Geneva 2012: Roding Roadster 23

<center><iframe title="YouTube video player" allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eTjBztwTyBY" name="I3" frameborder="0" height="400" width="600"></iframe></center><br />German company Roding has unveilled its Roadster 23 sports car at the Geneva auto show, <br /><br />The new Roding Roadster 23 looks very modern, and quite smart for a first car from a company. The rear end is chunky without going overboard, while the roadster top seems well proportioned. The nose is also consistent with the rest of the car’s design. Overall it actually looks better than the first preview renderings.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Powered by a BMW 3.0-litre twin-turbo mid-mounted engine, power is rated at 235kW and torque at 450Nm. Nestled in the engine bay of the very lightweight carbon fibre chassis, with a total weight of just 950kg, it is sure to go like a little rocket.<br /><br />This makes 0-100km/h possible in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 285km/h.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd6RJixFcfcEd_nmGUCmbyI84rulIO79mTUDVljK2zSBNZvurkUfjMwIeJzeuI_I8OYGE5NwI3Qz1ztyuJKUgy2EG-vz5Mq3fGkq5ayb4eIFBRpoRMZv2TcSBNZi8GBlxTM2RYUR7LEU/s1600/07roding-roadstergeneva2012.jpg"><img alt="Geneva Roding Roadster 23" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718964820955353010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd6RJixFcfcEd_nmGUCmbyI84rulIO79mTUDVljK2zSBNZvurkUfjMwIeJzeuI_I8OYGE5NwI3Qz1ztyuJKUgy2EG-vz5Mq3fGkq5ayb4eIFBRpoRMZv2TcSBNZi8GBlxTM2RYUR7LEU/s200/07roding-roadstergeneva2012.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 87px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2XUAS2hEk6cUz0cEIVtj7kyqKX9J8Vrlho29x5aTNYEFBEEah0AAenzyTeuoXbFM7dd2ouseqO19nztRQXV-9pm28yRjTMM2diDxYoLUdZsjSYbddJcBoI0CMdJmhe2QZ8LdfGUWlTc/s1600/05roding-roadstergeneva2012.jpg"><img alt="Geneva Roding Roadster 23" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718964667626399042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2XUAS2hEk6cUz0cEIVtj7kyqKX9J8Vrlho29x5aTNYEFBEEah0AAenzyTeuoXbFM7dd2ouseqO19nztRQXV-9pm28yRjTMM2diDxYoLUdZsjSYbddJcBoI0CMdJmhe2QZ8LdfGUWlTc/s200/05roding-roadstergeneva2012.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 87px;" /></a> </center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Press Release</span><br /><div style="font-style: italic;" class="pressreleasecontent"><p><strong>Passion meets perfection</strong></p> <p>With a design that shows character and temperament and uncompromisingly high performance, this distinctive vehicle concept sets new standards in the roadster sports car segment. It's supreme agility and powerful performance allow you to experience the art of German engineering - firsthand. Because every Roding is manufactured by hand in a modern production process and can be customized to the smallest detail upon request, each car becomes a very personal item for it's owner.</p> <p>It is time to travel beyond the beaten path and experience true, unfiltered driving pleasure. Experience the Roding, a Roadster created by people with passion for performance automobiles.</p> <p><strong>Performance made easy</strong></p> <p>The Roding is a two seat mid-engine sports car with a carbon fiber chassis and a powerful BMW 6 cylinder turbo charged engine. Maximum performance and driving dynamics are achieved through consequent lightweight construction, and a state of the art six cylinder turbo charged engine.</p> <p>The Roding Roadster is powered by a BMW high-efficiency six in line turbo engine. The engine generates 320 HP and has a torque of 450 Newton meters. The centre engine is installed in transverse configuration in relation to the vehicle longitudinal axis. The lightweight concept with a vehicle weight of 950 kg in conjunction with the powerful engine give the Roding a power to weight ratio of less than 3 kg/HP. This allows not only spectacular acceleration values but also high curve speeds, which is expressed in a curve acceleration of 1.4 g.</p> <p>Shifting is accomplished with a manual 6-Speed transmission, which transfers the power to an limited slip differential with a locking effect of up to 40%. This divides the engine power between the rear wheels, increasing the available traction while accelerating.</p> <p>In combination with a sporty mixed tire compound, which can also optionally be ordered as a semi-slick variation, the rear axle thereby always remains easy to control, despite the high engine performance - even with the desired drift. In addition, the shocks and the fully independent suspension with double wishbones can be adapted to the purpose - road or race track - and individually adjusted by the driver.