News Archive

BMW 335i and 335i xDrive Get 20hp Boost With New M Power Kit

– March 26, 2013Posted in: News

BMW today announced a new M Performance Power Kit for the 2012 model year and later BMW 335i Sedan and 335i xDrive Sedan models. The M Performance Power Kit joins the existing M Performance Parts line which includes chassis, aerodynamics, exhaust system components, and trim accessories. Developed through consultation by the engineers at BMW M GmbH, the M Performance Power Kit is immediately available through all Authorized BMW Centers in the US, with MSRP starting at $1,100 (plus Installation) and retains BMW’s 4-Year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty when purchased with a new vehicle.

More Power. More Dynamic. More Emotion.
Once the Power Kit is installed, the vehicle’s rated horsepower is increased from 300 to 320 on all models. Automatic transmission-equipped models enjoy a 32 lb-ft peak torque increase (to 332 lb-ft), while manual transmission-equipped models benefit from a 17 lb-ft peak torque increase (to 317 lb-ft). All models receive a re-mapped accelerator pedal calibration for more dynamic throttle response, and the Power Kit produces a signature, highly-emotional “exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions. 0-60mph acceleration is improved 0.2 seconds compared to standard 335i models, while 50-75mph times drop by a full half-second.

The BMW M Performance Power Kit features comprehensive engine tuning via advanced software 335i and 335i xDrive Sedan models. The kit includes updated software or replacement engine DME (electronic control unit), high-capacity engine air intake system, signature BMW M Performance engine cover, and rocker panel decals. This gives the 335i Sedan or 335i xDrive Sedan a substantial power boost (+20 horsepower) while retaining the original 50-state legal emissions certification and fuel efficiency ratings.

Installed with Confidence.
The vehicle’s original BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty is not affected by the installation of the M Performance Power Kit, and Kit components are covered under warranty for the duration of the original BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 Years / 50,000 miles) if purchased at the time of new vehicle sale, or for 2 Years / unlimited miles if installed later.

Tags: BMW

Audi Sets Pricing for the All New 2014 A8 L TDI

– January 31, 2013Posted in: News

Pricing starts at $82,500 for the first ever 2014 Audi A8 L TDI® clean diesel with an EPA estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined MPG
The Audi A8 has set new standards for the luxury sedan in terms of interior and exterior design, technology, performance and efficiency. Now equipped with the new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine, the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI represents a dramatic expansion of the flagship sedan and the first of four new TDI models to be introduced this year.

Starting at $82,500, the A8 L TDI clean diesel, with quattro® all-wheel drive, makes a powerful statement in achieving the best fuel economy in its segment with an EPA estimated 24/ 36/ 28 mpg (city/ highway/ combined), while at the same time generating an impressive 240 horsepower, 406 lb.-ft. of torque that seamlessly launches 0-60 MPH in 6.4 seconds.

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

The A8 L TDI joins an expanding model line-up including the A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12. The A8 L TDI will be available in the long-wheelbase version only.

The 2014 Audi A8 L TDI will go on sale in early Spring 2013. Additional 2014 model year information and pricing for other models will be announced at later in the year.

Tags: Audi

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

– December 13, 2012Posted in: News

Mercedes-Benz CLA: new model from the segment’s inventor
Concept Style Coupé premiered in the spring becomes reality
Avant-garde design coupled with high driving dynamics
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG: elegant and athletic front runner
New AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine

Superlative dynamism and efficiency

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA embodies in a production car the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupé which had its world premiere at the Auto China fair this April. The exciting compact mid-range coupé adopts the concept vehicle’s non-conformist, provocative and masculine lines. On numerous points of detail the designers have drawn inspiration from the SLS and CLS modern Mercedes classics – examples being the sporty, self-assured front end, the powerdomes on the bonnet or the three-dimensional side design featuring an additional brawny muscle extending over the dropping line from the rear door to the boot lid.

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and the newly developed 4MATIC. The technical highlights of the new design icon include numerous driving assistance systems, such as advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to outputting visual and acoustic warnings when an impending danger of a rear-end collision is identified, the latter system is also able to carry out autonomous partial braking if the driver fails to respond to warnings and a danger of collision persists.

Five equipment and appointment packages which vary greatly in character are available to individualise the striking compact mid-range coupé (length/width/height: 4630/1777/1437 millimetres). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA’s social media-savvy target group, smartphones can additionally be fully integrated into the vehicle’s display and operating system.

