Steve Parker Motoring / The Car Nut: NEW 2007 AUDI TT UNVEILED IN BERLIN

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO ALBUM! 2009 GUMBALL RALLY 3000

See Steve's exclusive Gumball Rally video from NBC-TV's Whipnotic website (copy and paste): http://www.whipnotic.com/videos/viewvideo-558.html Over 120 gas-guzzling super-exotic sports cars, Hummers, Cadillac Escalade SUVs and an occasional interesting older car roared on May 2, 2009, from a California beach-side parking lot directly onto I-10, the Santa Monica Freeway, also known as the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway, for the start of this year's Gumball Rally. The world's most politically-incorrect automotive street event, the Gumball Rally 3000, left Santa Monica (CA) Pier on Saturday, May 2, 2009 and headed toward its ultimate destination of Miami, FL eight days later. Participants reportedly paid $44,000 per car/team to enter the event. Though the Gumball stresses the skills of its drivers (and their cars) there are only two race track "special section" stops scheduled for the 3,000-mile long event, which will be run on public roads with all entrants subject to all highway rules and regulations. All photos (c) 2009 by www.SteveParker.com

April 06, 2006

NEW 2007 AUDI TT UNVEILED IN BERLIN

NEW 2007 TT FEATURES TURBO-4 AND MORE POWERFUL V6 ENGINE; ALUMINUM/STEEL CONSTRUCTION; COUPE AVAILABLE NOW, DROPTOP COMES LATER

The second generation Audi TT Coupe was unveiled today (4-6-06) in Berlin.

The new TT is 5.4 in. longer than its predecessor at 164.5 in., and 3.1 in. wider at 75.2 in. TT was first introduced in 1998. (Facts and figures and any remaining hyperbole supplied by Audi).

The body is constructed in the ASF Space Frame design developed by Audi and consists of aluminum and steel. 69 percent of the superstructure is aluminium. The steel components making up 31 percent are found at the rear end to ensure balanced distribution of axle loads. To improve downforce, a spoiler is extended from the tailgate when the vehicle reaches 75 mph.

The new Audi TT is initially available as a 2 + 2-seater coupe; a separate roadster model is scheduled for later launch.

Two gasoline engines are available. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI unit develops 200 hp. With a six-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates the TT to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 150 mph. The naturally aspirated 3.2L V6 develops 250 hp, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and reaching a top electronically-governed speed of 155 mph.

Both engines are equipped with six-speed manual gearboxes. The four-cylinder engine comes with front-wheel drive, but the V6 utilizes Audi’s quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.

The high-tech Audi magnetic ride damper system is optional. Similar to the Magnetic Ride Control on some of GM’s Cadillac models, the Buick Lucerne and Chevy Corvette, tiny magnetic particles circulate in the oil inside the shock absorbers. When a voltage is applied, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds. This ensures high levels of ride comfort and sporty dynamism, according to Audi.

The standard features of the new Audi TT include an automatic air conditioning system and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.

Customers can choose from a variety of high-tech solutions, including the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and the Audi parking system which aids parking.