Doug Newcomb goes social with new car tech blog

Lots of people blog about automotive technology, but few have the chops to grab my attention. Doug Newcomb is an exception, and I invite you to check out his blog, which came online two weeks ago.

The blog may be new, but Doug himself has deep roots in automotive journalism. Among other things, he created the car technology section of Edmunds.com; edited several publications, including Car Audio and Electronics, Car Stereo Review, and Road&Track Road Gear; and contributed to many others, including Popular Mechanics, MSN Autos, Corvette Quarterly, and SEMA News. On top of that, he wrote Car Audio for Dummies.

So far, Doug's blog posts have run the gamut — from the new Garmin Suzuki infotainment system to the virtual exhaust sounds emitted by Audi's e-tron supercar. Speaking of which, here's a video showing how those sounds were created:



To learn more about this and other developments in car tech, take a minute to visit Doug's blog or connect with him on Facebook.

PostScript: In case you're wondering, I wrote this post before I discovered that Doug had written a short article on QNX's membership in the Car Connectivity Consortium. Holy synchronicity, Batman!
 

Audi A8 drives home with best connected car award

This just in: Connected World magazine has announced the winners of its first annual Connected Car of the Year awards, and the Audi A8 has won top prize in the ultra-luxury category.

According to Connected World, the awards honor vehicles with technology that strikes the right balance of safety, convenience, and infotainment. The magazine's editorial team decides the winners.

The Audi A8's infotainment system, dubbed the MMI, is based on the QNX Neutrino OS. The MMI offers some extremely cool features, including 3D navigation powered by Google Earth and a touchpad that lets you input destinations names by tracing them with your finger.

Here, for example, is a photo of the navigation display:



And here is a photo of someone using the touchpad, known as MMI Touch:



Both these photos were taken at a QNX Automotive Summit that took place in Stuttgart in 2010.

Connected World also handed out awards to the Ford Focus, Chrysler 300, and Cadillac XTS. These cars won in the small, mid-size, and luxury categories, respectively.
 

Audi officially revealed 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car

Audi has officially revealed images and details of the new 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car is powered with 4.2 liter V8 engine which is connected to seven speed S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all wheel drive to transfer that power on road. The car produces 450 hp and 430 Nm of maximum torque. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and top speed of the car is 250 km/h. This can be increased to 280 km/h upon request.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car interior is clad completely in black and optionally available in Moon Silver. Chrome clasps subtly accentuate switches and control elements. The car has black leather and Alcantara standard heated front sport seats with integrated headrests, sport steering wheel and climate controlled deluxe seats with ventilation function. The driver information system with color display includes RS menu with lap timer, an oil thermometer and MMI monitor display special RS welcome screen when car is started.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car exterior has hexagonal single frame grille with matte aluminum look finish, honeycomb insert finished in high gloss anthracite, LED daytime running lights, chiseled side sill caps, flared wheel wells, discrete roof spoiler, distinctive bumpers and two oval tailpipe caps of dual exhaust system are integrated into an upturned diffuser. Audi also offers a sport exhaust system with a voluminous sound and black caps. Elegant light strips adorn LED rear lights.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car is available in eight colors one solid and one metallic finish, four pearl effect colors and two specially pigmented crystal effect colors, Prism Silver and Panther Black. The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant car is scheduled for delivery in fall 2012 and starting price of the car is $76,000.

Audi announced 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car price

Audi has announced 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car price which was recently introduced is a hand-built and limited production car. The price of the car is $210,000.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car is powered with 5.2 liter V10 with direct injection engine which produces an output of 560hp. The car weight is reduced and engine performance is increased.The car is accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and top speed of the car is 197 mph.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car interior is black and decorated with stitching in choice of Titanium Gray or Crimson Red for added refinement. The car has Alcantara seat inserts, flat bottom sport steering wheel, hand brake cover and windshield frame.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car features quattro all-wheel-drive system, power adjustable exterior mirrors, heated full-size dual-stage front airbags, knee airbags, side airbags for driver and passenger, front disc brakes with 8-Piston calipers, rear disc brakes with 4-Piston calipers, LED headlights and daytime running lights, sport seats, Audi navigation system, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, and bluetooth facility for mobile phone with seatbelt microphone.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car production was limited to 333 units world-wide and 50 units coming to the US. The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder car deliveries to customers will begin as of February.

Audi revealed new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car

Audi has revealed all new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car. The new Audi A6 allroad quattro car is available with four powerful and highly cultivated 3.0 liter V6 engines with turbocharging and direct injection one TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI engines.

