Peugeot Onyx Concept

Pežo je uvek imao dobre reklame.

Pogledajte spot za novi Peugeot Onyx Concept Car

The Audi crosslane coupé

The Audi crosslane coupé makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show

Audi provides a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupé concept car. This vehicle is an entirely new fusion of technology, engineering and design, and provides pointers to the design language of Audi’s future Q models.

With a Multimaterial Space Frame, the vehicle concept strikes out along entirely new paths with regard to weight, costs and energy usage over its lifecycle, and is an evolutionary stage of Audi ultra – the lightweight construction principle from Audi.

An innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive based on a purpose-designed

1.5-liter three-cylinder TFSI and two electric motors redefines the benchmark, with fuel consumption of only 1.1 liters per 100 km (213.81 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per mile).

The result is a cosmopolitan vehicle that will appeal to young, sporty customers in particular thanks to its removable roof and the customizable services available under the Audi connect concept.

Pioneering concept: the Multimaterial Space Frame

The Multimaterial Space Frame of the compact Audi crosslane coupé is comprised of three materials – aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The concept car has an unladen weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064.43 lb), including the large lithium-ion battery.

The aluminum profiles form a continuous, rigid structure around the occupant cell. Beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grille, which performs a supporting function and is also made from aluminum, with the occupant cell.

The front and rear crash structures are made from CFRP and the supporting CFRP structures inside the occupant cell include the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead, and the cross-members in the floor. Surface GFRP components with partial CFRP reinforcements complete the body concept.

Audi is convinced that the highly integrated Multimaterial Space Frame is the right path to the future. Its weight is of the same magnitude as a monolithic body of CFRP. It also offers convincing advantages in terms of costs to the customer and its energy usage in a life cycle assessment.

Innovative: dual-mode hybrid concept

The plug-in hybrid drive of the Audi crosslane coupé, which is described as a dual-mode hybrid, is as innovative as it is efficient. It comprises a combustion engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission; its system power is 130 kW (177 hp). The Audi crosslane coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds, and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 182 km/h (113.09 mph). Its average fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 liters per 100 km (213.81 US mpg) and it emits 26 grams per km (41.84 grams per mile) of CO2. The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient for an operating range of around 86 km (53.44 miles) in the electric mode.

The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with a displacement of 1.5 liters, delivering an output of 95 kW (130 hp) and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. It develops an output of 50 kW (68 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. Electrical traction is provided by the second electric motor (EM 2) developing 85 kW (116 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission makes it possible to connect the combustion engine complete with alternator to the remainder of the drivetrain by means of a claw clutch.

The dual-mode hybrid concept enables different operating modes. From 0 up to 55 km/h (34.18 mph), drive power is supplied solely by the EM 2, which draws the energy it needs primarily from the battery. In serial mode, the combustion engine and the alternator (EM 1) produce electrical energy to support, relieve or substitute the battery should it be discharged.

The electric mode is possible up to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). Starting at about 55 km/h (34.18 mph) the drive system allows the TFSI engine together with the alternator to couple to the drivetrain – in this hybrid mode, the drive sources combine to optimize both efficiency and performance. Above 130 km/h (80.78 mph), the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required.

The driver of the Audi crosslane coupé can choose between the “cruise” and “race” settings. The “cruise” mode prioritizes electric driving. The driver does not notice either gear changes or the power source kicking in. When the TFSI is running, its engine speed is always adapted to the road speed – without a “rubber-band” effect. The high efficiency of the transmission makes the dual-mode hybrid drive especially efficient in urban traffic.

Forward-looking: exterior design

The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupé is 4.21 meters long (13.81 ft), 1.88 meters wide (6.17 ft) and 1.51 meters high (4.95 ft), with a wheelbase of 2.56 meters (8.40 ft). Its body design comes across as powerful and striking, and it already provides a foretaste of the design language of a future generation of Audi Q models.

The single-frame grille, which is subdivided into several segments by struts, dominates the front end. Its prominent frame is integrated into the Multimaterial Space Frame as a supporting element. This solution symbolizes the philosophy behind the Audi crosslane coupé: a totally new fusion of basic concept, technology and design.

The trapezoidal headlights use Audi Matrix LED headlight technology. Small, individually controllable light-emitting diodes generate all lighting functions, and microreflectors enable their precise positioning. The bumper incorporates large, mainly smooth-surfaced air intakes. Through two narrow openings in the front lid it is possible to glimpse the upper aluminum members of the Multimaterial Space Frame.

