The Winner's Circle

The Winner Automotive Group is hiring!

2012-03-02T10:04:00.001-05:00

The Winner Automotive Group, located in Newark Delaware, has an immediate opening for an experienced automotive business development center (BDC) representative.

The qualified candidate will have prior experience working in an automotive dealership either as a BDC representative or as a sales consultant and has proven experience selling/setting the appointment. You will handle incoming calls, interenet leads and existing customers to schedule appointments to visit one of our four locations in Delaware.

Come join a group representing some of the finest automobiles currently being sold in the country, Audi, Ford, Hyundai and Porsche.

You must be able to work a flexible schedule including some nights and some weekends, have a professional apprearance, be comfortable working with a variety of software applications, able to work independently and as a team and be organized.

The Winner Automotive Group offers a competitve pay plan, a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and company matching 401k plans as well as paid vacations, and a great work environment.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online today.

Go with a Winner!
EOE

Primary Job Duties:

Answer all incoming phone calls according to management approved incoming call word tracks (scripts) and schedule showroom appointment.
Collect customer’s name, multiple phone numbers and email address from all incoming sales calls.
Log all Customer contacts and comments into CRM Software.
Schedule future follow-up contact in CRM software if no appointment is generated from the initial incoming sales call.
Contact Customers using management approved outbound phone contact word tracks (scripts) and customer contact lists in CRM Software to schedule showroom appointments that check in upon arrival with reception desk.
Confirm scheduled appointments using appointment confirmation email template in CRM software.
Post scheduled appointments into CRM software and print a copy for CRM Administrators at showroom reception desk.
Contact “No Show" customers and reschedule their showroom appointments for a more convenient day and time.
Follow up with CRM Administrators at reception desk to determine if appointments are kept and the outcome.
Results Based CRM: Change status of prospect records in the CRM software to reflect customer’s current progress within the car buying sales cycle, and schedule future customer contact for every customer based on the results of current customer contact.
Purify and update Customer information and contact data in CRM application… Maintain accurate notes describing every customer contact.
Generate personalized emails confirming phone conversations
Schedule follow-up reminders in CRM software for next contact.
Contact Customers based on current Courtesy Chevrolet and GM marketing initiatives.
Respond to Customer web based requests using email and telephone.
Contact Internet Customers via email and phone to schedule a Sales appointment.
Follow up on Internet Customer emails according to a pre-determined timeline.
Create customer welcome folder for reception desk on all confirmed appointments.
Print Customer reception presentation based on appointment type.
Forward any Customer concerns to correct Departmental Manager and follow up with customer to verify concerns have been addressed.

A new edition to the Porsche family.

2012-02-29T09:17:00.000-05:00

Name for new Porsche SUV is Macan

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart’s new sports car in the SUV segment has been given the name Macan. The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of the new off-road car.

“The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche”, said Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. “The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”

As the fifth Porsche model line, the Macan is a central plank of Strategy 2018, by which the sports car manufacturer wishes to expand its model portfolio. Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne. The SUV will start coming off the production lines in Leipzig in 2013. To that end, the site in this city in Saxony is being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop – with 500 million euro of investment one of the biggest building projects in Porsche’s corporate history. In the medium-term, the sports car manufacturer will be creating more than 1,000 new jobs here.

Word names at Porsche have a concrete connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of boxer engine and roadster, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

Watch video here - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7DFC711115584BF9

Alex Witham's Porsche Club Column

2012-02-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

We’re off to a somewhat dubious start to 2012 with a couple of recent mishaps within Porsche of Delaware. On January 13, we had one of our Panamera service loaners involved in a minor collision and a young gentleman unfamiliar with how to properly navigate a truck with a trailer attached managed to inflict damage to a brand new 911 C4S that was parked on display. And to add insult to the injury as I made my way home that evening I found myself not paying attention and driving considerably in excess of the speed limit which a state trooper was only too happy to remind me of as he handed me the ticket. It did happen to be Friday the 13th and although I’m not usually one for superstition, this did give me cause for pause.

On Porsche’s front though, things couldn’t look brighter. The new 911 continues to get rave reviews from everyone even besting the Nissan GT-R and Corvette Z06 in a recent head to head comparison not-withstanding the other cars’ quicker acceleration and higher top speeds. It just goes to show that when it comes to driving, it’s not just about how fast you can accelerate or how many lateral g’s your car can pull in the corners. It is, rather, about how well a car does everything that’s asked of it. This is undoubtedly where the 911 has always excelled. It quite simply does everything extraordinarily.

Porsche of Delaware’s 911 launch event is right round the corner and all the planning is starting to come together and as of this writing is only 9 days away. Just about everything is in place to make what will hopefully be a truly memorable launch event that showcases the 911’s history, present, and future. I look forward to seeing you all there on February 3 from 6 to 9 in the evening for the grand unveiling of Porsche’s all new 911.

In other news, Porsche released pictures and technical data on the upcoming all new Boxster. You can check out www.Porsche.com/usa to see all the details. You can clearly see the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder’s influence in the car and there’s no doubt this new Boxster is going to be even more of a looker than the current car. We’re expecting to see these cars this summer and much like the new 911 is going to be 90% new with more power, less weight, and even better efficiency.

Later in the year and possibly not until very early 2013 we’ll see the new Cayman also. The details of this car are still very vague and the pictures that are circulating around the various car centric websites are purely speculative at this point. However, I’m sure it won’t be long before we see what it will actually look like. Obviously, since it is the Boxster’s sister car, it’s only reasonable to think that it will share many components therein.

For now, I’m very much focused on the new 911 and all the interest it’s generating. The excitement that surrounds it is veritably palpable and I can’t wait to get everyone’s feedback on the car once they get to see it in person next week. As always, I welcome any feedback, questions, or suggestions. Happy motoring.

John Hynansky recognized with prestigious national community service award

2012-02-08T17:18:00.001-05:00

Neenah, WI, Feb. 3, 2012 – In recognition of his outstanding corporate citizenship and contributions to the community, John Hynansky has earned the Salute to Dealers award from Ford Motor Company. Hynansky is one of six winners chosen for his dedication to local community, service and peers among more than 8,500 Ford and Lincoln dealers from U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Asia, Caribbean & Central America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Mr. John Hynansky shown at Audi Wilmington.

Hynansky, chairman of the Winner Group of Companies, earned the ‘Salute to Dealers’ award because of his continuous support of the Ukrainian community in the United States and Ukraine and his tireless effort in supporting disadvantaged children and families.

Hynansky is a partner of “Hope & Homes for Children”, a UK-based organization in Ukraine, which contributes to the social rehabilitation of families in Ukraine.

In the town of Kapitanivka in Ukraine, Hynansky supports the local school system with facility improvements including roofing, interior remodeling, computers, gym equipment, a new playground and transportation.

Hynansky also supports the Klitschko Brothers Foundation, which is focused on developing Ukraine’s youth.

During its 20 years in Ukraine, Hynansky has continuously initiated charitable activities for children’s hospitals and orphanages, with donations of clothing, furniture and other essential articles.

John Hynansky was awarded “The Person the year 2006”, an international prize in the field of charity and philanthropy.

Hynansky and Ford Motor Company contributed to the opening of ambulance station in the city of Lviv, Ukraine in 1997. The former First Lady of America, and U.S. Senator, Hillary Clinton took part in the official presentation.

In the summer 1995 when sanitary system broke down in Kharkov Winner played a significant role in assisting more than 150 children to prevent the spread of disease.

Hynansky makes regular contributions to Shevchenko Scientific Society to support the archiving of Ukrainian newspapers.

Hynansky purchased the Ukrainian Consulate in New York for the Ukrainian government in the USA at his own expense in 1992

“It is an honor to receive the Salute to Dealers award by Ford Motor Company,” said Mr. Hynansky, “I’m proud to be able to support those who need my assist.”

An Important Ford Motor Company Tradition

Salute to Dealers is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. The program was launched in 2001 to demonstrate the company's commitment to its thousands of dealer principals who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference where they live and work.

Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a total global field of 100 nominees located the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Europe, Mexico and Asia based on community service activities, length of participation and personal motivation.

A painted portrait of each honoree will have a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan for year-round viewing.

# # #

All-New Ford Escape Gives Drivers Quieter Ride Thanks in Part to Mirror That ‘Sees’ Sound

2012-01-25T11:27:00.003-05:00

Ford's eliptical acoustic mirror
made the all-new Escape
the quietest Escape yet.

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2012 – When Ford engineers sought out innovative ways to reduce noise in the all-new Ford Escape, they looked in the mirror.

But these engineers did not look into any mirror; they focused their eyes on an elliptical acoustic mirror.

This high-tech device was used for the first time on Escape to reduce wind noise and deliver a quieter interior. The mirror resembles a satellite dish with a microphone. The mirror identifies “hot spots” where noise penetrates the interior of the vehicle, allowing drivers to listen to music or conversation inside the car instead of external noises.

This technology is deployed more commonly by European luxury vehicle manufacturers and is considered a breakthrough among U.S. manufacturers. The mirror measures noises on the surface of the vehicle and in the airflow.

Mirror reflects changes

The engineering team was able to make changes to the Escape shape, specifically the mirrors and A-pillar, while in the early clay model phase to test theories and validate expected results. Work was done in the Ford Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel in Germany.

“We previously didn’t have this tool available,” said Peter Kleesattel, interior quietness development engineer. “Essentially we were able to optimize the shape earlier. In noise and vibration, the basic idea is you have noise sources outside the vehicle and you have the path.

“The path could be through the glass, door or insulation. Now we’re able to optimize the shape early on, reduce the exterior source and create a quieter interior.”

The optimized shape means the new Escape is quieter than the outgoing vehicle, and preliminary data show it will be among the leaders in interior quietness. In particular, the tuning work on the A-pillar helps ensure better noise performance in crosswind situations.

Wind noise performance has been optimized through more than 160 hours of engineering. In a typical eight-hour block, more than 20 configurations can be tested, including glass, mirror sealing and door sealing.

“Using the elliptical acoustic mirror helped the team pinpoint the source of the noise,” said Bill Gulker, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) supervisor. “Previous technologies required more of a trial-and-error approach to finding the issue.”

The science behind acoustic mirrors dates back almost 100 years. The technology was a precursor to radar, used for “listening” for and detecting enemy aircraft along the coast of Great Britain during World War I

New 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car Brings the “Stock Car” Back to NASCAR

2012-01-25T11:25:00.005-05:00

CONCORD, N.C., Jan. 24, 2012 – Manufacturer brand identity is back in NASCAR.

New 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR
Sprint Cup Car Brings the
“Stock Car” Back to NASCAR

The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, unveiled today as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour, was worked on by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport. The result is undeniable with the 2013 Sprint Cup car mirroring the recently unveiled 2013 Ford Fusion production car.

Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” stated Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”

This marks the third time Ford simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino. Legendary NASCAR driver David Pearson drove the Torino to back-to-back NASCAR championships in 1968 and 1969. The second time came in 2006, when the then newly introduced Ford Fusion appeared in showrooms and on the track.

Ford took a different approach with the development of the 2013 Fusion racer. Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.

“This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that,” continued Allison. “The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans.”

Ford designers, led by Nicoghosian, addressed three main issues to mirror the 2013 Sprint Cup Fusion to the 2013 production Fusion found on showroom floors.

Design Features of the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup Car

Designers addressed the overall proportion of the race car to reflect proportions found in the production Fusion.
Brand and design cues in the side of the vehicle.
An identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.

“It looks fun to drive and very much eager to go and tear up the track. It has a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside. From all angles the vehicle exudes performance and I think it reflects our general attitude of how we go about setting up our cars very, very nicely,” said Nicoghosian. “It brings a certain level of nimbleness and lightness and agility to the NASCAR platform, much like we do in our production cars, because all of our production cars have that nimbleness and agility and eagerness about them.”

The new NASCAR Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.

The Next Porsche 911

2012-01-12T16:16:00.003-05:00

The Next Porsche 911

Every 911 has taken its cues from the ones that preceded it. And every 911 has taken that knowledge and found entirely new way to amaze and awe the sports car enthusiast. The next 911 is not only faithful to that ideal, it builds on it in thrillingly new fashion.

Built from the ground up to redefine the sports car, the next 911 honors our past while embracing our future. The proof of which lies in a new seven-speed manual gearbox. A 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. An executive-class interior. And a body that is nearly 100 pounds lighter, which when paired with its race-bred suspension, makes an already legendarily agile 911 even more surgically precise.

The result? Pure sports car exhilaration and pure dream fulfillment that are without parallel.

So join us on February 3, 2012 at 6PM, so you can witness the race-bred performance, the new interior and exterior styling, and executive class comforts that the next era of the sports car has to offer. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Date - Friday, February 3, 2012
Time - 6:00 - 9:00PM
Place - Porsche of Delaware
Catering by Talula's Table, Kennett Square
Wines by Moore Brothers Wine Company

RSVP by Friday, January 27th to events@winnerauto.com or 302.292.8250

The Panamera Family Show-Off

2012-01-11T09:45:00.003-05:00

From the New York Times...

In terms of outright capability, the Panamera Turbo S is on the extreme end of the sports car spectrum. Porsche claims 0-to-60 acceleration in 3.6 seconds, which puts the Panamera in roughly the league of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Audi R8. That’s decent company, considering that the Panamera is a four-door car with 44.1 cubic feet of cargo space. (For comparison, that’s within a couple of cubic feet of the cargo bed of a Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup truck.)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA NAMED 2012 NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR

2012-01-09T10:41:00.001-05:00

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most exclusive award in North America when it was named 2012 North American Car of the Year today.

A jury of 50 independent North American automotive journalists evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner. The award was announced at a news conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which marks Hyundai’s second win. The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.

“Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold design and great fuel economy,” said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. “In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra’s far-reaching impact on the industry.”

The jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles, before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus were the other car finalists.

This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European “Car of the Year.” The jury is administered by an organizing committee and funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors judge the cars on a number of factors including innovation, impact on the industry, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

HYUNDAI “FLUIDIC SCULPTURE” DESIGN

2012 Hyundai Elantra - North American Car of the Year

Elantra exemplifies Hyundai’s emotional “Fluidic Sculpture” design principles. “Fluidic Sculpture” considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.

Along Elantra’s sides are Sonata’s flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

40 MPG POWERTRAIN
Elantra’s standard fuel economy is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, amd 33 mpg combined, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles. Elantra’s strong EPA ratings are backed up by the highest owner satisfaction with real-world fuel economy in the compact class, according to data from J.D. Power and Associates.

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these “green” states, the Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Mark on the Market
Most importantly, Elantra is driving traffic to Hyundai showrooms. Elantra’s record 186,361 sales helped Hyundai achieve its record sales of 645,691 units in the U.S. in 2011. Hyundai Motor America posted a 20 percent increase over 2011 total sales.

Visit Winner Hyundai for more details at WinnerHyundai.com

Audi A6 and A7 Selected by Car and Driver as ‘2012 10Best’ Winners

2012-01-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

Audi today announced that the 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Audi A7 vehicles have been named by Car and Driver, the world's largest automotive enthusiast publication, to the 30th annual “10Best” list. In its 30th year, “10Best” by Car and Driver recognizes the best all-new cars on the market under $80,000.

“As in years past, the cars on this year’s list represent the best overall vehicles on the market today,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, Car and Driver. “Out of 68 contenders, these are the ones that consistently perform the best, are a good value and are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles.”

The all-new 2012 Audi A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Safety in the all-new Audi A6 is enhanced by a thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assistant as well as the Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system. Other intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI® Touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages. Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic news and live fuel prices, and MMI Navigation with 3-D Google Earth™ images.
The Audi A7 is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a five-door coupe design that is both sporty and elegant. The Audi A7 can also boast being the first car in the world to feature factory-installed Wi-Fi with Audi connect™ and navigation with 3-D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI® touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 is the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering. The A7 also sets a high standard for performance, handling and efficiency with an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 liter TFSI® V6 engine, 310hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque.

