Free Cars Wallpapers: 01/01/2011

Thursday, January 27, 2011

2013 Audi Q5

As with any good hybrid, the Q5's system can operate via the electric motor, gasoline engine or a combination of both power sources. As such, it combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor. The gas engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm, while the electric motor chips in with another 45 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the system boasts a net system output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque when both power sources are giving their all.

In a crossover that weighs less than 2,000 kilograms (and just 130 kg more than the regular Q5), this delivers great performance and surprising fuel economy, with Audi saying the vehicle achieves a European test cycle average of 7.0 litres per 100 km.

The electric side gets its power from a 1.3-kWh battery that operates at 266 volts. It sits in the spare tire well where it does not eat into the usable trunk space - at 29.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 57.3 cu. ft. when folded flat, the Hybrid has the same capacity as its gas-only sibling. The battery relies on regenerative braking to keep it topped up. Down the road, a plug-in derivative will be added.

The net result is a system that is exceptionally well integrated. During the test drive, the system remained invisible to me as it switched between electric, gas and gas/electric modes. Unlike so many hybrids, the gas engine comes to life without the usual stumbling hiccup. Even the idle stop function is seamless - the main electric motor spins the engine to life and matches its rpm with the rest of the system. Likewise, the regenerative braking is effective and, unlike so many hybrids, it boasts some true brake pedal feel.

The net result is a system that is exceptionally well integrated. During the test drive, the system remained invisible to me as it switched between electric, gas and gas/electric modes. Unlike so many hybrids, the gas engine comes to life without the usual stumbling hiccup. Even the idle stop function is seamless - the main electric motor spins the engine to life and matches its rpm with the rest of the system. Likewise, the regenerative braking is effective and, unlike so many hybrids, it boasts some true brake pedal feel.

2013 Audi Q7

Up to this point, the 2013 Audi Q7 existed in our imagination, and one person decided to represent it as a drawing. The future Audi Q7 sizzles with inspiration from the existing model, gets LED indicator lamps placed on its bumper, shorter and more sharp-edged headlamps like on the latest Skoda Superb . The trademark Audi grille has evolved into a hexagon (would the 2020 Audi Q7 be a decagon then?) The illustration brings out two vital differences – smaller windows and the abundant, excess fat. There is no telling how a future Audi would look like but from the spyshots and concepts like the Q3 crossover, we can get gather a few hints to determine how the future Audi roster would eventually turn out to look like.

The future Audi Q7 sizzles with inspiration from the existing model, gets LED indicator lamps placed on its bumper, shorter and more sharp-edged headlamps like on the latest Skoda Superb. The trademark Audi grille has evolved into a hexagon (would the 2020 Audi Q7 be a decagon then?)

The illustration brings out two vital differences - smaller windows and the abundant, excess fat.There is no telling how a future Audi would look like but from the spyshots and concepts like the Q3 crossover, we can get gather a few hints to determine how the future Audi roster would eventually turn out to look like.

2013 Audi R6

Audi is expanding the “R” badge lineup.Just recently they introduced the R8 V10, in addition there is a Spyder version of the R8 coming soon.

There are lot of rumors circulating around the new “R” lineup. In March Audi spokesperson said that the rumored R4 is not in the company’s product plan. In September news came that Audi might be working on R3, which would be powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and be available in 2013.

In addition to the R3 there is a rumor about the R6, that would be positioned between the R3 and R8. Even though Audi has not confirmed this, it makes lot of sense. To be honest R6 makes more sense than R3. As R3 would compete with the TT, then R6 would be Audi’s alternative to Cayman.

2013 Audi RS6

The official details for the new Audi A6 aren’t even cold yet and already we are hearing ripples of rumors about different versions of the luxury sedan. It’s only natural that the company will follow the A6 with an S and RS (Renn Sport) version for it, so these rumors are more fact than fiction. However, while the RS version won’t be unveiled until about another two years, many people are too geeked up about it to wait that long, and this fresh rendering is proof of that.

Besides receiving an impressive exterior update inspired by the latest A7 Sportback and an even sportier interior with higher quality materials, the Audi RS6 sports sedan will also be built on the new MLP platform (structured to provide better weight distribution) that will help reduce the total weight by aprox. 220 lbs.