Along the sides, the horizontal edges are the dominant feature above the wheels. The low greenhouse tapers into a very flat C-post, emphasizing the coupé-like character of the Audi crosslane coupé. The doors extend a long way down thanks to the space frame design, which allows very low sills. The doors open to reveal the aluminum structures of the Multimaterial Space Frame.

The tail lights are a variation on the motif of the headlights; the trunk lid seam divides them each into two segments. The bumper, the lower section of which is made from CFRP, incorporates an aluminum diffuser that extends quite some way up. The roof element comprises two CFRP shells and weighs slightly less than ten kilograms (22.05 lb). The driver and front passenger can unlatch it by an electric drive, remove it from the body structure and fit it over the trunk.

Moveable: trunk

The trunk forms a separate pan within the body structure; it is attached to the backs of the rear seats, which are separate from the seat cushions. At the press of a button, the entire unit travels about 40 cm (15.75 in) forward electrically; this is how the latched roof reaches its end position, in which it protects the luggage. At the same time, the level surface under the trunk becomes accessible, and it offers a flat storage space for dirty or wet objects.

The driver and front passenger sit on electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. The center console integrates a large selector lever, which is electrically extended when the car is started; it is used to control the hybrid drive. The spokes of the steering wheel incorporate control surfaces for the thumbs, which the driver can use to carry out most functions. These can also be controlled just as intuitively from a large touchpad on the center console.

The low dashboard is very clearly turned towards the driver. The air conditioning controls incorporate miniature displays. The virtual displays in the instrument cluster can be toggled between two different levels, and a powermeter visualizes the drive system’s operating statuses.

The Audi crosslane coupé introduces new online services under the key word Audi connect. Its passengers are always connected to the Internet community – via Twitter, Facebook or by sending photos and videos recorded on the road. A completely new feature is the “Escape Manager” – a program passengers can use to review and comment on the routes they are driving for their friends.

Geometric clarity: interior design

The interior design of the Audi crosslane coupé continues the design language of the exterior in the geometrical clarity of its basic shapes; instrument covers and the grilles on the air nozzles, for example, take up the trapezoidal theme. The narrow gap dimensions and three-dimensional surfaces reflect Audi’s uncompromisingly high quality standards.

The dominant interior material of the Audi crosslane coupé is CFRP, which is used in a number of different variations. On the dashboard cowl, for instance, the composite fibers are all aligned in a single direction; this unidirectional arrangement is a new departure in the automotive sector. The CFRP parts are slightly lighter in color in some areas and darker in others, an effect achieved by different clear coat applications.

The aluminum elements, too, are used in a subtly differentiated way. Most of them are machine-polished, but the air nozzles use a black anodized light alloy. The vehicle floor is made from glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) incorporating sections of a new material: Thick cords are woven with rubber threads to form a hard-wearing carpet.

In their leather selections, Audi designers also employed various material grades. The most widely used grade is soft semi-aniline leather. Velvet leather in black provides an enlivening contrast. It has a robust, slightly coarse surface reminiscent of suede.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Source: Audi Media Services

Fantastično!!!

IEDEI

Bentley is coming back to Le Mans!  And would you just look at this beauty.  The Bentley Continental GT3.  Most excellent, sir.

I’m still trying to get over how i’ve posted 2 entries about the Bentley Continental in 1 week.   Don’t get the wrong idea….i’m not that into the Continental….or Bentleys for that matter…but both photos are quite interesting I must say.

Is this an Audi R8 in disguise? i’m almost certain it is.  Does this mean that Audi will be bringing the R8 to Le Mans after 2013? I would certainly assume so.  Domination in different classes is sure to ensue….

 

a video of the big beast in action:

src:  Audi Sport

View original post

2012 The new Audi S3

•       New 2.0 TFSI with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection
•       Ample power and minimal consumption: 221 kW (300 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) torque, but just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg)
•       From zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds

221 kW (300 hp) of power and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque – the third-generation Audi S3 raises the bar once again. Scheduled to launch in early 2013, the lightweight premium compact model combines its dynamic performance with groundbreaking efficiency and comes packed with all the high-tech Audi has to offer in every field of technology.

