Audi Sound Concept features 62 speakers

Audi Sound Concept is the most advanced project of the entertainment development engineers in Ingolstadt. The project is internally dubbed the Audi Sound Concept and is being tested on a Q7 model. This design boasts an insane 62 speakers in the vehicle, consisting of five woofers, five tweeters and fifty-two mid-range speakers in the instrument panel beneath the windshield, in the roof pillars, and in the doors.

The system consists of five tweeters spread between the dashboard and the rear seating area, a woofer in each of the four doors, a single subwoofer out back, and a whopping 52 midrange speakers wrapping the perimeter of the cabin and enveloping the passengers in 360 degrees of sound. You're definitely not going to want to crank this rig up to 11.

Moreover, five units are integrated into each door sill, thanks to modifications that included cutouts in the sheet metal, new bezels and lower interior door release handles.

Development of the system took place in both the €100,000 listening facility and the €10 million audio lab at Audi HQ in Ingolstadt.




Press Release

New approaches to perfect sound - Hi-fi expertise at Audi

High-end quality for listening pleasure is a field of technology that is becoming increasingly important. Audi is taking the lead in the advancement of this technology. Audi's successful collaboration with premium suppliers Bang & Olufsen and Bose is already setting standards, and the Audi development engineers have also established broad-based proprietary know-how independent of these partnerships. Their latest project takes an entirely new technical approach - and could turn out to be the next revolution in the hi-fi sector.

62 speakers: the Audi Sound Concept project

Peter Gleim's eyes light up when he cranks up the volume. The engineer works in Infotainment Development at Audi in Ingolstadt, where he heads the Audi Sound Concept project. His test subject is a Q7: Standard on the outside, interior modifications have transformed it into a rolling hi-fi studio that takes a radically new approach.

The idea behind Audi Sound Concept is a physical principle called wave field synthesis, which states that the front of any individual wave can also be considered as superposition of individual waves. In the world of acoustics this means that a sound wave can be recreated by a multiplicity of small sound sources placed closely adjacent to one another along the wave front.

The principle was first put into practice by Dutch scientists in the late 1980s, and it can be experienced today in a movie theater in Ilmenau, in the German state of Thuringia. Each of the 192 individual speakers at the Linden Lichtspiele movie theater is driven separately by a fast computer - at the precise moment in which the virtual wave front would pass through its point in space. Some signals are delayed by milliseconds, depending on the location of the speaker. The result is fascinating: Each moviegoer experiences perfect audio spatialization in optimal sound.

One of the driving forces in the field of wave field synthesis is the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) in Ilmenau. Audi began its development work in collaboration with the IDMT five years ago. The current status of the project is the Q7 prototype, which is parked in a workshop. A powerful amplifier takes up most of the space in the luggage compartment, and thick cables connect it to three PCs.

Installed in the Audi Q7 are 62 speakers - five woofers and five tweeters plus 52 mid-range speakers in the instrument panel beneath the windshield, in the roof pillars and in the doors. Five units are integrated into each door sill - with Audi-typical perfect workmanship. Specialists made cutouts in the sheet metal, fabricated new bezels and lowered the interior door release handles.

"Prepare to be amazed," says Gleim, as his eyes light up and he cranks up the volume. A sound like a thunderhead issues from the speakers - an artful mix of music, traffic noise and animal sounds. A female narrator guides the listener through the acoustic hubbub, dancing past the listener on the right and at other times on the left. The whole time the listener's ears are surrounded by the sounds of driving cars and roaring lions. A marching band seems to march from side to side through the Q7 before finally a helicopter flies a lap around the cabin below the headliner.

"That is specially created wave field material," says Gleim, "comprising up to 32 tracks, with specific spatial information for each of those tracks." There are no corresponding audio media available on the market because there are no playback devices, either. A few film studios are already producing films with the method, however."

New stereo sound: the wide virtual stage

Wave field synthesis is not dependent on special material to demonstrate its strengths, however. It also coaxes entirely new acoustic images out of conventional stereo signals. As Gleim explains, "We can simulate any wave front. With stereo, we can generate a sound as if the two speakers were located far outside the car. And we can also add any desired spatial impression computationally - not as a sound effect, but as a mathematically precise simulation."

The sample for this is also very convincing. The vocals come from far off to the left, seemingly from the corner of the workshop, with the guitar coming from the other corner. This impression remains the same regardless of whether the listener is behind the wheel or on the back right seat of the Audi Q7. And sound quality is always first class - with sparkling trebles, crystal-clear midrange and dry bass. Even the slight buzz as the guitarist's fingers hit the strings makes its way to the ear with extreme precision.

"Our goal was to show what is technically feasible; to explore the limits," explains Denis Credé, Head of Sound Development at Audi. "What we are learning will be integrated into the sound systems of tomorrow. It's like with racing: A lot of what is first tried out on the race tracks of this world later shows up in modified in production vehicles. The Audi Sound Concept project is like racing for sound systems."

