Tag Archives: Adventure

Emotion instead of emission: Audi heading for the motorsport future in electric power

01 Sunday Oct 2017

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Daniel Abt_Lucas di Grassi

  • Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in Audi e-tron FE04
  • Progressive livery and new powertrain with only one gear
  • Daniel Abt becomes Audi factory driver, Allan McNish team principal

Audi presented the Group’s first all-electric race car in Neuburg on Wednesday night. The Audi e-tron FE04 mirrors the company’s transformation from a classic automobile manufacturer to a forward-thinking mobility provider on the race track.

“After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG. “Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018.” At the IAA, Audi announced having more than 20 electrified models in its range even before 2025 including Plug-in-hybrids and fully electric cars.

DTM Test Vallelunga

In Formula E, the teams and manufacturers are allowed to develop the powertrain consisting of the motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and the respective software. The combination of the motor and transmission is the centrepiece of the Audi e-tron FE04. The engineers primarily focus on designing the motor-generator unit for ever greater efficiency. To transmit the power to the wheels, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will be using a high-efficiency transmission with only one gear in the 2017/2018 season.

“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “You can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we’re pursuing new avenues in technology.”

A progressive new livery featuring white, metallic green and black as the basic colours visually distinguishes the Audi e-tron FE04 at first glance clearly from the car in which Lucas di Grassi won the Formula E championship title in July. For the first time in his career, the 33-year-old Brazilian is entering a new season in car number “1” of the title defender and on the occasion of the world premiere in Neuburg he did not let the opportunity pass by of driving the softly whirring new electric race car onto the stage.

The new Aventador S Roadster: Breathtaking performance with open-air driving sophistication