Engine

The long-stroke 2.0 TFSI in the Audi S3 has been developed from scratch. The only thing it has in common with its predecessor, which was named Engine of the Year five times in a row between 2005 and 2009, is its displacement of 1,984 cc (bore x stroke 82.5 x 92.8 millimeters [3.25 x 3.65 in]). The four-cylinder unit delivers a constant 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm. Rated power at 5,500 rpm is 221 kW (300 hp), and the engine redlines at 6,800 rpm.

The S3 delivers impressive performance. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) is completed in 5.1 seconds when equipped with the S tronic (5.4 seconds with the manual transmission). The electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is just a formality. The S3 with S tronic consumes on average just 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (manual: 7.0 liters) [34.09 and 33.60 US mpg]. This corresponds to CO2 emissions 159 (162) grams per kilometer (255.89 and 260.17 g/mile) and for models equipped with the manual transmission, an improvement of 1.5 liters compared with the previous version.

The powerful four-cylinder engine features two balance shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft for tremendous smoothness. The sound is emotion-inspiring and sporty. An electromechanical sound actuator at the bulkhead brings the engine sound to life in the cabin. The exhaust system also includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges to give the S3 a sportily sonorous sound.

The 2.0 TFSI boasts groundbreaking solutions in many fields of technology. One of these is the additional use of indirect injection. It supplements the FSI gasoline direct injection at part load to reduce consumption and particulate emissions. FSI injection, which works at pressures up to 200 bar, is used when starting and at higher loads.

The developers achieved new degrees of freedom when it comes to filling the combustion chambers. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system varies the stroke of the valves in two stages; the camshaft on the intake side can be adjusted steplessly through 30 degrees of crankshaft angle while 60 degrees of adjustment is available on the exhaust side. The compression ratio of 9.3:1 is unusually high for a turbocharged engine.

The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head, where it is bathed in coolant. This solution lowers the temperature of the exhaust and accelerates warmup following a cold start, which lowers consumption during the cold-start phase. This concept also has a positive effect on fuel consumption during sporty driving because full-load enrichment is no longer necessary. The large turbocharger is also a new development. It achieves a maximum boost pressure of up to 1.2 bar for even more spontaneous engine response. A high-performance intercooler integrated into the water circuit greatly reduces the temperature of the compressed air and thus increases the amount of air required for combustion.

With the 2.0 TFSI’s innovative thermal management system, two rotary slide valves consolidated in a single module regulate the flow of coolant. These valves ensure that the engine oil heats up to its operating temperature soon after the vehicle is started; they also maintain the coolant temperature, as per a given driving situation, between 85 and 107 degrees Celsius (185.0° F and 224.6° F). As a result – regardless of load or engine speed – the valves always strike the perfect balance between minimal friction and high thermodynamic efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been designed specifically for use in the new Audi S3. Pistons with stronger bolts and new rings plus reinforced connecting rods with new mounts transfer the power to the crankshaft. The gray cast iron crankcase has been reinforced at the main bearing seats and the main bearing cover.

The cylinder head is made of a new, particularly lightweight aluminum-silicon alloy characterized by high strength and temperature resistance.

An innovative coating on the piston skirts and mounting the balance shafts in roller bearings keep internal friction low. The regulated oil pump only consumes as much energy as is necessary for the current driving situation.

Despite its complexity and the high performance, the new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148 kilograms (326.28 lb) – more than five kilograms (11.02 lb) less than the previous engine. The dimensions are compact: 603 millimeters (23.74 in) long, 678 millimeters (26.29 in) wide and 664 millimeters (26.14 in) high.

Transmissions

The new Audi S3 comes standard with a manual six-speed transmission with a lightweight magnesium case. The optional S tronic boasts high efficiency and a tall sixth gear. The lower gears are short in the interest of dynamics, as is also the case with the manual transmission.

The S tronic comprises two subunits, with two multi-plate clutches controlling the gears. The large K1 clutch located on the outside directs the torque via a solid shaft to the gear wheels for gears 1, 3 and 5. A hollow shaft rotates around the solid shaft. It is connected to the smaller K2 clutch, which is integrated inside its larger sibling, and which acts on the gear wheels for gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as reverse.

Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one of them is connected to the engine at any one time. For example, when the driver accelerates in third gear, the fourth gear is already engaged in the second transmission section. Shifts are performed by switching the clutches. This takes just a few hundredths of a second and happens so quickly and smoothly that it is barely perceptible.