Wide-ranging know-how: Entertainment Development at Audi

Audi Sound Concept is the most advanced project of the entertainment development engineers in Ingolstadt. Audi has accumulated broad-based know-how in hi-fi technology in just a short time. The brand began collaborating with the upscale American supplier Bose a good twenty years ago; the collaboration with Bang & Olufsen began around the turn of the millennium.

Audi began offering the advanced sound system from the Danish sound wizards in the A8 luxury sedan in fall 2005. The 14 active speakers, including two acoustic lenses with anodized aluminum grilles, and 1,100 watts of amplifier power brought high-end sound to the automobile direct from the factory for the first time. The openly proclaimed collaboration between the two companies was another first in the European automobile industry. It proved to be a tremendous success for both sides - the advanced sound system has a penetration rate of greater than 10 percent in both models, the A8 and Q7, in which it is available.

If a new Audi model is to be equipped with a new premium or advanced sound system, the development work is performed primarily at Bose or Bang & Olufsen. The Audi engineers prepare precise requirement specifications in which the system layout - the type, number and installation location of the speakers - plus the speaker characteristics, the design of the amplifier and a target sound appropriate for the vehicle are defined.

Prototype vehicles are sent to Esslingen, Germany, and Struer, Denmark, where the partners work on the speakers, enclosures, amplifiers and acoustic algorithms. The last step is fine-tuning the sound, which is performed together with the Audi specialists in Ingolstadt. The "Sound Commission," a body comprising representatives from all units of the company, is responsible for final acceptance and approval.

How close does the high-end sound in a new Audi A8 come to the reality of the recording? "The determining factors are always the installation locations in the car and the quality of the components," explains Gleim. "When you order a car with the advanced sound system, you get the best speakers available anywhere. Many of them have membranes made of a fiberglass composite, which has a very natural and linear sound."

Pure sound is technically feasible - but not desired. "A linear frequency response in the car would be boring," says Gleim. The tight interior does not allow the sound to spread out like in a living room. Cushions and upholstery absorb it, which is why the low frequencies must be overdriven to a certain extent. The electronic fine-tuning - the tweaking of the algorithms in the sound processor - handles this.

"We deliver a certain fun factor with our compact and sporty models," explains the sound development engineer. "In the A8 and Q7, however, the sound is more subtle and natural. There is no ultimate ideal, though, because each person perceives sound in their own unique way."

Proprietary development: the Audi sound systems

Below the high-end and premium systems, Audi offers additional systems such as the Audi sound system, which also uses impressive technology to produce excellent sound quality. Because Audi alone is responsible for the design and tuning of these systems, the development engineers have developed an extensive foundation of expertise.

The Electronics Center established at the Ingolstadt plant in 2003 includes a sound laboratory, where the sound systems undergo rigorous testing during the development phase. The engineers test the speakers and amplifiers offered by the suppliers, beginning with the very first sample level and assess the quality delivered, in part by means of exhaustive listening comparisons.

The laboratory features equipment valued at nearly €10 million - from the microphones and the special amplifier test bed custom-developed to Audi specifications to the laser vibrometer. The latter uses a laser to scan the surface vibrations that occur on the speaker membrane, the speaker housing or the door in which the speaker is installed.

The color graphics produced precisely indicate if the membrane does not oscillate properly across its entire surface. "Weaknesses in a speaker are very often a simple question of design," says Gleim's colleague, Wolfram Jähn. "In many cases, the manufacturer can resolve these with minor changes, such as details of the curvature or the overlap between the paper and the rubber at the bead."

Speakers are analyzed at the Audi sound laboratory in a testing room, which is a room-in-room construction. The testing room is mounted on thick elastomer bearings and is completely decoupled from the rest of the building. An absolute necessity given its direct proximity to a roller dynamometer.

All six sides of the testing room feature large fiberglass wedges covered in silk that break up the sound. A floating wire lattice serves as the floor.

The testing room is acoustically dead - the human voice loses its richness here. The room is also often used to refine operating noises in the cabin, i.e., to fine tune clicking rotary knobs and switches. "As far as we know, none of our competitors have such a facility," says Jähn.

The listening room: resetting your ears

Whereas the testing room is used for mathematical analysis, the adjacent listening room is tailored for the subjective experience. It, too, is an acoustically optimized room-in-room construction - the special wooden double walls backed with insulation only allow the linear reflections desired. The precisely calibrated, high-end sound system installed here costs around €100,000 and its tube-based end stages are the size of small refrigerators.

"The listening room is our acoustic magnifying glass," explains Jähn, "where we check what really is on a CD or DVD. This is important because your ears quickly get used to a sound and sometimes interpret errors as interesting effects. We test our sample speakers blind. We can compare them to the optimum and reset our ears."

Thanks to these detailed tests and comparisons, the sound development engineers at Audi can define detailed specifications for the speaker suppliers.

Another element for success is the tight networking between Technical Development, Production and Quality Assurance at Audi. This enables requirements from daily production work and the real-world customer experience to flow into the development of new sound systems.

The quality of the sound systems has gotten significantly better in recent years as a result, according to Gleim. And the engineers are constantly learning - at a rapid pace, day-in, day-out. Audi will further strengthen its leadership position in the high-end sector.

