Top Nice Cars: October 2010

Audi Q7 (2011)

Even more power, even higher efficiency: Audi has revised the engine lineup for the Q7. The two gasoline engines, both V6 units but with different power outputs, are new, and so is the second-generation V6 TDI. A mighty V8 diesel completes the range. All the engines for the Audi Q7 combine two technologies: forced induction and direct fuel injection. A high-performance recuperation system that recovers energy during braking is also a standard item with all six- and eight-cylinder engines.

The new 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine embodies Audi's downsizing strategy: replacing engine displacement with supercharging. Within the 90-degree angle formed by its cylinder blocks there is an engine-driven supercharger that compresses the intake air. Two charge-air intercoolers prevent the air temperature from rising, so that the engine draws in more oxygen for the combustion process. Vigorous thrust and spontaneous throttle response make the 3.0 TFSI engine, with its sonorous note, an ideal source of power for the large high-performance SUV from Audi.

Audi R8 GT (2011)

Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents the Audi R8 GT - a limited-production version of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The Audi R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph).

The R8 high-performance sports car has been a winner from the very beginning. This applies to both the production models, winners of the "World Performance Car" Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and to the race car, the R8 LMS, which won 23 races in its first season and claimed three championships. The genes of the race version are now coming to the street - in the Audi R8 GT. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each Audi R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob.

Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro (2011)

The Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro has a lightweight cloth top with a fully automatic drive. Its body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame with large-area components of carbon fiber composite material. A fit and finish typical of Audi, excellent everyday practicality and optional high-end technologies - from LED headlights to seatbelt microphone - complete the profile of the model athlete.

Hot on the heels of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro comes another model with a V8 engine. The 4.2-liter FSI produces 316 kW (430 hp) and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h (185.79 mph). The engine is mated to the R tronic sequential manual gearbox; quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard.

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (2011)

Fascination taken to a new level of intensity: The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro combines breathtaking performance with the experience of open-top driving. The 386 kW (525 hp) V10 engine accelerates the high-performance sports car with the lightweight cloth top to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph). The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro features a fascinating package of technologies, including the Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum and carbon fiber composite, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, LED headlights and the innovative seatbelt microphone.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro captivates from the very first glance. Its lines offer a unique interpretation of the dynamics and emotion of a high-performance sports car. Two distinctive silver cowls, into which the large air intake openings are integrated, give the long back a powerful profile. Unlike the Coupé, the Audi R8 Spyder has classic air intakes behind the doors. The rear side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite.

Audi RS5 (2011)

Unbridled power lurking in a classically elegant coupé: the Audi RS5 will debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 with its 331 kW (450 hp) unleashes powerful performance while achieving remarkable fuel economy. The seven-speed S tronic and an innovative center differential in the quattro drivetrain transmit power to all four wheels.

Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS models comprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi's model range. The Audi RS5 is the latest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS2 Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class.

A close relative of the V10 which powers the high-performance Audi R8 sports car, the high-revving V8 engine delivers its output from a displacement of 4,163 cm3. Like nearly every Audi gasoline engine, this one also operates via direct fuel injection known by the abbreviation FSI. This same technology has propelled the Audi R8 racing car to four triumphs at the classic endurance race in Le Mans. The common-rail system generates up to 120 bars of pressure.

Audi S5 Sportback (2011)

The abbreviation "S" stands for sports and also high efficiency - characteristic Audi features. The Audi S5 Sportback is the top model of the new Audi A5 Sportback model series. The five-door coupe is powered by a highly efficient, supercharged V6 engine with an output of 245 kW (333 hp). Power is delivered to the wheels via the seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive; the innovative sport differential is available as an option.

The Audi S5 Sportback is powered by a three-liter V6 with a mechanically driven supercharger. The supercharger sits in the 90 degree V formed by the banks of the cylinders and produces up to 0.8 bar of pressure. Two downstream intercoolers lower the temperature of the compressed intake air for improved filling of the combustion chambers.

Audi TTS Coupe (2011)

The Audi TTS, both in Coupé and Roadster body styles, combines enthralling sportiness with cultivated comfort. Its two-liter TFSI with the large turbocharger and numerous additional modifications pumps out 200 kW (272 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. With the optional six-speed S tronic, the Audi TTS Coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds and accelerates all the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The Coupé with the S tronic consumes an average of only 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 US mpg).

18-inch wheels with 245/40-series tires, the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber system, the Sport button and a powerful brake system with four internally ventilated discs make the Audi TTS extremely dynamic. The body, which has been lowered 10 millimeters (0.39 in) versus the volume model, was given a series of design updates. The most striking of these are the single-frame grille with its aluminum-look horizontal double bars and the bumper.