25 Monday Sep 2017

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  • Super sports car technologies and dynamics of Aventador S coupé, coupled with open-air driving pleasure
  • Naturally-aspirated V12 producing 740 hp, accelerating 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds with top speed 350 km/h (217 mph)
  • Aerodynamic design and development optimising the open-air experience for driver and passenger
  • Dedicated Ad Personam color and trim options, extensive use carbon fiber
 The Aventador S Roadster is presented by Automobili Lamborghini at the IAA in Frankfurt, combining the technologies and driving dynamics of the Aventador S with an emotive open air driving experience.
“The new Aventador S Roadster sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version adding a new dimension in driving enjoyment,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali. “The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort, and adds a further luxurious dimension through the personalization options available.”
The Aventador S Roadster is the only mid-rear engine V12 super sports roadster. Alongside class-leading performance figures, the roadster’s unique status is enhanced by multiple color and trim options, including new materials and extensive use of carbon fiber as well as virtually limitless potential through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program.
Air and space – the aerodynamic roadster design
The roadster maintains the unmistakable design of the Aventador S along with unique features reflecting its roadster persona: a combination of distinctive Lamborghini design DNA and the result of extensive aerodynamic testing.
The car’s rear sports distinctively different lines to the coupé, giving the roadster its own aerodynamic character. An engine bridge runs from the back window to the rear in a mix of body color and matt black painted carbon fiber engine bonnet blades: a transparent option is also available to show off the V12 engine within.
Sleek, removable, hardtop roof panels, weighing less than six kg, are convexly molded to ensure maximum cabin space for the occupants. Finished in matt black carbon fiber, optional specifications including high gloss black, shiny visible carbon fiber, and further Ad Personam possibilities. An easy fastening system allows the roof panels to be quickly removed and stored in the front trunk.
The rear window is electrically operated at the push of a button for drivers wanting to hear the beat of the V12 powerplant: while closed during roofless driving, the window minimizes cabin noise and airflow.
Color and trim, inside and out
Complementing external colors, five interior configurations are offered, featuring leather and Alcantara in single and bi-color combinations and various stitching and trim choices. Further external and internal packages such as ‘branding’ and ‘carbon fiber’ are offered, with the Ad Personam program for clients wanting to customize their Aventador S Roadster even further.
Clients can also select the internal specification of the roof panels: covered in black Alcantara framed by matt black carbon as standard, an optional Carbon Skin package (Lamborghini’s high tech fabric that is even lighter than Alcantara) can cover the interior roof panels as well as around the cockpit and parts of the cabin.
The Aventador S Roadster is launched in the Ad Personam Color Blu Aegir, inspired by the peaceful turquoise ocean hiding an indomitable force beneath: sophisticated yet powerful, with extensive use of carbon fiber.
The wing mirrors and windscreen frame are finished in high gloss carbon fiber while the lower part of the car including front and rear bumper, side skirts, air intakes and outlets are in visible carbon fiber.
The configuration internally demonstrates the potential of the Ad Personam program, using Blu Delphinus leather contrasted with Bianco Polar, with Blu Delphinus S-trim stripes on seats, doors and dashboard and even the floor mats in blue and white.
Aventador S Roadster – design and technologies
The Aventador Roadster’s ‘S’ suffix denotes the design and technology advancements of the new model. The Roadster adopts the four-wheel drive, new active suspension, new four-wheel steering system, and the new EGO driving mode introduced on the Aventador S coupé, and with the redevelopment of every aspect of suspension and electronic control systems, its ‘total control concept’ assures superior drive, ride and performance.
Enhanced lateral control from the new four-wheel steering provides improved agility at low speed and more stability at high speed, combined with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for responsive feedback and sharper turn-in. Improved vertical control comes from updated pushrod suspension, new rear springs and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) with revised kinematics adapted to the new four-wheel steering. A new real-time variable damping system optimizes wheel and body control and balance and ground stiffness is maximized.
A optimized ESC system improves longitudinal control for faster and more precise management of traction control and vehicle dynamics depending on driving mode selected, maximizing grip in all conditions and enhancing handling. The permanent four-wheel drive’s calibration allows for the stabilizing effect of the new rear-wheel steering, allowing more torque to the rear axle: when powering off, less torque is shifted to the front axle to allow a sporty but safe drive.
The active rear wing optimizes the car’s aerodynamic balance depending on speed and the selected drive mode, and its significantly enhanced overall aerodynamic design improves front downforce by more than 130% over the previous Aventador. With the wing in optimum position the roadster achieves over 50% overall efficiency at high downforce and in low drag more than 400%.
The Aventador S Roadster’s four driving modes allows selection of STRADA, SPORT and CORSA and the new EGO mode, each influencing every aspect of the car’s behavior through management of traction, steering and suspension. EGO allows the driver to set up his preferred criteria in each mode to suit his driving style.
Accelerating 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with a top speed equal to the Aventador S coupé of 350 km/h, the Aventador S Roadster weighs just 50 kg more than the coupé. Its 6.5 liter V12 engine outputs the same 740 hp as the coupé, with 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The seven-speed lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission provides robotized gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds, with carbon ceramic brakes as standard. Dione 20”/21” rims are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires especially developed for the Aventador S. Inside, the TFT digital dashboard can be customized to the driver’s preferences and Apple CarPlay™ is standard.

Redesigned and Reengineered – All-New 2017 CR-V

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

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Driving the last two models of the Honda CRV for a couple of years in Sharjah helped create a lot of memories for me and my family but it has been a while since we checked the new SUV models by Honda.

Hence driving the completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 CR-V with bold new styling, a more premium interior and numerous new features and technologies certainly brought back some beautiful memories and made us wish we still had our old models to trade in for the new one.

The key difference we noted was the improvement in steering precision, the increased ride comfort and body control. The interior is completely redesigned, spacious and the cockpit is studded with innovative features.

The rear seat legroom impressed my very fastidious teenager used to critiquing the rear interior experience in cars in general. With the new Easy Fold Down and 60/40 split rear seat design, the CR-V interior is incredibly versatile with room for five people and substantial space for shopping, camping or golfing storage.

The CR-V offers the latest in vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies. The DX and LX grades have a 5-inch Color Screen Audio and the EX and Touring grades have a 7-inch touch screen Display Audio interface with Android operating systemTM that now features a physical volume knob as well as an available Navigation system.

The 7-inch touch screen Display Audio is compatible with Apple CarPlayTM and AndroidAutoTM platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone powered GPS navigation and voice controlled search capabilities.

The dashboard is laid out in clearly with advanced driving technology and other essential information directly in the line of sight, such as average fuel consumption, AWD torque identification, turn-by-turn navigation and Driver Attention Monitor. The Driver Attention Monitor is designed to detect driver fatigue and alert the driver when exhibiting diminished attention to the road with a series of visual and audio alerts.