</p> <p><strong>23 sophistication in driving</strong></p> <p>The first cars to be produced are a special edition, limited run of 23 Roadsters, hence the name "Roding Roadster 23".These edition models feature an exclusive exterior design with all visible carbon parts like the hood, rear, chassis, doors and roof unpainted and the rest of the body in any custom paint color the customer wishes. It also includes factory installed racing components. This weight reduced Roadster was designed for the racetrack, but is also completely suited for daily use.</p> <p><strong>Perfomance through weight reduction</strong></p> <p>The essence of lightweight construction is the concentration on only what is necessary and the application of modern materials. The main chassis cell is manufactured of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the front and rear subframes are aluminum-CFRP hybrid structures. This material has been proven in its application in aerospace and formula one due to its low weight and high stiffness. Characteristics that play a large role in an open roadster like the Roding, since stiffness and light weight are the foundation for precise handling and impressive road performance.</p> <p>Another core element of the main chassis is the integration of the required functions. For instance, the seat mounting points are integrated in the form making adapter brackets unnecessary.</p> <p>"The Roding shows how it is possible to make ideal use of light-weight potentials in the vehicle with the fiber bond-appropriate design. The technologies used clear the way for the structural use of fiber bond materials in the major series", explains Dr. Klaus Drechsler (Professor, Technical University Munich), one of the most renowned scientists and technology specialists in the area of CFRP.</p> <p><strong>Chassis</strong></p> <p>2-seater roadster with mid engine and rear wheel drive. Convertible and coupé through removable roof shell which can be stored in the vehicle.</p> <p>One-piece carbon fiber passenger compartment with integrated roll-over structure. Front and rear section with carbon-fiber-aluminum hybrid design.</p> <p>Front trunk with storage area for the roof shells and the ability to load long objects such as a pair of skis, for example (max. length 1.75 m) or golf bag.</p> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Dimension</td> <td>LxBxH [mm]</td> <td>4106x2024x1190</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Wheel base</td> <td>mm</td> <td>2495</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Track front/rear</td> <td>mm</td> <td>1620/1610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight distribution front/rear</td> <td>%</td> <td>40/60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Trunk volume</td> <td>[L]</td> <td>330</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Weight</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Kerb weight</td> <td>kg</td> <td>950</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight/power ratio</td> <td>kg/PS</td> <td>2,98</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Engine</h4> <p>BMW 6-in line gasoline engine, transverse configuration, with exhaust turbo charger, charge air inter cooler, 4 valves per cylinder, direct injection and Valvetronic.</p> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Displacement</td> <td>ccm</td> <td>2979</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nominal power @ RPM</td> <td>KW (PS) @ 1/min</td> <td>235 (320) @ 5800 - 6000</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Max. Torque @ RPM</td> <td>Nm @ 1/min</td> <td>450 @ 1300 - 4500</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fuel type</td> <td><br /></td> <td>Super Benzin</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Emission class</td> <td><br /></td> <td>95 Octane</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Drivetrain</h4> <p>Rear wheel drive, manual six-speed transmission with mechanical limited slip differential (TORSEN system with up to 40 % locking ratio)</p> <h4>Suspension</h4> <p>Fully independent suspension in double A-arms (CNC milled), shocks with premium valve technology, rebound and compression rates adjustable by two numbered wheels, adjustable ground clearance, toe and camber adjustable, adjustable anti-roll bar front and rear, rack-and-pinion steering with optional servo support. Hydraulic two-cycle brake system with ABS.</p> <h4>Tires</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Front</td> <td>225/40 R18 on lightweight aluminum rim 8x18</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Rear</td> <td>255/35 R18 on lightweight aluminum rim 9x18</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Brakes</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Front</td> <td>4-piston fixed calipers with street performance pads, floating two-piece ventilated and grooved discs 328x28mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Rear</td> <td>2-piston fixed calipers with street performance pads, floating two-piece ventilated and grooved discs 328x28mm</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Fahrleistung</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Maximum speed</td> <td>km/h</td> <td>285</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Acceleration 