By Gred N.
Brown MOTORTREND Pardon our math, but
5 can represent a greater value than 7. Proof? Audi's upcoming Q5, when read as
an algebraic expression or as a force on the car market, equals a higher value
than the Q7. We worked it out during a day driving Audi's upcoming compact SUV,
and the way we figured it, Q times 5 is so impressive a factor it could very
well amount to the most successful Audi launch ever in the
Americas.
In real estate, it's all a question of location, but
the critical component of the car business is timing, and whereas the full-size
Q7 reached market late in the boom-and-bust cycle of that segment, the Q5 will hit these shores In March, when more buyers than ever will be forsaking size for
efficiency. And, because the competition for our ever more reticent spending
will be so fierce, Value x Quality will become an even more critical factor in
the equation for success. In short, the Q5 is good math at the right
time.
The first North
American Q5 comes powered by a 3.2L FSI V-6 with 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque,
matched to a seven-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and self-locking center
differential that sends drive to all four wheels, normally in a 60 rear/40 front
ratio. Should the need arise for more traction, the system automatically shifts
power forward, to a maximum of 64 percent, or to the rear, to a maximum of 82
percent.
Audi says the Q5 with be comparable with its
chief rivals, the BMW X3 and new Mercedes-Benz GLK. Several levels of option
packages and stand-alone extras and a sportier S-Line model will provide good
excuses to spend lots more.
European Q5s (starting price is EUR 38,300) made
their debut late last year with three different engines, all with direct
injection and turbochargers; the 3.2 V-6 will join them early next year. First
out of the gate are a brand-new gasoline 2.0L TFSI with 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of
torque, mated to a six-speed manual; and two diesels, a 2.0L TDI with 170 hp and
258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V-6 TDI with 240 hp and an enormous 368 lb-ft of
torque, both offered with Audi's new seven-speed twin-clutch S Tronic automatic
transmission.
Pardon our math, but 5 can represent a greater value than 7. Proof? Audi's upcoming Q5, when read as an algebraic expression or as a force on the car market, equals a higher value than the Q7. We worked it out during a day driving Audi's upcoming compact SUV, and the way we figured it, Q times 5 is so impressive a factor it could very well amount to the most successful Audi launch ever in the Americas.
In real estate, it's all a question of location, but the critical component of the car business is timing, and whereas the full-size Q7 reached market late in the boom-and-bust cycle of that segment, the Q5 will hit these shores next March, when more buyers than ever will be forsaking size for efficiency. And, because the competition for our ever more reticent spending will be so fierce, Value x Quality will become an even more critical factor in the equation for success. In short, the Q5 is good math at the right time.
The first North American Q5 comes powered by a 3.2L FSI V-6 with 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, matched to a seven-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and self-locking center differential that sends drive to all four wheels, normally in a 60 rear/40 front ratio. Should the need arise for more traction, the system automatically shifts power forward, to a maximum of 64 percent, or to the rear, to a maximum of 82 percent.
Audi says the Q5 with be comparable with its chief rivals, the BMW X3 and new Mercedes-Benz GLK. Several levels of option packages and stand-alone extras and a sportier S-Line model will provide good excuses to spend lots more.
European Q5s (starting price is EUR 38,300) make their debut late this year with three different engines, all with direct injection and turbochargers; the 3.2 V-6 will join them early next year. First out of the gate are a brand-new gasoline 2.0L TFSI with 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual; and two diesels, a 2.0L TDI with 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V-6 TDI with 240 hp and an enormous 368 lb-ft of torque, both offered with Audi's new seven-speed twin-clutch S Tronic automatic transmission.
The Joy of Open-Top Driving The Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet
The A5 product line is now expanded to include
Cabriolet models with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains
A5 Cabriolet features ground-breaking soft top
technology for elegant styling, superior room and storage space, and
superb driving dynamics.
New optional quattroSport rear differential
enhances agility.
USA market launch for A5/S5 Cabriolet is Fall 2009,
as 2010 model year.