Audi runs R8 e-Tron prototype at 24 Hours of Le Mans

Audi's been promoting the fact that an "e-tron" would lap Le Mans this week as part of a demonstration of alternative fuel vehicles shown at speed just before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Joining cars like the Porsche GT3 hybrid and natural gas powered Volkswagen Scirocco that both ran Nurburgring, the Audi e-tron turned out to be an outwardly normal Audi R8 painted in a matte medium grey with bright green decals. 

Its battery sits behind the passenger cabin to optimise its centre of gravity, thus achieving a 42:58 weight distribution. Four motors drive the front and rear axles and maximum power is quoted at 230 kW (308 bhp/ 313 PS), while peak torque is an astounding 4,500Nm (3,319 lb-ft). About 70 percent of power goes to the rear. Audi says the R8-based e-tron will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

A cable and plug allow the Audi R8 E-tron’s energy storage to be powered by your household current of 230 volts/16 amperes. Charging time is about 6-8 hours when the battery has been completely depleted and goes down to about 2.5 hours when high voltage is used.




Press Release

Audi e-tron at 24 Hours of Le Mans

• Technology platform opens the 24-hour race

• Five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela at the wheel of the Audi e-tron

• Le Mans vers le futur shows Audi concept for an electric sports car

Audi presents an Audi e-tron technology platform based on the R8 at the most important sports car race of the year. Racing legend
Frank Biela drove the purely electric powered high-performance sports car during the Le Mans vers le futur, a demonstration run for electric vehicles, giving Audi fans at the 24 Hours of Le Mans a peek at the fascinating future sporty electric cars.

Not one, but four motors - two each on the front and rear axles - power the wheels of the Audi e-tron, making the test vehicle a true quattro. With 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds.

The test vehicle wrapped in the skin of an R8 demonstrates that the Audi e-tron belongs in the major leagues of electric sports cars. The package does justice to all of the specific realities of an electric vehicle: The battery is located directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.

The requirement specification for the production concept goes far beyond battery technology and the replacement of a combustion engine with an electric drive system. The interaction of all components has a decisive influence on efficiency, range and practicality. With the technology platform shown at Le Mans, Audi is providing an insight into the development work.

Design and package
The caliber of the car is apparent to the fans in Le Mans at first glance: Based on the R8, this Audi e-tron has a wide, powerful road stance. The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the front end and is flanked by two large air intakes.

1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide while only 4.43 meters (14.53 ft) long and 1.25 meters (4.1 ft) tall - those are the proportions of a supercar. The wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft) leaves ample room between the axles for people and technology. The sporty proportions offer enough room in front of the rear axle for the battery unit and the power electronics.

The special package of the Audi e-tron technology platform provides a 42:58 weight distribution between the front and rear axles and therefore ensures perfect balance and driving dynamics.

Systematic lightweight construction is a crucial prerequisite for efficiency and range - and this is also the case for electric vehicles. The Audi development engineers therefore draw on a core competence of the company for the e-tron. The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology.

Driving dynamics
The normal distribution of the tractive power is clearly biased toward the rear axle. Similar to with a mid-engine sports car, roughly 70 percent of the power goes the rear and 30 percent to the front. If an axle slips, this balance can be varied by means of the four centrally controlled electric motors. The electric vehicle from Audi thus enjoys all of the advantages of quattro technology.

Via the four individual motors, which are each connected directly to the respective wheel via a short shaft, the e-tron also controls the lateral dynamics. Similar to the sport differential in conventional quattro vehicles, these motors allow torque vectoring - the targeted acceleration of individual wheels and thus an active distribution of tractive power. This boosts driving dynamics while simultaneously enhancing driving safety. Understeer and oversteer can be corrected by not only targeted activation of the brakes, but also by precise increases in power lasting just a few milliseconds. The concept car remains extremely neutral even under great lateral acceleration and hustles through corners as if on the proverbial rails.

The chassis has triangular double wishbones at the front axle and a trapezoidal-link rear suspension made of forged aluminum components - a geometry that has proven in motorsports to be the optimal prerequisite for high agility, uncompromising precision and precisely defined self-steering behavior. A taut setup was chosen for the springs and shock absorbers, but still offers a high level of comfort.

The direct rack-and-pinion steering gives finely differentiated feedback. Its electromechanical steering boost varies with speed. Fittingly, the technology platform rolls on 19-inch wheels.

Energy supply
The energy storage unit is charged with household current (230 volts/16 amperes) via a cable and a plug. The socket is behind what used to be the fuel cap. With the battery fully discharged, charging time is between six and eight hours. High-voltage (400 volts, 63 amperes) reduces this to around 2.5 hours.

The battery isn't only charged when the car is stationary, but also while driving. They keyword here is recuperation. This form of energy recovery and return to the battery is already available today in a number of Audi production models. During braking, the alternator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which it then feeds into the onboard electrical system.