0-100km/h</td> <td>s</td> <td>3,9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Elasticity 5th gear 80 – 120km/h</td> <td>s</td> <td>4,0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Brake distance 100-0km/h</td> <td>m</td> <td>34,5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Maximum lateral acceleration</td> <td>g</td> <td>1,4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Maximum longitudinal acceleration</td> <td>g</td> <td>1,3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Consumption</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Urban</td> <td>L/100km</td> <td>app. 11,0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Extra urban</td> <td>L/100km</td> <td>app. 6,7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Combined</td> <td>L/100km</td> <td>app. 8,2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fuel capacity</td> <td>L</td> <td>app. 55</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h4>Equipment Roding Roadster 23</h4> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Two color exterior in red and carbon fiber look for chassis, front- and rear hood, doors and roof.</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Individual color for the four splashboards, front splitter and rear diffusor</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Two shell RODING roof system</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Two color leather interior (black and beige)</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Individual leather color</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lightweight racing seat RECARO „Pole Position“ (7 kg) with 4 point safety belt</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sport seat with backrest adjustment RECARO „Sportster CS“ | additional weight 18kg</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sports suspension with premium valve technology, rebound and compression rates adjustable by two numbered wheels. Ground clearance manually adjustable.</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Racing suspension 3-way adjustable in rebound and Hi- and low speed compression damping, ground clearance manually adjustable</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Semi-Slick tires Toyo Proxes R888</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Aircondition</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Multimedia System ALPINE Basic 6,1“-touchscreen , radio, bluetooth, USB port and iPad/iPhone</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Multimedia System ALPINE Highend 7“-touchscreen , navigation system, radio, bluetooth, DVD slot, USB port and iPad/iPhone compatible</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Race mode: sporty throttle pedal characteristics, off-throttle exhaust noise, GPS recorder with lap timer and stop watch</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Numbered limited edition insignia in the center console</td> <td class="td-checkbox"><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div><img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_gefuellt.svg" /> Standard equipment // <img alt="X" src="http://roding-automobile.de/img/icons/block_rahmen.svg" /> Optional equipment price on application</div></div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /></div><br /></span><p>

Geneva 2012: Roding Roadster 23

German company Roding has unveilled its Roadster 23 sports car at the Geneva auto show, The new Roding Roadster 23 looks very modern, and qu...

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Geneva Preview: Q by Aston Martin

<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHgOSrW-vm6dnc8NnEDpay12MsQjERYs63trYn9uWvcUP1VZZ4aHGvitwpByek37gMcwspO77TaqjG-jwZhuzKaRBK-aEYkXtvjFIff7_-6sFGnTCptd_KAKJPP7HvKQQDu6Ez5qiOjQ/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_07%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHgOSrW-vm6dnc8NnEDpay12MsQjERYs63trYn9uWvcUP1VZZ4aHGvitwpByek37gMcwspO77TaqjG-jwZhuzKaRBK-aEYkXtvjFIff7_-6sFGnTCptd_KAKJPP7HvKQQDu6Ez5qiOjQ/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_07%255B2%255D.jpg" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHgOSrW-vm6dnc8NnEDpay12MsQjERYs63trYn9uWvcUP1VZZ4aHGvitwpByek37gMcwspO77TaqjG-jwZhuzKaRBK-aEYkXtvjFIff7_-6sFGnTCptd_KAKJPP7HvKQQDu6Ez5qiOjQ/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_07%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" width="600" /></a></center><br />Aston Martin has releases photos and details for a new personalization program called "Q by Aston Martin". Aston Martin will be showing off Q at the Geneva Motor Show next week with a Q-spec Cygnet and a Q-spec Vantage Roadster.<br /><br />The Cygnet will reportedly come with Cherry Tree rasberry paint outside and kestrel tan leather inside, along with photographic leather headlining and is color coordinated to a Brompton bicycle.