Ingolstadt – Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort, and great everyday utility. Seven powerful engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi model the most attractive mid-range convertible. The top-of- the-line model of Audi’s new family of convertibles is the S5 Cabriolet. The engine of the S5 Cabriolet is the newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 with gasoline direct injection. Prices start at EUR 37,300 for the 1.8 TFSI with 118 kW (160 hp) and six-speed manual transmission. Delivery of the first A5 Cabriolet models will begin in the second quarter of 2009.
Like all open-top Audi models, the new A5 Cabriolet too has a classic fabric top – which endows it with a striking silhouette of dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds – and closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces wind noise almost to the hardtop level.
When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically when the top is opened.
Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cu. ft.).
Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior. Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The refined ambience combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and crash safety.
The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 132 kW (180 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). All five powerplants are fueled via direct injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available power trains include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic.
In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes the propulsive power between the rear wheels, is optionally available to make quattro even more dynamic and even safer.
For extensive details about the topics listed below CLICK HERE
Fascinating dynamics:
Audi drive select Exterior Design Body Interior Engines Transmission Chassis Equipment
The Audi S5 Cabriolet
The top-of-the-line model of the new Cabriolet production series from Audi is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter “S” stands for Sport – for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency.
The Audi S5 Cabriolet’s engine is a newly developed, supercharged, three-liter V6. The pressure in the 3.0 TFSI is generated by a mechanical supercharger – with impressive results: The power output tops out at 245 kW (333 hp), the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a generous 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft). The powerful thrust and the spontaneous, aggressive response make for a fascinating driving experience. The S5 Cabriolet is catapulted in 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 liters* per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), its fuel efficiency is highly impressive (preliminary values).
Standard equipment of the Audi S5 Cabriolet includes the servotronic, the seven-speed S tronic and the quattro drive system package. The sport differential is optional. A sport suspension keeps the body close to the road. The 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are equipped with 245/40 tires. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. The acoustic top, xenon plus headlights, electrically adjustable sport seats with Alcantara leather upholstery, and a multifunction sport steering wheel are also standard equipment.
Diverse design features contribute to a distinctively sporty styling, including modifications at the lower front and back panels, at the air intakes and at the tailpipes. In the interior, special seat upholstery, door sill trims and inlays in matt brushed aluminum underscore the high-quality, dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers of the instruments are illuminated white to contrast with the gray scales.
The day was Thursday, August 14th at Braman Audi's hot spotlight during an evening to celebrate the Heart Institute at the Bethesda Memorial Hospital and the debut of the new 2009 Audi A4 German entry into the U.S. market. Audi showed off it's highly anticipated A4 to an exciting crowd of physicians, hospital administrators and staff and Braman VIP guest owners. The evening was full of surprises featuring high-energy dancing shows by East German Champion dancers Andreas Luetzner and Doreen Scheinpflug performing the Samba, Rumba and ChaCha to prelude the unveiling of the new Audi. The professional dance couple arrived in America to add celebrity status to the instructors of the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Palm Beach. An incredible assortment of gourmet food delights was presented by Executive Chefs of the International Polo Club with a wine tasting of assorted red and white wines from Barefoot Wines satisfied the taste buds of the most discriminating. Anushka Spa located at City Place was there to dispense fashion tips along with custom mens fashions presented by Michelle Gooliak. The Audi Showroom was further energized during the evening with an incredible Chocolate Extravaganza Desert spread highlighted by a giant ice carving of Audi's logo rings. The Braman hostesses were on hand as well t0 assist staff in providing the guests with the very best evening possible. Guests were so lively on a Thursday night and opened up an unexpected round of dancing... with the cars until the end of the evening and beyond. Door prizes consisted of Polo lessons, polo games, a brunch at International Polo Club, a foursome for a round of golf and lunch at the Private Wanderers Club - Wellington, a day at Anushka for four, a custom fitted Valentino suit by Michelle Gooliak, private dance lessons by Fred Astaire Studios and more!
