2014 Audi A8 Review

For the new model year, Audi has redesigned its flagship and made it even finer.

The Audi flagship model is now been refreshed since 2010 on the market for the new model year. Here, the 2014 Audi A8 shows in detail refined and offers more luxury and safety.

To recognize the new model year, mainly due to the new front and rear lights in LED technology and the new rear apron. Inside, new materials and colors are available, for the first time, there is also a special leather which is bleached without any chemical additives.

Of course, the requirements are particularly high in the luxury segment, Audi has positioned it as sporty as well as the A8 luxury sedan.

Technically plays the big Audi of all the cards and offers the option of up to 15 assistance systems. New are the adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, a night vision assistant with pedestrian and animal recognition and an active lane assist.

Also new and very striking are the matrix LED headlights, which not only give the A8 a very grim look, but also convince with an excellent illumination of the road.

25 LEDs per headlamp units not only provide perfect illumination of the road, but are also connected so flexible and fast that the oncoming traffic or other road users are not dazzled. The individual lighting control system gives nearly one billion (!) Different settings so that the illumination is perfect, other road rather not be blinded.

As individual as the light control can make the A8 in the interior. As before, there are 513.5 inches long, the normal version and the long version 526.5 cm.

Even in the "short" A8 can be found in the rear lot of space, the long version then provides first-class conditions and multiple adjustment options. On request, the rear seats can be air-conditioned, and equipped with an adjustable massage function. With the facelift and the boot capacity has grown and now offers 520 liters of storage space.

In the engine, customers can also choose from a wide range of possibilities. To start, the A8 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 258 hp (190 kW).

As an alternative for diesel engines, there is still the only remaining 8-cylinder diesel in the luxury car, the A8 4.2 TDI, the power to 385 hp (283 kW) is now risen.

More choices offer the petrol. The weakest version of the A8 and quattro all-wheel drive only model without the A8 hybrid comes with 245 hp (180 kW).

Alternatively, there are the 3.0 TFSI with 310 hp (228 kW), the A8 4.0 TFSI with 425 hp (320 kW), the S8 4.0 TFSI with 520 hp (380 kW) or as a top model in the A8 L W12 6.3 with 500 hp ( 368 kW).

In a first exit we could have the 3.0 TFSI, the 4.2 TDI and the 6.3 W12 enjoy. All three models share the most lush and luxurious interior with excellent workmanship and high quality material appearance. The wealth of features needed despite a clear design although a short settling time, yet one gets along very quickly.

Are very comfortable, air-conditioned leather seats with massage function, which in the case of the A8 is working really very pleasant and offers multiple settings. This control is achieved via the MMI control dial on the center console.

Even the 310 hp (228 kW) 3.0 TFSI ensures proper performance. In just 5.7 seconds, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km / hr.

Even if the noise insulation is very good with all models, so the 6-cylinder petrol engine at full speed passes through a slightly throaty sound. Be peak torque of 440 Nm is the gasoline 2900-4750 rev / min and thus has ready at hand any time a lot of power.

The 500-hp gasoline engine makes its power then of course still quiet and faster. In 4.7 seconds to reach 100 km / h mark on the speedometer, and the A8 W12 sprints further perk up the electronic seal off at 250 km / h.

Smoothness and comfort are at the highest level. Even at top speed, it is in the interior even quieter than some other cars of the middle class at 100 km / h

Thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive, the force is applied perfectly to the road in all models, and the A8 handles very athletic despite comfort. The over 5 meters in length would be driving the A8 hardly dare, because the very direct steering gives a very sporty feel.

As a reasonable and golden mean between the models is driven by us shows the 8-cylinder diesel. Even the most powerful diesel opponents would find great pleasure in the A8 4.2 TDI.

During the sprint, the strong diesel is even par and also the W12 sprints in 4.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h With its maximum torque of 850 Nm, available ready 2000-2750 rev / min, the diesel offers at any time so much force that one would leave not a single moment of W12.

Even the engine running the V8 diesel is the W12 petrol narrowly on the heels, even in the diesel can be heard beyond the 200 km / h no sound from the 385-hp diesel. Here, the diesel consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers, is also very economical way.

With the facelift, Audi A8 really improved in every detail and a sporty luxury sedan class in the program. Cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities combined with the sporty performance make the A8 a true highlight.

2013 Peugeot 208 GTI review

The 2013 Peugeot 208 is also available as a sporty GTi since spring.