CLA 45 AMG: the most dynamic way to experience the new 4MATIC

As the high-powered top model of the new compact class, the CLA 45 AMG broadens the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand to offer a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class, too. The newly developed AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine will set new standards in its engine capacity segment: with maximum torque of well over 400 Newton metres and low fuel consumption, AMG is aiming to lead the competition. In conjunction with the specially adapted 4MATIC version for this engine-power class, the CLA 45 AMG will be one of the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series-production compact cars.

Perfect power transmission is ensured in the CLA 45 AMG thanks to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with dual clutch technology and performance-oriented all-wheel drive. The ideal basis for high cornering speeds and exciting, agile handling also comes courtesy of the AMG sports suspension with independently developed front and rear axles, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system and 3-stage ESP® with “SPORT Handling” mode. The 3-stage stability programme is also applied to adapt the control strategies of the variable 4MATIC system:

In “ESP ON” mode a safety-oriented driving programme supports the driver with clear-cut self-steering behaviour, i.e. essentially neutral handling characteristics.
Briefly pressing the ESP® button activates “ESP SPORT Handling Mode”. This dynamically oriented driving mode applies appropriate control strategies for later ESP® intervention and increased drive torque at the rear axle.
Pressing the ESP® button longer activates “ESP OFF”. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on cordoned-off race tracks.

After pressing the brake pedal in “ESP SPORT Handling Mode” or “ESP OFF” mode, all ESP® functions are available once again.

(Mercedes-Benz Press Release)

Tags: Mercedes-Benz

Audi Brings More Diesel Models To U.S.

– November 19, 2012Posted in: News

Audi to introduce four new TDI® clean diesel models to the U.S. Market at the L.A. Auto Show

The Audi A8 TDI clean diesel achieves manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway

New 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel models will include the Audi A8, A7, A6, Q5 and an updated Q7 TDI

Audi to use #FuelForThought at the LA Auto Show to create a social media experience at the display and online

Audi of America announces the arrival of the new TDI® clean diesel models for the Audi A8, A7, A6 and Q5 to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The addition of these four models marks the first time Audi will feature a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles in the U.S. as they join the updated Q7 model. Each TDI vehicle delivers up to 30% better fuel economy and 30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines*, resulting in longer range and fewer trips to the fuel pump. By having more density than gasoline, diesel packs more energy content in the same amount of fuel, which helps maximize the miles per gallon when that energy is released during a more powerful combustion cycle.The TDI clean diesel engine lineup adds to Audi’s list of advanced technologies that help enhance fuel efficiency, including Audi ultra® lightweight technology, such as the use of aluminum, and the AFS® frame technology.“Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009**,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. ” And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.”In order to fuel the conversation surrounding the benefits of TDI technology in the U.S., Audi will use the hashtag, #FuelForThought and invite fans to join the conversation through a social experience at the display and online.Audi A8 TDI
The flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 TDI, makes a powerful statement in achieving a manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway*. The A8 TDI clean diesel executive sedan embodies superior design and progressive advancements which sets new standards for luxury sedans in terms of uncompromising efficiency and performance. The new 2014 A8 sedans dramatically expand the flagship’s engine offerings by moving from two variants (4.2 liter V8 and W12) to six, including: the entry level A8 3.0T V6; the 420 horsepower A8 4.0T V8; the new Audi S8 4.0T V8; the A8 6.0 liter W12; and the new A8 3.0 TDI V6. The new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine generates an astonishing 240 horsepower with 406 lb.-ft. of torque and seamlessly goes 0-60 in 6.4 seconds.

Audi A7 TDI
The Audi A7 TDI clean diesel is the pinnacle of design and is now more fuel efficient than ever. Without compromising design or performance, every detail of the A7 TDI delivers a striking visual statement. The A7 was the first car in the world to feature available factory-installed Wi-Fi (for up to 8 passenger devices) with Audi connect™ and MMI® navigation plus with 3D Google Earth™ maps. From the groundbreaking available MMI touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 TDI is the perfect marriage of progressive design, efficiency and versatile space.

