ABT presents the 355Hp Audi TT-R

Although it’s rumored that Audi will present a sporty version of the TT 2.0 TFSI dubbed TT-S at the Geneva Show in March, till then, tuners are taking up the task of presenting various upgrades or in ABT’s case, even new versions of the TT. ABT’s top offering is the TT-R which is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 3.2 V6 engine producing 355Hp. The TT-R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.1 seconds compared to the TT 3.2 that takes 5.9 seconds. Apart from the power-boost the TT-R receives suspension and tire upgrades as well as a bodykit and two-tone body color. Via: Autoblog.com & ABT -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release and a high-res image gallery

Technorati: Audi+TT, ABT, Audi+TT-R, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

PRESS RELEASE: With the Abt TT-R Abt Sportsline celebrated the most amazing motor sport victories in the season 2002. Hardly anyone was able to beat the Abt TT-R. In nine of the ten DTM races at least one of the Abt pilots clinched a podium position, and at the end Laurent Aiello won the DTM championship in the yellow Abt TT-R. Therefore it is no wonder that the Abt team from Kempten has a special relationship with “their” TT and it is a fortunate coincidence that the second version of this sporty Audi model just appears on the market when the family enterprise celebrates its 110th company anniversary. At the same time, this happenstance means a challenge for Abt Sportsline - a challenge the team from Kempten meets by enhancing this exceptional sports car.

The new Audi TT is a model which already combines clarity and form with modern technology in the serial car and therefore offers maximum driving pleasure. “This is the best precondition we can imagine to perfect a car,” explains Hans-Jürgen Abt, managing director of Abt Sportsline - and presents convincing data:

The masterpiece in the new Abt TT model range is the Abt TT-R equipped with a VR6 3.2 ltr. engine and a performance of 355 HP (262 kW). This outstanding sports car offers real racing adventure for the roads. The Abt TT-R accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds compared to the serial model that takes 5.9 seconds.

In connection with the Abt TT-Sport models, the Bavarian team has also noticeably boosted the power of the VR6 3.2 ltr. and 2.0 T-FSI engines . The Abt supercharger kit and modifications of the motor management ensure that the 3.2 ltr. 6-cylinder engine now performs 310 HP (228 kW) instead of the serial 250 HP (184 kW). The Abt engineers also did a good job with the 2.0 TFSI engine. They upgraded the serial power of 200 HP (147 kW) to 270 HP (199 kW) with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (serial 280 Nm).

For the new 2-litre TT Abt also offers its innovative intelligentSport-technology. Specific modifications of the motor management allow the Abt TT-iS to be fuelled with standard, super or superplus gasoline. The performance increases to as much as 240 HP (177 kW) depending on the fuel quality. More power – less thirst. With an additional Abt gearbox modification the fuel consumption of the Abt TT-iS can be reduced by up to four litres.

Besides the power boost, the modified design of the Abt TT models was one of the most important factors. In this connection Abt Sportsline has developed special body styling parts that make the TT a real eye-catcher communicating power and dynamics. With an integrated grille element, the front skirt emphasizes the area around the fog lights and single-frame grille so that the face of the Abt TT becomes even more aggressive and marked. The lateral body styling parts continue the dynamical body language and lead directly to the extravagant rear with rear skirt inset and rear wing. In contrast to the filigree serial part the Abt rear wing cannot be folded but is a part that is firmly integrated into the hatchback. The result is not only a racier design; it also brings about more downforce. The 4-pipe rear muffler is the finishing touch that perfectly harmonizes with the black rear skirt inset and rear diffuser. To round off the striking overall optical design, Abt Sportsline recommends the 19-inch wheels AR19 and SP1 with tyres sized 255/35 ZR 19.