With the Peugeot 205 GTi has rolled around 30 years ago , the small car segment for the first time and presents a new sporty model in this class. Today the competition is bigger, but with the new Peugeot 208 GTi again on the pulse of time . The new design of the 208 is very consistent even in the "civilian" version , as Peugeot GTi is now the crown of the series in terms of design and driving pleasure .

Visually, the Peugeot 208 GTi shows great attention to detail and not only treated with specially designed front and rear apron and rear spoiler , but above all with chrome trim elements around.

Standard equipment includes ESP, ABS, six airbags, GTi sport bucket seats in cloth / leather combination , the GTi of the interior including the dash with leatherette upholstery , a sportier look instrument panel including red ambient lighting , a GTi leather sports steering wheel, sports pedals in aluminum electrically adjustable - on folding - and heated door mirrors , 17 " - aluminum wheels, cruise control , a touch screen display including audio system with six speakers , a 2- zone climate control, a rain and light sensor, and much more.

Thus , the sporty 208 GTi presented here from the outside , so it is also in athletic interior further . With the 208 , Peugeot has indeed aligned fittings unit scratch. A high set speedometer in combination with a very small steering wheel and a widely drawn into the interior center console to increase the clarity and ease of use significantly . In practice, this is mainly in the 208 GTi that way. The far top-mounted tachometer is easy to read , and the little leather steering wheel fits perfectly with the sporty appearance of the little Frenchman .

Also, the touchscreen display on top of the center console is positioned perfectly and saves a lot of button salad in the center console. All functions except the air conditioning control can be selected and controlled via touchscreen .

Peugeot has in the interior design also placed great emphasis on detail. The ambient lighting while also falls positively on how the red trim and door panels , in which the door handle of black goes into fiery red . Are also very comfortable sport seats that offer plenty of side support and the fabric / leather combination also look very good .

Access to the rear is a bit cramped advised , but also the passengers in the rear seats is room for one car in the small car class . The boot capacity is 285 liters also properly sized , as are the shelves in the interior, in which only the cup holders were not solved optimally , because the bottles tilt at every turn from the holder.

Especially when one savors the performance of the 1.6 liter THP turbo engine in combination with its perfect road holding . The 200 hp (147 kW) turbo may already convinced from the start with plenty of power . Its maximum torque of 275 Nm , the engine already available at 1,700 r / min .

Despite front-wheel drive , the forces are transferred to the road very well without them tugging on the steering wheel like . In just 6.8 seconds from standstill to 100 km / h top speed is 230 km / h It can also fully convince the intermediate sprint of the 208 GTi . Even if you are traveling in top gear at 80 km / h in just 8.4 seconds , you can crack the 120 -km / h mark in the 5th Transition even after 6.8 seconds.

The firm suspension and sporty suspension also fit perfectly to the sport interpretation of little jester . The 208 GTi is perfect and very good on the road and allows very high cornering speeds without having had the feeling that the car no longer follow the same path taken .

However, the 208 GTi is also not too hard on long journeys and comfortable enough on longer stages. The noise level of the 1.6-liter turbo engine always remains discreet . The smooth but very direct steering also fits well with the sporty character , and you can the 208 GTi perfectly circularly around tight curves Articles . Not quite as good to us has only dropped the manual 6- speed gearbox , with the gears need to be sorted with quite some force .

Appropriate to the sporting spirit is the consumption of 7.7 liters is quite alright , but promised by the manufacturers of the 5.9 liters is slightly removed . The sporty design of the vehicle can also insert a more dynamic pace , with a lesser consumption gentler driving style is certainly possible .

With just under 4 meters in length, the 208 GTi full play and delight, although there is, of course you would rather go where the power of the 200 hp engine can be deployed better its benefits also in the city.

It's definitely nice that with the Peugeot 208 GTi again following in the footsteps of the 205 GTi and a small car in the program, which offers lots of driving fun. It must also not without luxury and comfort while sporting 208er and can already look forward to the series features a very decent dowry.

Its good performance ratio, the powerful engine and sleek design make the 208 GTi one of the most interesting representatives of the sport compact car guard, who is currently available.

New navigation services from Volkswagen

The new mobile "Car -Net " online services from Volkswagen are now available .

Among the new services include Internet-based traffic information as well as realistic environment and panoramic views via Google Street View and Google Earth. There is also a special destination search with individual "point of interest " input (POI ) . The online services are initially offered in the Golf GTI and 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD as an option. In the future it will also be extended to other vehicle models and expanded to other functions.