Audi A6 TDI
One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically advanced models to date, the A6 TDI performance sedan sacrifices virtually nothing in performance, comfort or design. As with the successful A6 TFSI® gas engines, the A6 TDI clean diesel engine can make up to 2,000 decisions per second. Available driver assistance systems include night vision assistant, head-up display and Audi pre sense plus that helps detect imminent collisions and initiates protective measures when needed. Other available intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI Touch pad that recognizes handwriting, along with available Audi connect – the first factory-installed wireless internet connection that enables Google Earth maps, Google Local Search, and a WiFi hotspot for up to eight passenger devices.

Audi Q5 TDI
The Audi Q5 has proven itself an absolute success as one of the best-selling models in the Audi lineup. For the 2014 model year, the Q5 will receive the new TDI engine which will allow for better fuel economy along with increased torque. The Audi Q5 TDI combines the driving appeal of a sedan with high versatility of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving. Audi has further sharpened the profile of its performance SUV in its design, technological advancements, driver assistance systems and fuel efficiencies. The new TDI clean diesel engine marks the fourth engine variant for the Audi Q5 model lineup, adding to the current four-cylinder 2.0T, the 3.0T V6, and the Q5 hybrid.

Audi Q7 TDI
The Audi Q7 continues to establish the standard in progressive design, sophisticated technology and fuel efficiency in premium sport utility vehicles. The benefits of TDI clean diesel technology are further enhanced through the revised V6 TDI engine that offers a 10 percent efficiency improvement compared to gasoline engines. The revised TDI clean diesel engine has an increased output of 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque that helps improve performance and offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA estimated 19 city/ 28 highway miles per gallon*. The incredibly efficient TDI clean diesel engine enables the Q7 TDI to achieve a range in excess of 700 miles per tank***.

2014 MY        Availability
A8 TDI           Spring 2013
A7 TDI           Fall 2013
A6 TDI           Fall 2013
Q5 TDI           Fall 2013

Pricing for all 2014 MY vehicles to be announced at a later date

2013 MY Availability Starting MSRP
Q7 TDI Since September 2012 $52,000

* EPA estimates. Mileage will vary.
** Based on total A3 TDI and Q7 TDI vehicles sold, average nationwide gasoline fuel prices, and EPA estimated annual average miles driven.
*** Range based on 28-mpg highway EPA estimates and a 26.4-gallon fuel-tank. Mileage will vary.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release. Audi Connect and SiriusXM Traffic services may require additional subscriptions. MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

Tags: Audi, Diesel

A. Kahn Design LR Defender Wide Body Concept

– November 16, 2012Posted in: News

Afzal Kahn insists the road is his catwalk and true to his mantra, the iconic British designer has combined what can only be described as the “the Champagne of fabrics” we are talking about the only fabric in the world governed by its own *Act of Parliament: Harris Tweed – with a descendent of the all-terrain vehicle developed in 1947 on the 250-acre Anglesey farm of joint Rover MD Maurice Wilks: the iconic Defender.

This is a fashion statement in every single sense of the word and the nearly-seventy-year-old original Defender, treated to a makeover by the principal British Designer under the guise of the Kahn expedition Vehicles Umbrella and aptly titled: The Defender Concept 17 Wide Body – Harris Tweed Prototype is proof Afzal Kahn is a keen supporter of investing in British Industry.

On paper, it should not work. However, Defender owners need not exercise caution, for Harris Tweed is a ‘noble’ fabric that is favoured by Afzal Kahn and is applied to many of his products.

To match the Iconic feel of the underlying car, the Kahn Defender is adorned with a brand new utilitarian and aggressive looking wide track arch kit which consists of lightweight extended wide wing wheel arches with integrated vents, stainless steel front grille with embossed Kahn feature, vented headlight surrounds, side vents with mesh, bonnet vents with mesh, clear rear light lenses, clear side repeaters, clear front light lenses, LED B6 headlights, Kahn prototype wing blades, Kahn prototype tailgate badge and Kahn oval tailgate badge.

The compulsory branded rear wheel cover ensures the driving position is luxurious and remains more responsive in complicated conditions and although it won’t ever change its spots, Afzal Kahn has ensured the Kahn Defender concept 17 wide body exudes a certain charm which goes hand in hand with both fashion and all things automotive.

Hand woven by the islanders on the Isles of Harris, Lewis, Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, using local wool, Harris Tweed is one of the most traditional and rustic of fabrics and the fabric of choice for the most discerning of clients – and the interior of this vehicle transcends all things automotive because this is all about making a fashion statement!