Nominees for the 30th annual “10Best” list consist of all new cars, 2011 10Best winners, cars that were not available for the 2011 competition, and those with significant updates. All cars must fall under the base-price cap of $80,000 and be on sale in January 2012. Full coverage of the 2012 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands December 6, and online at http://www.caranddriver.com/201210best

In a companion piece in the January issue, Car and Driver also named the 2012 Audi A8L and 2012 Audi R8 as ‘Favorites Over $80K.’ The A8L, Audi’s flagship sedan, was chosen for its imposing, luxurious design as well as its powerful 372 horsepower, V8 engine. The sporty R8 was selected for its supercar styling and “sci-fi bodywork.”

Visit Audi Wilmington in Delaware for more information about the entire line-up of Audi models.

Audi to start its own racing series in China in 2012

2012-01-03T11:16:00.004-05:00

Audi R8 LMS #98

Audi will be permanently present in the world’s largest sales market in motorsport as well. Starting in 2012, the Audi R8 LMS Cup as an exclusive one-make racing series will underscore the company’s leading position in the premium segment in China. Audi Sport customer racing China will be responsible for the operational activities.

In 2012, Audi is setting a milestone in China’s still young motorsport tradition. The world’s first exclusive one-make cup for the Audi R8 LMS will be held in the fast-growing Chinese market. In October, with a growth rate of 61.7 percent compared to the same period of the prior year, Audi experienced a new record month in China. The next top performance followed in November, reflecting a 68.8 percent increase compared to the same prior-year month.

The R8 LMS GT3 race car with a power output of 411 kW (560 HP) will be competing at five events, including the internationally renowned circuits at Shanghai and Zhuhai, starting in the second quarter of 2012. Plans are for 16 vehicles of Audi’s customer sport model to be fielded in the one-make cup. The cars correspond to the GT3 version that has scored more than 100 international victories and 13 titles and feature the new Audi PS 1 safety seat as factory-supplied equipment. "The Audi R8 LMS Cup puts our motorsport activities in China on a permanent basis,” says Rene Koneberg, Head of Audi Sport customer racing China. "Audi was a pioneer in the premium vehicle market in China. Now we want to give motor racing in this country a similar impulse.”

Audi Sport customer racing China will be responsible for organizing the one-make cup. This new structure experienced an extremely impressive debut. At the finale of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) at Zhuhai the race team celebrated a one-two victory in the GTC class with the Audi R8 LMS. A week later, at the Macau GT Cup, Edoardo Mortara won an extremely challenging city street race in an Audi R8 LMS fielded by the team.

Audi through its Audi race experience China opens up the opportunity to contest races in professional conditions to the motorsport enthusiasts among its customers. The complete packages available to gentlemen drivers include everything a racer needs, from license training and the ready-to-run race car through to the organizational structure.

Audi expects to deliver more than 300,000 vehicles in China in fiscal year 2011. The company is the market leader in the premium segment. "China has meanwhile become a kind of second home to Audi,” says Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Managing Director of Audi China. "By entering motorsport we aim to start proving ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ on the race tracks of this dynamic country as well.”

MyFord Mobile App with Value Charging and Plug-to-Plug Routing Honored with CES Best of Innovation Award

2011-11-21T12:08:00.001-05:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 9, 2011 – The MyFord® Mobile app aims to make driving a new Focus Electric from Ford as hassle-free as it is green by adding several industry-first features. The remote vehicle monitoring and management features that are available only through MyFord Mobile will be honored with the 2012 International CES Innovation Design and Engineering Award.

“MyFord Mobile is designed to help Focus Electric drivers maximize their gasoline-free driving in a worry-free, low-effort way,” said Bill Frykman, Product & Business Development, Ford Connected Services. “Drivers can take advantage of information stored off-board to automatically charge their cars at the lowest possible cost and reduce range anxiety with plug-to-plug route planning.”

The MyFord Mobile app harnesses the power of cloud computing through a unique partnership with Microsoft, to keep track of when local utilities switch to lower off-peak charging rates, helping to minimize the cost of ownership of the battery-powered Focus Electric.

Drivers just need to enable a single setting in the app and then plug in their cars without ever worrying about what time the rates change in their area. The network monitors utility rate schedules and automatically transmits a signal to the vehicle through embedded cellular connectivity to start charging at the lowest cost. “With its quick 3 to 4 hour charge time using a 240-volt home charging station installed by Best Buy, the Focus Electric will be ready to go when the owner heads out in the morning,” said Frykman.

The capabilities of the network also enable drivers to plan customized trips using navigation data from Mapquest. Drivers can use the app to find charging stations, estimate whether they can reach a station with the currently available charge, and create multi-stop, plug-to-plug journeys for their daily driving needs.

The vehicle connectivity module and app also provide the driver with alerts when charging is complete or if charging is interrupted due to being unplugged or a power outage. The vehicle interior can be preheated or cooled while still plugged in using power from the grid to maximize driving range.

“We want to give Focus Electric drivers the opportunity to maximize the EV ownership experience,” said Frykman. “We’re honored CES has recognized our efforts to use the latest connectivity and cloud technology to augment the capabilities of the car to promote greener driving.”

The MyFord Mobile app will be available for use on most major smartphone platforms including Android, BlackBerry and iPhone. The same capabilities can also be accessed through a mobile web app for other platforms and a secure Ford website from any Internet-connected computer.

Visit WinnerFordDover.com to see Ford's complete lineup.

Ford Charges up for 2012 Announcing Exclusive Collaboration with SHFT.com

2011-11-21T12:05:00.001-05:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 14, 2011 – Ford Motor Company today announces an exclusive collaboration with SHFT.com, the award-winning multimedia platform founded by actor and filmmaker Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer. The automotive leader and green lifestyle website are joining forces to inspire people to make smarter environmental decisions through film, design, art, transportation and culture.

As part of Ford’s mission to accelerate the development of more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, the company is teaming up with SHFT.com to put the power in the hands of millions of Americans who are interested in being more eco-conscious and saving money.

“Our goal is to provide the vehicles and resources to help people live more sustainable lives,” said John Viera, director of Sustainability, Ford Motor Company. “We are working with organizations such as SHFT because they share a similar philosophy – looking at the small and large actions that can make a real difference in a creative and authentic way, which is part of Ford’s commitment to allow people to choose which fuel-efficient and green solution works best for them.”

Selecting the right vehicle is a significant decision for individuals seeking greener lifestyles or just looking to save money when driving. In a recent national survey, Ford found nearly half of Americans are confused when it comes to green vehicle options, with 46 percent not knowing the difference between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. Ford aims to help address this confusion in the marketplace through its collaboration with SHFT.com and its power of choice philosophy.

“SHFT.com celebrates businesses where great design, sustainability and innovation meet, which is why we are so excited to be forging this relationship with Ford,” said Grenier.

“Shared core values are at the heart of our collaboration,” adds Glatzer. “Our common goal is to present the best sustainable options to the conscious consumer in an inspiring and entertaining way and to embrace the individualistic choices people need to make.”

Together, Ford and SHFT are collaborating on a variety of programs to inspire and invite consumers to take a more sustainable approach in life. This includes developing the creation of a short documentary series profiling leaders in innovation who are shaping new sustainable businesses that are influencing positive change around the world. Ford and SHFT also are looking at live-event programs and film festivals to further spread their shared mission.

Ford’s power of choice
Ford believes in the power of choice – offering customers a range of fuel-efficient vehicles is the best way to reduce CO2 emissions, while still meeting the various needs of individuals. In line with this philosophy, Ford is delivering a range of eco-friendly driving options, spanning both traditional gas-powered vehicles and electrified vehicles.

Thanks to Ford technologies such as EcoBoost®, flex-fuel powertrains and hybrid batteries, consumers have access to a variety of vehicles that promise function and style while making driving a greener and more affordable experience.