With the new application , the user can obtain accurate to the minute traffic information via the Internet , for example, its navigation. Thus, the indication of the distance to be moved periodically updates automatically, and adapts to the dynamic route guidance . The user is kept informed of traffic jams or road and is immediately diverted to alternative routes.

In addition, there is a new internet-based search function for points of interest. This allows the user now has the preset target searches for " gas stations ", " parking" or " restaurants " unlimited personal addition also start "Point of Interest " Search ( POI) . It is also possible to display targets as 360-degree panoramic view via Google Street View or route guides as photo-realistic map display based on satellite images via Google Earth. These representations contribute to a better orientation for unfamiliar users.

To use the new mobile online services , the user needs in connection with any of the above two models , the navigation system Discover " Pro" and the mobile phone preparation "Premium" . Another prerequisite is a Bluetooth -enabled mobile phone with a "remote SIM Access Profile " ( rSAP ) or a SIM card with data option . Phone and vehicle are interconnected, the online services can be used in full.

BMW 4 Series coupe 2013 Review

The new BMW 4 Series coupe 2013 is the successor of the 3 Series Coupé even more exclusive and sporty, which is why BMW has a number queued up and so launched the 4 series to life.

Although it is heavily based on the design of the 3 Series, the new 4 coupe but also can clearly stand out from the 3-series and brings a unique design line. In particular, the modified front end and sleek styling that is both elegant and sporty, giving the new BMW Coupé a distinctive shape.

Compared to last, the new 3 Series coupe with 4-Coupe is longer by 26 mm by 43 mm wider, but lower by 16 mm. As a result, the new coupe looks more dynamic and more muscular than its predecessor, but, thanks to the extended wheelbase by 50 mm provide more space for passengers.

By the body lowered by 10 mm and the center of gravity was lowered further, and the 4-Coupe now has the lowest current focus of all BMW models. The same time, the technicians were able to increase the stiffness by 60%, while the new coupe has become easier than its predecessor to 25 kg.

To start, there the 4 series with three different engine as 420d xDrive with 184 hp (135 kW), a 428i with 245 hp (180 kW) and a 435i with 306 hp (225 kW). The gasoline engines are now available with the xDrive all-wheel drive, diesel then from November.

In a first exit we were able to learn the 435i xDrive coupe with all wheel drive and the basic version, the 420d Coupe, better acquainted. Even the basic version sprints in combination with the 8-speed automatic fine in just 7.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, and is up to 232 km / h.

The coupe is 463.8 inches long it very well on the street and can also be high cornering speeds. The wider track and low center of gravity are very noticeable here and help the coupe to a perfect dynamics.

This will improve as the 435i xDrive. Thanks to the all-wheel drive 306 hp also be placed on a wet road skillfully on the road, and the coupe behaves very good-natured in every situation. In just 4.9 seconds, the four-wheel drive accelerates from a standstill to 100 km / h, making it 0.2 seconds faster than the version without all-wheel drive.

Apart from the excellent driving dynamics, the 4-Coupe but can also come up with a perfect sound insulation and comfort. The towards the driver-oriented dashboard precipitated by its clarity and ease of use. New in 4 Coupe is also an improved version of the iDrive system, which is now equipped with a touch pad for even easier entry of numbers and letters.

This space is for a coupe also very good, very practical is the automatic seat belt extenders for the front seats and the through-loading feature with a 40:20:40 split rear seats, making the 445-liter luggage compartment can be enlarged again.

On request there is the 4-Coupe in different "lines", customers can choose between Sport, Modern and Luxury Line, is also still an M-Sport package.

If you want even more sporty driving dynamics, can choose the optional M Sports suspension or the adaptive M suspension. Also on board is of course also the driving experience switch, can be activated via the various driving modes. In addition to the Normal mode is also a sport mode for an even sportier design of suspension, accelerator response, steering and gear ratios available.

For absolute economy of new Eco-Pro mode, the function now has a sail and a preview wizard provides features, which makes a recommendation as to when it makes sense to take the foot off the gas - eg if a roundabout with a higher speed is approached.

Optimized aerodynamics also ensures a more in thrift. The 184-hp diesel is so with only 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers find the long off, the 306 hp 7.6 liter petrol engine is supposed to be moving but also very economical. You should not miss out on the 8-speed automatic, which serves fast and smooth gearshifts and improves ride comfort.

In 2014, M version will still be at the start, and also a 4-Cabriolet will be ready for the first days of summer 2014.