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The Vantage is painted in Mariana Blue with a satin finish and has yellow and carbon fiber leather. It even has a track day camera with a nice metal finish and a strange luggage rack. <br /><br />"Q by Aston Martin" is the British firm's new service that is said to bring the automaker's designers together with its engineers and craftspeople allowing customers to personalize their vehicles.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHgOSrW-vm6dnc8NnEDpay12MsQjERYs63trYn9uWvcUP1VZZ4aHGvitwpByek37gMcwspO77TaqjG-jwZhuzKaRBK-aEYkXtvjFIff7_-6sFGnTCptd_KAKJPP7HvKQQDu6Ez5qiOjQ/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_07%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715592409899872018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHgOSrW-vm6dnc8NnEDpay12MsQjERYs63trYn9uWvcUP1VZZ4aHGvitwpByek37gMcwspO77TaqjG-jwZhuzKaRBK-aEYkXtvjFIff7_-6sFGnTCptd_KAKJPP7HvKQQDu6Ez5qiOjQ/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_07%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPeJ10GQ-DJj93auM4YZ-bx3YVXa_RV6QIXIK4aFImGCyNWKCbUuM1krET0vwBt0rO471npBnAfmssNO5XvmFCJkS9neCvBqgkvtQU4jJITQyvWWIrQnff3OkxUyOMPGB7-81o-_VhAY/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_08%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715592065219912210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPeJ10GQ-DJj93auM4YZ-bx3YVXa_RV6QIXIK4aFImGCyNWKCbUuM1krET0vwBt0rO471npBnAfmssNO5XvmFCJkS9neCvBqgkvtQU4jJITQyvWWIrQnff3OkxUyOMPGB7-81o-_VhAY/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_08%5B4%5D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL2UKoddHaYdThmcAIuT560sYBWQRs9rdBNJ89Kj3YG7BCN4GAeIFubbZ5Vs0ha1d3LsnkRkOzPxRygbs7eVNg_YRan82hyphenhyphentAGWtf2iZrM7z3cVuRGcKEKNBlLhG8-8JlptVZlPsOaTI/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_05%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715591707243119330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL2UKoddHaYdThmcAIuT560sYBWQRs9rdBNJ89Kj3YG7BCN4GAeIFubbZ5Vs0ha1d3LsnkRkOzPxRygbs7eVNg_YRan82hyphenhyphentAGWtf2iZrM7z3cVuRGcKEKNBlLhG8-8JlptVZlPsOaTI/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_05%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGfOoUuUephn0ecfeAke9V66baVF5ghgqfPZlT1HToW-TTdzY3L1qRAtDD9ZLplcjhw3ZljLqW4ImWMrUib6Q6WY-84CeGdXsZZT6HN36uhBQr1LQSLVIF2PAzQzza4DIPSxAQJKshDc/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_06%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715591535961513970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGfOoUuUephn0ecfeAke9V66baVF5ghgqfPZlT1HToW-TTdzY3L1qRAtDD9ZLplcjhw3ZljLqW4ImWMrUib6Q6WY-84CeGdXsZZT6HN36uhBQr1LQSLVIF2PAzQzza4DIPSxAQJKshDc/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_06%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMiZDwPZEDChY7G-7DOOSMcI0orMU8Aq1w7DC93i13xxduDUGb4EnGkrPAUzC4DckK9K1RSUAPkjDE9LIzdec90X0zWwyW646aGOC8lnIY2hxvDb85Fa0-N3JuRPe2LyyqwvehClcpCo/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_09%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715591376878145474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMiZDwPZEDChY7G-7DOOSMcI0orMU8Aq1w7DC93i13xxduDUGb4EnGkrPAUzC4DckK9K1RSUAPkjDE9LIzdec90X0zWwyW646aGOC8lnIY2hxvDb85Fa0-N3JuRPe2LyyqwvehClcpCo/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_09%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRfSnZN2RbExT8SQ-h0MI45LsshZZ-dCV-mnpj83scShrszYF-zOPEHaA0f09yssYTupRjEhbWj6Ad4X9YwTY9fYw1l7wmxZqyYrF0chDY_oEfuTCPip1SBU8R2o4E5Vg9uzGNAi-vxU/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_03%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715591159233977954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRfSnZN2RbExT8SQ-h0MI45LsshZZ-dCV-mnpj83scShrszYF-zOPEHaA0f09yssYTupRjEhbWj6Ad4X9YwTY9fYw1l7wmxZqyYrF0chDY_oEfuTCPip1SBU8R2o4E5Vg9uzGNAi-vxU/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_03%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSpgfd1E6ztFkP4T2Jcr7HW6zu9BsxzFO6qgLtVJpL3vp7UY1WkexQASaa11BFZMIRaM1645cLifNPA7jwBvHPHY6dSJNs6S7yTaQjEnjkyscRMLPp2o0mdszYz2h1i4l5V4Pt_yQXiA/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_02%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715591023069153186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSpgfd1E6ztFkP4T2Jcr7HW6zu9BsxzFO6qgLtVJpL3vp7UY1WkexQASaa11BFZMIRaM1645cLifNPA7jwBvHPHY6dSJNs6S7yTaQjEnjkyscRMLPp2o0mdszYz2h1i4l5V4Pt_yQXiA/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_02%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlOBh_mMOl08WQPQqKly2q0zyO90ta7EVPpNsKpQEgVnic97Ezm7YCzzF_vnXJowXWfMRiCnnURHEbFkY6E79Nsalb5F8_JAVdxR07HF4mlC0U_edsWjxWAtaHI0kTXT2fhOMz_ezwFQ/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_01%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715590880483062850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlOBh_mMOl08WQPQqKly2q0zyO90ta7EVPpNsKpQEgVnic97Ezm7YCzzF_vnXJowXWfMRiCnnURHEbFkY6E79Nsalb5F8_JAVdxR07HF4mlC0U_edsWjxWAtaHI0kTXT2fhOMz_ezwFQ/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_01%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAcj-8dd0IxElIAlGlFPn91wQKM3HvIAnp3AKa4Rv9Rbly8dZqMyxbjzCZ8BaP7WjLsbmYUrkgTJ97N4iMwWbo8OjI7YcmVnfuyYyD8QW-i8e7vjDXgHKJWDHAFbVCDEl1HTsTSnIvVM/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_10%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715590686842809618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAcj-8dd0IxElIAlGlFPn91wQKM3HvIAnp3AKa4Rv9Rbly8dZqMyxbjzCZ8BaP7WjLsbmYUrkgTJ97N4iMwWbo8OjI7YcmVnfuyYyD8QW-i8e7vjDXgHKJWDHAFbVCDEl1HTsTSnIvVM/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_10%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_P1VwbdHTvHpoart8ngg_TgoXkbh9YIp6R3knCFghoblqMRf8qIO8UUnQp0eZraZ07mKKshkv-iscAOF5QWuKHSlxIDxL4n6HGxhnpC6gJoi6crUTWl9DYOksUB93M88ioju-eFQ_t8/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_11%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715590495960803106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_P1VwbdHTvHpoart8ngg_TgoXkbh9YIp6R3knCFghoblqMRf8qIO8UUnQp0eZraZ07mKKshkv-iscAOF5QWuKHSlxIDxL4n6HGxhnpC6gJoi6crUTWl9DYOksUB93M88ioju-eFQ_t8/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_11%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv5F8GRXYnV93pBp0blB7nbkzDBbu6HDicZJIOITYA5cM_r5dZIlfPs6F-7l8lodYoVjv_toXHIR_Bl8wvKgN4vP4Vu5i0TQyrvB-lyzQE_zUlFxqtETPsDwsm4eHko5csEqQjG1VG48/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_12%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715590365436694546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv5F8GRXYnV93pBp0blB7nbkzDBbu6HDicZJIOITYA5cM_r5dZIlfPs6F-7l8lodYoVjv_toXHIR_Bl8wvKgN4vP4Vu5i0TQyrvB-lyzQE_zUlFxqtETPsDwsm4eHko5csEqQjG1VG48/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_12%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4sQ9bUe6KsSbWEEES6Dc-8PvIHtXOc4wZFivB2pzcd26Q-weqcsibWHgppiuWMlsmfLeZkTmGOiOIq5eTtYT8TUYG3Sns63terKboTG46v7qRO9ZAQSnjgkFr5-K7JjqbeeJAs7QXcU/s1600/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_04%255B2%255D.jpg"><img alt="Aston Martin Virage with Q customizations" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715593151213436674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4sQ9bUe6KsSbWEEES6Dc-8PvIHtXOc4wZFivB2pzcd26Q-weqcsibWHgppiuWMlsmfLeZkTmGOiOIq5eTtYT8TUYG3Sns63terKboTG46v7qRO9ZAQSnjgkFr5-K7JjqbeeJAs7QXcU/s200/Q-by-Aston-Martin-Personalization_04%255B2%255D.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Press Release</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ASTON MARTIN AT GENEVA 2012</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2 March 2012, Gaydon: 2012 marks the fifth anniversary of an independently owned Aston Martin, one of the world's most acclaimed manufacturers of luxury sports cars. Fittingly, 2012 will also be the year that the new V12 Zagato makes its debut as a production car demonstrating that now, more than ever before, Aston Martin is at the forefront of bespoke manufacturing, the new dynamic in the luxury marketplace.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The past twelve months have seen Aston Martin's global dealership network expand further into new markets, cementing the brand's appeal to aficionados of dynamic driving, sporting luxury and bespoke design. China continues to play an important role. Since entering the market in 2008, Aston Martin has opened seven dealerships, with a flagship location in Shanghai's Pudong district, the largest ever Aston Martin dealership. This year, 13 additional showrooms are due to open in China. Together they are targeting to increase retail sales in the region from 190 in 2011 to around 700 in 2012.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Aston Martin's global image is driven by its elegant dealerships, which set the benchmark for automotive retail design. Aston Martin's global presence is extensive, with 136 dealerships in 42 countries. New markets are continually being added, including South America, India and Turkey.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2012 sees the arrival of the revised V8 Vantage range. Enhancements include the introduction of Aston Martin's acclaimed Seven-speed SportshiftTM II transmission, with a new aerodynamic package derived from the motorsport variants of the Vantage range. In keeping with Aston Martin's philosophy of continuous improvement, the 2012 Vantage range includes upgrades to chassis and braking.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Vantage range is now topped by the new V12 Zagato. Created by a team at the Gaydon studios led by Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, the V12 Zagato is a celebration of the long-standing collaboration between the two companies, a fitting testament to the importance Aston Martin places on design, technology, craftsmanship and skilled British manufacturing. Just 150 examples will be made at Aston Martin's Gaydon factory.