What is more, Abt has also included a special suspension kit and suspension springs in its product range so as to meet the demands of the power upgrade and modified design. The new Abt TT with its extraordinary driving performance and body styling has everything a winner needs

• Abt TT engine models:
• Abt TT-R - VR6 3.2 K - 355 HP (262 kW) -
• Abt TT-Sport - VR6 3.2 K - 310 HP (228 kW) -
• Abt TT-Sport - 2.0 T-FSI - 270 HP (199 kW) -
• Abt TT-iS - 2.0 T-FSI - 240 HP (177 kW) -

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/abt-presents-355hp-audi-tt-r.html

Burnt Rubber Never Smelled So Good: Kumho presents world’s first fragrant automotive tires

Aromatic tires? I dare not to ask what they’ll think of next. According to Kumho, the ECSTA DX Aroma tire is a world’s first and it was manufactured to target female drivers with vehicles such as the Accord, Camry and Taurus. The ECSTA DX Aroma tires project a fragrant from the placement of heat-resistant oils that come in various scents such as lavender, orange and jasmine. In addition to providing a pleasant “non-burnt rubber smell”, the ECSTA was designed to deliver lower noise levels and ride characteristic equivocal to name brand tires. –Continued Click “Read More…” below

I wonder how potent these aromas are though. Lavender and Jasmine are nice. However, I wouldn’t want to smell them all day every day. I guess it would be beneficial to those occasional homicides of a skunk. But then again, the skunk smell will eventually go away. Will the lavender? Posted by Dani

Via: The Driving Woman

Technorati: Kumho+ECSTA+DX+Aroma, tire, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

PRESS RELEASE: KUMHO Introduces World's First "Aroma Tire" For Select Passenger Vehicles

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. — KUMHO Tire USA, announces the introduction of the world’s first fragrance automotive tire, the ECSTA DX. The project is the “fruition” of more than a year’s worth of research and development to deliver an alluring aroma tire that replaces the normal “black rubber” smell with heat-resistant oils in the scent of lavender, and in later versions, neroli (orange) or jasmine. Visitors to www.kumhotireusa.com can find the nearest dealer and TireRack.com will ship them for installation.

According to Rick Brennan, Brand Director for KUMHO, the company is selling the DX aroma tire to help build brand awareness and highlight KUMHO’s tire technology expertise in the highly competitive automotive marketplace. The tire is targeted at female consumers who drive such sedans as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Sebring and Ford Taurus.

In addition to a unique aroma, the ECSTA DX is engineered to deliver low noise levels and ride characteristics on par with the leading tire brands. Ride comfort is maintained throughout the life of the tire through the use of tread elements designed to provide uniform linear stiffness. Optimized pitch sequence and variable pitch lengths help minimize noise, while a straight center rib provides high-speed stability.

The DX features four wide grooves that help evacuate water, while a silica compound improves all-weather performance and wet traction. High tensile steel belts and a jointless nylon cap ply also help improve noise, ride comfort and durability, while an undertread reduces unwanted heat buildup for consistent performance.

The ECSTA DX Aroma tire will be sold through TireRack com starting in the first quarter of 2007 in three sizes: 205/60R16 (MSRP $119), 215/60R16 (MSRP $125) and 235/60R16 (MSRP $138). The tires can be delivered and affixed to passenger vehicles at a KUMHO tire dealer.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/burnt-rubber-never-smelled-so-good.html

Toyota Blade: New TRD “Aero-kit”

I know what you’re thinking, “another sporty kit”, but we swear to God, we’re not doing it on purpose. The culprit this time is from the Far East and the victim is the 2008 Toyota Blade. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the car, the Blade is an upgraded and redesigned Auris (Corolla hatch substitute) fitted with a 2.4-liter 4cylinder engine (167Hp & 22,8 kgm of torque) which was presented in December. You could say it’s something like an Audi A3 but we’d advise you to keep it for yourself.

Anyhow, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) decided to give Blade owners the chance of owning an even more exclusive version of the upgraded Auris with the Aero-kit, which consist of front and rear bumper spoilers, a new grille with TRD’s emblem, chromed exhaust pipes and TRD rims. Wow.

Technorati: Toyota+Blade, Toyota+Auris, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/toyota-blade-new-trd-aero-kit.html

2008 Ford Fiesta Rendering

In the next couple of years Europe’s going to see a whole new batch of superminis dropping into the market including the all-new VW Polo, Seat Ibiza, Citroen C3 and the jointly developed Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 successors. Autoexpress mag takes on the task of previewing the next generation Fiesta through a couple of nicely conceived renderings which draw several design cues from Ford Europe’s latest models like the S-MAX and the new Mondeo.