2014 Audi RS Q3 starts in November

2014 Audi RS Q3 for the first time also brings an RS model in the Q family, orders are accepted from now on.

The Audi RS Q3 expanded from November 2013, the sporty RS line of Audi. Under the hood of the compact SUV werkt a 2.5 liter TFSI with 310 hp (228 kW), which helps the four-wheel drive to sporting performance.

In just 5.2 seconds the sports SUV sprints from 0 to 100 km / h, and is up to 250 km / h, then the RS Q3 is electronically limited. For the first time, the Audi five-cylinder engine is also working with a start-stop system, which the RS Q3 can also be moved very efficient in the city.

On average only 8.8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers are to be consumed. As a power transmission is a compact seven-speed S tronic. The dual clutch transmission also has a sports program in which the gears are further turned out.

Thus, the force is also placed perfectly on the road, has the RS Q3 through the quattro all-wheel drive, off-road, which also guarantees him a good progress.

Visually, you can see the sportiest in Q3 typical of the RS line design features as amended front and rear skirts, a roof spoiler and elliptical exhaust pipes.

Inside, the dynamic line continues, the sports seats are upholstered in a combination of Alcantara and leather, and the headrests Q3 RS logos are embossed. The instrument cluster is wearing gray dials with white numerals and red needles. Pedals and footrest in aluminum look and the flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel are additional features of the RS Q3 interior.

As standard, the RS Q3 comes with 19 "alloy wheels, LED tail lights, xenon plus headlights, the parking system plus, the Audi sound system and the sporty trim to the customer.

The list price is 65,750 euros in Germany, and orders will be taken against already. The first cars will arrive in November 2013 to the dealers.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid priced from $29,155

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid launches in North America.
In North America, the Honda Accord Hybrid is on Halloween at the dealership, the cheapest model costs U.S. $ 29,155.

The Honda Accord starts in the U.S. version of the end of October 2013, in a highly economical hybrid version. With a fuel consumption of just 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers in city driving the Accord Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient 4-door sedan in North America.

The cheapest version of the Honda Accord Hybrid will start from just $ 29,155 and can come up with a lane departure warning, blind spot warning, LED daytime running lights, electrically adjustable driver seat, 2-zone automatic climate control and a 160-watt sound system.

From U.S. $ 31,905, there is the hybrid EX-L, which also need a collision warning system, a lane departure warning, "Honda link" and has an electric sunroof.

The top model, the Accord Hybrid Touring has a price of U.S. $ 34,905 then LED headlights, a navigation system with HDD hard disk drive and an adaptive cruise control.

After Europe, the economical Accord will not come, but possibly the next-generation Accord will be available with hybrid power in Europe.

2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Revealed

At the IAA, the new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its debut, is based on the new A3 sedan.

The second generation of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is shown at the IAA 2013 the first time. Compared to its predecessor, the new A3 Cabriolet has grown since the base is the new A3 sedan. Instead of 4.24 meters, the new convertible will measure 4.42 meters and now offers even more space for passengers and luggage. The trunk has grown by a whopping 60 liters and now holds 286 liters.

Visually, the A3 Cabriolet also fits the sedan, which sharpened edges are like the open Audi very well and provide a high dynamic range. As with its predecessor, the new A3 Cabriolet comes back with a classic fabric soft top, which is fitted as standard electrically operated and in less than 18 seconds, the offers open-air fun. The soft top can be opened and closed up to a speed of 50 km / hr.

Optionally, there is also an "acoustic hood", which will further increase by better insulation driving comfort. While the standard soft top is available in black only, the acoustic hood can also be ordered in gray and brown.

From the equipment line ambience and a wind deflector is fitted as standard, which is to reduce air turbulence, there is also an optional neck-level heating for the front seats.

The new A3 Cabriolet is also made easier by 50 kilograms compared to its predecessor, yet offers even higher stiffness. For added security, the convertible assistance systems are the same as all other A3 models. Among other things, there is the desire to adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist or fully automatic parking assistant. Audi connect to A3 Cabrio also be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

To start, there will be the A3 Cabriolet with the 1.4 TFSI with 140 hp (103 kW), the 1.8 TFSI with 180 hp (132 kW) and the 2.0 TDI with 150 hp (110 kW). Other engines such as the 1.6 TDI with 110 hp (81 kW) and as a top model, the 2.0 TFSI with 300 hp in the S3 Cabriolet will follow later.

For the first time there will also be the Audi A3 Cabriolet with quattro all-wheel drive, it is also somewhat delayed going to the start.