Audi to show customized A1 hatchbacks at Wörthersee Tour 2010

Audi will have its own stand at the GTI meet at the Wörthersee Tour 2010 and will display a lineup of customized versions of the new Audi A1 hatchback.

The seven models have been created by Woorthersee chief designer and his team to demonstrate the ability to customize the A1 and all possible alternatives before it’s released this fall. One of the most striking designs is the FC Bayern , decorated with the colors and emblem of the German team together with the dorsal number 10 and the name of Arjen Robben to mark the place in the final of the Champions League 2010 be held in Madrid.

The entire Legends package starts at €575, but for €1,600, customers can buy the entire Competition Kit Aerodynamics, with front spoiler, chrome exhaust, side sills and rear diffuser.  Add €400 for a rear spoiler.

In addition to this model, the six custom A1s include an FC Bayern car, featuring the Number 10 of star player Arjen Robben. There's also a Citrus Yellow "Follow Me" model designed after airport ground control vehicles, a Hot Rod model, a Fashion model and finally the "Wasserwacht" and "Pickerljäger" editions, named and designed after the local water rescue and toll sticker collectors in the region.





Press Release

Audi at "Wörthersee Tour 2010"

* Audi showing seven A1 models as spectacular "motto vehicles"

* Innovative adhesive film designs from "Follow Me" to "FC Bayern"

* 19 Audi vehicles at the 3,000 square meter stand

For the fourth year in a row, AUDI AG will have its own stand at the GTI meet at the Wörthersee and is once again expecting Audi fans from throughout Europe. The new Audi A1 is playing a leading role at the 29th Wörthersee Tour (May 12 - 15) in Reifnitz (Carinthia), Austria. Innovative adhesive film designs, vibrant paint finishes as well as exterior add-on parts and a matching interior will transform a total of seven models of the new compact car into spectacular motto vehicles. Furthermore, the Audi R8 GT, a limited-production version of the high-performance sports car, will be presented to the general public for the first time at Wörthersee shortly after its world premiere.

Standing on the southern shore of the Wörthersee (Lake Wörth) in Reifnitz is the 3,000 square meter (32,291.73 sq ft) Audi stand, where in addition to the Audi A1 and the Audi R8 GT, the company will also be presenting the new RS 5 and the R8 V10 Spyder supercar daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Audi fans will be able to get up close and personal with a total of 19 different models bearing the four-ring logo. The focus of this year's Wörthersee Tour stand is the A1 special editions.

"The Audi A1 fits in with the GTI meet because customization has always been a central topic for the Audi fans here at the Wörthersee and will also play a special role for A1 customers," says Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design. Sielaff and his team have developed seven different models for the appearance at the Wörthersee, including a model sporting an "FC Bayern" look. The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI shows the design possibilities offered by add-on parts, special paint finishes and adhesive films.

This compact car has the Number 10 of FC Bayern star Arjen Robben on the roof and on the doors. The adhesive design with through-colored film and digitally printed film makes a very high-quality impression, as this technique shows off reflections to their best advantage. With the large logo of Germany's most successful soccer club on the hood, the restyled front bumper and a modified diffuser in the back, this A1 immediately stands out from the crowd. Another highlight is the sill sporting visual cues from the S line.

It is not just the exterior that differs from the production vehicle. The Audi design team also styled the interior of the motto vehicles with the attention to detail that is so typical of Audi. The A1 "competition kit" with the "legends interior plus" package, for example, is strongly based on the Audi rally vehicles from the 1980s. In addition to exterior visual cues such as the Amalfi White paint finish and the original colors of the Urquattro (Begonia Red, Stone Gray and Gray Brown), the interior also evokes memories of the racing successes racked up by quattro technology, which is celebrating its 30th birthday. The center console, the door handles, the rearview mirror - the rally design with the bold Number 1 extends thematically throughout the entire cabin. The "competition kit legends interior" and "competition kit legends interior plus" accessory packages are precisely matched to the exterior and, in contrast to the other motto vehicles, will also be available directly from the factory or in classic After Sales from Audi Genuine Accessories immediately upon market launch.

Fans from all over the world can gain an appreciation for the high quality of Audi design at the Wörthersee. The "Follow Me" design in Citrus Yellow with a black checkerboard pattern resembles airport ground control vehicles and features complex color gradients that extend to the bicolor wheels. The "Hot Rod" model boasts a matt-finish look and extremely low ride height thanks to the air suspension. Complementing this look are steel wheels with white-wall tires in keeping with the classic hot rod style.