Green driving leadership
Electrification also is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes five Ford electrified vehicles for the market, the Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in Hybrid and Transit Connect Electric. Additionally, Ford Motor Company has four cars that achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg or higher, including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

“Ford is excited to be collaborating with innovators at SHFT to develop real solutions to help consumers live a more sustainable lifestyle,” said Viera.

Visit WinnerFordDover.com to see Ford's complete lineup.

Audi and Columbia University Kick Off ‘Experiments in Motion’ in New York City

2011-11-14T11:26:00.001-05:00

Experiments in Motion – a cutting-edge new research project conducted in partnership between Audi of America and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) – kicked off on Monday, November 7 with a curated "dinner in motion" at the New Museum in New York City. Conceived as a series of experiments to identify new paradigms of motion, mobility and design, Experiments in Motion is led by Mark Wigley, Dean of Columbia’s GSAPP, and will draw from global thought leaders from around the university, architecture and design professionals, and an expanded network of urban mobility experts from New York City and Audi.

Experiments in Motion is part of the Audi Urban Future Initiative, a long-term, multi-level program that brings together different visions on how mobility, urban living and the role of the transportation will change in the coming years. The initiative’s academic research also includes Urbanizing Technologies: The Mobility Complex, conducted by another of the world’s leading urban thinkers, Saskia Sassen, the Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of The Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University.

“Experiments in Motion is the beginning of a new dialogue on mobility and represents a radical new way of collaboration between a corporation and a research institution. We are thrilled to partner with Mark Wigley and GSAPP, one of the most visionary schools of thought globally,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. “At the same time, the program is designed to foster emerging talent and empower young, bright minds that will both shape the future, and live in it. What better place to choose as testing ground for these experiments than New York City?”

Under the patronage of Wigley, Monday night’s dinner discussed new theories and new images of motion. A custom-made table by C-Lab and Studio-X served as centerpiece, designed specifically to foster conversation and mobility between participants. In preparation, Wigley conducted an internal workshop with the experimental research units of both Audi and Columbia GSAPP – including the Audi Urban Future Insight Team and Columbia’s C-LAB and Studio-X – to look at how an interrogation of the concept of motion can destabilize conventional thinking in both architecture and the mobility industry.

“This is an exciting research project that galvanizes the very latest thinking to energize a whole new conversation about the future of our cities,” said Wigley. “The most innovative minds are being brought together to inspire a new level of engaged creativity in the university, the design community and industry.”

By opening up the dialogue to a carefully curated group of experts, from historians of science, to filmmakers, artists and curators, the output of the discussion at the New Museum will serve to sharpen the project as it evolves. Experiments in Motion will continue in phases through 2012. In the spring of 2012, the insights of the think tank will be used to structure a new set of student architecture design studios at Columbia GSAPP focused on New York City that will connect to the school’s global network of urban research laboratories. The third phase of the experiment in summer 2012 will open the project up in a new form of public participation.

“As a project about newness – new paradigms of motion, new methods of teaching, new forms of participation – its crucial to have two partner institutions willing to work together in new ways,” said Chris Barley and Troy Conrad Therrien of design practice Th–ey, responsible for the curatorial concept of Experiments in Motion. “Although still fresh, Audi and Columbia have already begun to pose novel questions through their openness to this idea.”

New SYNC Software Update Adds Bluetooth MAP Standard; Ford Poised to Give More Drivers Safer Texting Alternatives

2011-10-24T18:05:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 18, 2011 – Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.

Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone.
Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.

“A limited population of phones has the capability to work with the text message readback feature of SYNC,” said Mark Porter, supervisor of SYNC Product Development. “With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of SYNC and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we hope we are setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phonemakers and the wireless industry to help drivers find smarter alternatives to hand-held texting while on the road.”

According to Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers is still in its infancy but the growth needle is starting to quiver.

“Texting is becoming a ubiquitous part of our day, so it stands to reason the remote message access profile is an essential addition for handsets, automobiles, headsets and aftermarket car kits,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director Bluetooth SIG. “The Bluetooth MAP standard gives users the ability to simply and smartly manage incoming text messages from their vehicle while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. We are seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phonemakers, in particular with recent qualifications from manufacturers such as HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG.”

Ready for an update
Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several significant and simple software-based updates. And owners are taking advantage, with software downloads recorded on www.syncmyride.com ranging up to nearly 14,000 each month in 2011.

Major SYNC updates that have been released to date include:

G1 V2.0 – availability of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report for 2008 SYNC-equipped vehicles (dealership installation required) (December 2008)
G1 V3.0/V3.1 – availability of SYNC Services for Traffic, Directions and Information services for 2010 SYNC-equipped vehicles (June 2009)
G1 V3.2 – improved voice command structure, constant display of turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates for 911 Assist for 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicles (April 2010)
G1 V4.0 – AppLink™ software application for hands-free voice control of smartphone apps for the 2011 Ford Fiesta only (December 2010)
G1 V3.2.2 (non-AppLink)/V4.0.2 (AppLink-equipped) – increased MAP support for select 2011 and early-release 2012 SYNC-equipped vehicles with AppLink such as Ford Mustang (May 2011)

Ford owners interested in finding out if their SYNC-equipped vehicle is eligible for any of the available SYNC updates can visit www.syncmyride.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If eligible, owners can simply download the update to a USB memory stick and bring into their vehicle for installation through SYNC’s USB port.

Seven Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Harmonized Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Solution

2011-10-24T17:56:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 12, 2011 – Recognizing the importance of a single international approach for DC fast charging, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed on the combined charging system as an international standardized approach to charge electric vehicles (EV) in Europe and the United States.

The system is a combined charging approach integrating all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station. This allows electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen can share the same fast charging stations.

The seven auto manufacturers believe the development of a common charging approach is good for customers, the industry and charging infrastructure providers. Standardization will reduce build complexity for manufacturers, accelerate the installation of common systems internationally and most importantly, improve the ownership experience for EV drivers.

The endorsement of the combined charging system was based on reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the ergonomics of the connector and the preferences of customers in both the United States and Europe. The harmonized approach – across both continents and all manufacturers - will provide a framework for future infrastructure planning as well as a communication protocol to assist in the integration of electric vehicles into the smart grids.

The seven auto manufacturers also agreed to use HomePlug Green Phy as the communication protocol. This approach will also facilitate integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications.

Automakers point to the success of Level 1 and Level 2 (for 220V charging in the U.S.) as an example of how standardization will increase the adoption of electric vehicles and increase customer satisfaction. The harmonized electric vehicle charging solution is backward compatible with the J1772 connector standard in the U.S. Backward compatibility also has been achieved in Europe where the system is based on the IEC 62196 Type 2. The approval of the J1772 standard has given electric vehicle owners the comfort of knowing they can charge at all Level 2 charging stations. Prior to standardization an EV owner had no way of knowing if the charge port they were pulling up to was compatible with their vehicle.

American Le Mans Series, Round 8 in Laguna Seca, USA, Race report

2011-10-21T11:42:00.001-04:00

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid – efficiency yields success

It beat them all – on the track and at the gas pump. At its first outing on the West Coast of the USA, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid beat all other GT vehicles in Laguna Seca. With Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) at the wheel, it turned the fastest race lap on the challenging course in Monterey/California and conquered the six hour distance with just three pit stops, while its fastest opponents in the GT class had to stop five times: An impressive demonstration of Porsche Intelligent Performance.

Porsche’s strong performance at the riveting eighth round of the American Le Mans Series was rounded off by Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA): With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the title defenders won the GT class in a photo finish final and secured their first win of the season featuring the world’s fastest sports cars. For Porsche, this marked victory number three after Mid-Ohio and Baltimore.

"Our expectations have been far exceeded"

Interest from the fans for the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid was enormous in California, as well. And the way the innovative sports car from Weissach - which started from the rear of the grid and was not eligible for points - chased through the field in just a few laps to snatch the lead caused a sensation in the grandstands. The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid convinced with its consistently fast lap times and low fuel consumption and finished ahead of all other GT vehicles thanks to its ground-breaking drive concept.