Other features include the Honda LANEWATCHTM using a camera located in the passenger door mirror to display a clear image of the lanes and any vehicles that are on the lane on the 7-inch Display Audio screen. The Multi Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines ensures you park safely and quickly.

The convenience factor extends to having an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold function, front USB ports, rear USB charging ports and front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support.

The New CR-V comes in four grades namely, DX and LX in 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) and EX and Touring in All Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2.4-liter engine generates 184-horsepower @ 6400rpm and a torque of 244NM @ 3900rpm.

The bold exterior styling is another plus point for the new model. The 2017 CR-V has a crisper and sharper front-end design and aggressively styled headlights. Wide, muscular fenders with athletic wheel arches, longer wheelbase and short rear overhang give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

For safety, the all-new 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plus it utilizes Electronic Brake Booster (EBB), which also monitors the vehicle speed.

With the All New Honda CR-V, Honda has certainly come a long way from the models I used in the past for my school runs and this time, it ticks all the usual boxes with additional new technology and attractive styling to complete the ideal SUV purchase most buyers are looking for today.

 

Performance and Prestige – Rebirth of the Acura NSX

03 Thursday Aug 2017

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The long-awaited second-generation Acura NSX, acclaimed for its reliability as well as its performance capabilities is back in the market. The new hybrid-electric sports car, powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbo V-6 engine and three electric motors, produces “north of 550 hp,” according to Acura. 

The next generation NSX is made of aluminum and carbon fiber and is lightweight, equipped with a twin-clutch, 9-speed transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. It showcases the production styling, design and specifications of Acura’s mid-engine sports hybrid supercar.

Specifically created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, much as the first generation did a quarter century ago. The approach is realized through an all-new power unit, a twin-turbo charged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system, integrated with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world’s-first material applications and manufacturing processes.

Developed under the concept of a “human-centered supercar,” a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will leverage its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

As the pinnacle representation of Acura performance and prestige, the NSX was introduced at the auto show under the theme of “Precision Crafted Performance.” The theme was the original tagline for the Acura brand, a guiding force behind the development of the original NSX and a critical component of its launch.

The development of next-generation NSX, driven by precision crafted performance, has resulted in a clean-sheet design, which involved nearly three years of intensive development effort by a global design and engineering team led by engineers at the company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio.

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase down force.

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Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing down force and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler.

The NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System with pertinent graphics and information. The center console holds the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain, nested in the center of the new Integrated Dynamics System dial control.

In keeping with the foundational philosophy of the original NSX, the next-generation NSX is designed to provide a new sports car experience that maximizes the capabilities of the driver, delivering exceptionally intuitive and confidence-inspiring response “at the will of the driver.”

The Acura engineers leveraged the company’s expertise both with high-performance engine and hybrid electric-drive technologies, as well as its two decades of experience with industry-leading dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to create the most sophisticated, technologically advanced and intelligent powertrain in the supercar universe.

The innovative techniques certainly deliver next-generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of specialized, supercar vehicle production.

 

Aerodynamic Performance – Aventador S

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With the hills of Tuscany as the backdrop and in the company of fellow supercar motoring enthusiasts from around the globe over a few days, I recently tested the new Lamborghini Aventador S which has a new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics.

The ‘S’ is the suffix of previous enhanced Lamborghini models and defines a new benchmark for the V12 Lamborghini and indicates the new Aventador generation, redesigned to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency while accenting the Aventador’s complex, muscular dynamism.

According to Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, the Aventador S has a visionary design, cutting-edge technology with driving dynamics that elevates the concept of super sports cars to a new level.

A more aggressive nose and longer front splitter redirect airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency, improved engine cooling and increased cooling to the radiators. Two air ducts in the side of the front bumper reduce aerodynamic interference from the front tires and optimize wake flow to the rear radiator.

The rear of the Aventador S is dominated by a black diffuser, available on request in carbon fiber, characterized by a number of vertical fins that amplify the airflow effects, reduce drag through pressure recovery and generate downforce. Three single exhaust outlets exit through the rear bumper.

During the drive, we learnt how the rear wing, movable in three positions depending on speed and drive select mode, optimizes the car’s improved overall balance, working with vortex generators created in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside that maximize air flow as well as assist in brake cooling.

With the Aventador S design, the front downforce has been improved by more than 130% over the previous Aventador coupé. When the wing is in its optimum position the overall efficiency at high downforce is improved by over 50%, and in low drag by more than 400% compared to the previous model.