Of course, the Audi stand would not be complete without a reference to the site of the 29th Wörthersee Tour. The design team has also given a friendly wink to the local water rescue service and "toll sticker collectors," paying them homage with the "Wasserwacht" and "Pickerljäger" A1 special editions, respectively. The seventh special model in an offbeat eggplant purple tone is described by the Audi designers as the "Fashion" edition. The central design element is an elegant checked pattern used both in the interior and on the exterior. A fascinating interplay between matt and gloss finishes provides additional highlights.

Even the start sequence for the Multi Media Interface, with an animated barrage of camera flashes and a red carpet underscore the catwalk qualities of this car.

Two production models of the Audi A1 are also at the Wörthersee, of course. The A1 1.4 TFSI in Misano Red with a dark gray contrast arch is joined at the Audi stand by the A1 1.6 TDI in summery Scuba Blue.

The first thing visitors to the Audi exhibit see is the new Audi R8 GT. The top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car will be presented to the general public for the first time at the Wörthersee. The R8 GT is a limited-edition version of its R8 high-performance sports car. Its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to an output of 412 kW (560 hp). Vehicle weight was reduced by 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph). The R8 GT is thus more powerful, even lighter and even faster. The exclusive production run is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT sports a tag with its number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi stand at the GTI meet also features production vehicles from the current Audi model lineup. Audi is presenting an Ice Silver A8, its new flagship, to its fans at the Wörthersee. The public can also take a close look at the TT Roadster and the TT Coupé. Neckarsulm-based quattro GmbH is bringing an additional TT model to Carinthia - the 340 hp TT RS in Misano Red. Standing directly next to that is a white RS 5.

Because Audi cabriolets are a mandatory part of the program for this event, the R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 is also coming to the GTI meet. Audi Genuine Accessories is also showing a red A3 Cabriolet. With this broad lineup, the brand with the four rings is offering something for every Audi fan at the 29th Wörthersee Tour.

Audi Genuine Accessories to sell Audi A1 "competition kit"
With the A1 "competition kit legends interior plus" presented at the 29th Wörthersee Tour, Audi Genuine Accessories (AOZ) offers customers the opportunity to underscore the individuality of their vehicle with innovative adhesive filmdecals, vibrant paint finishes as well as exterior add-on parts and a matching interior.

A1 customers can order the various "competition kits" for their vehicles upon market launch. The "competition kit Aerodynamic" for the exterior comprises a front spoiler lip, side sills, rear diffuser and - depending on the vehicle configuration - sport exhaust tips. Customers can also order a roof spoiler for their A1.

A1 drivers can order the Audi A1 "competition kit legends interior plus" from Audi Genuine Accessories exactly as it was presented at the GTI meet. Audi has therefore dedicated an entire wall to the "legends" design next to the motto vehicle at its stand in Reifnitz, where fans can get complete information about the innovative concept.

For the "legends" look, Audi provides an Amalfi White finish and detailed rally-design. The front spoiler lip and rear diffuser in Begonia Red are every bit a part of the competition kit with legends graphics as the large, gloss-black Number 1 on the hood and the doors. Interior design elements also subtly refer to the Audi rally vehicles of the 1980s. Decorative bezels for the rearview mirror, air vents, door pull handles and the center console invoke Audi's rally heritage. Black cloth floor mats with Begonia Red, Stone Gray and Gray Brown strips round out the package in the footwell. The "competition kit legends interior plus" adds a striking color accent on the leather sport steering wheel, gear shift lever and parking brake lever.

The "competition kit Aeordynamic" - front spoiler lip, side sills, rear diffuser and, depending on the configuration, chrome sport exhaust tips, can be ordered upon market launch for €1,600. The body-color roof spoiler will also be available immediately for €400, but A1 customers will have to wait a few more months for the "legends" decal set. The "legends" look interior is available immediately, however, and starts at €575. The sporty look can be rounded off with modern wheels from Audi Genuine Accessories.

One highlight is the 7.5 J x 18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheel in a 5-arm polygon design finished in anthracite or black. These A1-exclusive wheels are fitted with 225/35 R19 tires.

A1 customers can order the exterior and interior accessory packages from the factory or later through After Sales. All features of the competition kits are also available separately through After Sales.