“The start phase was huge fun, because it was relatively easy to overtake the slower competitors,” said Romain Dumas. “But it’s even more fun because we can apply superior tactics thanks to the lower fuel consumption. We are much more flexible and we made the most of this today.” Richard Lietz stated: “We had the least pit stops of all the teams and showed clearly what the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid can do. We didn’t experience one technical problem and left all the other GT vehicles behind us. Our expectations have been far exceeded.”

In a photo finish final to victory

Thrills and spills also characterised the fight for victory in the fiercely-contested GT class as always. Spectacular tussles for positions on the track and in the pits as well as frequent changes at the lead were played out over the entire race – and in the last two hours, long after darkness had fallen on the Laguna Seca Raceway, events began to heat up: In the penultimate lap, Joerg Bergmeister squeezed past a BMW into second place with his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports. But the most successful GT pilot in the American Le Mans Series wasn’t yet finished. He wanted victory – and in the final lap he pushed fast the leading Ferrari.

“That was our first win this season. We did it at last and it was high time for that,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “We didn’t have the fastest car in the field today, but we fought to the flag. That paid off. To go from third to first in the last laps – you don’t experience this every day in such a strongly-supported series.” Patrick Long added: “Joerg won the race today. Our tactic was to keep out of any squabbles as much as possible and to have the car in one piece at the end to fight for victory. This worked, but the driving style of several competitors was clearly too tough today. It almost cost us the race.”

In the second Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany) joined forces with American Seth Neiman to bring home ninth place. “The track was new for me and has to be one of the most beautiful in the USA. The race was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I’m pleased that we finished well. It was great fun.” Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) saw the flag in tenth with Paul Miller Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.

After wins from Mid-Ohio and Baltimore, luck evaded Wolf Henzler in Laguna Seca. The Porsche works driver from Germany had taken over the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR from his teammate Bryan Sellers (USA) and was lying within striking distance of the top when a rival hit his rear shortly before the halfway point of the race. The impact damaged the water pump and put a stop to Falken Tire’s recent run of successes. “Such a retirement is of course hugely disappointing, especially after our wins of the last weeks,” Wolf Henzler said. “Now we have to roll up our sleeves and try to turn the best season for our team so far into a happy ending at Road Atlanta.”

The ninth and final round of the American Le Mans Series takes place on 1 October on the Road Atlanta race track at Braselton, in the US State of Georgia.

Porsche takes GT title in the Grand-Am Series

At the same time as the penultimate race of the American Le Mans Series, Porsche teams were also fighting for championship honours in the equally as popular Grand-Am Series which held its final race on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington/Ohio. With the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup run by the successful customer team Brumos Racing, which is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS sports car, Americans Leh Keen and Andrew Davis secured the title with fourth place. The highlight of the exciting season was the Daytona 24 hour race in Florida, where Porsche kicked off the season with a double victory for the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Statistics

Result GT class
1. Bergmeister/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 236 laps
2. Müller/Hand (D/USA), BMW M3 GT, 236
3. Melo/Vilander (BRA/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 236
4. Sharp/van Overbeek (USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 236
5. Werner/Auberlen (D/USA), BMW M3 GT, 236
6. Magnussen/Gavin (DK/GB), Chevrolet Corvette, 236
9. Holzer/Neiman (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 230
10. Maassen/Miller (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 224

Result GTC class
1. Pumpelly/Ende (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 222 laps
2. J. Bleekemolen/Pappas/S. Bleekemolen (NL/USA/NL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 222
3. Le Saffre/Faulkner (USA/IRL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 221

Points’ standings GT class
Drivers
1. Dirk Müller, Joey Hand, BMW, 145 points
2. Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Chevrolet, 110
3. Dirk Werner, Bill Auberlen, BMW, 101
4. Jaime Melo, Toni Vilander, Ferrari, 90
5. Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Porsche, 77
6. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Porsche, 76

Manufacturers
1. BMW, 145 points
2. Porsche, 132
3. Chevrolet, 114
4. Ferrari, 109

Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 145 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 114
3. Risi Competizione, 90
4. Team Falken Tire, Porsche, 77
5. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 75

Porsche Cajun Green-lighted for 2013

2011-10-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Production to Begin in 2013 at New, 42-Acre Site

Porsche has confirmed that the Cajun crossover will go into production late in 2013 as a 2014 model at its Leipzig plant, where the Cayenne and Panamera are currently assembled.
“We are investing another 500 million euro [$684.9 million] in the production facility to build the Cajun in Leipzig. This is not just a mark of confidence in the manufacturing skills of our Leipzig colleagues, but also an important contribution to the economic development of the region,” said Matthias Müller.

The Leipzig site, currently home to 800 employees, has been producing the Porsche Cayenne since its conception in 2002, and also produces the four-seater Porsche Panamera. Porsche has invested approximately $383 million (280 million euro) in the Leipzig site, with more than 420,000 cars produced to date.

Porsche has said the entry-level Cajun crossover, to be based on the Audi Q5 platform, will be “light and handy”, and will compete with the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

What Porsche hasn’t confirmed are the engine options; industry insiders are expecting a 2.0 litre TFSI or even possibly a supercharged, 3.0 litre V6.

The Audi A2 Concept

2011-10-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

With the A2 concept technology study, Audi is offering a peek at electric driving in the megacities of the future. The purely electric powered A2 concept is a classic space concept: a premium vehicle for metropolitan areas featuring generous amounts of space and composed road manners.

The technology study is packed full with attractive, intelligent technologies. An innovative body technology – a further development of Audi’s ultra-lightweight construction – limits its weight to just 1,150 kilograms (2,535.32 lb). Audi connect technologies provide an Internet connection; the steering and brakes are purely electric (by-wire) systems.
Exterior design
The Audi A2 concept demonstrates the complete skill set of the Audi designers in a compact space. It is just 3,804 millimeters (149.76 in) long, 1,693 millimeters (66.65 in) wide and 1,494 millimeters (58.82 in) high; even so, it makes it makes and elegant, powerful and sporty impression on the road. As is typical for Audi, its clean appearance concentrates fully on the essentials.

The opaque glass roof of the show car finished in flat Electric White becomes transparent at the push of a button. When an electric voltage is applied, small particles integrated into the glass align so that the light can pass through the glazing unhindered. When the glass roof is darkened, however, it blocks the infrared component of the sunlight almost completely, effectively shadowing the interior. This is a further contribution to efficient temperature management in the purely electric powered Audi A2 concept.

As with every Audi, the front of the technology study is dominated by the single-frame grill, in this case, in a special version tailored to electrical operation. The upper two-thirds are designed as a closed, folding surface, behind which are the charging socket and the cooling water connection. The four Audi rings are intensively sculpted; the engine hood is permanently bolted to the body.

Mounted in the lower section of the single-frame grille, which acts as an air inlet, are highly efficient cooling elements made of graphite foam. The lightweight mineral is an excellent conductor of heat from the water to the ambient air. Eight blocks with six graphite elements each are located in the central air inlet.

Another highlight of the A2 concept are the matrix beam LED headlights. An entire bundle of small light-emitting diodes arranged one above the other produce the low beam and high beam light. Microreflectors enable the precise positioning of the light. The LEDs can be switched on and off independently to illuminate the road perfectly in any situation. Numerous mini-LEDs set in the lower section of the headlight like a pearl necklace produce the daytime running light.

The side view of the technology study is also typical Audi, with brawny wheel wells, a low greenhouse and an early-sloping roof line that ends in a long rear spoiler. Sharp lines frame tautly arched sheet metal surfaces. The dynamic line above the sills rises distinctly; the tornado line below the windows runs slightly upward. Just below the tornado line is a characteristic feature of the Audi A2 concept – the Audi dynamic light: a band of light that connects the headlights with the tail lights.

Light-emitting diodes and light guides produce the Audi dynamic light. When in standby-mode, the several centimeter-wide band appears black. When the owner of the Audi A2 concept approaches, it lights up blue in welcome and focuses on the door handles, which are inset into the band and extend when the driver swipes a hand over them.

The dynamic light shines bright orange when the A2 concept is driving. It pulses on the corresponding side when indicating a turn, and when braking, a red pulse of light runs along the flank as a warning for other road users.