Braman's Rhemrev piloted PBIR Radical and Formula BMW On top of all of the excitement that took place at Braman's Summer Birthday Bash on Sunday June 14th, three exotic race cars were not only on display, but strutted their power on the track. PBIR's Formula BMW Race Car, PBIR's Radical Sports Racer and Orbit's Daytona BMW-Dinan Prototype were on hand for the crowd to view.
The Dinan BMW boasts 500 horsepower from it's 5.0 liter BMW V8 propelling it's 2,250 pound Riley chassis to 195 mph.
Orbit Racings BMW-Dinan Prototype exhibited it's power with track laps during the day - joining PBIR's Formula BMW and Radical Race Car hurling down the track at break-neck speeds.
Lucky winners of a drawing were taken on a Radical ride of their life on PBIR's road course. Dinan representatives were on hand to answer performance questions about personal automobiles and what can be done to boost horsepower and performance for daily drivers. PBIR's Radical SR3 Race Car The top category in Grand-Am Road Racing and the undisputed stars of the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, Daytona Prototypes are exotic, mid-engine machines that are purpose-built strictly for competition on the track. Low to the ground and capable of speeds in excess of 190 mph, Daytona Prototypes also feature the latest in safety technology, including carbon fiber side impact panels and a multi-point roll cage with a unique center post at mid-windshield.
Daytona Prototypes are produced to similar specifications by eight approved constructors--Riley Technologies, Doran Designs, Crawford Race Cars, FABCAR Engineering, Chase Competition Engineering, Picchio, Multimatic and Sabre. Although each chassis is independently designed and manufactured, competitor modifications are highly limited by Grand-Am rules and certain parts--including series-standard rear wings--are mandated by the series. A Daytona Prototype chassis costs between $400,000 and $550,000, but the cars have been raced in their current configuration for several years within Grand-Am's stable rules package.
Manufacturers are welcome to submit any production-based engine for approval in the series, but turbos and superchargers are not permitted. Engines that are currently approved for competition include powerplants from Pontiac (5-liter V-8), Lexus (5-liter V-8), BMW (5-liter V-8), Porsche (3.6-liter flat-six), Ford (5-liter V-8) and Infiniti (4.3-liter V-8). All engines are tuned to produce around 500 horsepower and each is capable of being mated to any of the approved Daytona Prototype chassis, which creates an interesting variety of chassis/engine combinations. Five- or six-speed sequential gearboxes from EMCO and Xtrac are the series standard in Daytona Prototypes. Smaller-engined Daytona Prototypes under 4.5 liters are allowed the advantage of the six-speed gearboxes, while all race cars with larger engines must run the five-speeds. All Daytona Prototypes are required to have a minimum weight of 2,250 pounds. COSMO OUT FRONT AT NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK
(Millville, NJ) 11 May 2009- With a full time business managing and overseeing track-day events and a growing roster of racers that he works with as driver coach, Guy Cosmo is one busy guy away from the track.
And looking at his schedule in last weekend's Verizon Wireless 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Cosmo is also a busy guy at the track as well as he was in action in both the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race on Sunday as well as playing a 'SuperSub' role in the KONI Sports Car Challenge event on Saturday.
The main focus for Cosmo entering the weekend was his race outing with Spirit of Daytona Racing, as he returned to the cockpit of the familiar No. 09 Coyote-Porsche V8 with co-driver Scott Russell after just one week between the race at VIR and the New Jersey Motorsports Park event.
Continued progress on the machine saw Cosmo wrangling everything he could out of the machine to score 6th on the grid with a fast lap time of 1:15.615-seconds. As the race dawned, the word was "rain," and with a car that's shown well in low-grip conditions like Mid-Ohio's rain race last season, hopes were high.
Those hopes proved to be well-placed as Cosmo stormed to the front of the pack early in the race. After showing the AMA-liveried machine to be up to the task in the early stages, the race didn't develop as hoped as a series of rain-induced setbacks caused extra pit stops, and that hampered the overall race pace. But Cosmo and Russell soldiered on to bring the car home 11th in class.