Interior and control concept
The interior evokes a luxury-grade racing atmosphere. As in the R8, its distinguishing characteristic is the monoposto - a large arc that sweeps around the instruments. Unlike the production R8, however, the Audi e-tron has a graphic display for indicating the driving mode located between two round-dial instruments showing the recuperation and boost level.

Similar to the new A8, the driver of this high-performance sports car can select the various driving modes using a stalk that is based on shift-by-wire technology.

Porsche Panamera Stingray by TopCar, carbon gray color

Russian tuner TopCar has released more details regarding its Porsche Panamera Stingray. The company says three distinct versions of the powerful four-door will be made available. The first is the Black Matt Edition which comes finished in gloss black on the front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, side skirts and rear diffuser among others.

The Porsche Panamera Stingray Carbon Gray interior is embellished with Visible carbon Fiber interior parts : the steering wheel trim and paddle, dash and center console trims, door trims etc. The matched Nappa leather interior decorated with fancy stitches and welt cords combines comfort and style with incredible practicality.

TopCar aims to bump power to between 404 kW (542 bhp / 55 0PS) and 552 kW (740 bhp / 750 PS) for all three cars.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera Stingray its new dressing mostly made of visible carbon fiber : the front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, the bonnet, front fender scoops, side skirts, windows trims, both wings, the tailgate trim and rear bumper diffuser.

via: WCF roomcars



Press Release

TOPCAR Porsche Panamera Stingray, which made its debut at the renowned supercars fair Top Marques Monaco 2010 in April, has been in great demand at present. To maintain the highest workmanship standards and excellent quality of the products all our car performance packages are worked out to the last detail.

Being aimed to a perfect result TOPCAR specialists help the customers in searching that unique but recognizable and inimitable appearance of their cars trying to incarnate a vision in a car and to create the most entire reflection of the personality of the car owner.

To prove the fact the Porsche Panamera appearance by TOPCAR will be available in three editions. Three distinct cars have got three distinct natures.

Black Matt Edition

The car obtains menacing appearance. Even at first glance you can't give up the idea that its matte finish and the invasive lines have adopted an uncanny resemblance to invisible fighter jet. A lower clearance and matte finish make possible to achieve the analogy.

To highlight the main shape-generating lines some elements are painted gloss black: the front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, ventilation ‘gills' on the bonnet, front fender scoops, side skirts, window trims, both rear wings, the tailgate trim and rear bumper diffuser. Tanned rear lights and black housing headlights give the concluding chord of the strong shape. To make the inner world sing in harmony TOPCAR offers the masterly hand crafted leather interior of the ideal quality.

White Edition

The newborn Panamera has obtained astonishing lines full of grace and dignity for its new appearance. The leading principle of this car is to sing along to its wealthy and self-satisfied sole owner. The car remains distinctive at any time of day or night and in any weather conditions. To emphasize the white gloriole some car trim parts were painted black.

TOPCAR also recommends a set of specially designed and produced black multi-part rims (R21) with the white lip. The white leather interior allied to the exciting design make the ‘Panamera in White' truly unforgettable.

Carbon Grey Edition

It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the TOPCAR brand.

The car embodied some player personality traits: gorgeous looks, fearsome performance, racing success and (relative) civility on the road. The car itself painted Carbon Grey and its new dressing mostly made of Visible Carbon Fiber: the front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, the bonnet, front fender scoops, side skirts, window trims, both rear wings, the tailgate trim and rear bumper diffuser.

The interior is embellished with Visible Carbon Fiber interior parts: the steering wheel trim and paddle, dash and center console trims, door trims etc.

The matched Nappa leather interior decorated with fancy stitches and welt cords combines comfort and style, with incredible practicality.

TOPCAR also provides a set of specially designed and produced multi-part rims (R21).

In order to achieve better performance the new Porsche Panamera engine will be juiced up and get an output from 550 to 750 hp.

These three fresh cars are aiming to deliver driving excitement, stylish and innovative design. TOPCAR's vehicles have been designed to cater for the various and varied demands of modern day drivers.

The demand for TOPCAR's products from all over the world keeps growing and it is now possible to see the renovated cars on the roads of Monaco, Germany and Switzerland.

Please have a look at the cars manufactured by our company - these can be seen on our website www.top-car.ru which shall help you appreciate the true value our kits add. Please also feel free to pay a visit to our office where you can satisfy yourself that the highest standards of workmanship are a key part of our business.

Should you have any queries or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact us - our contact information is shown below.

Internet: www.top-car.ru

G-Power BMW M3 GT2-S And Tornado-CS

The G-Power reveals two new exciting tuned up vehicles to honor the BMW Motorsport team for their win at the 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race.



The G-Power BMW M3 Tornado CS also comes with a new carbon fiber body kit which considerably

reduces the weight of the car. The G-Power BMW M3 Tornado CS features a new front skirt, four wings and a rear skirt, a rear spoiler and diffuser. The G-Power BMW M3 Tornado CS sits on 20 inch rims.