The tail lights also use matrix beam technology. They are adaptive: The system uses a sensor to detect how good visibility is and adjusts the brightness accordingly.

Five laser diodes produce the rear fog light. When visibility is good, their light is invisible. In the fog or rain, however, it strikes the water particles in the air and becomes clearly visible as a floating triangle.
Interior
The interior also reflects the philosophy behind the Audi A2 concept. It is light, clean, open, and spacious with intuitive controls. The dashboard is split into two sections, with the semi-circular left section enclosing the driver’s area. The Audi dynamic light runs along the edges in two separate arcs from the doors to the cockpit. It welcomes the passengers in a manner similar to the light band on the exterior.

The architecture of the interior takes advantage of the possibilities afforded by the electric drive system. There is no center tunnel; the console between the front seats can be lowered to allow free passage through the vehicle. Heating and cooling air flows indirectly and draft-free through a perforated surface beneath the windshield.

The steering wheel of the Audi A2 concept is flattened at the top and bottom, with a single spoke connecting the ring to the impact absorber. The two large horns pointing inward have touch-sensitive surfaces used to control key functions, with only the turn signals and windshield wipers still controlled via the traditional steering column stalks.

If both touchpads are touched at the same time, the A2 concept switches into a semi-autonomous driving mode. This convenience feature is a welcome relief in slow-moving traffic, for example. The driver maintains full control of the vehicle at all times, exactly like with today’s ACC stop & go system on which the new technology is based.

An open, shell-like section serves as the steering column and extends horizontally into the cockpit. On the far end is a seven-inch display flanked by two secondary displays with the speedometer and the power meter.

When the driver pushes the button to activate the electric drive, an animated band of light encircles the driver and passenger, and two touchpads fold up to the right of the steering wheel. The small touchsurface on the left is for shifting gears (shift-by-wire); the larger one on the right is reserved for the air conditioning and media functions.

The retractable console between the seats includes an additional touchpad for entering letters and numbers and for secondary functions – a further development of today’s MMI touch. A docking station for the iPhone rounds out the control concept.

The show car has all of the Audi connect technologies on board. The Bluetooth online car phone connects it to the Internet via a UTMS module, a WLAN hotspot lets the passengers surf and e-mail from their mobile devices. The fast data connection delivers specially prepared news and information to the vehicle. The services currently offered by Audi are available for navigation: the map with images from Google Earth, Audi traffic information online, Google POI search via voice control and Google Street View.

Cutouts in the backrests of the four individual seats in the Audi A2 concept give them a sporty look and make them incredibly light. They have an aluminum chassis and the developers used a polymer blow-molding process for the shells. Three struts connect the seats with the floor for more foot room in the back, and there are storage bins beneath the fold-up seat cushions.

A console with storage bins is located between the rear seats. Folding these seats forward reveals a fixture for the fork of a special city bicycle. The luggage compartment of the Audi A2 concept has a sandwich floor. A fold-up frame with two solid, high-load nets covers the lower load level.

The colors and materials in the interior support the impression of lightness and functionality. The large areas from the door top shoulders to the floor are covered in a tough material with a neoprene surface feel. A ribbed material made from recycled polyester covers the central floor area. Aluminum elements accentuate the cockpit.

Technology
The Audi A2 concept is a purely electric vehicle. The lithium-ion battery mounted in the sandwich floor stores 31 kWh of energy, 24 kWh of which are usable. The electric motor is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. It delivers 85 kW (116 hp) of peak power (60 kW continuous) and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque (160 Nm (118.01 lb-ft continuous) to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission.

The Audi technology study has a range of 200 km (124.27 miles) in the European driving cycle. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to fully recharge the battery with 400 volt three-phase current and approximately four hours with 230 volt household current. The Audi A2 concept is also designed for the new contactless charging technology (Audi Wireless Charging).

The show car weighs less than 1,150 kilograms (2,535.32 lb). This is due primarily to its body, which features the most advanced state of Audi’s ultra-lightweight construction. The A2 concept marks the first time that the ASF has been combined with hybrid multimaterial construction, in which very different materials are combined with one another. In this case, the superstructure is made largely of aluminum components and is complemented by add-on parts of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP).

The Audi A2 concept is an agile vehicle. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.3 seconds; top speed is limited to 150 km/h (93.21 mph) in the interest of range. A McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam axle in the back provide for agile handling. The steering and brake systems are purely electric (steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire), requiring no mechanical or hydraulic connection to the steering wheel or the pedals, respectively.

The 18-inch wheels are fabricated using cladding technology. The alloy base wheel and the cladding are manufactured separately and bonded together, greatly reducing the amount of material used. The new hybrid technology, which Audi already uses in some production models, saves roughly two kilograms (4.41 lb) per wheel. The wheels of the A2 concept combine the blade look of the e-tron family with Audi’s classic spoke design.

The Audi A8 hybrid

2011-09-21T15:42:00.002-04:00

Scheduled to launch in 2012, the Audi A8 hybrid combines the best of two worlds. Its gasoline engine – a 2.0 TFSI – and an electric motor develop peak output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque for short periods of time. The luxury sedan can travel up to a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and covers around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). In the standard test cycle, it consumes less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of less than 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile). Please note that these are provisional figures.
Parallel system: the hybrid drive
Directly mounted behind one another, the 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi A8 hybrid form a parallel hybrid system. The sedan accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds from a standing start and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph).

The 2.0 TFSI has a displacement of 1,984 cc and an output of 155 kW (211 hp), with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. In the typical Audi manner, the four-cylinder engine combines three potent efficiency technologies: FSI gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and the Audi valvelift system. The latter of these further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and engine speed.

For use in the Audi A8 hybrid, the 2.0 TFSI underwent modifications in several areas. The alternator as an ancillary unit has been dropped, while the crankshaft bearing and the fine tuning of the turbocharger were adapted to the new requirements. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast.

Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes.

An extensively modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission, without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor.

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM), which also functions as a starter and – during deceleration – as a generator, has a peak output of up to 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque for short periods of time. The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the TFSI engine.

The motor is combined with a multi-plate clutch operating in the oil bath and joining or separating it and the TFSI. Controlled by intelligent management, the clutch operates ultra-precisely, gently and fast in all situations.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission, which guides the engine torque to the front wheels, greatly contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid – its gears are widely spread. When the 2.0 TFSI is deactivated, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

The power electronics, in the form of a pulse-controlled inverter, serve as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor, which operates on alternating current. Water-cooled by a separate low-temperature circuit, the component is distinguished by its low volume and weight. The power electronics include a DC/DC converter that couples the consumers in the 12V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

Lightweight: the battery
A lithium-ion battery system, weighing a mere 36.7 kg (80.91 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi A8 hybrid. The compact battery with a volume of just 26 liters (0.92 cu ft) is located in an area beneath the luggage compartment that is protected in the event of a collision.

The trunk capacity is 335 liters (11.83 cu ft). The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its power up to 40 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan.

If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the automatic air conditioning system of the Audi A8 hybrid and uses a separate evaporator. This powerful active cooling system greatly helps the sedan to travel relatively long distances on electric power alone.

Versatile: the driving modes
The driver can decide which operating mode the Audi A8 hybrid should use – one of three driving modes can be selected at the press of a button on the center console or by means of the automatic selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan can operate in one of five drive modes: Driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

Both drive sources are deactivated when the vehicle is stationary. In this convenient start/stop mode the automatic air conditioning remains active – its compressor has an electric drive. Once the driver releases the brake, the A8 hybrid starts rolling. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – and therefore with no local emissions. At a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) can be traveled – enough for many residential areas and inner cities.

When the driver presses the accelerator beyond a certain threshold, the internal combustion engine takes over the drive function. At lower revs this engine will temporarily have a heavier load than is required for the drive – the load point shifts to a higher range and the efficiency improves.

The excess torque benefits the electric motor, which then serves as a generator to recharge the battery and power the consumers.