S tronic can be operated using the short selector lever or with the optional paddles on the steering wheel. It includes the modes D and S in addition to manual mode. The driver can activate launch control at the push of a button. This manages starts with controlled tire slip to deliver maximum engine power to the road.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive is an integral component of the powertrain. It gives the new top model in the A3 series a decisive edge over its two-wheel-drive competition. The Audi S3 can accelerate earlier and more safely when exiting a corner. It remains dynamic and stable under all conditions, particularly in the rain and snow.

The heart of the quattro drive system is an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. In the interest of balance axle load distribution, it is located at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear axle differential.

Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath. The metal friction rings are arranged behind one another in pairs – one ring of each pair is rigidly meshed with the housing, which rotates with the prop shaft; the other ring is meshed with the output shaft to the rear axle differential.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together via controlled action. An axial piston pump generates the necessary pressure almost instantaneously.

Chassis

The new Audi S3 offers the dynamic driving characteristics of a sports car. It responds to steering input precisely and spontaneously, and takes all types of corners at high speed and with little body movement. Its handling is precise, safe and virtually neutral.

One reason for this performance is the finely balanced distribution of the axle loads. The front axle has been shifted forward 52 millimeters (2.05 in) compared with the previous model. The new 2.0 TFSI is 5 kilograms (11.02 lb) lighter than the previous engine and is installed tilted backward by 12 degrees. This layout is a result of the Group’s modular transverse platform, on which the new Audi S3 is based.

The subframe, the pivot bearings in the McPherson front axle, the crash management system, the front fenders and the engine hood are made of aluminum. All together they save 17 kilograms (37.48 lb) of weight. The front wheel suspension has a track width of 1,535 millimeters (60.43 in). A stabilizer bar is used front and rear.

Another innovation in the Audi S3 is progressive steering. The steering rack is geared in such a way that the ratio varies. It is somewhat more indirect around the center and very direct when steered sharply. For the driver, this technology combines a pleasantly smooth character when driving straight ahead with highly spontaneous response in tight corners.

The powerful electric motor providing the servo boost harmonizes perfectly with the character of the steering system, decreasing its output as speed increases. It consumes no energy when driving straight ahead and thus reduces fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers. The progressive steering works closely together with various systems on board the new S3, such as the standard rest recommendation and the optional Audi active lane assist and park assist systems.

The four-link rear suspension has a track width of 1,511 millimeters (59.49 in). Its sword-shaped trailing links absorb the propulsion and braking forces. Their bearings are large and relatively elastic in the interest of a more comfortable ride. On the other hand, the three wishbones per wheel for absorbing lateral forces are attached very rigidly to the steel subframe for improved handling. All of the bearings are sportily taut compared with the A3.

The links of the rear axle are made of high-strength steels; the wheel carriers are aluminum. The shock absorbers and the compact coil springs are separate from one another, resulting in sensitive response and a high luggage capacity. The sport suspension lowers the body by 25 millimeters (0.98 in) compared with the A3.

The new Audi S3 rolls on 7.5 J x 18 alloy wheels with 225/40-series tires. The wheels sport an S-specific design with five parallel spokes. They are produced using sophisticated flow forming technology, in which the outer rim is rolled out over a cylinder at high pressure and high temperature. While the system is shaping the wheel blank it is also strengthening the material, which allows for thinner wall thicknesses – the wheel is lighter, yet stronger. Despite their dynamic performance, the tires also feature low rolling resistance and thus contribute to the efficiency of the Audi S3.

The brakes of the new S3 can be very precisely metered. The pedal feel is spontaneous and firm. The front discs are internally vented and measure 340 millimeters (13.39 in) in diameter. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S3 logos. The new electromechanical parking brake, which the driver operates via a button, is integrated into the rear axle brake system. The latest evolution of the ESC electronic stabilization control intercedes very precisely.

Audi drive select comes standard in the new Audi S3. It incorporates the characteristics of the electronic accelerator, the boost of the progressive steering and the shift points of the optional S tronic. The driver determines with the push of a button whether these systems operate in comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual mode. In individual mode (available with the MMI radio or above), drivers can compose their own preferred profile within certain limits.

In efficiency mode, the function of the standard deluxe automatic air conditioning, the cruise control or adaptive cruise control and the adaptive light is modified for optimal fuel consumption. In this case, the S tronic switches to coasting mode when the driver takes his or her foot off the gas pedal.