G-POWER was also able to make further savings in the wheel rims. All-new forged SIVERSTONE CLUBSPORT alloy rims measuring 9.0 X 20 inches and 10.5 X 20 inches for the TORNADO CS, and 3-part SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels measuring 9.0 X 20 and 11.5 X 20 inches on the GT2 S significantly reduce unsprung mass, thus delivering better acceleration and greater cornering agility. The TORNADO CS is guaranteed firm grip with the tarmac courtesy of 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres, while the G-POWER GT2 S is fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup sports rubber measuring 245/30 R 20 and 315/25 R 20.



This allows the GT2 S to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the Tornado CS.  0-200 km/h for the GT2 S was not revealed, but its sister model hits that mark in 11.8 seconds.  Keeping the Tornado CS on the road are forged Silverstone ClubSport wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.  The 20-inch wheels measure nine-inches wide at the front, and 10.5-inches at the rear.  The GT2 S uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires wrapped around three-piece Silverstone RS wheels measuring 9x20 front and 11.5 rear.



The full price on the G-Power M3 GT2 S begins at €139,495, exclusive of taxes and paperwork.  The retail price of the G-Power M3 Tornado CS shown in the photos was not disclosed.









Press Release

M3 Clubsport: 600 hp strong G-POWER M3 GT2 S and M3 TORNADO CS

G-POWER congratulates BMW Motorsport on its first place in this year's 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. And, on this race weekend, it presents two road-legal BMW M3 Clubsport models in homage to the BMW works team:

G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS / G-POWER M3 GT2 S

• 600 hp / 441 kW at 7,800 r/min (+ 180 hp / 132 kW)
• 580 Nm at 5,300 r/min (+ 180 Nm)
• Top speed: > 320 km/h with 6-speed manual
• Top speed: > 330 km/h with 7-speed DCT
• 0-100 km/h: TORNADO CS <>
• 0-200 km/h: TORNADO CS <>
• Supercharger system SK II CS - starting at € 10,800.00 plus tax, plus titanium exhaust system and installation
• Complete vehicle M3 GT2 S - starting at € 139,495.00 plus tax

More than a quarter of a century ago, the history of G-POWER began with the modification of BMW 02 models for competition use. Today, this tradition is carried forward by the G-POWER Motorsport Division established at the beginning of 2010. The function of this newly founded department includes comprehensive care of our motorsport customers, as well as the development of the associated "sports equipment". The spectrum ranges from reduced-weight and increased-performance road-legal M3 models for "private" track laps to full-blooded racing versions of the M3 with dry weight down to 1,300 kg and output of more than 700 hp, complete with all the associated kit required by private motorsports teams.

Spectators at this year's 24-hour race at the Nürburgring had the chance to admire the first creation of the G-POWER Motorsport Division. The G-POWER M3 GT2 S is aimed specifically at customers looking for a vehicle along the lines of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, but have thus far been unable to find one in the BMW product line-up - thoroughbred racing technology combined with exceptional performance and fully road legal.

In answer to this demand, we present the G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS as the civilian version of the imposing G-POWER M3 GT2 S. When it comes to performance, both vehicles rely on the mighty SK II CS supercharger system. Following intensive development work, starting with CAD development, and followed by prototype build and extensive test driving and hot weather testing in the United Arab Emirates, this system sets new benchmarks in performance and quality. At the heart of the supercharger system is the high-performance ASA T1-522 radial compressor, which also runs in a similar format in the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car. A dual-flow carbon air intake, a substantial cast aluminium charge air cooler and a cast aluminium airbox provide the fundamentals enabling the maximum charge pressure of 0.5 bar to generate output of 600 hp and 580 Nm. In order that the increased output remains weight neutral, G-POWER uses a titanium exhaust system that delivers a considerable reduction in both back pressure and weight with its manifold and 2 x 100 dcpi metal catalytic converters. The weight advantage versus the series production exhaust system is no less than 26 kg.

The engine pampering session with G-POWER is all it takes to set the G-POWER Clubsport variants apart from the production standard. A never-ending supply of torque is the name of the game once the forced induction M3 engine stretches its legs out of the mid rev range to storm all the way to the limiter as if fired from a catapult.

At the same time, G-POWER also gets to work on the flab, placing the BMW M3 on a strict weight loss regime. This is where the G-POWER GT2 S comes into its own, with a full carbon body kit bearing the current GT2 design. The front skirt, all four wings and the rear skirt are all replaced by ultra-lightweight carbon elements. A carbon front lip and the multi-part carbon rear spoiler also improve aerodynamic downforce. On the G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS, a carbon spoiler lip and rear diffuser make for reduced lift. A particularly nice touch is the running lights integrated into the rear diffuser.

G-POWER was also able to make further savings in the wheel rims. All-new forged SIVERSTONE CLUBSPORT alloy rims measuring 9.0 X 20 inches and 10.5 X 20 inches for the TORNADO CS, and 3-part SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels measuring 9.0 X 20 and 11.5 X 20 inches on the GT2 S significantly reduce unsprung mass, thus delivering better acceleration and greater cornering agility. The TORNADO CS is guaranteed firm grip with the tarmac courtesy of 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres, while the G-POWER GT2 S is fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup sports rubber measuring 245/30 R 20 and 315/25 R 20.