The Aventador S is redeveloped around a ‘total control concept’ to provide a superior drive, ride and performance; every aspect of the car’s suspension and electronic control systems has been advanced, with the goal of particularly enhanced control and driving emotion.

Also interesting is the smart Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva (LDVA) control unit that manage these systems in the car. LDVA is the new brain of the car, which receives real time and precise information on body motion via input from all sensors of the car and defines the best set-up of all active systems that guarantee the best vehicle dynamics in each situation.

The Aventador S is more agile with a reduced turning radius, ensuring higher performance in curves and making it easy to maneuver in town and at low speeds. On the tracks, I tried all four different driving modes: STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and the new EGO mode, which influence the behavior of the traction (engine, gearbox, 4WD), steering (LRS, LDS, Servotronic) and suspension (LMS).

STRADA stands for maximum comfort and daily use. SPORT provides a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel and CORSA is suitable for maximum track performance.

EGO is the new driving mode option. This provides several additional and individual set-up profiles, customizable by the driver’s preferred criteria for traction, steering and suspension within the STRADA, SPORT and CORSA settings.

In STRADA, the progressive damping is smoothed for better comfort and stability on rough roads. Torque is split 40/60 to the front and rear as standard: safe and stable with maximum adhesion, the car is easily driven and controlled.

In SPORT mode, the stabilizing effect of the Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering allows up to 90% torque to the rear wheels for maximum sportiness and driving fun on curving roads. Driving precision and driver feedback is improved, while maintaining safety and without compromising on comfort.

While I drove mainly in SPORT mode, I tried the CORSA as well experiencing less intrusive dynamic and traction control intervention while maintaining driving precision and traction. In this mode, high levels of damping force maximize driver feeling and feedback from driver inputs including steering, braking and throttle.

Counter-phase steering is enhanced in high-performance situations and torque is balanced to both axles, with a maximum 20/80 split to front and rear for more neutral behavior and to maximize track-oriented performance.

The Lamborghini Aventador’s naturally aspirated twelve cylinder, 6.5 liter engine outputs an additional 40 hp over its predecessor, to a maximum 740 hp, with a 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is reached in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h. Transmission is provided by Lamborghini’s lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) 7-speed shifting system, providing robotized gear shifts in up to 50 milliseconds.

The Aventador S comes with new, specially developed set of Pirelli P Zero tires. Designed to optimize steering, traction, lane changes and braking efficiency, the tires are specifically designed to respond to the dynamic behavior induced by the Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering, ensuring handling consistency and driver feedback.

With improved force generation from both front and rear tires, the Pirelli P Zero tires provide a higher lateral acceleration and reduce understeer characteristics. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment for the Aventador S.

The training at the Mugello Circuit with the Aventador S enthralled the most seasoned supercar drivers and owners and the thrills on the tracks proved once again the brand’s superior road power that exudes only from a Lamborghini.

Volvo Buses puts safety as top priority for drivers this summer

18 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc), Car Clubs, Lifestyle features, SUV's

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Image 1 Volvo Buses B8 model

  • Bus passenger safety set to improve with roll-out of driver safety training
  • Safety courses seek to reduce fleet CO2 emissions and boost vehicle uptime with 8% improved fuel efficiency
  • Initiative forms part of manufacturer’s vision to achieve zero accidents with Volvo Group Products

Swedish manufacturer of buses and coaches, Volvo Buses, together with its partners from the transport industry, public transport authorities and private bus operators, are embarking on an initiative to significantly improve driver skills. Volvo is helping authorities and operators to initiate a series of safety training courses for drivers and their trainers with the vision to reduce road accidents, improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact for businesses across the Middle East and Africa.

Volvo Buses is working closely with operators and authorities across Egypt, UAE, Tunisia and Morocco, helping them to launch a series of refresher driver training programs in local languages for drivers in the region. The company aims to develop local capabilities both in terms of local expertise and creating the course content to deliver training programs in each market.

The course covers topics about the importance of good behaviour, product knowledge, safety on the road and efficient driving skills. It also provides hands-on know-how about how to use the bus features correctly, daily checks, preventive maintenance, safety, fuel efficient driving operations and do’s & don’ts. These practical Refresher Driver training courses will ultimately help drivers improve their behaviour and contribute to achieving Volvo’s goal of zero accidents with Volvo Group products.