The British magazine says that the renderings are very close to the production model (expected sometime in 2008) due to the fact that they used top-secret information. Then again, have you ever seen renderings of any sort or make that don’t imply top-secret info from the car manufacture? Anyway, judging from the newer Ford models, expect the new Fiesta to have a hugely revised interior in terms of design and quality materials maintaining at the same time all its pros like interior space and driving-dynamics. Via: Autoblog.com & Autoexpress

Technorati: Ford+Fiesta, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, 2007

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/2008-ford-fiesta-rendering.html

Star Cars: Rent your favorite Movie car!

Damn this looks like one hell of an idea, why didn’t I think of it? Well, actually, even if I did, I don’t think that I’d have enough dough to start an operation like this but anyway. Star Car Hire is a UK based company that does exactly what their name promises to: they rent movie star cars! Of course we’re not talking about original pieces here but replicas -not that most of your friends will ever know the difference.

Star Cars' garage includes Batmobiles, Kitts, Starsky & Hutch Gran Torinos, Dukes of Hazzard General Lees, Back to the Future DeLoreans, Clint Eastwood Pink Cadillac, Del Boys Trotter Mobile, The A-Team Van, Smokey & The Bandit Trans Ams, Herbie Volkswagen Beetles, Tony Green's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and many more. They even have various US police cars and taxis! Via: Motorpasion & Star Cars Hire
Check out our full gallery of Star Cars Hire by clicking “Read more…” below

Technorati: Replica, car+hires, rent, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images,

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/star-cars-rent-your-favorite-movie-car.html

Jaguar XK "Exterior Styling Pack"

Jeez, what’s up with all these “sport-packs” today? This time it’s Jaguar who presented the “Exterior Styling Pack” for its XK model. The sporty pack includes front & rear valances, upper & lower mesh grilles (available in bright or black finish), sill appliqué as well as new exhaust tailpipe finishers. Sounds nice but take a closer look at the pictures and especially at the bumper add-ons, and I think you’ll agree with us that you’d expect something better from a company that wants to compete against BMW and Mercedes. –Continued: Click “Read more…” below

PRESS RELEASE: EXTERIOR STYLING PACK AVAILABLE FOR THE XK

XK buyers wanting a more distinctive yet elegant exterior appearance for their XK can now choose to specify Jaguar's exclusive range of body exterior styling products, known as the 'Exterior Styling Pack', which makes its debut early 2007.

With body styling packages already available on the X-TYPE and S-TYPE, this new addition to the range provides a stylish differentiation for the XK and adds yet another exciting dimension to Jaguar's selection of body accessories.

Reflecting the dynamic qualities the XK offers, the Exterior Styling Pack gives the car a more bold and distinct appearance. Designed to reflect and accentuate the dynamic qualities and sleek, strong profile that the XK offers, the Exterior Styling Pack uses the car’s existing flowing lines to project its athleticism and performance. This ultimately makes a dramatic but subtle impression on both passengers and passers-by.

The new XK Exterior Styling Pack consists of a front valance, rear valance, upper and lower mesh grilles in a choice of bright or black finish, sill appliqués as well as new exhaust tailpipe finishers, giving the vehicle an aura of self-confidence.

As with all of the body styling packages, engineering integrity has been maintained and the components have been developed for ease of installation onto vehicles and all parts utilise current fixings. The Exterior Styling Pack comes as primed therefore supporting fitment to all vehicle colours.

Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum said: "We have designed a range of accessory products to visually emphasise the stance and presence of the XK. The enhancements we have made for the XK Exterior Styling Pack give the car an even more stylish and purposeful look by deliberately lowering the visual stance of the car and creating exciting new elements that work with the elegant profile of XK."

Available from March 2007, the Exterior Styling Package can be retro-fitted to all non-supercharged new XKs from launch.

Technorati: Jaguar+XK, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/01/jaguar-xk-styling-pack.html