Audi Auto Union type D with Nick Mason

Ingolstadt/Goodwood – Audi Tradition is marking this year's Festival of Speed at Goodwood, England (July 11 to 13, 2008) with a world debut. At the largest classic car racing event in the world, the Ingolstadt company will be taking the wraps off an absolutely authentic reconstruction of the original Auto Union "Silverarrow" Type D Dual Compressor from 1939.
Construction of this racing car, the original version of which won two Grand Prix races at the hands of H.P. Mόller and Tazio Nuvolari, took four years. The "Silverarrow" will be taken on its maiden drive by Nick Mason, the Pink Floyd drummer, in front of some 150,000 spectators at Goodwood.
Thomas Frank, Head of Audi Tradition, commented: "We are delighted that we now have this car in our collection. And where better to give it its first outing than in the UK? We believe that this gesture is a fitting tribute to the people whose unique craftsmanship has brought this extraordinary car back to life." The "new" Auto Union Type D was constructed entirely in England. The specialist workshop Crosthwaite & Gardiner in East Sussex was able to call on almost 30 years of experience in reconstructing Auto Union "Silverarrow" cars. On the other hand the bodywork specialists at Roach Manufacturing, near Southampton, had only a handful of historic photos as their basis.
When Auto Union was broken up by the occupying Soviet forces in East Germany after the Second World War, not only were all Auto Union racing cars lost. Most of the technical documents, too, vanished without trace. The Type D racing car is the last version of the Auto Union "Silverarrow" cars (1934 to 1939) to be developed by Auto Union's Racing Division in Zwickau. In an effort to make the 420 hp twelve-cylinder engine in the Type D even faster, the single-compressor version from 1938, the year it made its debut, mutated into a dual-compressor version. This boosted the power output by 65 horsepower, but also necessitated various modifications to the body. The racing car's tail end took on a hump shape to accommodate the dual compressor, coupled with a long air intake pipe, and the nose was made flatter. The resulting modified Type D only made its debut mid-way through the 1939 season in the Belgian Grand Prix. This meant that Keith Roach and his team had very few photos to serve as a guide. He is nevertheless very satisfied with the results: "It is one of our all-time masterpieces." Roach Manufacturing had already built a reproduction of the streamlined body of the record-breaking Auto Union Type C from 1937 based on photos. This vehicle is now on show at the Audi museum mobile.
The Auto Union Type D that is about to make its debut will be the last "Silverarrow" replica to be commissioned by Audi Tradition. Thomas Frank, Head of Audi Tradition, continued: "Our Auto Union Type D from 1938, which to a very large extent is made from original parts and has been exhibited at racetracks for a number of years, will go on display in the Audi museum mobile in the medium term. One reason for this decision is that we need to avoid it being damaged. The new replica will take its place. We will thus still be able to give people the extraordinary experience of witnessing this car in action."
In Nick Mason, Audi has found a worthy pilot for its maiden outing. The Pink Floyd drummer is a leading proponent of classic car racing in Great Britain. Mason has driven in the Le Mans 24 Hours on five occasions and is the proud owner of a notable collection of racing cars whose value is in the mid-range double-digit millions. He already drove an Auto Union racing car at Goodwood in 2007: the 1936 Type C. And he is really relishing the prospect of this year's competition: "I must have done something right last year if Audi Tradition is now prepared to let me take to the wheel for this maiden trip. But seriously, it's a huge honour, which I sincerely appreciate."
Nick Mason will not be the only driver representing Audi in the Goodwood line-up. Five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela is making a return to the home country of motor racing in the very same Audi A4 Supertouring in which he won the 1996

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). "I'm really pleased to be taking part in Goodwood – in my very own former racing car, to boot! That's just great!" declared Biela. Audi Sport will also be exhibiting the winning car from Le Mans, the Audi R10.

End
The four rings of the Audi badge symbolise the brands Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, which were later combined under the umbrella of Auto Union. Auto Union and NSU, which merged in 1969, made many significant contributions towards the development of the car. AUDI AG was formed from Audi NSU Auto Union AG in 1985. Together with the two traditional companies Auto Union GmbH and NSU GmbH, Audi Tradition nurtures and presents the deep and diverse history of Audi. The Audi museum mobile at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt is open daily from Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Audi

