Audi R10 TDI To Use Bio-Fuel At 2008 Le Mans

Audi R10 TDI using biofuel for the first time
* World premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
* New: Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel with GTL and BTL
* Synthetic diesel fuel reduces emission of CO2
* British ace Allan McNish bids for glory

Ingolstadt – World premiere in motorsport: At the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours on 14/15 June, the three Audi R10 TDI prototypes entered by Audi Sport Team Joest will race for the first time with the next generation of Biofuel manufactured from Biowaste and promising a reduction in the emission of CO2 by almost 90 per cent when compared with traditional diesel. Britain's Allan McNish will race an Audi bidding for glory in a race he won 10 years ago.

Audi fields the 650-hp plus R10 TDI, which has already won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in sportscar races since 2006. Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel produced by development partner Shell has been used since the very beginning. It's a particularly powerful and efficient synthetic fuel which is created from Natural Gas in a process called Gas To Liquids (GTL). Fuels with these components are already available at the pumps.

For the third appearance of the Audi R10 TDI at Le Mans, a small amount of Biofuel of the next generation is mixed for the first time with the previously well-proven GTL components: BTL (Biomass To Liquids), as it is officially called, is extracted from Biowaste that is unfit for use in foodstuffs, for example from waste wood. BTL promises a reduction in the amount of CO2 emission by almost 90 per cent compared to traditional diesel.

Although they are manufactured from different raw materials, the two alternative fuels BTL and GTL are practically Sulphur free and odourless. They combine quality and efficient combustion with reduced exhaust emissions.

"Audi voiced its support early for the use of next generation Biofuels at Le Mans," explains Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG with responsibility for Technical Development. "It underlines our philosophy that we view Le Mans as a tough test field for new technologies which will be available at a later date in production cars for our customers. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) provides the opportunity to use alternative drive concepts and fuels, which we exploit to the full."

The V12 TDI known for its efficiency and fitted to the Audi R10 TDI has already been tested successfully with the new fuel on the dynamometer and during tests. The first public appearance follows this coming Sunday (1 June) at the official test day at Le Mans. It traditionally provides teams with the only opportunity to test on the 13.629-kilometre circuit of Le Mans before the race.

Practice is on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All three cars of Audi Sport Team Joest and all nine drivers will be in action.
Source: TheyReviewed

Source: TheyReviewed

2009 BMW 3-series Spy Shots

After seeing loads of BMW 3-Series heavily camoflaged spy photos till now, we finally get to see the true picture behind the covers. Thanks to our reader Samuel, who was kind enough to share these shots with us, everyone gets to taste what the BMW has cooked for its new facelifted version of 3-series.

For starters, car's front facia has been modified with a redesigned bumper that puts the foglamps just next to the license plate. Now that would be interesting. Further, some minor updates have been given to the bonnet and the side mirrors which now have the indicators on them. The refreshments for the rear include new taillamp piece and nothing else. The interiors will also get some minor touch-ups.

When the new facelifted 2009 BMW 3-Series makes its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, you can expected to see it accompanied by some emission-optimised powerplants. Its high time everyone gets environment friendly, atleast those who can afford to.

Source: CarNoise

2010 Ford Fusion Image Renderings

What you see here is what you can expect the new 2010 Ford Fusion to look like. These Fusion image renderings are created by guys at autocosmos and clearly shows the new grill which slightly moves up at the edges towards the redesigned headlamp to create a smile on the face.

Other changes in next generation Ford Fusion includes wider tyres and the grill secondary in the form of honeycomb plus the decent sized air-vents just above the fog lights. The sedans rear is noted for chromium that accompanies the logo and a dual exhaust outlet. The tail lights on production model are expected to be slightly different from what you see in the image here.

Source: CarNoise

2010 Ford Fusion Spy Photos

We've known for some time that the Ford Fusion was due for a mid-cycle refreshening soon, but new spy shots from KGP Photography reveal that more might be in store for Ford's successful mid-size family sedan.

This prototype features the current car's hood and "squircle" headlights, but sports a different grille style and front bumper. The Fusion's trademark three-bar grille looks like it will become more expressive in the next version, with the top bar bowed down slightly in the middle like a smile.

Source: Auto Crave

Spy Photos Of 2009 Harley-Davidson Edition Ford F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson have been building special edition F-Series pickups for almost a decade. Since 1999 they’ve created eleven different models. Well, we’ve just caught the upcoming twelfth iteration, and it's the biggest and baddest one yet. Say hello to the 2009 Harley-Davidson Edition Ford F-450 - a dual-rear-wheel, one-and-one-half-ton hauler with a curb weight of 8,700-lbs and the capability to tow 24,500-lbs, or about 24 Harley Heritage Softail motorcycles.

Source: TheyReviewed

2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen's First Compact SUV: The New 2008 Model Tiguan
VW has entered the thriving Compact SUV segment in Australia for the first time with the all new Tiguan - offering the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV and the quality, style and technology of a VW.The Petrol and diesel engines are combined with 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions, and Volkswagen's latest generation 4MOTION all wheel drive system.

The recent awarding of the prized five star EuroNCAP safety rating highlights the safety credentials of the Tiguan, which includes 6 airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) as standard. Safety is complemented by a number of the most desired styling and convenience features such as alloy wheels, roof rails, cruise control and multi-function steering wheel, also standard across the entire model range.

The Tiguan also introduces a number of innovative new options such as Park Assist technology, an electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof and Volkswagen's new RNS510 satellite navigation system with Rear View Camera (RVCPlus). With recommended retail pricing from $33,990, the Tiguan offers a very competitive European alternative to a familiar field of Japanese and Korean branded vehicles.

Three engine specifications are available, two petrol with TSI technology (125kW & 147kW) and one TDI (103kW). All are charged without exception, delivering thrust just above the engines idling speed. Today, the new and remarkably quiet common rail TDI combined with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) already satisfies the Euro-5 standards that do not go into effect in Europe until 2009.

The rear bench seat is split with a 60:40 ratio, it can be adjusted 16 centimetres in the longitudinal direction, and the rear seatback has multiple tilt adjustment settings. This provides either more legroom in the rear or additional space in the cargo area. Even with five persons on board the cargo area can stows 395 litres. Up to 1,510 litres and 650 kilograms payload can be stowed in the Tiguan when the rear seats are folded down. This moves it right next to genuine mid-class station wagons.

The 103kW 2.0TDI and 125kW TSI are delivered with six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the Tiguan may be ordered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic, which is standard in the 147kW TSI model. The manual transmission can be driven at an engine speed of 1,000 rpm or vehicle speed of just 6.69 km/h, for example; this practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox. The automatic transmission has gear level pre-select; in off-road use, it prevents shifting to the next higher gear.

Source: TheyReviewed

Photos: 2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan Pictures

2010 Dodge Charger Coupe Renderings

Here we present you with some exqusite renderings of a retro-styled Charger R/T Coupe created by Michael Leonhard. His design study aims to depict what the next Charger model should look like if Chrysler LLC decides to launch a new model. A long time car stylist, Leonhard says that the starting point for his 2010 Dodge Charger Concept was the legendary 1960’s model of Charger .

Source: CarNoise

Photos: 2010 Dodge Charger Coupe Renderings