Also, the new RS6 will drop the current V10 engine in favor of a new twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine that will deliver the same performance numbers as the engine it replaces.

2013 Audi R4

So, how did everyone like seeing the E-Tron Detroit Showcar when it debuted at the Detroit Motor Show? How would everyone like to see a roadster version grace the show floor at the Paris Auto Show? That’s right, rumor has it that Audi will be bringing a roadster version of the the 2-seater concept most commonly dubbed as the R4. It looks like the Americans got a coupe version while Europe Audi will see a roadster version, bringing all of us a step closer to the production version of the concept.

The production version will be either an electric model, or a mid-engine competitor for the Porsche Boxster. The Detroit concept was powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 204 HP and 1954.54 lb-ft of torque. The concept can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 155 MPH. It was dominated by their signature super car grill as well as a pair of large vertical air intakes and a matrix LEDs to make up the headlights just like the R8.

We like calling it the R4 because, well, the name just fits, but, truth be told, we don’t really know what name the small sports car will actually come equipped with. The R4, unfortunately, was already taken by Renault for a hatchback they produced from 1961 and 1994. Anyone want to take a stab at possible names?

2013 Audi R3

Last month, we told you about Audi and Volkswagen working on a pair of roadsters. Now more information about Audi’s version is beginning to surface. Audi’s car will be designed to look like a smaller version of its successful R8. But it will not be called R4, as previously believed. Instead, according to CarMagazine, Audi will go smaller and call the future model R3. Set to be launched in 2013, a preview version (under Volkswagen logo) will be revealed in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The R3 will replace the current TT and will be exclusively powered by four-cylinder engines in order to keep "the Audi a safe distance from the Boxster and Cayman." Price will be kept in the €25,000 to €45,000 range.

Under the hood, Audi would install the 180bhp 1.8-liter TFSI motor, a 2.0-liter version rated at 220bhp and a brawny S-line model good for some 280bhp. Diesel TDI engines would also likely be an option at least in Europe. Versions could include a frugal 125bhp variant of the latest 1.6-liter common-rail as well as 170 and 204bhp versions of the 2.0-liter.

2013 Audi A6

Audi 2013 A6 will be a bigger car than the current one. Like the latest A4, it will contain its weight with some aluminum exterior panels. High-tech drivetrains will enhance the mass reduction to improve economy and performance. And it will come with a raft of standard and optional driver aids.
The car’s core body is steel, and it shares this with the newly announced A7. It will ride on a 115-inch wheelbase, some three inches longer than the current model’s, but still two inches short of the new BMW 5 Series’. The sedan arrives in Europe in 2011 and, less than a year later, in the U.S. as a ’13 model.

Audi officials believe their 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, with gas injection, variable valve lift. and turbocharger, is a fit replacement in performance and economy for a small V-6. They realize this might meet resistance from U.S. buyers, so the entry engine is likely to be a 201-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6, again with variable valve lift and direct injection. Next, a 300-horse 3.0T supercharged unit and finally a 372-horse V-8, again with variable valve lift and direct injection.
FWD V-6 models, not planned for North America, come with a continuously variable transmission, while quattro models get a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic.

At the end of 2012, possibly before the main U.S. introduction, Audi will announce a hybrid using a 3.0-liter supercharged engine and eight-speed autobox. The existence of this car makes the 225-horsepower clean-diesel model less likely for the U.S.
Steel is, Audi admits, a cost-saving measure, but aluminum is used for door panels, as well as such underskin parts as the cast front strut towers. These replace several small steel pressings, justifying themselves on grounds of cost, weight, and strength.
The suspension systems share fundamentals with the other cars on Audi’s MLB components system: the A8, A4, Q5, and new A7. This means a better weight distribution than on the current car because the front suspension is mounted farther forward relative to the engine. Aluminum control arms help cut unspring weight.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

2013 Audi e-tron

Although technically not an electric version of Audi’s R8 supercar, the e-tron concepts places a heavy emphasis on all-out performance and shares a considerable amount of design language as well. The e-tron features independent electric motors at all four corners, giving the concept a true quattro all-wheel drive system. Combined output is 313 horsepower and a staggering 3,319 lb-ft or torque.

