Auto Technology News

Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed – the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class. It offers the sporting genes of the A3 coupled with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. There are four engines to choose from, together with an extensive range of individual equipment options. Sales commence in Germany at the start of February 2008. Audi convertible models generally sport a classic fabric top – and in the case of the Audi A3 Cabriolet this feature lends its profile a note of harmonious elegance and coupé-like sportiness. Its soft top is notable for its light weight and excellent fit. It can be opened hydraulically in just nine seconds; when open, it takes up very little space. The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood. The body structure of this premium convertible from ...

Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed – the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class. It offers the sporting genes of the A3 coupled with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. There are four engines to choose from, together with an extensive range of individual equipment options. Sales commence in Germany at the start of February 2008. Audi convertible models generally sport a classic fabric top – and in the case of the Audi A3 Cabriolet this feature lends its profile a note of harmonious elegance and coupé-like sportiness. Its soft top is notable for its light weight and excellent fit. It can be opened hydraulically in just nine seconds; when open, it takes up very little space. The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood. The body structure of this premium convertible from ...

The WRC bred Imprezza WRX STI, which makes its UK public debut at Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC in January has been priced at only £24,995 On-The-Road, £1,600 less than old model. The STI is powered by a 300 PS (305 hp) 2.5-liter turbo flat 4-cylinder – unlike the Japanese market STI which uses a higher-revving 2.0-liter turbo. Max speed is 155.3 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. Fuel consumption compared to the previous model improves to 20.5/34.4 and 27.4 on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles. First deliveries are expected next March. See below for more details.

The WRC bred Imprezza WRX STI, which makes its UK public debut at Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC in January has been priced at only £24,995 On-The-Road, £1,600 less than old model. The STI is powered by a 300 PS (305 hp) 2.5-liter turbo flat 4-cylinder – unlike the Japanese market STI which uses a higher-revving 2.0-liter turbo. Max speed is 155.3 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. Fuel consumption compared to the previous model improves to 20.5/34.4 and 27.4 on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles. First deliveries are expected next March. See below for more details.

Chrome package and wheels Startech, Brabus's sister company in charge of Chrysler cars, has taken home the classic, yet all new Jeep Wrangler and worked its magic on it, again. Startech have fitted the new, and for the first time four-door, Jeep Wrangler with a gleaming, chrome-plated stainless steel kit. But it doesn't just look pretty, it is also state-of-the-art pedestrian protection. The energy-absorbing front guard, protecting the chrome-plated grille, is elastically mounted below the front bumper and complies with the strict EG limits for pedestrian protection. The chrome look continues around the side with stainless-steel rocker panel guards all the way to the rear which is protected from minor fender-benders through some highly polished components with a finishing touch on the spare-wheel cover and exhaust tip. Chrome detailing continues inside the car with chrome-plated mirror housings and door handles. The Startech Wrangler rides on one-piece five-spoke Mono...

Chrome package and wheels Startech, Brabus's sister company in charge of Chrysler cars, has taken home the classic, yet all new Jeep Wrangler and worked its magic on it, again. Startech have fitted the new, and for the first time four-door, Jeep Wrangler with a gleaming, chrome-plated stainless steel kit. But it doesn't just look pretty, it is also state-of-the-art pedestrian protection. The energy-absorbing front guard, protecting the chrome-plated grille, is elastically mounted below the front bumper and complies with the strict EG limits for pedestrian protection. The chrome look continues around the side with stainless-steel rocker panel guards all the way to the rear which is protected from minor fender-benders through some highly polished components with a finishing touch on the spare-wheel cover and exhaust tip. Chrome detailing continues inside the car with chrome-plated mirror housings and door handles. The Startech Wrangler rides on one-piece five-spoke Mono...

BRABUS, super tuner of all things Mercedes, will debut to the world its tuning package for the new Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster. In addition to the usual 20-inch Brabus wheel sets, the styling package is limited to a bolt-on front spoiler and rear diffussor. Both of these aerodynamic components which are made of exposed carbon fiber, were fine tuned through wind tunnel testing. Power output on the “old” 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine gets pumped up an additional 24hp and 18 kW to 650 hp / 478 kW via special camshafts, fuel cooling system and a high-performance exhaust. The tuned roadster sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph). A host of bespoke interior options are available as well. See release below for details. Press Release Is it possible to make a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster even more exclusive and individual? BRABUS proves that the topless Mercedes supercar can be made even sportier and more exciting with its sophi...

BRABUS, super tuner of all things Mercedes, will debut to the world its tuning package for the new Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster. In addition to the usual 20-inch Brabus wheel sets, the styling package is limited to a bolt-on front spoiler and rear diffussor. Both of these aerodynamic components which are made of exposed carbon fiber, were fine tuned through wind tunnel testing. Power output on the “old” 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine gets pumped up an additional 24hp and 18 kW to 650 hp / 478 kW via special camshafts, fuel cooling system and a high-performance exhaust. The tuned roadster sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph). A host of bespoke interior options are available as well. See release below for details. Press Release Is it possible to make a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster even more exclusive and individual? BRABUS proves that the topless Mercedes supercar can be made even sportier and more exciting with its sophi...

Advanced minivan Nissan will be showing a brand new 'advanced' minivan concept at Detroit's North American International Auto Show called the FORUM. Back in October Nissan decided to release an early exterior sketch of this new B-pillar-less minivan with trackless sliding doors. The concept has been designed and created by Nissan Design America, based in California and Michigan. The interior will host an array of innovative family communications systems, which is made up of a Bose Media System with proximity sensor-based information controller (daddy's toy), a one-button audio muting system (mom's escape button), 2 nd and 3 rd row monitoring cameras (parental Big Brother-ish control unit) and individual seat-mounted speakers for every row (finally something for the kids). Stay tuned for live shots and comments from Detroit in January.

Advanced minivan Nissan will be showing a brand new 'advanced' minivan concept at Detroit's North American International Auto Show called the FORUM. Back in October Nissan decided to release an early exterior sketch of this new B-pillar-less minivan with trackless sliding doors. The concept has been designed and created by Nissan Design America, based in California and Michigan. The interior will host an array of innovative family communications systems, which is made up of a Bose Media System with proximity sensor-based information controller (daddy's toy), a one-button audio muting system (mom's escape button), 2 nd and 3 rd row monitoring cameras (parental Big Brother-ish control unit) and individual seat-mounted speakers for every row (finally something for the kids). Stay tuned for live shots and comments from Detroit in January.

Lamborghini is presenting the new version of the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640 Coupé, as well as delivering its own distinct character. Even more aggressive design In their re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of the Lamborghini Centro Stile have remained true to the original style principles of purism, sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupé it has now assumed a more aggressive appearance, a substantial influence being the new front and rear bumpers. On the latter there is a new rear diffuser, in which the exhaust system is integrated within a tailpipe. The rear lights are also new, increasing the distinguishing features and making the Murciélago Roadster as unmistakable at night as in daylight. The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularly striking. Whilst the area behind the air inlet on th...

Lamborghini is presenting the new version of the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640 Coupé, as well as delivering its own distinct character. Even more aggressive design In their re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of the Lamborghini Centro Stile have remained true to the original style principles of purism, sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupé it has now assumed a more aggressive appearance, a substantial influence being the new front and rear bumpers. On the latter there is a new rear diffuser, in which the exhaust system is integrated within a tailpipe. The rear lights are also new, increasing the distinguishing features and making the Murciélago Roadster as unmistakable at night as in daylight. The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularly striking. Whilst the area behind the air inlet on th...