The 2008 Audi A6

The 2008 Audi A6
By Fei Lim

With the debut of its third generation 2008 A6 model, the German-based Audi has succeeded at gaining the reputation as one of the world’s premium automakers.
First appearing in 1995 to replace the Audi 100, the A6 was redesigned in 1998 complete with a sportier body, and in the year 2000, performance was boosted with the addition of both the twin-turbo, V6, 2.7 liter engine, and the V8, 4.2 liter.

To increase the car’s aesthetics and visual appeal, the A6’s interior and exterior were completely redesigned again in 2005, and then updated with several standard features and technological equipment in 2007. Today, the 2008 sedan model is available for buyers with either a V6 or V8 engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The sleek wagon version, the A6 Avant, comes with a standard V6 engine.

Price Range

Priced considerably lower than most of its European competitors, the 2008 Audi A6 has an invoice price range of $39,943 to $52,361, and a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,950 to $56,300.

The detailed price ranges for the 2008 Audi A6 is as follows:

3.2 MSRP - $42,950, Invoice price - $39,943

3.2 with Tiptronic MSRP - $46,100, Invoice price - $42,873

4.2 with Tiptronic MSRP - $56,300, Invoice price - $52,361

New Features and Options for 2008

Beginning in 2008, every Audi A6 sedan will come standard with the past year’s “S line,” a previously optional exterior trim package, as well as the interior package that features a sportier cabin trim, along with a “lane departure” warning system. Other amenities such as headlight washers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and seatback storage pockets are also now standard features.

Some new option choices for 2008 include a new Audi navigational system, 19 inch alloy wheels, and a luxurious interior package with leather upholstery, decorative inlays, and aluminum door sills.

Body Style and Options

The exterior dimensions will depend upon the trim levels, which is the version or level of a car’s model. The 2008 Audi A6 sedan is available in both 3.2 and 4.2 trim levels, while the wagon is only available in 3.2. Some of the standard features of the 3.2 sedan are 18 inch alloy wheels, wood interior trim, dual, automatic climate controls, and a 10 speaker stereo system. The Avant wagon has the same standard features but with an added sunroof.

The luxurious, top of the line 4.2 A6 sedan features heated front seats, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, driver memory settings, and adaptive xenon headlights.

The A6 is available in a variety of exterior colors including: Brilliant Black, Dakar Beige Metallic, Daytona Gray Pearl, Ibis White, Light Silver Metallic, Misano Red Pearl, Night Blue Pearl, Oyster Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, and Quartz Gray Metallic.

Interior Design

An attractive feature that’s standard with all A6 sedans or wagons is the Multi Media Interface (MMI) management system. Using a 7 inch LCD display and a controller that resembles a computer mouse, the system controls the vehicle’s communication, entertainment, and its optional navigational functions.

Some other interior features that are standard with the A6 are air conditioning, CD player, power windows, seats, and door locks, and leather seating for five people.

The interior color choices for the A6 depend upon the exterior color and include Amaretto, Black, Cardomom Beige, or Light Gray leather.

Performance and Power

The 3.2 model features: A 3.1L V6 engine, 255 horsepower (hp) @ 6500 revolutions per minute (RPM), and the torque rating is 243 @ 3250 RPM.

The 3.2 model with Tiptronic features: A 3.1L V6 engine, 255 hp @ 6500 RPM, and the torque rating is 243 @ 3250 RPM.

The 4.2 model with Tiptronic features: A 4.2L V8 engine, 350 hp @ 6800 RPM, and the torque rating is 325 @ 3500 RPM.

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy ratings for the 2008 Audi A6 are as follows:

3.2: City miles per gallon (MPG) - 21, Highway MPG - 29

3.2 with Tiptronic: City MPG - 19, Highway MPG - 27

4.2 with Tiptronic: City MPG - 18, Highway MPG - 25

Safety Features

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the A6 performed favorably earning a top rating of “Good” for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

Every model of the 2008 Audi A6 comes equipped with several, standard safety features, including stability control, an antilock disc brake system, and front-seat side airbags, along with full-length head curtain airbags. Airbags for the rear seats of the Audi A6 are an optional choice.

