http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1138
Audi’s very rapid TT RS is now available locally, with performance figures which embarrassingly shadow some rather accomplished members of the performance car hierarchy.
The big five is back
Aesthetically it does not look awfully different from its other TT siblings.
Mechanically though, the RS, sporting a 2.5l traditionally configured, in-line five-cylinder turbo producing 100kW/litre, seriously shores up the range’s performance credibility.
Peak engine outputs are a neatly rounded 250kW and 450Nm, with the turbo boosting at 1.2bar, and the common-rail, direct injected engine running at an oddly high 10.0:1 compression ratio.
Three pedals all the way
A surprising technical feature has been Audi's choice of transmission.
Many industry pundits expected Audi’s proliferation of DSG gearboxes to find favour in the TT RS design too, instead, a new, short-throw, six-speed manual gearbox will transfer power to the TT RS quattro drivetrain.
The quattro drivetrain is decidedly rear-wheel drive biased, able to apportion most of the engine’s 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, when traction and acceleration forces demand.
Featuring an engine architecture which equates to a neat 500cc per cylinder, one expects linear, smooth power and, considering the five-cylinder configuration, a unique acoustic quality.
Producing peak torque (450Nm) across a broad engine speed range (1 600r/min to 5 300r/min) tractability is a given.
Acoustically, Audi has refined the TT RS appeal by enabling the venerable centre console mounted Sport button with a function which engages an exhaust mounted butterfly valve - located in the port-side section of the dual-exhaust’s plumbing.
When engaged, this active exhaust system enhances the five-cylinder sound with an even deeper tone under full-bore acceleration.
Properly quick
Ingolstadt claims the TT RS Coupe (1 450kg) drops the 0-100km/h benchmark in 4.6 seconds dead, and it gets even better.
TT RS top speed is limited (for all intents and purposes) in-line with German manufacturing standards to 250km/h.
Audi will offer a factory derestricted alternative for local buyers, which opens up the option of chasing a claimed 280km/h at the long end of drivetrain’s endurance – which makes this a very naughty Audi.
Dynamically certified too
Riding 10mm lower, with revised spring and damper settings, the TT RS rolls on a set of 18-inch wheels shod with 245/45 profile tyres.
Deceleration is managed by ventilated, aluminium rotors front (370mm) and rear (310mm) controlled by four-piston callipers.
ESP has been configured to be entire disengaged on track, yet features a Sport mode too. The latter allows the engine to function unimpeded, and only uses brake modulation (instead of cutting engine power) to keep the TT RS from leaving the road under severe dynamic loads.
Aesthetically the TT RS is distinguished from lesser TTs by a gloss black grille insert, deeper front bumper incorporating larger air ducts, resized side sills and an ornate, fixed rear spoiler.
Owners seeking further product differentiation from lesser TT models (even the ‘S’) can option 19-inch wheels, whilst dynamically the magnetic ride dampers are well worth a tick in the option box too.
Standard cabin features include a neat flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, custom TT RS driver info menu (sporting boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer read-out functionality), Bluetooth, Bose infotainment acoustics and a LED interior lighting package.
Pricing:
Audi TT RS Coupe 2.5T R693 000
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Nissan GT-R (R35) by TommyKaira
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1139
Tuner TommyKaira is exhibiting their R35 GT-R at the Tokyo AutoSalon this Friday. After many hours of hard work on the part of TommyKaira staff, visitors will now be able to see the fruits of their labour.
Two kit choices are available, the first being a very comprehensive one while the second just works on the front end. The full kit consists of, among others, a wet carbon front bumper, a front grille cover, lip spoiler, under diffuser, side ducts and side skirts. The rear also features wet carbon in the form of a racing diffuser, a rear wing and rear fender extensions. The AVS Model F15 Platinum black wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero 255/40R20 and 285/35R20 front and rear tyres respectively.
Optional dry carbon components can be fitted. These include front fender finishers, ducts and door handle surrounds.
A more minimalistic Front Style Kit is being marketed for customers who prefer not to go over the top. It is made up of wet carbon for the front bumper, grille cover, lip spoiler, under diffusser and side ducts.
Not much info regarding the interior was announced, only that it is completely red and covered mostly in leather.
There are other components that were developed such as a high performance titanium exhaust as well as a brake and suspension kit.
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2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe & Convertible Facelifts
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1140
Designed to be timeless and elegant, the updated 3-Series features redesigned headlights (with LED corona rings/daytime running lights), modified bumpers, a new hood with wider kidney grilles, LED taillights, and a wider grille.
Inside, the interior is relatively unchanged. Despite this, the cabin is still luxurious with dark burled walnut wood trim (bamboo anthracite, light burl walnut, and aluminum trim are also available), bright metal accents, and ambiance lighting.
Under the hood, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six is replaced by BMW's new twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (dubbed the N55). Boasting 225kW and 400 Nm of torque, the N55 allows the 335i Coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec (5.5 seconds with the automatic). The Convertible accomplishes the same task in 5.8 seconds (US spec: 5.5 seconds; 5.7 seconds with the automatic), while the all-wheel drive 335i xDrive Coupe (US spec) takes 5.2 seconds (5.3 with the automatic). Both models have a limited top speed of 210 km/h, but can achieve 240 km/h with the optional Sport Package. In Europe, top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
As before, BMW will also offer a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six with 169 kW and 271 Nm of torque. While the company declined to release performance specifications, the 328i will likely accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.2/6.8 seconds (Coupe), 6.8/7.0 seconds (xDrive Coupe), and 6.7/7.2 seconds (Convertible).
Regardless of what engine is selected, the optional six-speed Steptronic automatic now features steering wheel-mounted "pull-style" shift paddles.
Also expected for the 2011 3-Series facelift range is the 335is (note the added "s"), a sportier version of the 335i with slightly more power. Unfortunately, BMW has not released any information yet.
The 2011 3-Series will go on sale in the United States and Europe this spring.
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