Audi models at Wörthersee Tour 2010

Audi A1 "motto vehicles":
A1 "competition kit" (Amalfi White), 1.6 TDI
A1 "Follow Me" (Citrus Yellow), 1.4 TFSI
A1 "Wasserwacht" (Suzuka Gray), 1.4 TFSI
A1 "FC Bayern" (Misano Red), 1.6 TDI
A1 "Pickerljäger" (Ibis White), 1.6 TDI
A1 "Fashion" (Aubergine), 1.6 TDI
A1 "Hot Rod" (Daytona Gray), 1.4 TFSI

Vehicle at the stand's entrance:
Audi R8 GT (Orange)

Production models:
Audi A1 (Misano Red) 1.4 TFSI; Audi A1 (Scuba Blue) 1.6 TDI; Audi RS 5 (White), Audi A8 (Ice Silver), Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (Red), Audi TT RS Coupe (Misano Red), Audi TT Roadster (Ibis White), Audi TTS Coupe (Red)

Models customized with Audi Genuine Accessories:
Audi A3 Cabriolet (Brilliant Red), Audi A4 Avant (Ibis White), Audi A5 Sportback (Ibis White)

Indigen Armor Unveils Extreme Off-Road Defense Vehicle

INDIAN LAND, SC - (May 4, 2010) - After nearly 7 years of relative obscurely manufacturing purpose-built armored vehicles for U.S. Special Operations groups, Defense Venture Group, through its subsidiary, Indigen Armor, has designed, engineered and manufactured a Non-Standard Tactical Truck (NSTT) for commercial release. Check out the video of company executives that sat in the vehicle while it was shot at with an AK-47 assault rifle. If it is good enough for our troops to ride in then it is good enough for the guys who made it to prove that it works.

The NSTT is an armored, 4-door, 4-wheel drive, turbo diesel pick-up truck. This truck is purpose-built, literally built from the ground up. The NSTT was designed to afford soldiers greater mobility in urban, desert, woodland, jungle, mountainous, and arctic terrain. The chassis, suspension, power train and armored occupant safety cell were engineered specifically to carry large payloads across rough landscape in denied areas.

The NSTT offers scalable armor packages to meet multiple threat levels. Its 6.0 turbo diesel engine runs on JP8 and other military diesel fuels. Internally transportable in an MH-47 helicopter, the NSTT can accommodate a variety of low-profile or overt tactical body styles. This allows the end user to change the vehicle's profile.

An ideal, lightweight alternative to heavy legacy vehicles, the NSTT comfortably accommodates four operators with their combat gear, communications equipment, and C4ISR technology. It is perfect for special operations, defense, paramilitary and security organizations that require a reliable and robust off-road capability in high threat environments.

Busan - 2011 Hyundai Elantra

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has been unveiled at the Busan International Motor Show in South Korea.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is powered by the company's new 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine that develops 140 PS and 17.0kg/m of torque. The engine of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is coupled with 6-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive system. The company claims the new 2011 Hyundai Elantra is 10% more fuel efficient in comparison to its direct competitors.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra’s dashboard inspired from the latest Kia Tucson and the newest Kia Sonata. What are also evident are two-tone inserts and an all new centre console that beams of higher class and quality. The probable engine under the 2011 Kia Elantra could be a 1.6L four banger blessed with the direct engine technology to boost the efficiency.

Among the new car's available features in Korea are heated rear seats, puddle lamps, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, LED taillamps and an LCD information display in the instrument cluster.





Press Release

Hyundai Motor Co. had its world-premier of the all-new Avante compact sedan, the company’s best-selling model worldwide, at the Busan International Motor Show 2010 today.

"The new Avante encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class," Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai’s Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today. "We’re confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide."

With sportier and even more elegant lines than its predecessor, the new Avante ? badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea - continues Hyundai’s ’fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea. The new Avante delivers a peak output of 140ps and maximum torque of 17.0kg·m. It is also about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to GDI, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.

The new Avante will delight and surprise with a raft of other advanced features not found on other compacts, including HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster.

Under the Avante/Elantra badge, Hyundai has sold over 6 million units worldwide since the car’s launch in 1990. Hyundai will begin sales of the all-new Avante in the second half of 2010 in Korea.

At a separate commercial vehicle booth, Hyundai displayed a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus and a Universe Limousine luxury coach, among other displays.

