Author: EuroCarBlog.com

The Audi A1, the first premium compact model for Audi, has the Mini Cooper firmly in its sights and could even become Audi’s biggest selling model ever. That’s the plan, anyway, as we see the first official pics of the new A1. The definition of “premium” seems to be one of brand and not of price, as the starting price of the A1 shouldn’t exceed more than 16,000 euros, although your money here gets you a 1.2-litre engine.

So, the Audi A1 entry level model is fitted with a 1.2 TSI with 86 hp and 160 Nm, with a five-speed manual gearbox. It accelerates to 100 km/hr in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 179 km/hr. Audi is highlighting the low emissions and fuel consumption of this option, with 5.1 litres of fuel for every 100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre.

The Audi A1 will also appear with a 1.4-litre TSI with 122 hp and greater acceleration, reaching 100 km/hr in 9.1 seconds. It will have a dual-clutch, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, which is a more exciting prospect than the entry level option. No word on pricing here, though.

There will also be a 1.6-litre TDI diesel with 90 hp and 230 Nm of torque, and 105 hp and 250 Nm. While acceleration performance is nothing to write home about, fuel consumption is with less than four litres for 100 km. The Audi A1 is based on the Volkswagen Polo although is slightly heavier at 32 kg more – which make themselves felt at this fuel consumption level.

I, for one, will be interested to see how the market reacts to the new Audi. The company has high expectations, describing this as the sportiest model in its class in terms of style. And with the low price tag, the A1 can only appeal to those who always wanted an Audi that was out of reach. It has borrowed some stylistic elements from the Mini in the roof line, but has retained its very Audi-looking front, adding LED lights as a feature.

The interior takes on even more Mini-inspired features with standard, Sport and S-Line finishes and varying trim colours, including the now famous wasabi green. Plenty of Audi entertainment can be found on the inside, including a 6.5 inch centre screen, adding the lifestyle touch to the sports branding. The Audi A1 will be presented at the 2010 Geneva motor show and threatens to run away exclusively with all the attention. We can’t wait to check it out.

The next generation Saab 9-3 could go back to its roots as part of an entire model family that includes a five-door version, like the first Saab 900 series. The Saab 9-3 could be based on a model such as the Opel Astra, including standard 1.4-litre engine option and front wheel drive. We could see other options surface though, such as an all-wheel drive model and cabriolet version.

Despite mention of the Astra, the style is pegged as closer to the Audi A5 Sportback. It’s also unclear whether the four-door 9-3 will still be on the list, and in other reports, we could even see a three-door Saab 9-3 emerge. With competition heating up, there could be space in the market for a sexy, coupe-style Saab, but we’ll just have to wait and see with the first step being Spyker acquisition.

Source | Autointernationaal

The first pics of the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S have been released, showing the most powerful 911 Turbo built so far. It will have its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March, before sales start in May. Previous versions of the 993 and 996 have used the Turbo S badge in limited production versions, but this time it will be a permanent addition at the top of the range for the last years of the 997.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is equipped with the twin-turbo, 3.8-litre flat six engine, with 523 hp. That’s increase from 493 hp, and the torque output is now a huge 700 Nm. Impressively, this 911 Turbo S respects Euro 6 anti-pollution norms and Porsche claims an 8.8 km run on one litre of fuel. Other performance features include acceleration to 100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and top speed is 325 km/hr.

The new 911 turbo model is equipped with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox (thankfully with steering wheel paddles) and traction management system. Included is also Porsche’s Torque Vectoring System with limited-slip differential. The Sport Chrono chassis package also provides launch control and dynamic engine mounts. Optional features on other Porsche models appear as standard here, with ceramic brakes, sport seats and 19-inch RS Spyder alloys also included. Prices will start at 173,241 euros for the coupe model and 184,546 euros for the cabrio.

This is the first Lamborghini Mustang we’ve ever seen although plenty of Ferrari and Lamborghini replicas are built in the US. The technical base of the car is a Gallardo, but with the bodywork of a 2007 Mustang. The strange looking car is called a Tractorri and has an intriguing mix of the Italian and the American.

The wheels and brakes are true to Italian roots, as is the V10 central-rear engine and overall supercar specs, but externally this is all American muscle car. Lamborghini purists won’t be impressed, but this Gallardo-Mustang is not just a one-off, with the possibility available to anyone who might be interested of turning their Gallardo into a Mustang.

Source | Deluxeblog

It took more than 50 legendary Porsche cars, two insane helicopter pilots and 36,000 feet of asphalt to make the Porsche Panamera family tree commercial. But it seems to be worth it as Porsche gets its message across that although the Panamera might be a sedan, it’s nothing sedate – fully participating in the Porsche sports tradition.

The “family tree making of” video is as much as a commercial as the finished product, but I like it. And we’ve seen enough videos to be convinced that the Panamera can drive as good as most others in the Porsche family. See the making of video above, and the full family tree commercial after the jump.

Source | YouTube

The Lamborghini ‘Ad Personam’ program is a personalisation program from Lamborghini where a variety of exclusive Lamborghini options are made available to customers. The Ad Personam program comes at a fee to existing Lamborghini customers who want to make their model even more exclusive than it already is. Options available include exclusive exterior colours, and leather and stitching tints inside. Watch the video for a close-up look at some of the features.

Source | WorldCarFans

Citroen’s GT Concept will be on display at Italy’s famous Carnival of Venice this week. The international presentation of the GT Concept takes place from today, as part of its world tour after first being shown in London. The innovative Citroen supercar will be placed on a floating platform in the middle of the Grand Canal. It will navigate up and down the canal before stopping at the Palazzina Grassi – a new, exclusive hotel designed by Philippe Starck.

Source | Autoblog.it