In quick acceleration, or “boosting,” the electric motor operates together with the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode or during kickdown the full system output is briefly available. The hybrid drive then supplies the propulsion power of a large, naturally aspirated engine, but with far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor serves as a generator again. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system, so as not to cause any drag losses. The electricity recovered by the electric motor when coasting and during braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery.

If the driver only brakes slightly, the electric motor performs the deceleration itself; during more forceful braking, the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated. Its brake booster has a second power supply through an electric vacuum pump. A complex rule-based strategy adapts the braking to the conditions of electric driving and energy recuperation. The power steering uses an electromechanical system.

Informative: the displays
The Audi A8 hybrid comes with a display concept for making the driving states of the hybrid drive tangible to the driver. The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a power meter, with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments – the gray and orange sections clearly indicate the drive mode currently used by the sedan. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the lithium-ion battery.

At the same time, the energy flow display clearly depicts the mode of operation and active components of the hybrid drive. It can be called up via the driver information system and the central MMI display. The MMI monitor shows a bar graph of the average consumption and recuperation quantity in five-minute increments.

Although room has to be made for all of the hybrid technology, the A8 hybrid is not a Spartan model. It comes standard with particularly efficient LED headlights, the Bose sound system, three-zone automatic air conditioning and a metallic paint finish.

Design
The 18-inch cast wheels of the Audi A8 hybrid feature a ten-arm turbine design – their ten spokes resemble turbine blades. The tires have the size 235/55 R18. As an option, there are 19-inch wheels with a two-color paint finish and in the same design, which is typical for hybrid vehicles from Audi, with 245/45-series R19 tires.

Beyond that, the Audi A8 hybrid is further distinguished by the subtle differentiation on the outside. The rear hatch and the fenders bear hybrid badges; these are illuminated in door sill trims. Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish.

The A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest vehicles in its competitive segment, drawing on Audi’s comprehensive ultra-lightweight competence. Except for the B-pillars of hot-shaped, ultra-high-strength steel, its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made entirely of aluminum. Weighing just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), it is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel construction.

The ASF body is structured according to bionic principles. Its frame comprises extruded sections and pressure diecast parts of aluminum; the aluminum panels – such as the roof panels and the side panels – are joined by friction connections. Like the bones of a human skeleton, all components combine optimal function with low weight. The material is used only where necessary and always in a tailored configuration.
The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Audi Challenges Drivers to ‘Take the Pledge’ for Better, Safer Road

2011-09-21T15:39:00.002-04:00

Audi is on a mission to make the road a more intelligent place. Challenging drivers to take a stand and champion responsible driving behavior, Audi announces a national initiative that encourages drivers across America to take the “Driver’s Pledge.” By pledging to be a smarter, safer, more efficient driver, Audi hopes to make the road a more intelligent place and allow drivers everywhere to once again enjoy the road. The “Driver’s Pledge” is part of a larger campaign for the all-new 2012 Audi A6, one of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, that calls attention to the increasingly challenging road conditions American drivers face today and galvanizes enthusiasts to take action. Supporters can visit www.driverspledge.com to participate.

“Drivers daily face an unintelligent road. Frustrations, distractions and deterrents bombard drivers as they go from place to place,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer of Audi of America. “Audi recognizes these conditions and is on a mission to find solutions that not only assist our drivers, but also help improve daily driving conditions across the nation. Now, starting today, Audi challenges drivers to join the movement and take the “Driver’s Pledge” for a more intelligent road.”

As part of the “Driver’s Pledge,” participants can promise to reduce their speed at yellow lights or refrain from texting or partaking in distracting behavior while driving, among other pledges to become more aware, safe and efficient drivers. By taking the “Driver’s Pledge,” participants will be entered to win a grand prize trip for two to the Audi Sportscar Experience Challenge at the Audi Forum Sonoma in Northern, Ca.

The initiative debuted on the Primetime Emmy® Awards telecast Sunday night with a special mention during Audi’s 30-second spot for the all-new 2012 A6. The Audi A6, recently awarded the IIHS Top Safety Award this year for incorporating the most innovative safety technology into a vehicle, is engineered to combat today’s road, making 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. With thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assist to highlight pedestrians it detects in front of the vehicle, Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system that is able to minimize accidents by warning the driver and applying the brakes with increasing force in an emergency, and head-up display that projects navigation data as a hologram that hovers over the windshield, the A6 is designed to analyze the road, anticipate situations for the driver, prepare for incidents and enhance the driver’s experience.

Other leading technology such as MMI® Navigation with Google Earth – an industry first that combines 3-D terrain models with aerial views and a detailed street network to calculate routes seamlessly – MMI touch pad that recognizing handwriting in multiple languages, and factory-installed wireless internet that enables features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices, makes the Audi A6 one of the most intelligent vehicles on the road today.

Porsche Ready for Baltimore Grand Prix

2011-08-30T17:42:00.000-04:00

Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long , current American Le Mans GT class reigning champions, will once again take their places behind the wheel of the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on September 3, 2011. New for the 2011 American Le Mans schedule is the Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix. The new 3.219km, 12 corner, urban street circuit, winds through Baltimore’s inner harbor and around the Convention Centre.

Commenting on this inaugural event, Porsche head of motorsport, Hartmut Kristen said, “The first race on a new circuit is always an interesting task for drivers and teams, and even more so on a street circuit with its very special challenges. The Baltimore race, with its large urban area is definitely a positive for the American Le Mans Series and a crucial step towards tapping into new markets for the series and extending the fan base.” Being the head of the most successful GT race car nameplate in recent years, Kristen will be as equally excited for the exposure for Porsche as he is for the fans.

Joerg Bergmeister, who seemed genuinely excited when asked about the new circuit said, ”I’m looking forward to Baltimore. We don’t know much about the new track and have no experience here whatsoever. But because the Indycars are driving there too, I assume that it’ll be in good condition and in this regard we don’t expect any issues. Generally, street circuits suit us. Like at all city races, it’ll be important in Baltimore to use the short practice session well to find the best set-up for the track.”

Bergmeister and Long are currently defending their championship status from 6^th place in the American Le Mans GT class; 57 points behind current leaders Dirk Muller and Joey Handof BMW Team RLL. Residing in 5^th place, ahead of Bergmeister and Long, 2011 Mid-Ohio winner, Wolfe Henzler and Bryan Sellers pilot the Falken Tire 911 GT3 RSR. Darren Law and Seth Neiman, both Americans, pilot the second Flying Lizard Porsche while Bryce Miller and Sascha Maassen team up in the Paul Miller Racing 911 GT3 RSR.

Providing his thoughts on the new circuit, Henzler said, “The first race on a new track is always a challenge. At the moment everything is running smoothly for us. After winning in the rain at Mid-Ohio we followed up in Elkhart Lake with our best result on a dry circuit. This shows that we’re working in the right direction. I’m heading to Baltimore feeling confident and hope that we can continue our positive trend.”

From - http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2011/08/porsche-ready-for-balitimore-grand-prix/

Introducing the Remarkable Audi Film Series

2011-08-29T10:54:00.000-04:00

When trance and chill out musician Ryan Farish began investigating new equipment to help him perfect his recordings a few years ago, he was struck by a review that compared its qualities to the engineered precision of an Audi.

That was enough to sell him on the new gear – and a new car. As he developed songs that earned him a Grammy nomination, a 2008 Gospel Music Association Dove Award, enough tracks to fill eight albums and a style that has come to define The Weather Channel soundtrack, Farish burned them on a CD so he could hear how they sounded in his Audi TT. When the Virginia Beach, Va., artist explained how this process helps him refine his music, we had an idea. Why not get his professional impression on the most advanced sound system built into our cars today – the 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound System found in the new Audi A8 flagship model? We were eager to hear what his trained ear thought of a system that is engineered from the start of the A8 development with more than 400 hours of fine tuning devoted to acoustic purity.

With only a basic introduction to the car and absolutely no strings attached, we left an Audi A8 with Farish to drive and test songs for the new album “Upon A Dream,” which was released internationally last week. The result is this first installment of the new Remarkable Audi film series – a project devoted to letting real people like Ryan Farish bring their real and remarkable Audi stories to you.