Weight neutral, yet highly effective, is the G-POWER "CLUBSPORT" suspension package. It optimises the BMW M3's road manners at race track level and encompasses a coilover suspension that is independently adjustable for both compression and rebound, a stabiliser kit for the front and rear axles, as well as support bearings that enable correction of camber or caster.

On the inside of the vehicle, G-POWER has swapped the series production front seats for carbon racing buckets that not only support the driver in his battle with centrifugal forces, but are also each 12 kg lighter than their standard counterparts. Just like that, another 24 kg disappear. The G-POWER M3 GT2 S also goes without its rear bench, while the interior is upgraded with an individual G-POWER leather trim package. Leather and Alcantara applications in G-POWER orange with blue stitching give the sporty and spartan interior a touch of class and a luxurious feel.

Overall, the G-POWER weight loss program for the M3 GT2 S adds up to around 150 kg, bringing the dry weight down to less than 1,500 kg. It goes without saying that the supercharged 600 horses take this in their stride. The GT2 S handles the dash from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS does the same trip in 4.3 seconds and from 0-200 km in 11.8 seconds. The top speed for both vehicles is limited by transmission ratios. With the 6-speed manual it stands at more than 320 km/h and with the 7-speed DCT at more than 330 km/h.

G-POWER:

G-POWER was established in 1983 and has ever since exclusively focused on tuning BMW automobiles. In 2008, the brand celebrated its 25-year anniversary and today, it is one of the most renowned providers on the global market. By developing the world-wide strongest versions of the most important BMW engines in-house, G-POWER significantly stands out from its competitors. G-POWER holds various world records and its 750 hp strong BMW M5 Hurricane RS is the fastest limousine in the world.

2011 Audi A8 - taking the fast lane onto the World Wide Web

The new 2011 Audi A8 is allegedly the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for Wi-Fi access. Of course, this means that all your passengers will probably spend less time talking to you and more time on their laptops, Apple iPads and iPhones or netbooks.

To activate, the driver simply inserts a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone or by using a compatible cellular device with a SIM Access Profile.

All this is made possible through a rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car’s own UMTS module. This enables the most connection stability with great reception quality.






via:egmcartech

Press Release

• First factory-installed WLAN hotspot in a car

• Wireless access for iPads, laptops and netbooks

• Secure encryption, stable connection

The new Audi A8 is the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for wireless Internet access. Passengers in the front and rear can simultaneously access the Internet through the car's integrated WLAN module and via UMTS, using up to eight terminal devices such as laptops, Apple iPads or netbooks.

Wireless surfing, accessing information, data and e-mails from company networks, and downloading the latest apps for the iPad - passengers in the front and rear can conveniently and securely use all of these features while traveling in the Audi A8, just as if they were in their own office. WPA2 encryption provides the necessary security for the transfer of data.

Using the WLAN hotspot is remarkably simple. To activate Internet access with speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s, the driver merely needs to insert a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone. Alternatively, an Internet connection can be established via Bluetooth by using a compatible mobile phone with a SIM Access Profile. Any existing mobile phone contract can be used for this - often coupled with a flat-rate data plan.

Communication with the Internet takes place through the rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car's own UMTS module. This enables utmost connection stability with outstanding reception quality.

Superchips BMW 135i Can Get 360hp

Superchips have released their new performance boosting ECU remap for BMW's 135i Coupe / Convertible.

Superchips has upgraded the 135i’s power from a measured standard output of 315 hp to 360 hp, with a maximum power gain of 49 hp at 5,989 rpm. At the same time, the ECU remap brings the BMW’s torque up from a tested 394 Nm to 456 Nm a 3,359 rpm.

Superchips says that this kit doubles the joy of driving this little beast, specially as it drops the 0 to 60 mph sprint time to 5.6 seconds. But because the speed limiter has not been changed, it still can’t do more than 155 mph.


The price: £445.00 including VAT (€515) and Superchips offers a very relieving 12-month/30,000 mile guarantee, lest you're worried about your BMW dealer getting upset at you messing with their work of art.


Press Release

SUPERCHIPS UNLEASHES THE BMW 135i'S REAL DRIVING MACHINE

• Dealer fit ECU remap boosts performance by 49 bhp / 70 Nm of torque

• Peak performance figures increase to 360 bhp / 456 Nm

• Added pace and driveability for BMW 1-series flagship

Buckingham, United Kingdom, 20th May 2010

Thanks to its combination of small size and powerful 3.0-litre six
cylinder twin turbocharged engine, BMW's 135i has attracted a loyal
following amongst owners and the motoring press.

Which is why Buckingham based Superchips Ltd, the market leading
specialist in performance electronic tuning, is pleased to unveil a
performance boosting ECU remap for the 135i.

The result of extensive investigation into the BMW's Siemens MSD ECU
parameters, Superchip's highly experienced technicians successfully
identified several performance enhancement opportunities with the original
factory settings, enabling the company to refine the 135i's ECU map to meet
the needs of the BMW driving enthusiast who demands a sharper, more exciting
drive.