"It was great to get by the Ganassi car and get out front," said Cosmo. "Obviously you always want to be leading, but today, it was great to get out in the lead just so I had a chance to see in front of me! Unfortunately though that wasn't the case for a lot of the race and we had some things work against us so we couldn't bring it home where we wanted to. But I'm looking forward to getting the chance to run again at Watkins Glen because I think this Coyote-Porsche V8 package will be really strong there."
Shortly after he was finished posting a strong Rolex qualifying effort on Saturday, another opportunity popped up as Cosmo was called to co-drive with young up and coming racer Andrew Carbonell for Freedom Autosport in the KONI Challenge race. Jumping in at the last minute to race a car that had the motor in front of him for the first time in ages, Cosmo was once again promptly up to speed despite the change of scenery and machinery.
But after Carbonell had an outstanding opening stint up front, Cosmo had loads of work to do as he strapped in for the second half of the race after a long pit stop sent him back in the pack. But Cosmo made the most of what he had, and fought his way back up the order to finish 4th at the checkered flag.
"It was too bad because that car was no doubt capable of winning this race today, said Cosmo. "It's a fun challenge to jump into a strange car at the last minute and just race, and it went really well once we got the car out of the pits and on to the track. I was hoping to get back onto a KONI Challenge podium again, but it was still good to get Andrew a solid points finish and I want to thank Freedom Autosport for giving me this call."
That schedule will get busy again next weekend, as Cosmo returns to ALMS action in the Larry Miller Dealerships event at Miller Motorsports Park. Cosmo will drive in the Challenge Class in the event with co-driver J. Baker making his ALMS debut in Porsche GT3 machinery. Cosmo will be in action both as a racer and as a coach, which should keep him busy, just like he likes to be. Braman Client Patrick Tsang wins FREE 3-day Skip Barber Race Course Patrick Tsang experienced the "serious fun" of the most prestigious racing school in the world; Skip Barber, at a weekend sponsored by Braman Motorcars. Patrick won the 3-day, $3,700 event ticket from a Braman e-blast raffle. Yes, it pays to be on our mailing list!
Each day began with a short classroom "chalk talk," then it was on the race track at the famous Sebring race track.
"The sessions were very well organized and perfect for a novice or racers working towards a professional career. " stated Patrick. "Lessons learned in class and on the track included braking, apex, down shifting, race starts and car dynamics were invaluable." he continued.
Braman
Events representatives have been in talks with the prestigious race school for some time in
conjunction with partnerships at the all new Palm Beach International
Raceway in Jupiter to provide it's clients the best track experiences available
anywhere on the planet from an automotive dealership.
"We started out with an average of 3,500 rpm on the formula cars on day one and ended with 5,000 rpm average and unlimited rpm on straight away hitting 100 mph on Day 3." Patrick reported. "We must have covered heart pumping 80 miles on the track in three days. It was a thrilling experience. Braman really sets itself apart by hosting and sponsoring customers on great autocross and driving school events. I can?t wait for the next Braman autocross event." concluded Patrick.
Join Braman Motorcars for the next Competition Series Event on December 14th.
The new Palm Beach International Raceway New ownership and total renovation of Moroso Motorsports Park
Jupiter, Florida: Following a total renovation, a new Palm Beach International Raceway has emerged. This striking transformation is now well under way, and the completion of an all-new road course, currently awaiting FIA approval, has transformed the look and feel of the facility.
The new owners are also proud to announce their Wayne McMurtry-designed all-concrete drag strip with excellent run-off and safety facilities. As the track meets the latest safety standards in all forms of drag racing, it can accommodate one-eighth mile, Junior Dragster, quarter-mile Sportsman and Pro classes if and when the sanctioning bodies and teams wish to return to this new facility.
Testing dates for drag strip and road course will be announced next week.
Keep your eye on Palm Beach International Raceway?it?s on the move.
For further information contact:
Palm Beach International Raceway 17133 Beeline Highway, Jupiter, FL 33478
Telephone (561) 622-1400 or fax (561) 626-2053 Editors? Contact: Victor Moore (706) 531-0058 Vic@MooreGoodInk.com