Another optional module integrated into Audi drive select is the electromagnetic damper control system Audi magnetic ride. A synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopically small magnetic particles circulates within the damper pistons. When a coil applies a voltage, the particles align perpendicular to the direction of flow of the oil, impeding its flow through the channels in the pistons.

The control unit constantly analyzes the condition of the road and the driver’s style, repeatedly adapting the damper forces within milliseconds. The driver can choose between three modes. The new S3 is balanced in normal mode and tightly connected to the road in sport mode. Steering response becomes even more spontaneous, and yaw movements are largely suppressed.

Body

Ultra lightweight construction is an Audi core competence. The new S3 weighs no more than 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lb), a value that is easily the best in its competitive environment. Compared with the previous model, curb weight has been reduced by 60 kilograms (132.28 lb). Thanks to hot-shaped, high-tech steels, the body-in-white alone represents a weight saving of 28 kilograms (61.73 lb) over the previous model. The large aluminum parts in the front section of the car round out the lightweight construction concept.

The three-door body of the S3 is also very stiff, crash-safe and quiet. A noise-insulating windshield is standard. The coefficient of drag is just 0.33. The new Audi S3 is 4,254 millimeters (13.96 ft) long, 1,777 millimeters (5.83 ft) wide and 1,435 millimeters (4.71 ft) tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,595 millimeters (8.51 ft), 17 millimeters (0.67 in) more than its predecessor.

Exterior design

The new Audi S3 has a firm and sporty road stance. Each element of the design is precise and distinctive. The athletic sculpture with the low engine hood, the characteristic tornado line below the windows and the sharply sloped C-pillars stretch the body visually. Audi supplies xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard. The flat rear lights, into which the adaptive brake light is integrated, are also fitted with light-emitting diodes.

The xenon-based Audi adaptive light swivels into curves. It is also linked to the navigation system and can be upgraded with special lighting functions of urban, interurban and highway driving, as well as for intersections and tourist attractions. When combined with the front-facing camera, the light-dark boundary of the headlights is automatically and steplessly adjusted for substantially improved visibility and safety.

A true first in the premium compact class are the optional LED headlights, which previously have only been available in full-size models. The low beams are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips. Ten high-performance LEDs in the matt aluminum trim provide the high beams. Depending on the features chosen, the high beams are switched on automatically and LED cornering lights illuminate tight corners. Interurban, highway and tourist attraction lighting round out the lighting convenience functions. The all-weather lights enhance safety in fog or snow.

The Audi S3 sports the S-specific single-frame grille as a symbol of uncompromised sportiness. The frame has an aluminum-look finish, and the insert is matt platinum gray. The horizontal double bars also shine in an aluminum-look finish. The newly designed bumper features aluminum-look double ribs integrated into the lateral air inlets. Pronounced edges frame the large air inlets with the high-gloss black honeycomb inserts. Additional implied air openings are found toward the wheels.

When viewed from the side, the aluminum-look exterior mirrors and the pronounced side sills catch the eye. The rear bumper has also been redesigned. The platinum gray diffuser houses the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes, which sport chrome tips. A large roof spoiler generates downforce on the rear axle.

S badges adorn the rear and the single-frame grille. Highlights among the 14 colors available for the Audi S3 are the exclusive crystal-effect finishes Panther Black and Estoril Blue.

Interior

The athletic design of the exterior carries over into the interior. A distinct arch encircles the instrument panel; slim and low, the instrument panel appears to float on the center console. Large, round air vents, the elegant control panel for the air conditioning and the decorative inlays in matt brushed aluminum or a black 3D look provide exquisite accents. The controls are clear and intuitive, as in every Audi. The quality is unsurpassed and there is a generous amount of room. Luggage capacity is 365 liters (12.89 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,100 liters (38.85 cu ft) by folding down the rear seats.

The instrument dials are gray, the needles white. Another S-specific feature can be found on the tachometer, which now includes a boost pressure indicator. The driver information system with rest recommendation is standard; the power-retractable on-board monitor (standard with the MMI radio and above) powers up to display a special S3 screen when the ignition is turned. The optional leather multifunction sport steering wheel has been redesigned with the flat-bottomed rim. In models equipped with S tronic, it also has aluminum-look shift paddles. The pedals and footrest are made of brushed aluminum.