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Volkwagen Golf MK1 - A Modern Day Classic

Volkwagen Golf MK1 - A Modern Day Classic
By Neil Reynolds

With the VW Golf MK1 (Rabbit in th US) Now fast becoming a ‘Modern day Classic’. There
is fast become a growing market for ‘Restored’ Cars. With the most desirable examples
i.e. the Campaign edition Commanding premium prices.

The German Built Volkswagen MK1 was first produced in April of 1974 and production continued until 1983.

Over the years the models were updated. From the metal chrome bumpers to larger plastic ones. 5 speed Gearboxes, Fuel injected engine 1600cc then the 1800cc All Followed.

The earlier models (pre 1979) Are also now becoming very desirable. The chrome bumpers alone are fetching big money.

The main problem with the earlier models is they rust. The main areas they rust are the inner front wheel arches, Outer and inner sill panels, Front and rear floor sections and the Inner rear arches. If you manage to find a good one grab it. Quality early cars can appreciate in Value and therefore will offer a good investment.

1981-83 Cars were produced in great numbers with the GTi and Convertible been the Top of the Range. Yet these still suffer really badly with rust. There are plenty of 1600 gti hatchback still around, yet finding a good one is becoming increasingly difficult. Apart from rusting they also suffer with numerous fuel Injection faults often caused by the fuel filler neck rusting. If you can get your hands on a ‘Good one’ not only will you have a good usable everyday car but a ‘modern classic’ that should increase in value.

The most desirable now among enthusiasts and collectors is the ‘Campaign’ Edition. This was made from August 1983 until 1984. This model features Factory Fitted steel Sunroof,Leather Bound steering wheel, Green tinted glass, Spring loaded fuel cap key cover , Fog lamps in the grill and Pirelli ‘P’ Alloys. The models command some serious prices. But when looking at purchasing a campaign model as the are a lot of ‘Fake’ ones out there.

Volkswagen Golf Blog for more hints and tips Volksland

VW to Release Tiguan Clean Diesel in 2008

VW to Release Tiguan Clean Diesel in 2008
By Benjamin Hudson

German car maker Volkswagen finally gets a small SUV that is based on the GTI.

With enhanced exhaust system that will yield clean gases; the Tiguan’s clean diesel is a first in the segment. Volkswagen said that like any other VW vehicle, the Tiguan is expected to be efficient and powerful.

Volkswagen’s Concept Tiguan gives the automotive industry a good glimpse of what the company’s small SUV will look like when it goes into production sometime during the forth quarter next year. The Golf-based crossover is designed to compete with the likes of the Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4 — for what many call as the race for the cute supremacy. This VW concept has a strong resemblance to its car family member, the Touareg, which is considered the big brother. However, it also takes cues from the Volkswagen Concept A that was shown last spring at the Geneva auto show.

The Concept Tiguan is quite a looker with its aggressive face and taut body lines that work well with its compact dimensions. As always, VW nicely sprinkles enough chrome and bright work around the body to give the vehicle a bit of sparkle without appearing gaudy. The car also features the black roof panel or the panoramic moon roof. It reminds people of the carbon fiber panels that BMW puts on some of its M cars. The concept also sports nineteen-inch Continental tires with body-matching orange trim and xenon headlamps that appear to float freely inside their housings.

The tires are exceptionally attractive with a fire red color in each trough. The interior has ample space that is good for five family members including the driver.

Under the hood, the Concept Tiguan has a 2.0 liter “clean TDI” diesel engine. This is what VW calls “a diesel engine of the next generation.” This motor produces 140 horsepower and 200 ft/lb of torque. It runs much cleaner than current diesel power plants thanks in part to a catalytic converter that is capable of reducing nitrogen oxides by ninety percent over today’s diesels. Of course, this “clean TDI” not only meets the strict emission standards in the U.S., but also those around the world.