Careful optimisation of ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings via
combination of extensive chassis dyno testing and road validation has
produced a Superchips remap that elevates the performance of the 135i onto a
different plane.

As measured on its in house four wheel drive chassis dyno', the
Superchips upgrade boosts the BMW 135i's peak power from a tested standard
output of 315 bhp, to a mighty 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp
at 5989 rpm.

The Superchips ECU remap also significantly enhances the 135i's torque
output, rising from a measured 394 Nm to an impressive 456 Nm at just 3359
rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm at just 3267 rpm.

Compared to the standard BMW 135i, the Superchips upgraded car produces
peak torque over 1000 rpm lower down in the rev range, making it not only
ultimately faster, but also significantly easier to drive.

Although not yet tested against the clock, the Superchips remapped BMW
135i is expected to better the standard car's 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint
time, although for safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left
untouched.

The Superchips BMW 135i ECU remap also scores at the pumps - when driven
on a like for like basis with the standard car owners will experience no
fuel consumption penalty, despite the extra performance.

Installation of the Superchips ECU remap entails customers visiting one
of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK who will undertake the
remap procedure.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full
Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000
supplementary full vehicle warranty.

Suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of BMW 135i
produced from 2007 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both
directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00
including VAT @ 17.5%.

Superchips - don't compromise, optimise.

Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance

Avus Performance has unveiled their version of the popular Audi S4. Power on the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine is up from 329 bhp to 424 bhp.

In order to give the driving dynamics even better qualities, a thread spring kit was built in that allows adjusting the depth more individually, however still maintaining adjusting possibilities of the Magnetic Ride chassis. The contact to the road is made by 9×20 inch big, 3-part CC-line rims in connection with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo wheels in 255/30/20. To expedite them accurately, the engine performance was adjusted accordingly. Instead of the standard 33 PS, 430 PS are on now.

The aerodynamic package includes a new grille, rear diffuser, and front blade all with a glossy black finish which can be changed to a carbon finish if the customer so chooses. The back of the Audi S4 will see a whole new set of stainless steel mufflers with the tail pipe variant RS4/RS6-look in matte black.

Exterior highlights are mirror caps, front grill, front bumper blades and back diffuser were painted in shiny black. Alternatively, these parts can be ordered in carbon as well, carbon parts are also possible in the interior. Among them are interior lasts and center consoles, but also steering wheels with carbon and different types of leather.





Press Release

A new project of Avus Performance is the sporty version of the popular mid-range Audi. Meant is the S4. In this case it is about a Suzuka-grey limousine that attracts attention by nature. Nevertheless, the Avus-team is not totally of the same opinion here and puts a very special stamp to the "s"port limo".

In order to give the driving dynamics even better qualities, a threaded spring kit was built in that allows adjusting the height more individually, however still maintaining adjusting possibilities of the Magnetic Ride chassis.

The contact to the road is made by 9x20 inch big, 3-part CC-line rims in connection with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo wheels in 255/30/20. To expedite them accurately, the engine performance was adjusted accordingly. Instead of the standard 333 PS (245 kW; 329 bhp), 430 PS (316 kW; 424 bhp) are on now.

To make the driving pleasure not only palpable, but audible as well, the original mufflers were changed for optimized stainless steal copies. In this case with the tail pipe variant RS4/RS6-look in matt black.

In order to make the outer look perfect, mirror caps, front grill, front bumper blades and back diffuser were painted in shiny black. Alternatively, these parts can be ordered in carbon as well, carbon parts are also possible in the interior. Among them are interior lasts and center consoles, but also steering wheels with carbon and different types of leather.

Mercedes Benz Unimog U4000 Expedition Camper

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 4000 will be on display at the 2010 Abenteuer & Allrad, Europe's largest off-road vehicle show, from June 3. a custom expedition camper based on the Mercedes Unimog will be revealed which is literally the ultimate ride for every explorer! The U4000 is a bit pricey at 248,300 Euro, but no for going anywhere in style and comfort no other vehicle comes even close to this thing.

Power comes from a 4.2 four-cylinder diesel engine producing 160 kW (215 bhp / 218 PS). It is fed by a 290 litre (76.6 US gallons) diesel tank and carries two 20 litre (5 gallon) reserve canisters. Part of the vehicle's excellent off-road capability is ensured by a suspension with torque tube, transverse links and coil springs, portal axles for great ground clearance, as well as short frame overhangs.

The team has installed a camper module which is 4.35 m long, 2.2 m wide and 1.95 m high. The module uses 50 mm thermal bridge-free fiberglass-reinforced plastic for the walls and a 60 mm floor.

A lockable passage allows occupants to climb from the cab to the camper. A washroom, consisting of a compact toilet, washbasin, and shower, is placed behind the driver’s seat, directly across the aisle from a wardrobe. A small kitchen and fridge are packed inside, along with Alcantara-trimmed benches. An elevated double bed is placed at the very back of the camper body.