That power is enough to accelerate the e-tron from zero-to-62 in 4.8 seconds. The rush from 37-75 mph is accomplished in 4.1 seconds, according to Audi.The e-tron utilizes a lithium-ion battery back, located low and behind the passenger compartment for optimal weight distribution (42/58). Audi says the e-tron carries enough juice for a 154 mile optimal range. Audi enlists all LED lighting and other power saving features ensure that maximum range.

Aside from the massive 1,036 pound battery pack, the e-tron is fairly light at its total weight of 3,527 pounds. Its low weight comes courtesy of an Audi Space Frame designed aluminum structure. All of what Audi calls the “add on” parts, like doors, hoods, roof and fenders are composed of fiber-reinforced plastic for added weight savings.

The show car features a production-like interior with simplistic controls and a revised MMI scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel, as well as a unique smart phone integration setup. The car is designed to allow users to insert specially-equipped smartphones into a slot in order to utilize the phone’s built-in audio and video capabilities.

Audi has confirmed that it will use its newly established and dedicated e-tron sub-brand to develop the production version of the e-tron. Audi set a target run of 1,000 units worldwide, but said it will only produce units that are pre-ordered, meaning the final number produced could fall short if the demand isn’t there.

2012 Audi A4

A definite release date has not been announced for the 2012 Audi A4. However, it will probably make its debut in the fall of 2011 - September or October are the two most likely months.

As always, many rumors have been swirling around about changes to the 2012 Audi A4’s body style. A mid-cycle update wouldn’t be surprising for this vehicle, so drivers should be on the lookout for a slightly revamped A4 for 2012.

In terms of performance, the 2012 Audi A4 should excel just as its predecessors have. Primarily, the A4 is prized for its responsiveness and for its exceptional handling. An optional 8-speed automatic transmission was introduced with the 2011 model year and should enhance the A4’s performance. When it comes to reliability, a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance is included with the A4.

One free maintenance appointment has been included with past A4s, and should be offered with the 2012 model as well; the same is true of the 12-year rust warranty. Resale values for Audi A4s have always been great, so the 2012 A4 is sure to be a worthwhile investment.

The Audi A4 has always excelled in terms of safety; the 2012 Audi A4 is sure to continue that tradition. Impeccable crash test scores have always been par for the course with the A4 and should keep safety-conscious drivers happy. A huge range of airbags are included in the A4, including side head curtain airbags, front and front-seat side airbags and even rear-seat side airbags. Additional safety features that you can expect with the 2012 Audi A4 include traction control, stability control and antilock brakes.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

The 2012 A7 follows the pattern set by the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo. It is a four-door, but with its swooping roofline and hatchback rear end, its shape resembles a coupe more than sedan.

While European buyers will get the choice of gasoline or diesel V6 engines, Americans will be offered only the 3.0-liter, twin-cam gasoline V6 with a Lysholm-screw, positive-displacement supercharger nestled in the vee.

It’s a lovely device, with double overhead camshafts driven by cam chains set at the back of the block and in front of the flywheel, and ancillary belt drives at the front. Cam timing is variably adjusted to increase low-end torque. It produces 296 hp at 5250 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 2900 rpm, which is enough to achieve an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, zero-to-60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds and a combined mileage rating of 28 mpg.

The Audi A7 is a formidable device, capable of generating enough lateral grip to make your head swim, but little steering feedback. No matter. Opt for the S-line package with lower ride height and 19-inch rims, and there’s a newfound positivity to the handling. Even better is the 20-inch rim option, with Yokohama Advan tires. I race an old Aston Martin on these tires and can vouch for their outrageous grip and sensitivity. Exactly how those tires and the increased wheel size conspire to benefit the ride is difficult to pinpoint, but we can say that with the S-line option, 20-inch wheels and Yokohamas, the A7 transforms from a supreme road burner into a serious performance machine. The electronic steering should take some credit for this newfound agility, and Audi is proud of the strides it has made in this area.

The U.S. market will get the A7 in late Spring. Prices have yet to be finalized, but the base MSRP is expected to be just under $70,000. Definitely worth waiting for.

2012 Audi A6

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

No word yet on U.S. availability or pricing, but we'll have more news on the hybrid model shortly, so stay tuned. While you're waiting, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

2012 Audi A2

The Audi A2 is set to make a comeback by 2012. The 2nd generation A2 will get rid of the expensive spaceframe assembly of its older sibling and give way for the more conventional monocoque made of steel similar to the A1.