The new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car is powered with 3.0 TFSI engine which is boosted by mechanically driven compressor produces 310hp and 440Nm of torque. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds on the way to electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The fuel consumption of the car is 8.9l/100 km.

The new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car is also powered with three variants of 3.0 liter TDI engine which produces 201hp and 450 Nm of torque and top speed of car is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The fuel consumption of car is 6.1liters/100 km. Audi will soon offer low emissions clean diesel version which produces 242 hp and 580 Nm of torque.  The car is also powered with 3.0 TDI twin turbo engine which produces 309hp and 650 Nm of torque. The car is accelerated from 0 - 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car interior features lean, elegant design, exemplarily clear ergonomics,  hard drive based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation, black carpeting and instrument panel, interior with Santos Brown color, optional aluminum inlays, aluminum door sill trims and long wheelbase of 2.91 meters.

The new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car exterior features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces, roof line flows into flat D-pillars, xenon plus headlights with adaptive light, optional LED headlights and tail lights. The wheel well edges, bumpers and sills are painted in contrasting color and Java Braun color is available exclusively for new Audi A6 allroad quattro car. Stainless steel covers protect underbody at front and rear of car and exhaust system ends in two large flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

The new 2013 Audi A6 allroad quattro car will be available for sale with dealers in Germany from spring 2012. The price of 3.0liter TDI engine which produces 204 hp starts at €54,600.

Audi revealed Audi A1 quattro car

Audi has officially revealed the Audi A1 quattro car which is an exclusive top of the line A1 model series.

The Audi A1 quattro car is powered with 2 liter turbocharged four cylinder TFSI engine which produces 256 hp and 350 Nm of torque which is delivered to all four wheels. The car is connected to precisely shifting six speed transmission. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and top speed of the car is 245 km/h. The fuel consumption of the car is less than 8.5 liters per 100 km.

The Audi A1 quattro car instrument cluster has number of eye catching features, white needles, red tachometer, quattro logo and color display for driver information system. The multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at bottom, wrapped in leather with contrasting red stitching and sports car serial number. The shift lever knob is made of aluminum and many control elements have an aluminum look finish.

The Audi A1 quattro car interior is coated with cool sporty black. The seats and armrests on doors are covered in silk nappa leather with contrasting red seams. The S sport seats up front have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and quattro badge on backrest covers. The seats feature multi way adjustment. The lower section of center console shines in high gloss black, footrest and pedal caps are made of brushed stainless steel. Red seams frame floor mats and door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.

The Audi A1 quattro car features xenon plus headlights, high beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, LED interior lighting, light and rain sensor, automatically dimming interior mirror, rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, storage package, convenience key, cruise control, infotainment equipment with CD changer, digital radio tuner, Audi music interface and MMI navigation plus, Bose sound system drives 14 speakers with 465 watts of power and woofers in doors are indirectly lit with light guide LEDs. Audi connect uses Bluetooth online car phone to connect to Internet and deliver special web services, Google Earth and passengers connect their mobile devices to integrated WLAN hotspot.

The Audi A1 quattro car production will be limited to 333 units. The car will be available for sale with dealers from second half of 2012.

Audi revealed Audi A1 Samurai Blue car at Tokyo Motor Show

Audi has revealed unique Audi A1 Samurai Blue at the Tokyo Motor Show which has the look of Japanese national soccer team.

The Audi A1 Samurai Blue car is powered with powerful 1.4 TFSI engine which produces output of 122 hp. The car has strong acceleration and high speed, while sports suspension with 225 mm wide. The car is painted with blue and white colors, accentuated by red of Japanese flag. The car has 18-inch wheels with exclusive polygonal design painted red. The interior equipment of car is black with contrasting stitching in blue and corresponding colorful accents for air vent nozzles, inlays, center console and floor mats.

The Audi A1 Samurai Blue car is shining in the colors of the Japanese national soccer team to respect the Japanese national soccer team. Blue Samurai is the nickname for Japans national soccer team. Blue and white are colors of soccer jerseys for both men and women. Audi plans to sell the Audi A1 Samurai Blue as one-off model and donate a part of profit for a charity.

Audi is planned to sell an Audi A1 Limited Edition in 2012 with its design based on Audi A1 Samurai Blue car.

Audi revealed 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car

Audi has revealed the 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car which uses the same engine as S6 and S6 Avant.

 The 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car is powered with new 4.0 TFSI engine with 420 hp and 550 Nm of torque. The twin turbo V8 accelerates five-door coupe from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and top speed of the car is limited to 250 km/h. The cultivated eight cylinder, which uses Audi cylinder on demand technology under part load consumes on average just 9.7L of fuel per 100 km.