By training drivers to take a more cautious approach on the roads, it is expected not only that safety and passenger comfort will be improved but so too will fuel efficiency and emissions. After a recent training course conducted for a Volvo Bus customer in Tunisia, drivers increased their fuel efficiency by 8%, thereby lowering costs for the operator and also contributing to improving local air quality and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

With rising temperatures in the Middle East region and the potential physical effects that fasting and the hot weather brings, bus drivers need to be vigilant of the passengers within their own vehicles and mindful of pedestrians on the streets. Added to this, bus drivers are also responsible for checking key elements of the vehicle before a journey, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on-board as well as monitoring other road users. Hence, bus drivers play a crucial role in maintaining safety, and Volvo, having recognised their importance, has embarked on initiating programs for training drivers.

Commenting on this initiative of driver training, Steve Hedouin, Vice President, MEAC (Middle East-Africa-CIS) Volvo Bus Corporation, said: “The human factor plays a decisive role in nine out of ten road accidents. It is therefore paramount that drivers know the risks on the roads. We, at Volvo Buses, intend to partner with key stakeholders and focus on our drivers to improve their driving and behavioural skills, and help them make the right decisions, with the right attitude, to prevent accidents from occurring. Our driver safety courses can also impact businesses financially as skilled drivers improve fuel efficiency and vehicle uptime.”

Steve Hedouin continued, “Every day, millions of people across the region rely on our buses, and our job is to bring them safely to their destination. Safety always comes first at Volvo Buses, it is a core value and part of our soul, so our vision is clear: zero accidents with Volvo Group products. In 1927, Volvo’s founders stated that ’Safety is and must be the basic principle in all design work’. Today, almost 90 years later, we’re still leading the way with a range of pioneering safety innovations that are making their way throughout the vehicle industry”.

Since its inception in 1927, Volvo has introduced a series of inventive safety features within their products. One definitive prevention aid in the safety of bus, truck and car drivers is the seat belt. In ‎‎1958, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point safety belt, which is used ‎globally in trucks, cars and buses today. Volvo’s visionary three-point safety belt has saved millions of lives all over the world. ‎

Now with nine decades as a standard bearer on safety issues, Volvo Buses has looked to achieve safety improvements in multiple ways. The Volvo B8 range, the latest model launched globally by Volvo Buses, is equipped with features such as Electronic Braking Systems, Electronic Stability program, and I-Coaching. I-Coaching monitors driving patterns and provides drivers with instant feedback on vital parameters, including over-speeding and harsh braking, which in turn prevents accidents from occurring. Thus, it encourages safer driving practices, improves fuel-efficiency and, subsequently, benefits the environment – all key areas that Volvo constantly strives to promote.

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Performance, luxury and efficiency: The new Porsche Panamera

09 Friday Jun 2017

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As a Porsche owner, I always felt a pull towards the Panamera and have referred the car to many of my local Emirati friends who currently enjoy the model. Many have asked why I have not made the switch from the Cayenne Turbo to the Panamera but I get to drive the new luxury saloon so much with friends with the new Porsche Panamera, that I now consider myself a passive owner.

Redeveloped from the ground up, my current favourite of course is the Panamera 4S, a sports car and luxury saloon in one. Its engines and transmission were re-engineered, the chassis perfected, the display and operating concept interpreted for the future with multitouch controls, and its design embodies core brand values.

I first drove the Panamera on a racetrack in Abu Dhabi and the best description is that it combines the performance of a high-performance ambitious sports car with the comfort of a luxury saloon. It is essentially developed for sports car drivers who appreciate four doors and four seats. And for saloon drivers who prefer sporty handling.

The second generation Panamera is the performance icon of the luxury class with technical highlights such as rear axle steering, electromechanical roll stabilisation and a three-chamber air suspension.

Digitalisation of the automobile is changing mobility more intensively and faster than ever. The advanced cockpit offers state-of-the-art connectivity and interactive displays combining intuitive operation of smartphones with the practical aspects of controlling an automobile.

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The Panamera is equipped with many standard and optional assistance systems, which make life while driving more convenient and safer. The key new systems include Night Vision Assist.

A hi-fi system with ten loudspeakers and 150 watts of music power delivers optimal sound 
as standard aboard the Panamera 4S models. Two additional USB charging ports ensure that smartphones and tablets in the Panamera are always optimally supplied with electricity.