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Aston Martin continues to derive technological enhancements from both its racing programme and the extensive research and development that has gone into the One-77 project. In particular, Aston Martin's experience with carbon-fibre is class leading, and the ability to prepare, fit and finish carbon-fibre components has been carried through into the V12 Zagato and will continue to filter through the Aston Martin range of sports cars.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dr Ulrich Bez has overseen the company's modern renaissance since his appointment as Aston Martin's CEO in July 2000. During that time, Aston Martin has evolved from a small scale manufacturer to global player, preserving and enhancing the Aston Martin name and transforming it into an internationally lauded brand with a positive operating profit since 2005. In 2010 the company reported revenue of £474.3m and adjusted EBITDA of £93.3m. In 2011 Aston Martin retail sales remained stable at 4,200 but a lower adjusted EBITDA is expected due to an increase in the relative cost of sales of more than 3%. Full year 2011 results will be announced in April.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Aston Martin will exhibit eight cars at the 82nd International Motor Show at Geneva's Palexpo this March, including the European debut of the limited edition V12 Zagato in production form, the V8 Vantage S and recently revised V8 Vantage, a DBS Coupe, V12 Vantage and Rapide. Also on display are two unique cars prepared by the new bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Q by Aston Martin</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Q by Aston Martin is a service that goes beyond the standard palette of paint, leather and trim finishes, taking the company into a new era in personalisation. A team that brings Aston Martin's designers together with the company's engineers and highly experienced craftspeople, allowing customers to enhance and personalise their Aston Martin with meticulous attention to detail.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The service can be extended to interior and exterior styling, offering almost endless opportunity for expression. Thanks to Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) Architecture, the philosophy that forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering. With Q by Aston Martin, the ability to commission the design and manufacture of your unique car is now within reach.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Q by Aston Martin can help to design and procure luxury items beyond the customers' car. This could extend to colour matching a Brompton bicycle to their Aston Martin, supporting the customer's architect to design their house, or creating colour themes and materials for the interior specification of a yacht.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Virage and Cygnet models presented at Geneva have been enhanced and personalised to include unique colour and trim finishes, each car is a one-off showcase for the possibilities offered by Q by Aston Martin. The Virage with a bespoke Mariana Blue satin paint finish with an interior that includes blue carbon fibre, saddle leather floor mats, and striking yellow detailing, together with exclusive concept components, including a header mounted track-day HD video camera, luggage rack and striking forged, diamond turned wheel, all of which have been developed by the team, illustrating the scope of the service and the lengths to which customers can go with their individual requests.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Cherry Tree Cygnet translates this bespoke service to Aston Martin's acclaimed Tailor-Fit city car. Finished in Cherry Tree raspberry paint with a kestrel tan interior, the Cygnet includes specially developed photographic leather headlining, as well as a tailor-made colour-matched three piece luggage set, unique brogue leather detailing on the seats and a colour-matched Brompton bicycle for extra urban manoeuvrability.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">In 2012, Aston Martin offers customers a remarkable fifteen models, including Rapide, the DBS Coupe and DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and Volante, DB9 Coupe and DB9 Volante, the V8 Vantage Coupe and Vantage Roadster, the Vantage S Coupe and Roadster and the V12 Vantage. In addition, there is the Cygnet city car and One-77 supercar, and the line-up will be joined by the V12 Zagato in mid-2012.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Personalisation, customisation and special options ensure customers have a practically unlimited choice. Aston Martin is a company with strong values, class leading product and a highly skilled workforce. A pioneer in design, technology and manufacturing, Aston Martin continues to be a global leader and a beacon of British design and manufacturing. Innovation, in all its forms, is central to Aston Martin's ethos.</span><br /></span><p>

Geneva Preview: Q by Aston Martin

Aston Martin has releases photos and details for a new personalization program called "Q by Aston Martin". Aston Martin will be sh...