The 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car interior has S badges, red ring on start stop button, S7 logo in illuminated door sill trims, aluminum strip on S tronic selector lever and aluminum shift paddles. The footrest and pedals are made of stainless steel.

The 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car features dynamic seven speed S tronic and quattro permanent all wheel drive system with self locking center differential, torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system, 19-inch wheels, internally ventilated disc brakes, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, driver information system with color display and versatile MMI radio plus audio and operating system.

The 2012 Audi S7 Sportback car will be available for sale with dealers at the beginning of spring 2012.

Audi announced 2012 Audi TT-RS car price details

Audi has announced price details of the much expected 2012 Audi TT-RS car.

The 2012 Audi TT-RS car is powered with turbocharged 2.5-liter 5 cylinder spark-ignition engine system with TFSI direct injection produces 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. The car is connected to six speed manual transmission and quattro all wheel drive. The car is accelerated from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The 2012 Audi TT-RS car interior has 3 spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with RS logo, RS specific interior door handles,10 way power sport front seats with three step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays and available LED ambient lighting.

The 2012 Audi TT-RS car features high gloss black diamond patterned Single frame grille, large front air inlets, fixed rear wing spoiler, oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19" rotor wheels, prominent body sills, exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum finish, Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI inspired controls, BOSE sound system, and Audi music interface.

The 2012 Audi TT-RS car will be available for sale with dealers on this summer in US and price of the car is $56,850.

Audi announced Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car

Audi has announced the Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car for UK to honour tenth victory of Audi in 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon race.

The Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car is powered with 4.2 liter V8 FSI engine system which produces 430hp. The car is accelerated from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds in both manual and R tronic automated manual versions and top speed of the car is 187mph.

The Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car has R8 GT inspired titanium 19 inch 5 arms double spoke Y design alloy wheels and red brake calipers. The car is also available with carbon package has carbon sigma side blades, door mirrors, monoposto, inlays and door sill trims.

The Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car features satellite navigation, Audi Music Interface, interior light package, premium Bang and Olufsen sound system and mobile phone preparation by Bluetooth interface with integrated seat-belt microphones.

The Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition car production will be limited to 100 cars. The car will be available to order from July and delivered in October. The price of the car is from £93,935.

Audi revealed Audi R8 GT Spyder car

Audi has revealed the Audi R8 GT Spyder car is the open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports car.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car is powered with 5.2L FSI V10 engine system same as in R8 GT coupe is made of ultra light magnesium which produces 552 bhp and 540 Nm of torque. The car is connected with automated six speed R tronic transmission. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and top speed of the car is 317 km/h.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car has long cover over soft top compartment and large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer or CFRP. CFRP is also used for modified front spoiler, fixed rear spoiler and new rear bumper. These components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car has visual revision highlight styling. The car has add on parts in contrasting titanium gray, front splitter with dual lip, flics on sides of front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, enlarged diffuser, bucket seats, chassis of glass fiber reinforced polymer and dark LED tail lights in clear glass design. Audi offers optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car production will be limited to 333 units and price of the car is €207,800. 

Audi revealed Audi A1 clubsport quattro at Worthersee tour

Audi the car maker revealed Audi A1 clubsport quattro car at the Worthersee tour.

The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is powered with 2.5L TFSI direct-injection and turbocharged 5-cylinder engine system which produces total output of 503hp and 660 Nm of torque. The car is connected to 6 speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive deliver power to all four wheels. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 10.9 seconds and top speed of the car is 250 km/h.

The Audi A1 clubsport quattro car features 6-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber ceramic discs up front, large steel discs mounted on rear axle, 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with unique turbine design and coilover suspension that features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

The A1 Clubsport Quattro car has dynamic appearance which is painted in Glacier White matte paint finish, roof arch in high gloss black supports roof made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The interior center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching, body-stiffening crossbar and storage space for racing helmets.

The A1 Clubsport Quattro car is revealed in Reifnitz the Austrian state of Karnten, at the Wortherseetour 2011 which takes place from 1 to 4 of June 2011.

Audi revealed new Audi R8 GT Spyder car teaser images

Audi the car manufacturer has revealed the first outline images of new Audi R8 GT Spyder car.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car is powered with a 5.2L V10 engine system which produces 553 hp and 540 Nm of torque. The car is accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and top speed of the car is 311 km/h. The Audi R8 GT Spyder car is basically lightweight model car.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car exterior features matt titanium grille, carbon fiber front splitter, LED headlights, aggressive rear diffuser, carbon fiber rear wing and exclusive 19 inch alloy wheels.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder car production is limited to 333 cars. The car will be expected to make its first debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi announced 2012 Audi A7 car price details

Audi the famous car manufacture has announced the price details of 2012 Audi A7 car for U.S. The price of the car is $59,250.