Audi TTS Roadster (2011)

The Audi TTS, both in Coupe and Roadster body styles, combine enthralling sportiness with cultivated comfort. Its two-liter TFSI with the large turbocharger and many additional modifications pumps out 200 kW (272 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It accelerates the Audi TTS Coupe with the optional S tronic from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). With the S tronic, the Coupé consumes an average of only 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 US mpg).

The Audi TTS comes standard with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber technology, the Sport button and a high-performance brake system. Visual cues to its identity are provided by the 18-inch wheels with size 245/40 tires and a new grille combined with chrome air inlets. A new color combination - spectral silver/black - is available for the interior.

Audi TT Coupe (2011)

Dynamic design, enthralling performance and exemplary efficiency - the Audi TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are now more attractive than ever. The design of the lightweight bodies made primarily of aluminum and the interior have been revised with great attention to detail, while new technologies lower the fuel consumption of the compact sports car. New to the lineup is a powerful and highly efficient four cylinder: The 2.0 TFSI develops 155 kW (211 hp), but is content with an average fuel consumption of just 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.64 US mpg).

Exterior design

The second generation Audi TT Coupe and the TT Roadster have made a name for themselves as design icons, similar to their predecessors. Awards such as the 2007 "World Design Car of the Year" document this status. A brawny, broad foundation, powerful shoulders and a flat roofline - the two compact sports cars have fascinatingly masculine lines. Their dynamic appearance is now even more expressive than ever.

Citroen revamps C3 Picasso for 2011 (UK)

Citroën has revised its C3 Picasso sub-compact MPV for 2011. Revisions are strictly limited to engines and pricing.

In addition to the new Euro5 engines, Citroen will also launch a special-edition called ‘Blackcherry’.

Based upon the VTR+ model, Blackcherry features cherry red and glossy black exterior and interior updates, 17” cherry red diamond-tipped alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control w/speed limiter, Connecting Box (USB socket & Bluetooth), electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors and front electric windows. Under the bonnet lives a 90bhp, 1.6HDi diesel engine that returns 61.4mpg.

On the diesel front, the range-topping 1.6HDi 110bhp now produces 125g/km and better fuel economy of 58.8mpg.

The 1.4 VTi 95bhp petrol has combined cycle fuel economy of 44.1mpg, up from 42.8mpg. Helping to reduce fuel consumption, all C3 Picasso models are now fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres. These tyres mean specifying larger 17” alloy wheels on Exclusive models will no longer have an impact on CO2 output.

Sales start 1st November.

Lexus CT200h pricing announced (UK)

The Lexus CT200h compact hybrid car will start from £23,485 when it goes on sale in Spring 2011.

The CT200h is available in three trim-levels; SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier.

Entry-level SE-I comes equipped with 16”/17” alloy wheels, 6 speaker audio system w/USB port and Bluetooth, active brake lights, dual-zone climate control, entry & start, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers. Options will include front and rear parking sensors and a satellite navigation system, 10 speaker audio system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control.

Mid-spec SE-L cars comes with leather interior w/heated front seats and front & rear parking sensors. Two optional packages are offered with this grade; convenience pack which includes cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera and full map navigation package, packing in satellite navigation system,10 speaker sound system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control. This has a sticker price of £25,200.

Flagship SE-L Premier is equipped with LED headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera, Smart Entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, electrically folding, auto-dimming external mirrors, 13 speaker Mark Levinson sound system, HDD satellite navigation system and remote touch control. All these amenities come at a price, £30,635. Pre-crash safety (PCS) system with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lateral performance damper system will be optional.

The CT200h will be able to return 68.9mpg and emit 94g/km, Lexus claims, making it free from VED and the London Congestion Charge. Order books are open now.

Great Wall to produce cars in Bulgaria (BG)

Chinese car manufacture, Great Wall Motors is going to commence production of its passenger cars in early 2011 at its Lovech factory.

Great Wall is looking to build two sedans, an SUV and a truck for the European community. The plant has a production capacity of 50,000 cars per annum. The first 1,000 cars are expected to be produced in February 2011.

The company anticipates the production will give it wide access to the Euro market. The vehicles are likely to obtain a "Made in the EU" sticker and – without infuriating duties and taxes – will be exported throughout Europe.

The original investment is estimated at $119m and is likely to surpass $420m at a later date. The factory will give work to 1,800 people, of which 400 are highly specialised professionals from Germany, China, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.