Audi reveals 2011 R8 GT

MONACO — After its successful entry into the supercar ranks with the three-year-old R8, Audi is ratcheting up the performance potential of its midengine sports car with a new race-bred model, the 2011 Audi R8 GT.

Revealed today in Monte Carlo at a gala presentation attended by Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of Audi AG, the all-wheel-drive 2011 Audi R8 GT is based upon the V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI and incorporates a number of innovations originally developed for the race-winning Audi R8 LMS, including lightweight components and a powered-up, direct-injection 5.2-liter V10 that delivers 560 horsepower.

To be produced in a limited run of just 333 at Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance division in Neckarsulm, Germany, the R8 GT has been conceived to rival the Porsche 911 GT3 and is aimed at customers intending to combine both road and track driving, with options such as high-performance tires, a bolt-in roll cage and four-point seatbelts available through official Audi sales channels in Europe.

Pricing for a North American version of the R8 GT has not yet been announced, but in Germany the R8 GT will sell for $67,000 more than the R8 5.2 FSI, which is priced at $255,500.

The Audi R8 GT's bodywork is visually distinguished from the standard R8 by a package of aerodynamic pieces developed in the wind tunnel for the R8 LMS. It includes a front splitter with downforce-generating flics on the front corners. Further additions include carbon-fiber housings for the outside mirrors and a fixed rear wing. Four standard exterior color schemes will be available: Ice Silver metallic, Phantom Black pearl, Samoa Orange and Suzuki Grey metallic.

The changes to the interior are more subtle, with altered instrument graphics, a new steering wheel, suede upholstery and door sills with R8 GT graphics.

As you'd expect, reduced weight is a key aspect of the R8 GT's performance, so acoustic insulation has been removed while thinner window glass and carbon-fiber panels also contribute to a 210-pound reduction in weight compared to the 3,362-pound R8 5.2 FSI.

The reduction in weight is complemented by a reworked version of Audi's naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, which has a redline of 8,700 rpm. Its 560 hp is developed at 8,000 rpm, representing a 35-hp increase. Torque has also increased marginally to 398 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm, a 6 lb-ft improvement.

Power flows to all four wheels through a strengthened version of the R8 V10's single-clutch automated manual transmission with its shift paddles on the steering wheel. In normal running, power is distributed to the wheels in a split of 15 percent front/85 percent rear, but the viscous center differential can change the proportion to 30 percent front/70 percent rear to improve front tire traction.

To cope with the added performance, the R8's suspension has been revised, featuring altered camber setting, a lower ride height and firmer springs and dampers. The set of 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels carry 235/35R19 tires in front and 295/30R19s in the rear, with wider 305/30R19s optional in the rear.

Audi's own performance data indicates the 2011 Audi R8 GT accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 3.6 seconds — 0.4 second quicker than the Porsche 911 GT3. The top speed of the Audi R8 GT is 199 mph, narrowly faster than the rival from Stuttgart as well.

Inside Line says: Less than a half-second quicker than the 911 GT3, but in the high-performance arena, every tenth counts. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent

Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans

Honda has put out a recall of around 167,000 Acura TSX sedans to fix a power steering hose and o-ring gasket which could deteriorate prematurely. Previous generation (2004-2008) models are affected by the issue, which involves the hose cracking due to high underhood temperatures resulting in the power steering fluid leaking, contacting the exhaust components and potentially creating smoke or a fire.

Hyundai loses $1.8M lawsuit

Sarah Goodner was killed in Texas in 2007 when her 2005 Hyundai Tucson rolled over and she was thrown out the back window. The culprit for that odd circumstance – even though she had her seat belt fastened – was her seat, which was reclined so far back that she was able to slide out of it.

Stuart Goodner, Sarah's father, sued Hyundai claiming that the Tucson was unsafe because the seat could be reclined too much. A jury agreed, kind of, awarding Goodner a $1.8 million judgment against Hyundai, but also deciding that Hyundai was only 45% responsible for Sarah's death. Stuart said, "We want people to know how dangerous it is to drive with the seat reclined, [and] we're calling the auto industry out to correct this design defect so that no other family has to bury one of their children."

Forty-five degrees was determined to be the maximum amount of recline before driving became unsafe. And the issue isn't new: The NTSB and NHTSA debated the issue in 1988 and couldn't come to an agreement. Of course we can't make light of this – a young woman has died. But we do wonder why it's Hyundai's responsibility to make sure you don't drive your car in an unsafe manner.

Tesla powers up with more products

The Tesla Roadster Sport is just the start of the company's product plans. This model arrived Tuesday afternoon in Detroit driven by a local Tesla customer. Chairman Elon Musk was in town to accept an award as auto executive of the year.