The bespoke touch includes a red Kahn rev counter, red Kahn Churchill time clock, black piano wood centre dash surround, red seat belts, aluminum machined pedals, front and rear racing seats in black quilted nappa leather with Harris Tweed Inserts and silver contrast stitching, centre glove box in black quilted nappa leather and grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching, instrument binnacle in grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching, dashboard in black nappa leather and grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching, roof lining in grey alcantara with Harris Tweed inserts and red contrast stitching, sun visors in grey alcantara with Harris Tweed inserts and red contrast stitching and door trims in black quilted nappa leather and grey alcantara with silver contrast stitching.

However, we provide our customers with the opportunity to express one’s individuality and they can have whatever they want. Afzal Kahn will add your personally requested luxury style and taste to the equation making you feel even more at home than you already are. He could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an interior the same shade of your living room, the choice is yours.

Kahn wheels sit perfectly on any vehicle, conveying the essence of the vehicle’s identity. Created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, the 18” 1983 Defender wheels are finished in the colour of your choice and fit all original centre caps. With simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, the 1983 Defender wheels are synonymous with elegance and innovation.

A. Kahn Design is for the individual who will not submit to a life of uniformity and who will only accept perfection. Dedicated to the creation of luxury bespoke vehicles, we redesign the ordered monotony of mass produced vehicles and rebuild them into individually tailored creations.

(A. Kahn Design Press Release)

Tags: Kahn Design

Not So MINI: 28 People Squeeze Into MINI Cooper

– November 15, 2012Posted in: News

A team of gym members from East Sussex have today smashed two Guinness World Records™ world records for the number of people inside both a classic Mini and a 2012 MINI.

28 flexible ladies crammed their way into the MINI Hatch at Potters Fields Park, London as part of the eighth annual Guinness World Records day. The team broke their own previous record of 27 people, which they set in Eastbourne last year.

The ladies made full use of every inch of space available in the MINI, including the dashboard, the footwells and they even managed to squeeze four people in the boot.

As soon as they celebrated their first record the ladies dashed off to the ITV studios to attempt the second record live on This Morning, where by squeezing a staggering 23 ladies into a classic Mini, they managed to beat the previous record by two people.

Today more than 400,000 people around the world are taking part in record-breaking events for the eighth annual Guinness World Records Day, which commemorates the day in 2004 when Guinness World Records became the world’s best-selling copyright book.

Jaguar Unveiled a New Concept, And It’s Not a Car

– October 31, 2012Posted in: News

Jaguar Cars has today unveiled an exciting and unique styling concept at the international driving debut of the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake. ‘The Concept Speedboat by Jaguar Cars’ showcases the design DNA of the British premium luxury and sports car manufacturer in an unexpected and spectacular package.

Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum is at the forefront of the Concept Speedboat. Callum explained: “We recognise that both our existing and future customers enjoy diverse and active lifestyles. With the launch of the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake, we had an opportunity to create a vision of how our design philosophy might be applied to an alternative product, in which speed and beauty are also priorities.

“The Concept Speedboat looks powerful. It follows, in so many ways, the idea of a traditional speedboat but with the sleek and fast characteristics that you would expect from a Jaguar Car.”

Jaguar Cars consulted with a yacht design specialist* and a bespoke design project management company** throughout the development of the Concept Speedboat. The Concept Speedboat has a gel coat fibreglass hull finished on top with a natural teak decking. This is split by a carbon fibre fin, inspired by the iconic Jaguar D-Type. The front of the boat flows seamlessly into the screen and the red 2+1 cabin follows the sporting character of Jaguar cars. Jaguar Cars’ heritage is also subtly recognised with fuel filler caps inspired by the Series 1 XJ. A polished aluminium propeller and pop-up mooring post imitates how the boat could be powered and docked respectively.

Concept Speedboat by Jaguar Cars: Specification highlights

LOA [length over all]	6.1m / 20’
LWL [length water line]	5.3m / 17’, 5”
Beam	2.0m / 6’ 7”
Draft	0.4m / 1’,3”
Deadrise	21°
Passengers	2 + 1

Ian Callum added: “I hope our design inspires people to think about our products in a much broader sense, especially in lifestyle and enjoyment. I have always had a passion to create such an object and it seemed fitting that we relate this to a lifestyle vehicle such as the Jaguar XF Sportbrake. The two sit together perfectly.”