The sport seats with the pull-out seat cushions are also a new development. The seat coverings are one of three variants: In the first, the large side bolsters are covered in Pearl Nappa leather while the seat center sections are covered in cloth. The second is a combination of perforated Alcantara and Pearl Nappa leather. The third variant is a mix of Velvet leather with Fine Nappa leather. Audi also offers optional S sport seats with integrated head restraints and diamond quilting.

The interior of the S3, including the headlining, is in black with contrasting stitching. The two-color Audi design selection in black/parade red is available as an option.

S logos adorn the door sill strips, the steering wheel, the gear/selector lever knob and the instruments. The two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning and the storage package are standard in the Audi S3.

Equipment

If desired, Audi equips the new S3 with all of the groundbreaking mobile infotainment and driver assistance solutions available for the model series. Audi connect is the name for a broad range of tailored online services that network drivers with their surroundings and rapidly supply them with key information in an easy-to-comprehend format.

Audi has designed a variety of infotainment elements for using the new services, topped by MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The high-end system boasts a super-flat, power-retractable, seven-inch monitor and a new operating concept in which MMI touch is integrated into the rotary pushbutton. The Audi Phone Box connects cell phones to the vehicle in a convenient way, and the sound system from Bang & Olufsen offers pure hi-fi enjoyment, with LED light guides accentuating the woofers in the doors.

The assistance systems in the S3 come directly from the full-size class. The range begins with adaptive cruise control, which when combined with the safety system Audi pre sense front brings the car to a stop autonomously from speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), and continues through Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and camera-based traffic sign recognition to the park assist system. There are also a number of sporty and convenient options, including adaptive light (also with variable headlight range control), the convenience key and the panoramic glass roof.

The Audi S3 will arrive at dealerships in early 2013. The base price in Germany is €38,900.

Source: Audi Media Service

2012 BMW Zagato Roadster

Pebble Beach. Barely three months after the sensational premiere of the BMW Zagato Coupé, BMW and Zagato are turning heads again at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the fruits of their latest collaboration. Created in just six weeks’ worth of lavish handcraftsmanship, the BMW Zagato Roadster represents another masterful ex-ample of the traditional coachbuilder’s art and an elegant take on the sporty, masculine marker laid down by the BMW Zagato Coupé.

At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this one-of-a-kind automobile finds itself in the best possible company. Every year connoisseurs and exponents of coachbuilt clas-sics come together on California’s Pacific coastline to gorge on, mull over and be amazed by an array of automotive exotica. Indeed, you’d be hard pressed to find a more appropri-ate venue for the premiere of the BMW Zagato Roadster.

The next stage of a successful collaboration. The decision to launch another collaboration between BMW and Italian coachbuilder Zagato was made only a short time after the BMW Zagato Coupé took its first bow. En-couraged by the positive reaction to the Coupé, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice Presi-dent BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato soon agreed to take their partnership a step further. On the menu this time would be a Roadster model. “We set ourselves the challenge of preparing the car in time for the renowned Pebble Beach Concours,” ex-plains van Hooydonk. The BMW Zagato Roadster was duly conjured up in record haste, with only six weeks separating the first design idea from the finished model. “It was only with the expertise of both companies in the manufacture of high-end one-off cars and another display of outstanding teamwork that we were able to finish the car on schedule” adds the BMW design supremo.

Andrea Zagato picks up on the theme: “Our success in finishing the car in such a short space of time shows what is possible when two successful companies pool their re-sources,” says Zagato. “BMW is a high-achieving carmaker boasting a vast well of know-ledge and technical capability in this area. When you combine that with our expertise in the creation of micro-series cars and our streamlined production processes, everything is in place to produce a beautiful model like the BMW Zagato Roadster in double-quick time”.

The design – Italian finesse meets Bavarian roadster tradition. It quickly became clear that the partnership’s next jointly developed model would be a roadster. Indeed, no other concept embodies the pure fascination of motoring quite like this breed of car. With the roof down, two seats and exceptional performance, it allows the driver to experience dynamic thrills and driving pleasure with all the senses. To this heady blend the BMW Zagato Roadster adds the fineries of the Italian “dolce vita”, its designers succeeding in lending the car its own distinct character without blurring its family ties.