When the Tiguan reaches production, buyers will have three engine options: the aforementioned diesel, Volkswagen’s impressive 2.0-liter turbo four, and possibly even a V-6.

With refined VW performance parts, the Tiguan clean diesel is another VW breakthrough in the race for clean and green cars.

For more about your VW performance parts needs like , visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Fiat Nuova 500

Fiat Nuova 500
By Papa Keren

On July 4, 1957, in Turin, FIAT presented Nuova FIAT 500, a true icon of our periods, with which FIAT concluded a rebirth which had started directly after the Second World War. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years afterwards, still at Turin, FIAT new FIAT 500 will present which will be launched on the market right after launching. And the new car will conclude an also important cycle from rebirth for the thermal spa of cars of FIAT.

Developed by the center of model of FIAT and built with the factory in Tychy (Poland), new the 500 is a model of 3 doors with very compact measurements: it is 355 centimeters length, 165 centimeters broad, of 149 centimeters large and has a footing of 230 centimeters. The car amuses extremely to lead, because of its three engines: 75 a unit of turbodiesel of BHP 1.3 16v Multijet and two gasoline engines, 69 BHP 1.2 8v and 100 BHP 1.4 16v, which are available with five or six dispatch the mechanical gear boxes.

The model confirms the uncontested control of the thermal spa of cars of FIAT in this category - a result of its extraordinary heritage of technique, design and human experience accumulated in above one century - and it takes a jump of quality ahead in terms of comfort and safety, technology and the equipment for this segment. New the 500 is the most up to date solution for the motorist that it “appreciates” its car in the complete freedom, appreciates it for the use of day in day, but also wishes to drive a car which is amusing and practical, environmental-friendly and accessible, but to also call some and full with the recreation.

General characteristics
Country of Italy origin
Year of the introduction 2007
The numbers built N/A
Design N/A of body
Weight N/A

Gear box
Engine directly 4
Before place of engine, transversely assembled
Cu litre/83.5 of displacement 1.368 insides
Valvetrain 4 valves/cylinder, DOHC
Fuel injection of fuel food
Naturally aspired aspiration
Handbook speed of the gear box 6
To lead the order to nose gear wheels motor coaches

Figures of execution
Power 100 BHP/75 kilowatts
N/A couples
BHP/Liter 73 BHP/litre
Power to weigh report/ratio N/A
Speed higher N/A
0-60 M/H of acceleration N/A

Automobile List

Fiat Punto S2000

Fiat Punto S2000

2007 Fiat Abarth Grande Punto

2007 Fiat Abarth Grande Punto
By Fei Lim

Abarth rose to fame as an independent automotive racing company that primarily used tuned Ferraris and Porsches. In 1971 Abarth was purchased by Fiat and became the racing department of Fiat as well as subsidiaries Lancia and Autobianchi. The Abarth scorpion logo became something to fear in rally and hill climb races. The Autobianchi Abarth A112 was particularly successful and popular. Fiat is now bringing the Abarth badge back with the 2007 Fiat Abarth Grande Punto. Abarth will act as its own separate division within Fiat.

The 2007 Fiat Abarth Grande Punto was revealed at Geneva this year to a very happy crowd. The new Abarth Punto looks much sleeker and sexier than past Fiat Puntos and has a very clean look due to the taillights being mounted high. This also has many sporty cues that differentiate it from a standard Fiat Punto. First of all there is a dual exhaust along with racing-style wheels. Big disc brakes and red calipers give off a sporty appearance to those who know where to look. And racing stripes along the bottom of the car make its sportiness known to even the uninitiated.

There have been Abarth editions of the Fiat Punto in the past, but they were not true Abarth cars. For one, they were created by Fiat rather than being tuned by Abarth engineers. Secondly, they did not have any true mechanical upgrades and instead featured only styling changes such as body kits. The 2007 Abarth Punto is going to be a true Abarth road car with vastly upgraded performance.

