Audi R8 tips V10 tips the scales at 3,362 pounds.

Finally, the McLaren's signature exterior design is dictated by optimized aerodynamics. McLaren describes the 570S styling as a "shrinkwrapped design." Key aero details include the enormous front splitter, a massive side intake duct, a delicate flying buttress just behind the doors, and an immense rear diffuser.

McLaren calls the aero management across the length of the 570S "complex door tendons," which particularly highlights the blade the separates the two bare carbon elements on the doors leading into the side intake. While the design may look like two dedicated cooling channels, both the intake on the top and side of the door are directing air to the same radiator that dispels heat from the mighty V8. Thanks to the clever aero design, the McLaren 570Z maximizes downforce without drag. Ultimately, the combination of engine, weight, and aero efficiency allows the McLaren 570S to deliver a remarkable fuel economy rating of 25.5 mpg on the EU combined cycle.

Pricing on the new McLaren 570S has yet to be announced. The official global reveal of the latest McLaren Sports Series coupe will be on Wednesday, April 1, at the New York International Auto Show. Enjoy our exclusive photos of the new McLaren 570S below!

By Danny Choy

Photos copyright: Carscoops / Danny Choy

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Alpina Rolls Out Special Editions B5 & B6 Bi-Turbo

What better way to celebrate your 50 year anniversary than with two even more powerful versions of the B5 Bi-Turbo and B6-Biturbo Bimmers?

Sure, there are probably a few better ways if you want to nitpick, but if you're Alpina, then you're definitely doing yourself, your fans and your customers justice by increasing the power on two of your most popular sedans.

Both models will take on the "Edition 50" moniker and will feature a host of improvements ranging from hand-crafted sports seats, special badges and of course a revised version of their 4.4 liter V8 engine.

The Edition 50 B5 & B6 pack no fewer than 600 HP to go with a peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) - which marks an increase of 60 HP and 70 Nm over the standard versions that Alpina normally puts out.

In terms of performance, this means a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h).

Alpina brand manager Matthew Stripling said that Alpina values are safe and sound with the Edition 50 models and that they "combine very high levels of long-term comfort with superb performance that is available from low engine speeds, making it effortlessly fast. Add the deep base soundtrack and the feeling of bespoke luxury, and you have a highly engaging car that offers a unique set of attributes for the discerning enthusiast."

The cars also feature the first major restyle of the Alpina Classic wheel in more than a decade. Each set of wheels now weighs 15.6 kg less when compared to the previous 20" design, which is impressive considering the fact that the width has increased to 9" in the front and 10" at the rear. They've also made side cuts in each spoke and imprinted the "Edition 50" logo on the rim.

Both the B5 & B6 Bi-Turbo will be available in Alpina Green or Alpina Blue, or in a bespoke Edition 50 Sepia created by BMW Individual. Only 50 saloons (or estates) will be made, along with 50 similar coupes, out of which only a few will make their way into the UK.

Prices start at a very steep £86,850.

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2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

For once, Alfa Romeo lived up to its word and finally marked its return to the North American market today after a 22-year long hiatus with the debut of the 4C mid-engine sports coupe at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

Since the car is more or less the same as the one we've seen in Europe (a question mark remains on whether it has gained weight in N.A. spec) with a 1.75-liter turbocharged inline four channeling 237hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels via a paddle-shifting TCT twin-clutch transmission, we'll just jump to what Alfa said about availability.

In the U.S., the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C was in showrooms last June in a special Launch Edition trim of which only 500 examples will be built.

The serialized 4C Launch Edition models sport the following features:

· Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White exterior paint

· Bi-xenon headlamps with LED illuminated daytime running lights

· Carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps

· Aluminum rear diffuser

· Race suspension tuning with front- and rear-sway bars and performance-tuned shock absorbers

· Racing exhaust

· Staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Dark Gray

· Red lacquered brake calipers

· Sport seats with black microfiber

· Leather-wrapped instrument and door panels

· Red or White interior accent stitching on the instrument panel, steering wheel, handbrake, floor mats and door handles

· Serialized “Launch Edition” plaque

Pricing has not yet been announced, while we're still waiting for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to tell usthrough which dealerships it will offer the car.

By John Halas

Note: Updated with live photos from the NY Auto Show

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Buy A Brand-New Classic Mustang Packed with Modern Tech

Revology Cars got their hands on a classic Mustang and stuffed it with modern internals, offering a retromodded version of the universally loved Ford. 

Much like what Singer does to 964s, Revology hand-builds the 1964½-1966 Mustang using modern hardware under the skin, including a 5.0-litre 265hp fuel-injected V8, McPherson strut front suspension and a three-link rear one, disc brakes all around and a power steering. Revology though didn’t stop there; the ‘Original Mustang Replica’ features several creature comforts like remote keyless entry, power door locks, power seats, tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, digital message center, remote trunk release, and even Bluetooth “all carefully integrated into the interior to be minimally intrusive”. Customers can opt for a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto gearbox.

The body is also all-new, made by much better steel than the old ones and is produced by Dynacorn which in turn is licensed by Ford so you will have a genuine, authentic Mustang. Well, authentic is a strong word, let's just call it original. Revology’s Mustang comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with the body covered against rust and corrosion for five years and the powertrain covered for three years.

Dan Maas, Revology’s technical director, and well established classics restorer said “Where it gets difficult is building cars in series production, with consistent quality, on time, and within budget. We take an OEM approach to the construction of the Revology Mustang replicas, and the results are evident.”

Cars like these don’t come cheap with prices starting at $119.500 but when you think that Singer 911s ask for three times more, the Revology Mustang replica sounds like a steal. Available both in Convertible and Fastback versions, the first customer cars are scheduled for delivery in 2016. 

The want is strong with this one, really strong.

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