BMW and Zagato can both look back on a long and successful tradition of building road-sters, and the BMW Zagato Roadster sees their respective design DNAs melting into one. There is, of course, more to designing a roadster than slicing the roof off a coupé. “This car is not designed only as an elegant convertible, but also as a masculine and ex-tremely dynamic sports car which evokes a powerful driving experience” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada, describing the design philosophy behind the BMW Zaga-to Roadster. Like the BMW Zagato Coupé, the Roadster is ready to drive – and intended to be driven at high speeds.

The car’s proportions make no secret of the special driving experience that awaits the driver. The sweeping hood and long wheelbase pin the driver back close to the driven rear wheels. There, he sits low down in an ultra-sporty position inside the cockpit. The taut, hallmark BMW surface treatment and Zagato’s clearly defined distribution of visual mass lend the BMW Zagato Roadster an athletic appearance – poised and eager, de-manding to be driven.

Distinctive front-end design. A low-set kidney grille, complete with intricate z-design grating, as well as focused twin circular headlights and a three-dimensional front apron shape the expressive face of the BMW Zagato Roadster, as they do the front end of the Coupé. It is this area of the car that provides the stylistic link between the two models, giving them a clear identity, re-flecting their family ties and, at the same time, making them easily recognisable.

Overall, the BMW Zagato Roadster’s front end is very three-dimensional, wide and po-werfully formed. The nose surges forward dynamically, dipping down close to the road, and allows the BMW Zagato Roadster to cut an agile figure, crouching as if about to pounce. The contoured hood extends this aura of dynamism with its sweeping lines and taut surfaces, while a pair of air intakes carved into the hood supply the engine compart-ment with extra air and hint at the brawny powerplant inside. The focused headlights ac-centuate the car’s driver-oriented character and high-speed concept; the “razorlight” – a precise LED light strip set into the matt surface above the headlights – finishes these elements off with an extra touch of class.

Sitting low between the headlights is Zagato’s take on the BMW kidney grille, featuring matt kidney surrounds. A stand-out detail here – and one shared with the BMW Zagato Coupé – is the use of a large number of small matt-sheen Zagato “z” letters to make up the kidney grating. This arrangement injects added depth into the grating and lays on a high-quality accent for the front end.

Dynamic side view. The flanks of the BMW Zagato Roadster reflect the extrovert character of its Coupé sibl-ing. Here, the clearly defined distribution of visual mass and eye-catching tail of a Zagato blend with the hallmark surface treatment and use of forms familiar from BMW models. Together, they imbue the BMW Zagato Roadster with a distinctive and athletic allure. The black colouring of the A-pillars allows them to fade into the background and set off the sculpturing of the car’s body even more effectively.

The BMW Zagato Roadster’s silhouette outlines a poised and alert presence, the car’s sweeping hood, long wheelbase, short overhangs and low rear end merging into a taut, sporty whole. The basic choreography of lines and surfaces is similar to that of the BMW Zagato Coupé, but subtle differences are noticeable at the rear. The tail end as a whole places a greater emphasis on elegance than that of the Coupé, which shows a sharper sporting edge. The Roadster’s lines are smoother here and the rear is lower-slung. Plus, a fine additional line forges a visual connection between the sill and the rear apron to round off the rear end design in style.

Another noteworthy detail of the BMW Zagato Roadster are its roll-bars – an important design element of many roadsters and commonly an identifying feature. The roll-bars of the BMW Zagato Roadster are quintessentially Zagato. The designers took their inspira-tion for these technical components from an aircraft wing and experimented with their mass before settling on a dynamic forward-leaning focus and powerful structure. “The low, dynamic roll-bars, inspired by an airplane wing, are an eye-catcher that make the BMW Zagato Roadster recognisable from a distance” says Norihiko Harada. Their brown colour gives the roll- bars an even more prominent profile. Allow the eye to wander fur-ther back, and the car’s rump provides a harmonious conclusion to its overall silhouette. Other striking details include the air outlets adorning the Roadster’s flanks, which mirror the form of the hood vents and reproduce their dynamic theme. The silver “z” positioned below the flank vents references the BMW/Zagato collaboration.

A bird’s-eye view of the car highlights the BMW Zagato Roadster’s interpretation of the hallmark Zagato double-bubble roof in the soft-top cover. The cover uses this double-bubble element to extend the lines of the hood all the way to the rear, where it accentu-ates the muscular proportions of the rear-wheel-drive Roadster. These two roof domes – the “doppia gobba” in local parlance – are a signature feature of Zagato design and can be found on almost every Zagato car.