The modified Unimog utilizes a hot air interior heater powered by diesel, a 200 Ah battery, 260W solar panels, LED spots, TFT TV, Sattelite dish and a DVD player. The total size of the Camper Unimog measure 6.85 m long, 2.35 m wide and 3.5 m high and has a pricetag of EUR 248,000.




Press Release

• Out into the big wide world with the Unimog
• Based on the Unimog U 4000 with its impressive chassis concept
• Unimog copes with arduous, long expeditions thanks to the Bocklet body
• On display at the off-road vehicle show in Bad Kissingen from
  3 to 6 June 2010

Stuttgart - An expedition camper based on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog – the dream of every bona fide globetrotter. At this year's "Abenteuer & Allrad", Europe's largest off-road vehicle show, the expedition camper will be on display in Bad Kissingen from 3 to 6 June 2010.

Michael Bocklet from Koblenz and his team have built a fully fledged go-anywhere vehicle based on the UniversalMotorGerät (Universal Motorized Unit), to give the Unimog its full name. The distinctive Unimog U 4000 with its Bocklet body is the archetypal expedition vehicle – the consummate solution for even the most ardent adventurer.

The U 4000 is the perfect expedition vehicle thanks to its absolutely unique chassis concept. Portal axles deliver excellent ground clearance and ensure constant road contact of all four wheels. The suspension with torque tube, transverse links and coil springs allows long spring travel and superb axle articulation – supporting diagonal axle articulation of up to 30 degrees. In conjunction with the short frame overhangs, the Unimog also effortlessly takes difficult obstacles, hilltops, slopes or embankments in its stride. Waterproof major assemblies and an air intake pipe level with the cabin roof ensure a fording capability of 1.20 metres. The Unimog comes with single tyres (as opposed to the twin tyres on an all-wheel-drive truck), thus offering high traction with low rolling resistance. The tirecontrol tyre pressure monitoring system can be used to reduce the tyre pressure conveniently from the driver's seat while on the move and so ensure the wheels do not get bogged down on soft ground. This technical feature improves traction and power delivery.

Trouble-free driving with the go-anywhere vehicle

The 4249-cc four-cylinder diesel unit produces 160 kW (218 hp). The permissible gross vehicle weight of the all-wheel-drive vehicle (wheelbase 3850 mm) is 7490 or 8500 kilograms respectively. In conjunction with the all-wheel drive and differential locks on the front and rear axle, the Unimog is the ideal solution for a superlative off-road expedition vehicle. Should it – in the very unlikely event – get stuck, the Unimog can use its hydraulic seven-tonne front winch to pull itself out of the quagmire with its "own hair" à la Baron Munchausen. However, you are much more likely to find it using the winch to pull out other vehicles from difficult situations. A diesel tank with a capacity of 290 litres (plus two 20-litre reserve canisters) also makes longer journeys less nerve-racking where refuelling is not an option. The comfort seats in the cab provide an ideal fatigue-free solution for these arduous stages.

The rear of the Bocklet accommodation module is tapered at an angle to retain the Unimog's full off-road capabilities. The inside of the module measures 4.35 metres long and 2.20 metres wide (standing height 1.95 metres). The roof and walls of the three-point mounted, thermal bridge-free fibreglass-reinforced plastic box are 50 mm thick, standing on a 60-mm-thick floor. All the walls are finished with a 2-mm-thick fabric-reinforced outer layer. The hatches and doors all come with hollow rubber seals and multi-point locks, which help protect the stowage compartments against the ingress of dust or water.

Behind the driver's seat is the accommodation module washroom, fitted out with a cassette toilet, wash basin and shower. Hot water is provided by a combined Truma gas/electric boiler with a capacity of 10 litres. The corner kitchen is fitted towards the rear and comes with a two-burner gas stove, sink and drainer.

A (lockable) passage leads to the cab, with a wardrobe fitted on the right behind the co-passenger seat. The 110-litre compressor fridge occupies the space up to the entrance door.

Benches arranged longitudinally to the direction of travel provide two seats with exquisite Alcantara® upholstery. Tanks and additional stowage space are housed under the dinette in the false floor. The Unimog carries around 300 litres of fresh water on-board, along with a waste tank holding 200 litres. The entire rear area is home to a 200 x 135-cm double bed. Additional stowage space, which can be accessed from outside, is provided under the bed.

A diesel-powered Eberspächer hot air heater ensures a comfortable night's sleep in colder climes or during the winter months. To ensure sufficient 'juice', Bocklet has installed 220 Ah of battery capacity, backed up by 260-W solar panels, an automatic charger (24 V / 50 A) and a 1.2-kW inverter. A control panel with an ampere-hour metre monitors the power system; minimal energy consumption comes courtesy of the low-energy lights and LED spots fitted in the interior. There is a TFT television plus satellite dish and a DVD player for entertainment and information during the expedition, no matter how far away from home you venture. The 6.85-metre-long, 2.35-metre-wide and 3.50-metre-high expedition camper based on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 4000 costs EUR 248,300.