Yes, there will be more cars from Tesla. And different kinds, too.
Tesla chairman Elon Musk reiterated his company's ambitious plans for growth on Tuesday afternoon in Detroit, and the Roadster is just the beginning.
The Model S is due in 2012, and Musk says the company is narrowly focused on getting that sedan to the market on time. The car will start for less than half the price of the Roadster and is expected to sticker for about $50,000, including a federal tax credit.
About the same time the four-door arrives, the first generation of the Roadster will cease production after the 2012. A year or two later, a successor will launch, Musk said.
More Tesla products are expected to follow, including a crossover. Look for new arrivals of vehicles in 2013 and 2014, “which is a rapid pace,” Musk said
Four-wheel drive will also be a characteristic of future Teslas, he said. The Model S will have a range of 300 miles, five-star safety ratings and the ability to swap out the battery in a minute. It will also feature an advanced 17-inch touch screen in the interior, and a large amount of storage space, Musk said.
Affordability is expected to increase with each new product, and by the time the third one arrives, it's expected to be attainable for mainstream customers, in contrast to the expensive, performance-oriented Roadster. About 1,200 units of the two-door are on the road today in almost 25 countries.
Musk was in town to accept the automotive executive of the year award at the Detroit Athletic Club, a stone landmark where car execs have met for decades to wheel and deal. On a bright blue day with the General Motors tower gleaming in the background, the 38-year-old native of South Africa said the transition to electric cars was the most significant development for automaking since Henry Ford introduced mass production on the assembly line.
“It's the biggest change in the car business since the moving production line,” Musk said

Look for the Tesla Roadster to be produced into 2012. A second generation will follow a year or two later.

Interestingly, he said he expects Tesla's most significant impact to be supplying its fresh technology to other companies, rather than through its own products. Tesla has a deal with German giant Daimler and will supply batteries and chargers for the next electric Smart car. Tesla also will supply electric technology for the Mercedes A-class, which is sold in Europe.
Daimler owns about eight percent of Tesla. The California company also has a deal with commercial-vehicle maker Freightliner.
“The smallest effect Tesla will make will be the cars we make ourselves,” Musk said. “The biggest effect will be the cars they [other companies] make.”
Real people really drive Teslas
As Musk was answering questions from the press--as if on cue--a Detroit-area Tesla customer drove up in a shiny black Tesla Roadster Sport. Brian West, who owns a company involved with the MyFord Touch technology, says he uses the Tesla as his daily driver. He's had it for a few months and recharges at work.
Clad in a blue pinstriped suit, West said he doesn't take a very businesslike approach to driving his Tesla.
“It's hard to drive conservatively . . . every time you get into it, you want to go,” he said.
He celebrated Earth Day by blitzing around southeast Michigan, making stops in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Flint. When he ran low on juice, he recharged at an entertainment complex between a giant squirrel and the put-put course.

Star Wars Charity Car Wash

Playmate Sara Jean Underwood to host the Star Wars Charity Car Wash in Hollywood. Money was raised for a good cause and people had their cars and space cruisers washed by an army of soapy wet slave Leias, Stormtroopers and one Playboy Bunny.

Nassau will be Chrysler's replacement for Sebring

Chrysler assau will be the new name for the automaker’s freshened midsize sedan launching late this year — replacing the tarnished Sebring name — according to dealers and others familiar with the company’s product plan.
A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment when asked about the Nassau name.
The name was used for a Chrysler concept car displayed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, but don’t expect the Nassau to look like that car, said Jim Hall, a consultant whose firm, 2953 Analytics, advises automakers on future vehicles. “Chrysler bought the Nassau name when they came out with the concept so it makes sense they would use it,” Hall said.
The new name is only one element in Chrysler’s attempt to re-establish credibility in the high-volume midsize car segment after the Sebring, which was criticized for its cheap interior and poor quality.
Every other major automaker has a strong entry in the segment, which is growing as younger buyers move up from small cars and former SUV owners search for fuel-efficient alternatives.
“If you look at the Sebring and benchmark it against the competition, it’s not where it needs to be,” CEO Sergio Marchionne said at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Chrysler designers have been working on completely new interiors for the 2011 Chrysler Nassau and Dodge Avenger. The exteriors will look substantially different. Buyers can choose between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a new V6 Pentastar engine produced at Chrysler’s Trenton South engine plant.
Last week in Turin, Marchionne repeated that Chrysler brand in North America and Fiat’s Lancia brand will share products, but Chrysler will be the brand for North America, while Lancia will gradually expand its product lineup so it can grow in Europe.
In a few weeks, Chrysler begins production of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the company’s first new model since exiting bankruptcy last June. That will be followed by launches of substantially new 2011 models of Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, the diminutive Fiat 500 and an all-new Dodge Durango that will share some elements with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and handle more like a crossover.