It will come with a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that makes 150 horsepower at only 5500 RPM. Even better, the car will make 155 horsepower on 98 RON gasoline, if the owner is so inclined. There will also be a booster kit available soon after the car goes on sale. This kit will allow the car to make 180 horsepower. For such a light car 180 horsepower is an extreme amount. Many American and Japanese sport compact cars make 190-230 horsepower, but they are much larger and heavier than the little Punto. Many small sporty cars like the Punto that have small high performance engines require a high engine speed to make good power. For example, many Honda four cylinders engines need to rev over 7000 RPM to make over 180 horsepower. The Abarth Punto engine is very small, but it has good mid-range power and torque. Time will tell whether the stressed-out pumped-up 1.4 liter turbo engine will be reliable in the long term, but unless the owner does any aggressive engine modifications the engine should be pretty stout.

Handling and braking, too, will no doubt be world class. However, the best part may be the price. While the car will not be marketed until September and no price is set, it will surely be less expensive than the American and Japanese sport compact cars, and will likely get better gas mileage as well. This makes the 2007 Fiat Abarth Grande Punto a perfect choice for young buyers that want an inexpensive car that will get good gas mileage and still be very fun to drive.

Abarth is also making a return to rally racing with the new Abarth Grande Punto. The 2007 Grande Punto S2000 will be entered into the Italian Rally Championship using Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta and driver and navigator. The S2000 racing version of the car will make 270 horsepower and have all wheel drive. The S2000 is also set to race in the World Rally Championship next year in hopes of getting international acclaim.

As the S2000 racing version of the Grande Punto is put through its paces on the rally courses around the world, the Abarth team will get precious data on how the car works and what can be done to improve it in racing conditions. These advances will surely trickle down to the consumer and more official parts will become available to increase the streetcars’ performance. Third party tuners will likely create products as well to fill the demand created by rally fans wanting to turn their road car into a street legal race car resembling the official Fiat Abarth rally car in looks and performance.

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Kia Sportage Review

Kia Sportage Review
By Kum Martin

The compact sport utility class is crowded with manufacturers who are looking to get a large piece of the pie. This includes the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, and the Chevrolet Equinox among many others. But one SUV that you do not hear much about is the Kia Sportage. Even though this SUV is not one of the best in the class, it is definitely worth a look depending on your tastes and budget.
The Kia Sportage starts out a very reasonable price of $16,000. Even though this is a stripped down model it is still a great buy. If you want the top of the line EX model you will have to pay approximately $22,000. But with the EX you get a V6 engine as well as four wheel drive. Two things that make the Kia Sportage very competitive at that price point.
From the outside the Kia Sportage has a nice look. It is not too boxy, and the hood slopes down at just the right angle. When you get inside the Kia Sportage you will notice that there is plenty of room for up to five passengers. The trunk area is also big enough to swallow plenty of luggage for a long trip.
If you are in the market for a compact SUV the Kia Sportage is an option that you should consider. It is offered at a better price than the competition, while also having just as much equipment. Check out the Kia Sportage if you need a quality SUV at a great price.

Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor - Glass Act or Class Act

Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor - Glass Act or Class Act
By Stephen Morgan

Peugeot billed this new release of the popular 207 range as being the car with room for a view!

Sounds interesting but is there any truth in this? For the un-initiated, the Peugeot 207 is categorised in what they call the “Super Mini” bracket of cars and the company unveiled this estate version of the car at this years Geneva Motor show and will be making the car available on the street by early 2008.

Opel Technical Development Center making Opel Vectra B

VECTRA B stylish body was designed at 1991 with computer graphics. Air tunnel in Stuttgart (Porche Lab.) and Turin (Pininfalina Lab.).

2006 Ford Mustang: Retro Cruiser

2006 Ford Mustang: Retro Cruiser
By Matthew Keegan

When Ford decided to redesign the Mustang, they opted to incorporate a retro look, much like what was done previously with the Thunderbird. Fortunately, Ford didn’t look at the ghastly Mustang II series from the 1970s for a template, instead the US automaker drew upon the second generation Mustangs of the late 1960s for their inspiration. Let’s just say that the redesigned Mustang has been nothing short of a sell out hit.