Sporty yet elegant rear-end design. The sharply chiselled tail of the BMW Zagato Roadster provides a fine advertisement for the exquisite talents of the Zagato body specialists. The rear end displays a seamless perfection, giving it a feel of quality – like a sculpture cast from a single mould. Here, the high degree of handcraftsmanship within the walls of the Zagato design studio and the company’s vast well of experience in working with surfaces and forms come resplendent-ly to light.

Taken as a whole, the rear of the BMW Zagato Roadster has a very broad, low-slung ap-pearance, giving the car a wide stance and planted muscularity on the road. Like those of its Coupé counterpart, the BMW Zagato Roadster’s rear lights are arranged behind black tinted glass. The glass area extends in a shallow black band around the whole of the rear end, underlining its horizontal geometry. Beneath it, the dark diffuser gives the BMW Za-gato Roadster a squat, powerful stance. Exhaust tailpipes positioned towards the outer edges of the rear add further emphasis, their matt finish contributing another flourish of quality. The body-coloured surfaces between the tailpipes draw the final lines in the dis-tinctive, low-to-the-road and broad-set looks of the rear end.

Highlights and details. The unique character of the BMW Zagato Roadster is reflected in even smaller details. The 19-inch light-alloy wheels in classically sporty five-spoke design have a hint of pro-peller about them, offering a subtle nod to the origins of the two companies: both BMW and Zagato founder Ugo Zagato took an airborne route into automotive construction. The discreetly attractive matt finish of the wheels lends the car extra allure from the side.

A very special highlight of the BMW Zagato Roadster is its paintwork. The exclusive exte-rior paint finish, a brilliant grey with impressive depth, appears to wrap the car’s body in a cloak of liquid metal. Depending on how the light hits the body, the colour spectrum ranges from dark grey to a light silver, bringing the surfaces and forms of the BMW Zaga-to Roadster to life.

The interplay of exterior and interior. The open-top nature of a roadster means it is often the interior that catches the eye first. Only later does your attention move on to the exterior and the interplay between the ex-terior and interior. The BMW Zagato Roadster zeroes in on this peculiarity and con-sciously allows the boundaries between inside and outside to blur. To this end, the colours and materials marking the transition from interior to exterior ex-ude a special exclusiveness. A strip of brown leather wraps around the interior like a rail to create a visual connection between the inside of the car and its exterior. The brown leather extends from the instrument panel over the door sill and around behind the seats, and even incorporates the roll-over bars. Embracing the driver and passenger like a large protective arm, this leather adornment provides an attractive transition into the otherwise predominantly black interior. The warm shade of brown reappears in various areas of the interior, including the contrast stitching of the seats, the steering wheel and doors, and the centre console. The interplay of colours and composition of details bathe the interior of the BMW Zagato Roadster in a sumptuous ambience, while the brown “z” embroi-dered into the seats is a further nod to its origins.

The interior itself boasts the clear structuring you would expect from BMW and invites the driver to give the machine around him a thorough workout. Details such as the sweeping horizontal lines along the inside of the doors and the full-length centre console lend a rarefied sense of exclusivity to the sporty promptings and driver focus of the inte-rior.

Zagato – a coachbuilder with a long tradition.

Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919, today Zagato is the only automotive body manufacturer still in independent ownership. From its earliest days, Zagato has taken a minimalist and pared-down approach to its creations, very much in keeping with the Milanese tradition of design. Form takes precedence over details, thanks in part to technical considerations. Body designer Ugo Zagato learned his trade in – among other industries – aviation, where aerodynamics and lightweight construction play a central role. Zagato duly applied these principles rigorously in the construction of cars and soon celebrated a rash of race victories as a body construction partner to Alfa Romeo. The “necessary beauty” of aero-dynamics and lightweight construction came to represent a maxim of design, one that has defined the form of every Zagato since.

Today, with Andrea Zagato and Marella Rivolta-Zagato, becoming the third generation of his family to take his seat at the helm, the company describes itself as a design studio combining the emotion and handcraftsmanship of body construction with the precision of state-of-the-art technology. Zagato follows coachbuilding tradition in developing only the shell of the car and leaving the mechanics of the machine untouched. More than 200 Vmax concepts, special editions and micro-series have been created in this way down the years and find appreciation among connoisseurs and collectors the world over. In-deed, all Zagatos are coveted collector’s items today and worth many times what their original owners paid for them.

Source: BMW press club