Volkswagen highlights commitment to environment by showcasing Tiguan HyMotion concept, clean diesel TDI’s and efficient 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its broad range of near-term and future fuel-efficient powertrain technologies with the all-new 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan, the upcoming 2.0 liter Jetta TDI and the North American debut of the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept.
Originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the Tiguan HyMotion highlights the current state of Volkswagen’s hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The Tiguan HyMotion features a hydrogen fuel cell system, which provides over 107 horsepower and produces zero tailpipe emissions (clean water vapor is its only bi-product). The innovative new Tiguan builds upon Volkswagen’s ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion.
Volkswagen has long been committed to fuel efficient, environmentally responsible vehicles and this is evident with the new Tiguan utility vehicle and the Jetta TDI, offered in both sedan and SportWagen body styles. These vehicles provide efficiency, utility and performance in the refinement and interior appointment that is the hallmark of all Volkswagen vehicles. The well-refined four cylinder turbocharged engines – the Jetta utilizing Volkswagen’s TDI technology and the Tiguan the fuel efficient TSI – provide ample horsepower and prodigious torque to make these vehicles sporty, efficient and fun to drive.

Tiguan HyMotion
The Tiguan HyMotion concept features a fuel cell system integrated in the engine compartment capable of 107 horsepower. With an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion advances to 134 horsepower. The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds.
A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. The battery is charged by recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell. This increased functionality and efficiency does not impair the interior space of the vehicle. The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2).

Basic operation of fuel cells
The key component of each individual fuel cell – a number of them are combined into a stack – is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle.
In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or “cold” combustion process. The generated “exhaust” is clean water vapor.
The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates – the power – via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier – to one or more electric motors. The Tiguan HyMotion is nearly silent when driven, and it is emissions-free.

Current Fuel Efficient Vehicles
Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience all come standard with the 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. The eagerly anticipated, 50-state compliant clean diesel TDI’s come to the United States in August 2008.
The Jetta TDI will have an immediate impact on fuel savings in a big way – up to 35 percent savings compared to a similar gasoline engines. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway.
Volkswagen engineers have been able to reduce NOx emissions by 90 percent on the TDI engine, through internal engine modifications and new catalytic converter technologies. This advance in diesel technology allows the Jetta TDI to exceed the toughest emissions requirements, including the “LEV2” standard, which limits NOx emissions to 70 mg per mile.
The new Tiguan comes standard with a 2.0L TSI engine delivering turbocharged acceleration while maintaining responsible fuel efficiency of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This award winning turbocharged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs –ft of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. Adding to increased efficiency is a choice of either six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission options.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.

VW

Mitsubishi Motors unveils Lancer Sportback at Paris Motor Show

- Lancer Ralliart 4WD sports sedan also on display-

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer^*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

*1 Named the Galant Fortis in Japan

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC^*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system

Mitsubishi

G 55 AMG

Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

The inclusion of some of the latest technology has made this classic from the AMG stable fit for the future. Thanks to the integration of a new engine control unit, the performance of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine has been nudged up from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle’s effortless performance, with the G 55 AMG accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The upgraded G 55 AMG also features improvements in the areas of safety and comfort. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, now boasts a new and more powerful control unit, incorporating a transverse acceleration control to allow more precise recognition of dynamic driving situations and thus provide even better vehicle stability. In addition, the new G 55 AMG now comes with a hill-start assist. A sensor recognises whenever the off-roader comes to a halt on an ascending gradient. The system instantly memorises the braking pressure applied and maintains this for a short instant, giving drivers sufficient time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward. The big advantage of this technology is that in most cases it eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

Discreet but effective design modifications

The new G 55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including
a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.

Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

New COMAND APS and designo leather upholstery fitted as standard

The G 55 AMG also underscores its exclusive character with designo leather upholstery, which is standard and now features a new silver-coloured designo emblem on the front backrests. The seats are colour-coordinated with the designo decorative wood trim as well as the wood/leather steering wheel and the redesigned wood/leather selector lever bearing a G 55 logo. Also new is the interior roof lining made of anthracite Alcantara. Helping to enhance passenger comfort, particularly in the summer months, are the new climatised seats, which are available for the first time with this model.

Drivers of the new G 55 AMG will also benefit from the latest generation of telematics equipment developed by Mercedes. The standard equipment COMAND APS system boasts a high-definition 6.5-inch colour display, rapid HDD navigation with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone systems, a 4 GB memory for music files, and a slot for SD memory cards. Also available as an option is a DVDchanger and a universal interface for plugging in USB sticks, iPods, or other external audio devices.

The G 55 AMGis only available as a long-wheelbase station wagon with five doors. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of
121,618 euros (incl. 19 percent sales tax).

Mercedes