Hyundai’s New 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine

Hyundai displayed its all-new 1.6L Gamma GDI engine in Busan today, which it first showed in Beijing auto show last week. It is the smallest member of the Hyundai gasoline engine family to benefit from the application of Gasoline Direct Injection technology. With the help of GDI, this four-cylinder powermill develops 140ps, an approximately 13 percent improvement over a conventional 1.6L Gamma fed by MPI. GDI technology doesnt only boost power output: It also improves fuel economy while lowering emissions. The new Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, a Variable Induction System and exotic anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

Beijing _ 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW unveiled the Concept Gran Coupe today at the Beijing Auto Show, China. the all-new 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe has been revealed, finally confirming BMW’s intention to enter the burgeoning four-door coupe market.

The four-door includes a variety of distinct features like the vaulted hood with forward-facing lines, a longer wheelbase, coupe-style roofline and short front overhang. BMW describes the intent of the concept: “the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future.”

At 1.4-meters high, the car is 10-cm shorter in height than the 5er and 7er sedan. Current rumors suggest that the car is already approved for production and will be marketed as the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, a car which BMW does not directly compete against at this time.

According to BMW sources, the car is headed for production in 2012 and will be built on the same platform that underpins the 5-Series, 7-Series and the 5-Series Gran Turismo. The production model will be offered with the same mix of 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as those models.





Press Release

Elegance and dynamic performance at the first BMW Design Night in Beijing.

Munich. With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer's innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW's philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.

In the BMW Concept Gran Coupé, BMW presents the vision of a 4-door vehicle which combines the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the fascination of a high-performance sports car. The design of the concept study underscores the expertise of the brand BMW in the development of vehicles with a distinctive sporty character which offer space for more than two occupants. This reflects the particular quality of the BMW Group design philosophy, which consists in precisely and authentically translating the specific values of product substance into an aesthetically convincing shaping style. The design process is set through with a passion for aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance, precision and perfection. This is how the uncompromising premium aspiration of a BMW Group product, the unmistakable style of the brand BMW and the precisely defined character of each model are given concrete form.

The body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé expresses sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille characteristic of the brand - an icon of body design which is not just central but also a dominating element of front design. The kidney grille of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé has a flat appearance, with an asymmetrical side view which emphasises the close attention to detail. The central section with the kidney grille is formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets. The clarity of the LED front lights highlights the vehicle's precision and premium aspirations. The air inlet runs back an extremely long way into the side section, making the front section appear particularly wide. All elements of the front section appear to merge to form a single, elegantly curved movement.

The sporty, flat silhouette provides an impressive body height of just under 1.40 metres. This makes the BMW Concept Gran Coupé up to 100 millimetres flatter than the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The roof line tapers off gently into the rear, thereby elongating the vehicle's proportions. The forward-tilted shark nose visually extends the bonnet and creates characteristic BMW proportions with its forward-pointing dynamism. This stretched character is also highlighted by the side lines, where there is a deliberate avoidance of the typical sill line. The flat proportions make the window graphics appear extremely narrow and dynamic at the same time. Another BMW design icon, the Hofmeister kink, is especially strikingly formed - additionally emphasising the exclusive character of the vehicle. The frameless doors give the BMW Concept Gran Coupé a modern character since the glass surfaces appear to merge seamlessly without being interrupted by columns.

At the rear, only design elements such as the lights and tailpipe trim appear to be visible at first sight. The entire rear section appears slimmer and lighter at the centre, though still exuding power and dynamic performance since the volume is reinforced towards the sides. The L-shaped light banks feature a slight, almost subtle curve and the entire design of the lines and surfaces highlights the vehicle's elegant overall appearance. The third brake light, positioned in the rear window, is also fitted with LED technology. It takes up the kink in the roof and illuminates the entire width of the rear window. The powerfully flared wheel arches above the rear axle highlight the particularly sporty character of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

Another highly sporty and also elegant feature is the rim concept in which the individual spokes extend deep into the centre of the rim towards the hub, giving the rim a striking three-dimensional quality. The spokes themselves are not solid but relief-milled, giving them a visual lightness.

The sculptural shaping style characteristic of the entire body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé permits a unique interaction between concave and convex surfaces. It also enables the light to be selectively reflected and channelled. Thus the exterior mirrors integrated in the window shaft appear very light, blending harmoniously into the side view since their shape assimilates the entire line styling. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a further development of the classic design of a notchback sedan in which the individual body sections merge harmoniously into a flat, elongated and at the same time dynamic overall image. The effect of this 4-door vehicle derives not just from specific highlights but from its overall appearance, which authentically reflects its character. The car's dynamic potential is embodied in its proportions and lines, signalling power but also elegance and forward thrust.