A Porsche has always impressed with more than just power; its efficiency is equally important. All Panamera models have new engines, permanent all-wheel drive and a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) on board.

The V8 petrol engines of the Panamera exhibit exceptional agility right up into high rev and power regions. At the same time, the eight-cylinder engines already produce their maximum torque at very low revs. This type of sports car dynamic is largely attributable to the central turbo layout, which is a feature of twin-turbo charging that has been implemented in all models.

The second generation Panamera is the first model from Porsche to feature a dual-clutch transmission with eight instead of seven speeds. The eight-speed transmission generally enables an even better gear ratio spread and with top comfort and agility, a further reduction in fuel consumption, because the seventh and eighth gears are designed as engine speed-reducing overdrive gears. All Panamera models reach their top speed in sixth gear.

The new Porsche Panamera is one of the safest cars in the world. Along with a crash-optimised body, it is the alliance of additional passive safety systems that assures maximum protection of vehicle occupants. The Porsche Side Impact Protection System offers lateral protection.

Encountering two Panamera cars that are configured identicallyis low as the Panamera, Porsche offers personalisation with a very large range of combinations of twelve body colours, ten interior colour and leather schemes, a wide variety of wheels and optional equipment.

The second generation of the Gran Turismo is available in three all-wheel drive versions: Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Diesel.

 

Urban Style: The young and assertive Audi Q2

09 Friday Jun 2017

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The new all rounder Audi Q2 is perfect for both city drives and off-road adventure as we find out during an action packed junket in the outskirts of Manama city in Bahrain. We fall in love with the model’s vibrant colours, angular styling, the state of the art technology and the mystery the car projects as it surprises us with its energy and confidence at every turn. 

The first part of the car that impressed me was the large luggage compartment which has ample space for shopping, gym and sports accessories and of course shoes. The compact SUV’s low roofline and high window line gives the sporty car a coupe-like look with striking wedge-shaped headlights.

Inside, the all-round visibility is impressive technologies from the full-size class. The driver can use the optional touchpad to scroll through a clearly structured menu, while passengers can surf and stream with smart-phones, tablets and other mobile devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MMI screen is positioned high on the instrument panel as standard.

The driver assistance systems for the Q2 come from the full-size class. Safety is addressed with the standard emergency braking assistant and the car can autonomously maintain a distance to the vehicle ahead, monitor the blind spot and assist in lane keeping. Audi pre sense front uses radar to recognize hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. The system warns the driver and initiates hard braking if necessary, down to a standstill at low speeds.

The driver gets additional support from the latest-generation park assist.
It can manoeuvre the compact SUV into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Cross traffic assist rear comes into play when the driver wants to reverse out of a perpendicular parking spot. It monitors the traffic behind the car with its radar sensors.

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Audi offers a selection of three engines for the Q2: three TFSI whose power outputs range from 116 hp to 190 hp. The engine program follows the principle of rightsizing. This is about striking the perfect balance between vehicle class, engine displacement, power output, torque and efficiency behaviour in everyday conditions. Engine displacements for the new Audi Q2 are 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0 liters.

The top gasoline engine enables the four-cylinder to realize the fuel economy benefits of a downsizing engine in part-load operation, while offering the benefits of an engine with large displacement at higher loads. This results in excellent efficiency and power behavior over the entire engine speed range.

The 2.0 TFSI come standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The hydraulic multi-plate clutch with its electronic control transfers torque nearly entirely to the front wheels in normal driving, but it can redirect torque in a 50:50 ratio to the rear axle.

This is how the quattro drive unites driving pleasure and driving safety, taking them to a new level. Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent sub-function of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), rounds out the quattro range of functions. The optional Audi drive select handling system lets the driver select between five modes: auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. It influences a variety of vehicle systems, including the steering and gear shift characteristics as well as the optional suspension with adaptive damper control.

Customers also have many ways to express their personal style in the elaborately crafted interior. Colors like yellow, orange and red may be selected for inlays, sections of the seats and contrasting stitching. Inlays are also available in white plastic or brushed aluminum.

Seat upholstery choices range from high-end fabrics to fine Nappa leather. At night, the optional LED lighting package makes the interior especially attractive. In the top version, LED light guides illuminate the sculpted inlays at the front of the instrument panel and the center console with homogeneous light.