The new XF Sportbrake is the most versatile derivative of the award winning Jaguar XF to date. It represents a compelling combination of muscular yet elegant design, dynamic ability, contemporary interior luxury and, with a load-space capacity of up to 1675 litres, a no-compromise approach to practicality.

Matching the XF saloon for aerodynamics, torsional stiffness and dynamic handling ability, it is powered exclusively by Jaguar’s range of powerful, refined and efficient diesel engines. The rear wheels are driven via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.2-litre engine is fitted with Jaguar’s Intelligent Stop-Start system, making it the company’s most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is available in two states of tune, with 275PS in the range-topping Diesel S. The XF Sportbrake goes on sale in UK and throughout Europe in November.

_{Source: NewsPress}

Ferrari 458 Spider by A. Kahn Design

– August 30, 2012Posted in: News

Ferrari 458 Spider by A Kahn Design Front

Supercar owners generally choose which path to follow. Do they stick with the kudos to match ownership of intricate vehicles, or do they buy something that has the looks, sound, speed and handling of a real supercar?

Well, Afzal Kahn has got news for supercar owners. Welcome, to the new world of the Ferrari 458 Spider – minus the stratospheric blood pressure Italian supercars often bring to the table,

Marking an evolution as opposed to a revolution – the Ferrari 458 Spider is the perfect car for posing but don’t think for a second that it’s gone soft.

Shrouded in voluptuous silver couture, the Afzal Kahn touch comes complete with front and rear sections, ceramic brakes, wing shields, upgraded F1 gearbox and yellow brake calipers ensuring a mighty presence on the road,

This convertible, then, is the right choice for people who want to be seen and heard. Ferrari has ditched the fabric roof in favour of an sublime folding hardtop. The roof folds in 14 seconds, and is 25kg lighter than the equivalent, with just two moving parts that slot neatly into a gap between the engine and the seats, and the relatively compact space needed to house it means there’s a small rear luggage bench. It’s a question of taste whether a fabric roof would have looked better, but this car couldn’t be ugly if it tried.

Inside is the ‘bespoke touch’, this particular vehicle comes with leather electric sports seats. However, we provide our customers with the opportunity to express one’s individuality. And they can have whatever they want. We could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an exterior the colour of your shirt and an interior to match the colours of your favourite sports team or your business, complete with the a crest or emblem incised within the car seats, the choice is yours.

Kahn wheels sit perfectly, on any vehicle, conveying the essence of the vehicle’s identity. Created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials forged technology, the 9×21” front and 12×22 Monza forged wheels finished in the colour of your choice fit all original centre caps.

With simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, Kahn wheels are synonymous with elegance and innovation.

Audi Sets New World At Nürburgring Nordschleife

– June 29, 2012Posted in: News

Audi R8 e-tron sets world record at Nuerburgring Nordschleife

Audi R8 e-tron at Nuerburgring Nordschleife

The future of electric mobility at Audi is highly dynamic: The R8 e-tron has set a world record for a production vehicle with an electric drive system on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the toughest test track in the world. Racing driver Markus Winkelhock piloted the high-performance, all-electric-drive sports car around the demanding 20.8-kilometer (12.92-mile) track in 8:09.099 minutes. With this Audi has achieved yet another milestone in its history, following overall wins at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Le Mans.

“The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world,” said Michael Dick, AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: “The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure.”

A comparison with the current record lap driven by a combustion engined production car shows just how impressive the 8:09.099-minute time really is. The record time of 7:11.57 minutes was achieved with a Gumpert Apollo Sport, which is powered by a 515 kW (700 hp) Audi V8 gasoline engine.

The drive system of the Audi R8 e-tron that Markus Winkelhock drove to the world record corresponds in every detail with that of the production model that will come on the market at the end of the year. Both of the car’s electric motors generate an output of 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque; more than 4,900 Nm (3,614.05 lb-ft) are distributed to the rear wheels nearly from a standing start.

The Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from zero to 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph); 250 km/h (155.34 mph) was approved for the record-setting lap.

The R8 e-tron’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores 49 KWh of energy – enough for a distance of about 215 kilometers (133.59 miles). Its “T” shape allows it to be installed in the center tunnel and in the area between the passenger compartment and the rear axle. It is charged by energy recovery during coasting and braking. The ultralight car body of the Audi R8 e-tron is made primarily of aluminum, along with CFRP components; this is a main reason why the high-performance sports car weighs just 1,780 kilograms (3,924.23 lb), despite the large battery.