Top Gear America caught filming on Mullholland

We understand if you don't believe that the History Channel has adopted Top Gear America. After all, you've been burnt before. But according to the keen-eyed crew from Kilometer Magazine, filming has already begun. During the U.S. launch of the new Jaguar XJ, the new cast of Top Gear America was spotted filming on none other than California's infamous Mulholland Drive.

What were they doing? From the looks of things, Tanner Foust was doing what he does best by laying down lots and lots of smoky burnouts under the baleful glare of the CHP. Though judging by the cars spotted on the set, we may be looking at a good old fashioned sports-car comparison when the show finally hits cable. Flip through KM's pictures, and you'll spot cars like the Porsche Carrera 4S, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Ford Mustang.

We have to wonder whether this was one big slip up or a planned leak. Having a parade of auto journos cruise by just as Foust opens up for his monologue is either the worst luck in the history of television or one very clever PR stunt. [Source: AutoBlog]

Ferrari 599XX Sets New Record at the ’Ring

Breaking the 7-minute barrier on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife is a feat that few race cars can accomplish: but now, for the first time, a production-derived sports car has lapped the full 20.832km Nordschleife in just 6min 58.16sec. Step up to the podium, Ferrari 599XX.

The 599XX, the car that inspired the 599 GTO, is an extreme berlinetta designed for track but not for official competition use. And, as Ferrari proudly says, it is “a veritable technological laboratory”. Take, for example, the F1-derived wheel doughnuts which serve two practical purposes: to reduce turbulence (and hence drag), and to improve brake cooling.

The in-car footage of the record lap is worth watching just to hear the engine noise. Although the Ferrari is running on slicks, and is far from road legal (hence the link with road cars is a bit stretched), it’s quite clearly a phenomenally quick machine.

After watching the video, our resident Nordschleife expert opined, “Fast on the straight, isn’t it? Blimey!” (Although, apparently, the 599XX driver “turned into Wippermann corner too early, putting two wheels on the kerb on the left after the crest, and backed off early at several key points – such as Schwedenkreuz and Kesselchen/Klostertal”. Which simply goes to prove how quick this car really is.)

The 599XX’s engine is a development of the V12 unit used by the 599 GTB Fiorano, while sophisticated electronics are in place to govern the mechanical limits of the handling – for truly extreme performance.

The car also sees the introduction of an aerodynamics first: the ‘Actiflow’ system that increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim during cornering. This helps the 599XX achieve up to 630kg of downforce. At, ahem, 300km/h, that is.

Laura Bush finally opens up about mysterious car crash

Laura Bush has finally opened up publicly about the mysterious car accident she had when she was 17, a crash that claimed the life of a high school friend on a dark country road in Midland, Tex.

 

In her new book, “Spoken From the Heart,” Mrs. Bush describes in vivid detail the circumstances surrounding the crash, which has haunted her for most of her adult life and which became the subject of questions and speculation when it was revealed during her husband’s first presidential run. A copy of the book, scheduled for release in early May, was obtained by The New York Times at a bookstore.

On several occasions in the book, Mrs. Bush admonishes her husband’s political adversaries for “calling him names,” and she pointedly rebuts criticism of some of his key decisions. She suggested that his highly criticized fly-over of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina was in the best interests of the victims and aid workers on the ground.

“He did not want one single life to be lost because someone was catering to the logistical requirements of a president,” she says about the Katrina fly-over. “He did not want his convoy of vehicles to block trucks delivering water or food or medical supplies, or to impede National Guardsmen from around the nation who were arriving to help.”

Mrs. Bush also suggests, apparently for the first time, that she, Mr. Bush, and several members of their staff may have been poisoned during a visit to Germany for a G8 Summit. They all became mysteriously sick, and the president was bedridden for part of the trip. The Secret Service investigated the possibility they were poisoned, she writes, but doctors could only conclude that they all contracted a virus. After noting several high-profile poisonings, she wrote, “we never learned if any other delegations became ill, or if ours, mysteriously, was the only one.”

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GM investing $890M in next-gen small block V8s

According to GM, all of its next-generation small block V8s will use aluminum engine blocks in addition to being E85 compatible. We can also expect to see direct injection added to the small block's repertoire for improved efficiency and power production. Finally, the combustion chambers will see a redesign that will promote fuel efficiency.

Naturally, an update to an existing engine line requires a suitable investment, and this one is no different. GM will be investing nearly $900 million and will add or retain more than 1,600 jobs in Tonawanda, NY; St. Catherines, Ontario; Defiance, Ohio; Bedford, Indiana and Bay City, Michigan.