8/31/11

2012 Audi S7 Sportback with 420HP Bi-Turbo V8





The force-fed eight-cylinder motor generates an output of 420-horsepower and a peak torque of 550 Nm (405.7 lb-ft), allowing the S7 to complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).


The V8, which uses the German firm's “cylinder on demand” technology under part load, consumes on average an estimated 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (equal to 24.3mpg US).


A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring, transfer power to the ground.
There's also an optional sport differential that distributes the power in variable proportions between the rear wheels.


The S7 Sportback features an adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system, while braking is provided by large, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Those willing to dig deep into their pockets can opt for the carbon fiber-ceramic discs.


The exterior changes are fairly subtle and include bespoke front grille and bumper designs, side sills, a different rear bumper that houses a diffuser and quad tail pipes plus 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels.


As for the cabin, the S7 is fitted with sport seats dressed in combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara (a full leather treatment is optional), a three spoke steering wheel and unique decorative trim.


Audi said first deliveries of the S7 Sportback are scheduled to begin in spring of 2012.














2013 Audi S8 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 with 520-Horses





The German firm's engineers further honed the 4.0 TFSI pushing output to 520-horses and a constant 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm.
Power is channeled to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi's permanent all-wheel drive system, with Audi making claims of a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 4.2 seconds, or 0.6 and 0.7 seconds faster than the 420HP S6 sedan and S7 Sportback, respectively.


The V8 engine features a cylinder deactivation system that can cut down one bank to become a 4-cylinder , as well direct-injection technology, plus energy recuperation and start-stop systems.
As a result and despite a 70HP increase in output over the previous 5.2-liter V10-powered S8, Audi says average fuel consumption has decreased by nearly 23 percent at 13.2 liters per 100 km (17.8mpg US).


To improve handling, the S8 gets a specially tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, which can vary the ride height of the body between three levels, and four internally ventilated disc brakes that measure 400mm (15.75 in) in diameter up front and 365mm (14.37 in) at the rear, with carbon ceramic disks offered as an option.


As with other members of Audi's S family, the styling touches on the S8 are subtle. On the outside, apart from the 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 265/40-series tires, the 5.15 meter-long (16.90 ft) S8 gets a different grille treatment, a front apron with a lip spoiler, and a revised rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser and four tail pipes.


Interior modifications include the usual, meaning sport seats, a sport steering wheel and –you guessed it- sportier looking trim.
















Ford Evos Concept


The Detroit company says that the most important element of the new design is the brand new ‘face of Ford’, as in the inverted trapezoid grille that was foreshadowed in the Focus Electric and the new Focus ST.



The Evos concept has a fastback body shape which is said to reinforce the models driving dynamics and distinguishes it from its competitors. Mays claims that he and his team have evolved the Kinetic Design concept to a simpler approach while at the same time incorporating “the new face of Ford” as shown in the Focus ST and the Focus Electric.


The interior of the Evos is relatively tamer save for the futuristic dashboard. Oddly enough, the steering wheel wouldn't look out of context in a standard production car.