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Audi R18 e-tron quattro Hybrid Le Mans Prototype

<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY6Awr7g0o0Rc2OIc_JqY67b1Qr67DTz0K0Uy2Ya3mT6U-5NspBNvQjuNnDmh99jfrqF-Xytb4jkBVwsxaKToIMrr97IDay9jMAER2gQGYUh-QAzk3ZdENiyAe2w6Zi0e8Xq8Qanno9w/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383728_l.jpg"><img alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY6Awr7g0o0Rc2OIc_JqY67b1Qr67DTz0K0Uy2Ya3mT6U-5NspBNvQjuNnDmh99jfrqF-Xytb4jkBVwsxaKToIMrr97IDay9jMAER2gQGYUh-QAzk3ZdENiyAe2w6Zi0e8Xq8Qanno9w/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383728_l.jpg" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY6Awr7g0o0Rc2OIc_JqY67b1Qr67DTz0K0Uy2Ya3mT6U-5NspBNvQjuNnDmh99jfrqF-Xytb4jkBVwsxaKToIMrr97IDay9jMAER2gQGYUh-QAzk3ZdENiyAe2w6Zi0e8Xq8Qanno9w/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383728_l.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" width="600" /></a></center><br />Audi has unveiled the new R18 e-tron quattro racer. which will make its debut on May 5th in the 6-hour World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at Spa-Francorchamps and onward to the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16/17.<br /><br />The R18 e-tron quattro will unite two major technologies in order to create a new type of drive by combining their highly-efficient TDI engine with a hybrid system. <br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The diesel engine in this car is tiny compared to the previous car’s engine. It’s a V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) which powers the rear wheels. Kinetic energy is then recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated.<br /><br />Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.<br /><br />The R18 e-tron, which will also race in the new FIA World Endurance Championship, becomes a four-wheel-drive car within certain limits laid down in the Le Mans rulebook. The regulations allow 500kJ (approximately 70bhp) of stored energy to be transfered to the wheels between two braking 'events' at speeds above 120km/h (75mph).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY6Awr7g0o0Rc2OIc_JqY67b1Qr67DTz0K0Uy2Ya3mT6U-5NspBNvQjuNnDmh99jfrqF-Xytb4jkBVwsxaKToIMrr97IDay9jMAER2gQGYUh-QAzk3ZdENiyAe2w6Zi0e8Xq8Qanno9w/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383728_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714868593806958610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY6Awr7g0o0Rc2OIc_JqY67b1Qr67DTz0K0Uy2Ya3mT6U-5NspBNvQjuNnDmh99jfrqF-Xytb4jkBVwsxaKToIMrr97IDay9jMAER2gQGYUh-QAzk3ZdENiyAe2w6Zi0e8Xq8Qanno9w/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383728_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RdBjFRhzEHqCDsYKcLB-_KJhu04nmlaPnzo7jEsBk-7osKEicPa8K4ApPaH4hTyKTDiDew4o4EG6nAqlGNy94tm3aRERAsH3OeteUzuvwPzc6dKS7xGITjEcsL9s6L0HrUtVQFNuaIw/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383729_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714868461810267234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RdBjFRhzEHqCDsYKcLB-_KJhu04nmlaPnzo7jEsBk-7osKEicPa8K4ApPaH4hTyKTDiDew4o4EG6nAqlGNy94tm3aRERAsH3OeteUzuvwPzc6dKS7xGITjEcsL9s6L0HrUtVQFNuaIw/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383729_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14m9xLmOtrMGzSl1vZn7o_e_3aPkLAlLriSJIyMX82IRQsF_ugEyU_gXkWASTVGQLvSSrwL4Fub0xT887BctlE1MbFD6xhqvjnURhj_Y0TzUtdv3qlPH8FtlThlRUIJyE5uitU6tjeQQ/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383727_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714868349485581362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14m9xLmOtrMGzSl1vZn7o_e_3aPkLAlLriSJIyMX82IRQsF_ugEyU_gXkWASTVGQLvSSrwL4Fub0xT887BctlE1MbFD6xhqvjnURhj_Y0TzUtdv3qlPH8FtlThlRUIJyE5uitU6tjeQQ/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383727_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX74gQ_28Y9Iz1igPdWorDoACPE6msTXnG9fiA41FsS0rZyR8kdQygPfJHLihlyo2R8tGZ22wv3tPYq0ymfLZFW91xX6tyyfFGiY3ldmsuaqg_8rcCy5vQcZw2aJMVzCNwMB6IgzSaQbg/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383730_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714868197757921154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX74gQ_28Y9Iz1igPdWorDoACPE6msTXnG9fiA41FsS0rZyR8kdQygPfJHLihlyo2R8tGZ22wv3tPYq0ymfLZFW91xX6tyyfFGiY3ldmsuaqg_8rcCy5vQcZw2aJMVzCNwMB6IgzSaQbg/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383730_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3fYX1R1hKoDZ8b3xud8rnmUWTgqZgdrW5-zP5Menj1_-uvb8sew43wNjKpt-udbPAj3ljf0fpV4oZLO_45MfiLmicD4aPbAzihojZbROOcZk7bJ52t9izKGweGKGxcI6B3bBThVJA0/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383732_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714868079860766354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3fYX1R1hKoDZ8b3xud8rnmUWTgqZgdrW5-zP5Menj1_-uvb8sew43wNjKpt-udbPAj3ljf0fpV4oZLO_45MfiLmicD4aPbAzihojZbROOcZk7bJ52t9izKGweGKGxcI6B3bBThVJA0/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383732_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFuaIpiqoquRD8nXpOcqPD73Zcbvnd942qGKh9ntaU1ufb6PVv9Sr7SzLa2SLPsOGMpF2VPmV7CiLY_8fQJbPwxBmdGdoEeA45In2veZTT4_hiDXPAhMnBOpowbqCP7rqVOFX9TJB_tk/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383731_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714867840695039282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFuaIpiqoquRD8nXpOcqPD73Zcbvnd942qGKh9ntaU1ufb6PVv9Sr7SzLa2SLPsOGMpF2VPmV7CiLY_8fQJbPwxBmdGdoEeA45In2veZTT4_hiDXPAhMnBOpowbqCP7rqVOFX9TJB_tk/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383731_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaVq0ovVjvo1cOW7hpIpzcOagh05fFsfJqbRmFADTFosNed-GK5Xuq2cDGBwU-7QZ7ZiXC8Mw-rni5KUFp532NQHtXUxCPAolZvBJFnvGymsYXhKw3Qy-SfXjVG51_z_DTATKhenSDh4/s1600/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383733_l.jpg"><img alt="Audi R18 e-Tron hybrid quattro" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714867700231390866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaVq0ovVjvo1cOW7hpIpzcOagh05fFsfJqbRmFADTFosNed-GK5Xuq2cDGBwU-7QZ7ZiXC8Mw-rni5KUFp532NQHtXUxCPAolZvBJFnvGymsYXhKw3Qy-SfXjVG51_z_DTATKhenSDh4/s200/2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car_100383733_l.