The decision by the German car manufacturer will make the price of the new A2 competitive against the products of rival brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Audi has not released details about the styling lines of the upcoming A2 but had hinted that it will borrow elements from its predecessor with a high one-box design and narrow tracks.

Rupert Stadler, Audi chairman, also disclosed that the electric drivetrain is top priority and they are also considering implementing the range extender similar to that of the A1 e-tron for the upcoming A2.

2012 Audi RS3

The RS 3 arrives with a unique front fascia, sporting larger air inlets to keep the car’s engine and brakes cool. The overall look isn’t radically different from the standard A3, but the changes are enough to let you no this isn’t just any ordinary hatchback.

Beneath the RS 3′s hood resides the same 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder used in the TT RS. Power is rated at 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, but the RS 3 Sportback still returns a respectable 25.85mpg.

That power is routed through Audi’s seven-speed S tronic gearbox, arriving at all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. The RS 3′s performance is brisk, with the sprint from 0-62 taking just 4.6 seconds. The RS 3 Sportback tops out at 155mph.

In addition to the new engine, the RS 3 also sports plenty of suspension tweaks, including a one inch lower ride height and a wider track. The hatch’s brakes have also been upgraded.

2012 Audi E1 City Car

Audi engineers and designers have been given the green light to produce the E1 – a super-efficient small car that, at least in spirit, replaces the discontinued, slow-selling A2 city car. The unnamed Audi would go up against the new Ford Ka and the Fiat 500, and we’ve received renderings of the upcoming Audi E1 city car based on the Volkswagen Up! concept car.

Audi’s new small car is reportedly capable of 95 mpg and fewer than 100 g/km, which would put the car in the lowest possible tax brackets in Europe. Engines are speculated to be a pair of two-cylinder, 600cc turbocharged units, one powered by diesel and the other by unleaded. An all-electric version has already been given the go-ahead as well.

We expect the E1 city car to be front-wheel-drive and front-engined, unlike the smaller Smart ForTwo. Like the Smart ForTwo, the Audi E1 will feature a 2+1 layout that will seat two adults in the front, and room for luggage and a child in the rear.

Initially, sales in North America aren’t very likely, though Audi might test the waters in Canada – a market prone to purchase small cars – and then import the car to the United States. But this is all unconfirmed speculation.

2012 Audi A1 Convertible

The Audi A1 is based on the Metroproject Quattro that debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The A1 hard top is scheduled as a 2011 model and is scheduled to enter production before the release of the convertible the following year. So how might the A1 Convertible look? Our artist put together an illustration of what to expect.

A1 used hybrid powertrains — with electric motors providing Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive — but the production version will likely use conventional drivetrains. Power for the MINI-fighting drop top could come from a wide range of small engines at Audi’s disposal thanks in part to VW. One possible engine derivative is the TSI engine range found in the Golf GT Sport. That means a turbo and supercharged 1.4L, good for either 140 or 170 horsepower. A 150 horsepower 1.8L turbo unit and a 102 horsepower 1.6L are expected to round out the gas engine offerings.

Also possible are the several versions of Audi’s 1.4L TFSI engine. If so, the base model would likely put out 120 horsepower. Performance oriented S1 and RS1 models are believed to be in the works, generating 180 and 220 horsepower, respectively. Audi’s DSG dual-clutch transmission will at least be optional on A1 models. In true European style, the A1 cabrio will also likely offer two version of the company’s 2.0L TDI, producing 140 and 170 horsepower respectively.

There are also reports that Audi is readying an S1 version of the A1 convertible, which will likely use the same 261 horsepower engine found in the S3.Also worth noting is the expectation for the A1 to feature automatic engine stop/start and brake energy regeneration, improving overall fuel economy by about 15 percent, regardless which engine(s) it receives.

The A1 is expected to hit the European market shortly after its Geneva debut, but U.S. sales are still in question. However, the latest photos were sourced from a Los Angeles photo shoot, but it remains to be seen if that has any bearing on where the A1 will be sold. Audi has reportedly set a sales target between 100,000 and 120,000 units annually.