In order to further underscore the production-relevance of the R8 e-tron and the capability of its drive technology, Audi has set another record on the Nordschleife in addition to the single lap record time. Immediately afterwards, Markus Winkelhock drove two fast laps in one go in a second R8 e-tron that was limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). At 8:30.873 and 8:26.096 minutes, both laps were well under the important nine-minute threshold.

“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me,” said Markus Winkelhock. The 32-year-old, who lives near Stuttgart, has a high standard for comparison – the Audi R8 LMS ultra, in which he, along with Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler, won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring a few weeks ago.

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics,” Winkelhock emphasized. “But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.”

Michael Dick proudly summed up events after the record-setting drive at the Nürburgring. “Within just a few weeks we’ve taken on some big challenges and in the process we’ve shown that we are at the forefront with all of our drive concepts,” he said, adding:“We won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in May in the Audi R8 LMS ultra with a ten-cylinder engine.

In mid-June we triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro – the first overall victory for a hybrid-electric vehicle in the toughest race in the world. And now we’ve set another record with the all-electric-drive R8 e-tron on the most demanding track there is.”

Tags: Audi, Nurburgring

2012 Life Ball MINI designed by Franca Sozzani

– May 21, 2012Posted in: News

Life Ball MINI designed by Franca Sozzani

A special car to befit a special occasion: Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGUE, has designed and presented her very own MINI model exclusively to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity event. The model in question is a MINI Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. The one-off creation, which went under the auctioneer’s hammer at the AIDS Solidarity Gala and raised a donation total of 54,000 euros for HIV projects, left the audience of around 43,000 in no doubt: this is set to be a sporty, feminine summer. Franca Sozzani decorated the roof of the 184 hp MINI Roadster – which has a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) – in a stylishly intricate floral design which, in combination with very “of the moment” Deepest Purple matt paintwork and gold hallmark MINI rally stripes, produced an impressively complete work of art. Inside the car, lavishly printed leather for the instruments and brass-coloured touches on the circular elements add the icing on the cake. The most influential woman in the Italian fashion scene, herself an avid MINI driver, gave her creativity free reign in the design of the special one-off model. “The concept behind the MINI customisation is inspired by the beautiful and elegant women who in the past used to wear a scarf draped around their head when driving a convertible,” says Sozzani, citing her inspiration. And, as the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development adds: “Flowers are a symbol of joy and life. And the Life Ball is always fighting for life and joy.”

MINI supports the Life Ball in Vienna for the 12th time.

Since its market launch in 2001, MINI has been a regular partner of the Life Ball. In previous years numerous celebrities have left their stylistic imprint on an exclusive MINI model, among them the design team DSQUARED2, star photographer Mario Testino and designer Angela Missoni. “And thanks to the visual signature of Franca Sozzani, the this year’s MINI designed specially for the occasion has similarly become a lifestyle and design highlight in the name of this good cause,” says a delighted Gery Keszler, founder and organiser of the Life Ball. As such this one-off model fits in perfectly with a further highlight of the event – the Fashion Show presented by MINI, staged this time round by VOGUE Italy. The show for this anniversary year stoked up particularly keen anticipation after Keszler announced a 20-year retrospective of fashion history. Cue for top models of our time – including Eva Padberg, Tatjana Patitz and Karolina Kurkova – to revive some legendary looks from the past. The many fashion and lifestyle personalities attending were thus able to witness the comeback of Thierry Mugler’s almost forgotten robotic look and the famous train dress that Jean Paul Gaultier designed for Dagmar Koller. Alongside representatives of leading fashion labels such as Diesel, Missoni, Gianfranco Ferré, Heatherette, Philip Treacy, Moschino and Paco Rabanne, politicians including ex-US President Bill Clinton as well as numerous film and television stars made sure they did not miss out on the AIDS charity event of the year 2012.

The social commitment of the BMW Group.

Worldwide measures to combat HIV/AIDS are one of the main elements of the corporate and social policy pursued by the BMW Group. The company’s involvement in South Africa is particularly wide-ranging, covering a comprehensive workplace programme for employees and their families, plus a number of different projects in the local communities and further afield. The carmaker is also committed to fighting this pandemic in other affected countries, such as Thailand or China. Membership of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) underlines its long-term commitment at its various locations.

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