The 2012 Audi A7 car is powered with 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine system which produces 310hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The car is connected with 8 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The fuel economy ratings of the car is 18 mpg on city, 28 mpg on highway and combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg with quattro all wheel drive standard.

The 2012 Audi A7 car has Iconic 5-door coupe design utilizing aluminum hybrid lightweight construction, 4-seat configuration with folding rear seats, Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, Audi Single frame grill design, 7-inch Driver Information System, 8-inch MMI screen with MMI touch technology, Frameless side windows appropriate for coupe and Ambient lighting plus using LED lighting technology.

The 2012 Audi A7 car features 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, 3-zone automatic climate control, Automatic headlights with light/rain sensor, Automatic power tailgate, Leather seating surfaces, heated front seats with driver lumbar support, SIRIUS satellite radio, Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth, telephone, music player connection and Power sunroof.

Audi announced 2012 Audi R8 GT car price details for US

Audi officially announced the details of 2012 Audi R8 GT car and price details for United States.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT car is powered with 5.2L V10 FSI engine system which produces 560 hp and 540 Nm of torque which is 35 hp and 10 Nm more than standard R8 V10. The car is connected to R tronic sequential manual transmission. The car is accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and peak speed of the car is 320 km/h.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT car is expressed as fastest, lightest and powerful car in Audi supercar. The car features carbon fiber body kit, matt titanium grille and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. The car interior has sporty styling equipped with flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber trim matt aluminum accents, individually numbered gearshift knob and revised instrument cluster.

The 2012 Audi R8 GT car will be offered in special new colors Samoa and Orange. The price of the car begins from $196,800 in United States.

Audi new Audi A3 sedan concept car

Audi the Germany car manufacturer revealed the Audi A3 sedan concept car at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi A3 sedan concept

The Audi A3 sedan concept car is powered with 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine system which produces 402 hp and 500Nm of torque with 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The car is accelerated from 0-62mph in 4.1-seconds and top speed of the car is 155mph.

The Audi A3 sedan concept car has sporty elegance design. The car features carbon fiber reinforced plastic single frame grille, LED technology headlights, aggressive bumper fascias, 20-inch wheels made with carbon fiber and aluminum and powerfully flared fenders.

The Audi A3 sedan concept car interior features high-quality sound system, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 8-inch display for infotainment system, MMI multimedia system with MMI touchpad, internet and iPod connectivity.

Audi revealed new Audi A8 L Security car

Audi the famous Germany car manufacturer has revealed the new Audi A8 L Security car which is designed with lot of security features.

The new Audi A8 L Security car will be powered exclusively with 6.3L W12 engine system that produces 494 hp and 625 Nm of torque. The car is accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, before striking restricted top speed of 210 km/h. The car is also offered with another engine in 2012 with normal fuel consumption of 10 to 11 L/100 km. The car has hot formed armored steel, polycarbonate coated multilayer glass, reinforced side sills and acres of aramide fabric. The car is specialized for VR 7 class ballistic shield which hold all from AK-47s to hand grenades.

The new Audi A8 L Security car is outfitted with emergency exit system, 4-zone climate control, fire extinguishing system and emergency fresh air system which uses pressured oxygen to ensure passengers can escape chemical and gas attacks. The car has LED signaling system for convoy travel, siren and two-way communication system for chatting to people outside the car without lowering the car windows.

The new Audi A8 L Security car is equipped with entertainment gadgets Bose audio system, TV tuner and two individual rear seats with power adjustments. Moreover customers can order full length center console, refrigerator, rear seat entertainment system, relaxation seat with heating, massage and power adjustable footrest.

The Audi A8 L Security W12 car will be available for sale with dealers on 2011 summer and cost details of the car will be announced later.

Audi revealed new Audi Auto Union Type C e-tron

Audi the Germany car manufacturer revealed new Audi Auto Union Type C e-tron at 62nd International Toy Fair in Nuremberg from February 3-8.

The Audi Auto Union Type C e-tron is powered with 1.5hp electric motor and is charged by lithium-ion battery pack which driving the rear wheels. The motor produces 29.5 lb-ft of torque which was increased to 44.25 lb-ft of torque can hit a top speed of 18.6 mph and has a range of around 15.53 miles.

The Audi Auto Union Type C e-tron toy car can reach full charge in 2 hours when it is charged through a 230 volt household socket. The 1:2 scale toy electric car is for children but can also fit an adult up to 1.80 m. The toy car is 2.32 meters long and 97 cm broad.