Auto Extreme

Audi has revealed its brand new TT sports car named TT 2.0 TDI Quattro. This Audi’s TT new sportscar version is powered by the all-new TDI 2.0 liters engine. The engine is available now on both Coupe and Roadster variants.

The two-liter engine is generating dynamic propulsion having 170 hp and 258.15 lbs-ft torque, yet TT Coupe and TT Roadster are consuming an average of just 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters fuel per 100 km (meaning 44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively— which is unparalleled in the sports car department.

The TT Coupe Quattro featuring the 2.0 TDI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds, achieving a maximum speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The TT Roadster by Audi, likewise equipped with the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, is requiring just an extra tenth of the second for the basic sprint, and continues right up to a maximum speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph). Both variants are outstanding examples of the great success of the efficiency strategy at Audi, thanks to the fuel efficiency ratings with 5.5 liters per 100 km (42.77 mpg), a number that corresponds to the CO2 emissions of just 145 grams/km.

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At first glance, the Patriot looks like it’s about six years late to its own party, because it’s such a faithful evolution of Jeep’s Cherokee. It even shares the Cherokee’s boxy bluffness, a big part of that vehicle’s charm. But back in 2001, the Cherokee was replaced by the Liberty instead, a more gently curved, doe-eyed Jeep-on-Prozac.

The Patriot shares its platform with the Compass, Jeep’s attempt to satisfy a perceived demand for a car with Jeep styling cues. Or a Jeep with car styling cues, depending on the salesman’s reading of your inclination.

Like the Compass, the Patriot gets a 2.4-liter four that generates 165 lb-ft of torque at a high 4400 rpm. Mated to the standard five-speed manual, it provides lively, if vocal, performance. The optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) is less work but also less amusing. More baffling is the optional 2.0-liter four–CVTOnly–whose only claim to fame is that it’s slightly more fuel efficient, according to the EPA, than the CVT-equipped 2.4-liter. With a manual gearbox, the 2.4 gets the same fuel economy rating as the 2.0-liter.

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Mercedes-Benz is making the CLS even more irresistible. This one-of-a-kind four-door coupé - the pioneer of a whole new automotive segment - has now been fine-tuned to give it added appeal. The new entry-level model version, the CLS 280 with its sophisticated V6 power unit, develops 170 kW/231 hp. Meanwhile, the flagship model in the range - the CLS 63 AMG with its 378 kW/514 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine - now comes with 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels plus a new AMG sports exhaust system.

Understated but masterly neatly sums up the result of the restyling programme for the CLS. At the front, it is the modified radiator grille that stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous four. The diamond-shaped, three-dimensional grilles painted in atlas grey that cover the air intakes project an even greater air of self-assurance as well as adding further emphasis to the vehicle’s width. The exterior mirrors have also been given a new look. The LED side indicator lamps that are built into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching effect, especially in the dark. The mirror surface has furthermore been enlarged by 32 per cent to afford a clearer view of the traffic behind and thereby boost active safety.

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Volvo has finally revealed the details of the 2009 XC60 Crossover that is set for the Geneva Motor Show this March. Because of the number of leacked photos that spread around like wild fire, Volvo released the first details and lifted the embargo on its upcoming 2009 XC60 compact luxury crossover that will do battle against the likes of other premium segment offerings such as the Land Rover LR2, Acura RDX, and Infiniti EX35. First seen in concept form at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the vehicle will be making its production debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show.. The Swedish automaker describes the car as the “safest Volvo ever,” which says a lot coming from a company that built is reputation on just that.

The U.S. model of XC60 will be offered at launch with just one engine, the T6 inline-6 used in the S80 sedan rated at 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. European models will be offered with a pair of diesel five-cylinders rated at 185 and 163 horsepower. AWD with Volvo’s Instant Traction feature will be standard in both markets, though a front-drive model powered by a 2.4-liter, 163 horsepower diesel will be offered in Europe sometime in 2009.

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Audi’s new station wagon, the A4 Avant, gets its world premiere in two weeks at the Geneva motor show. And when the new wagon bows, it will bring a new “high-powered, four-cylinder turbocharged engine” to the party, according to information released by Audi.

This fall, both the new-generation A4 sedan and the A4 Avant arrive in the U.S. And while the sedan also will offer a 265-horsepower version of Audi’s 3.2-liter V-6, the Avant wagon arrives only at launch with the new four-cylinder, Audi noted in its release.

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2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe is a sleek machine with an angled rear window that slopes down to meet the bootlid. It gives the car a completely different look from the other three and five-door models in the manufacturer’s current range.

When the finished car is revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, it will have the same restyled headlights, kidney grilles and bumpers as the recently revised 1-Series range.

Positioned as the sportiest model in the line-up, the 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe will be offered with BMW’s punchiest en-gines, including the 130i’s

3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol unit. There is also the possibility of a potent 135i, featuring a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0, as well as a 2.0-litre 120i variant with stop-start technology. This switches off the motor when the car is stationary in traffic. Sales of the new Coupé, to be priced from about £24,000, will start in the UK in 2008. A Con­vertible is in the pipeline too, and will also arrive next year.

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For 2008 Chevrolet announced the Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, a limited-production model that pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and ’69 — and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06’s 7.0L LS7 small-block V-8.

The 427 Limited Edition Z06 features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. It also features graphics on the hood and fascia that evoke the style of the famed “stinger” hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Also unique to this model are “427″ hood badges. Each example is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager who is retiring after 15 years on the job, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

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Renault has launched the Koleos, its first ever crossover.

The five-seat car was designed by Renault, developed by Nissan and is manufactured at the Renault Samsung Motors’ Busan plant in Korea. It’ll make a public debut at Geneva next March.

“The release of its first 4×4 crossover is a sure sign that Renault has the capacity to take its own authentic stance and a completely fresh approach in segments from which it has traditionally been absent,” the automaker said in a statement.

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The A5 is an all-new four-seat coupe for Audi that debuts alongside the S5 high-performance version to join the redesigned TT coupe and the R8 supercar as Audi offers a complete line of performance coupes. The A5 incorporates many elements from the Nuvolari concept of 2003 for a combination of elegance and sportiness that Walter de’Silva, head of Volkswagen Group Design, describes as “the most beautiful car I have ever designed.” Nuvolari design elements include Audi’s trademark trapezoidal grille framed by rectangular headlights, a very thick C-pillar, frameless windows, and a waistline that flows upwards around the wheel arches to give the car a dynamic, sporty character.

The 2008 Audi A5 is a 2-door coupe that seats four. In pricing and size A5 slots between Audi’s compact A4 and midsize A6. Two versions are offered. The A5 is powered by a 265-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine. The high-performance S5 gets a 354-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. Both models include manual or automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The A5 has standard 18-inch tires, while 19s are standard on the S5. Standard equipment on both models includes a sunroof, leather upholstery, and three-zone climate control. Options include a navigation system, blind-spot alert, and an uprated audio system. Available on A5 is an S line Sport package that includes unique styling cues, 19-inch performance tires, and sport seats.

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