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 80px;" /></a> </center><br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Press Release</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Audi brings the quattro back to the race track</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><ul style="font-style: italic;"><li> World premiere in Munich: the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro</li></ul><ul style="font-style: italic;"><li> Four-wheel driven diesel hybrid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans</li></ul><ul style="font-style: italic;"><li> Audi ultra lightweight as base for the application of hybrid technology</li></ul><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Motor sport is used yet again by AUDI AG to pioneer new technology: the brand with the four ring's new Le Mans race car is the world's first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. quattro drive also celebrates its comeback to the race track with the prototype - in a entirely new form.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the name of the new Le Mans prototype that makes its race debut on May 5 in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and fights for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) on June 16/17. Audi unites two technologies in a fascinating way to create a new type of drive, which is also already being tested for future use in production cars: e-tron quattro.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hiding behind this description is the next generation four-wheel drive with which Audi combines the advantages of the proven quattro drive with the potential of electromobility. To this end one vehicle axle is powered conventionally, the second by electric motors.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport - electrically and almost silent. "quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it's introduced to the Audi production line."</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the Audi R18 e-tron quattro kinetic energy is recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated. The V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) continues to transmit its power to the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Project began in February 2010</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The project e-tron quattro for motorsport started in February 2010. Only 18 months passed from the initial conceptual ideas to the first test. "This is a relatively short cycle for a technology that has never been tested in motorsport and which still doesn't even exist in production," stresses Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. "The challenge is correspondingly big."</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro - because Audi takes a two-pronged approach this year in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the newly created FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) - the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive."</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Innovation in transmission area</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The R18 e-tron quattro's twin brother more than lives up to its model name ‘R18 ultra': it is the lightest Le Mans prototype that Audi Sport has ever built. To compensate for the additional weight of the hybrid system the subject of lightweight design and construction was the focus throughout development of the 2011 Le Mans race winning R18 TDI. In addition to the many detail optimizations there is also a genuine innovation in the transmission area: a new gearbox with a carbon-fiber composite housing was developed for the R18 - a premiere for endurance racing.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The new R18 ultra is a distinct evolution of last year's Le Mans race winning car," summarizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Our drivers' impressions were very positive from the first moment. Without the weight optimized R18 ultra we would have not been capable of realizing the R18 e-tron quattro which is absolutely identical with the exception of the hybrid system."</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Le Mans 2012: two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year's winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing Loïc Duval (F) starts together with Timo Bernhard (D) and Romain Dumas (F) in an R18 ultra as do Marco Bonanomi (I), Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Mike Rockenfeller (D).</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audi Sport Team Joest also contests the World Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 5 in the same formation. At the same time the race doubles as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only Mike Rockenfeller will miss this race due to a clashing date with the DTM.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi plans to enter an R18 e-tron quattro and an R18 ultra in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). André Lotterer and Allan McNish have been nominated as the drivers so far.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At the World Championship opener at Sebring (USA) on March 17, Audi Sport Team Joest relies on the proven R18 TDI from last year, which are driven by Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish as well as Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas/Loïc Duval.</span><br /></span><p>

Audi R18 e-tron quattro Hybrid Le Mans Prototype

Audi has unveiled the new R18 e-tron quattro racer. which will make its debut on May 5th in the 6-hour World Endurance Championship (WEC) ra...

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