Here Comes the Sun: Ford and SunPower Team up to Let Focus Electric Customers ‘Drive Green for Life’

2011-08-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 10, 2011 – Ford and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to “Drive Green for Life” by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

“Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.”

“SunPower’s innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles.”

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

The complete SunPower solar system is offered at a base price of less than $10,000*, after federal tax credits. Local and state rebates, along with other incentives, may drive the system cost down even more, depending on a customer’s location. Included in the purchase is a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application. Affordable financing options for the solar system are available through SunPower. This price point does not include local sales tax.

Interested Focus Electric customers will be contacted by a participating SunPower dealer who will visit their home to begin the installation process. SunPower leads the industry with more than 400 dealers in the U.S., and can support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 markets.

In addition to the Focus Electric, the SunPower rooftop solar system will be compatible with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Ford is rolling out in 2012.

Two Complementary Charging Solutions for Focus Electric Owners
By partnering with SunPower, Ford now offers Focus Electric owners two complementary charging solutions to make the overall experience of owning an electric vehicle easier. In January, Ford announced an agreement with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to offer a 240-volt home charging station for the Focus Electric and future electric vehicle owners.

“The goal of working with both SunPower and Best Buy was to offer Focus Electric owners solutions to charging needs that help lower the vehicle’s overall cost of ownership,” said Tinskey.

The Power of Choice
Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

*This offer assumes normal installation conditions, not including modifications to a roof, electrical service panel or excessive wire requirements.

Two Ford vehicles earn spot on kbb.com Back-to-School list

2011-08-17T09:06:00.000-04:00

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has announced its picks for the 2011 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars, a mix of both new and used cars and trucks. Ford has two vehicles on the list, the 2012 Focus and 2007 F-150. Young drivers love the Focus, kbb says, because "it looks cool on the outside, modern on the inside, handles with more than a hint of sportiness and offers advanced audio and information technology." For those who subscribe to "bigger is better," kbb says the 2007 F-150 is their back-to-school ride. It "boasts five-star NHTSA front crash ratings, beefy good looks and all the practical hauling and towing abilities afforded by a proper pickup truck."

Choosing a car for yourself - that's one thing. It's an important decision more than worthy of a few hours of research and rumination. But choosing a car for your child - that's a far more important decision, because that car will transport your most precious possession. The decision on which vehicle is the right back-to-school car for your child is a critical one, and we at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com keep that in mind when our experts put their heads together to compile this list. The car for your child must be safe, affordable and versatile. It would also be nice if it were fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and good-looking, too. Oh, and did we mention reliable and inexpensive to own? All these factors are rolled into the following list of the Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars for 2011.

Our annual list spotlights five new and five used vehicles because each has its own merits. The new cars are all available at a Fair Purchase Price under $18,000, while the used vehicles are all 2007 model year and newer with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000 (with base-level equipment and average mileage).

Audi Leads List of Consumers Top Rated Vehicles on Edmunds.com

2011-08-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

Audi led all automotive brands by winning four categories in Edmunds.com’s 2011 Consumers’ Top RatedSM vehicles. The German luxury make earned the top nod for Best Coupe $35K-$45K (2011 Audi A5), Best Coupe Over $45K (2011 Audi S5), Best Wagon $35K-$45K (2011 Audi A4 Wagon) and Best SUV $35K-$45K (2011 Audi Q5).

“It’s clear that the owners of Audi’s 2011 lineup of vehicles are very satisfied with their purchases,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief at Edmunds.com. “It’s also just as clear that Edmunds.com visitors continue to rate European and Japanese brands higher than their U.S. and Korean counterparts. European and Japanese models won 75 percent of our categories.”

To see all 21 winners of the 2011 Consumers Top Rated vehicles, please visit the awards page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/2011-consumers-top-rated.html.

Audi of America Partners with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences For the Primetime Emmy® Awards

2011-08-15T12:17:00.000-04:00

Audi of America is honored to announce that it will serve as the official automotive partner of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences beginning with the 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards taking place on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at the Nokia Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles and airing on FOX. This multi-year partnership will take place across numerous platforms, expanding upon the brand’s continuous support of the entertainment industry.

Audi will participate in select Television Academy events celebrating this year’s Primetime Emmy® Award nominees, including the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards on September 10, the Red Carpet rollout for the Primetime Emmy® telecast and Governor’s Ball preview on September 14, and the Performers’ Nominee Reception on September 16. The Primetime Emmy® Awards honors excellence in all aspects of national television programming – from such categories as writing, directing and performance, to costume design, cinematography, lighting and music. The winners are annually selected by 15,000 industry professionals who are voting members of the Television Academy.

“Audi is honored to support the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognizing exceptional talent in television,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “The brand has become a key player within the entertainment industry and has a longstanding history as a friend of the arts, making this partnership a perfect fit. What better way to celebrate some of the greatest talent in the television industry than with a car company that produces only the very best automobiles that truly epitomize the luxury and glamour of Hollywood.”

Audi, one of the top luxury automakers in the world, has had numerous successful partnerships with high-profile entertainment brands including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the “Iron Man” film franchise, The Weinstein Company, and more. Audi is supporting its sponsorship of the Primetime Emmy® Awards with a fleet of stunning Audi vehicles including the all-new A6 and A7, along with the Audi A8, the brand’s luxury flagship sedan, which will chauffeur select guests to the show and to additional events throughout the television awards season.

Additionally, Audi will once again host its annual pre-Emmy® Awards celebration on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. The brand has become known for its exclusive star-studded parties to kick off awards week, and this year Audi will be making a donation to Tuesday’s Children in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Tuesday's Children is a non-profit family service organization that has made a long term commitment to every individual impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, including the families of 9/11 victims and the heroic first responders.

The 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards will air live coast to coast on Sunday, September 18th (8PM, ET/ 5PM, PT) on FOX and will originate from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. The awards will be produced by Mark Burnett and hosted by Jane Lynch.

Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom commandingly wins

2011-08-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

In the duel against Mercedes-Benz Audi has raised the score of victories to 4-2. In front of 86,500 spectators (throughout the weekend) Mattias Ekström in the Audi A4 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was in a class of his own at the Nürburgring. From the pole position the Swede achieved an advantage of 5.533 seconds over the leader of the standings, Bruno Spengler, and celebrated his 15th DTM victory that was never at risk in the race.

Exactly 63 weeks or 441 days Mattias Ekström had to wait for this day. The last DTM race won by the Audi driver had been at Valencia at the end of May 2010. “That was a very long time,” said the Swede after his triumph at the Nürburgring. “This success feels incredibly good. I’m very happy for the team that suffered a great deal of misfortune in the first half of the season. This weekend Audi Sport and Abt were right on the mark. All I had to do was drive ...”

Almost up to the end of the race Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was even heading for a one-two result at the Nürburgring. Up to the penultimate lap Mike Rockenfeller was running in second place before, under pressure from Bruno Spengler, the wheels of his Audi A4 DTM locked as he was braking into turn one. “I was having problems with grip on the rear wheels and changed the brake balance,” explained Rockenfeller. “But that’s not meant to be an excuse. I’m sorry for the team – something like this simply mustn’t happen on the penultimate lap.”

Places four and five went to Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) who switched positions in a fierce duel on the 20th lap. The runner-up in the standings, Tomczyk, had started well from position seven on the grid but was hit by Mercedes driver Jamie Green in the commotion on lap one. The front end of his Audi A4 DTM was damaged in the incident. Tomczyk nonetheless managed to secure fifth place and as the best driver of a year-old car scored important points in the title fight. Before the remaining four races the German as the best Audi driver remains within a striking distance to Bruno Spengler, ranking seven points behind him in the overall classification.

With Edoardo Mortara on position seven a fifth Audi driver scored points. Audi Sport Team Rosberg had to repair the Italian’s A4 DTM after an incident in the morning’s warm-up session when a kerb along the track had come loose and caused considerable damage to the left-hand side of the vehicle. The two points which Mortara clinched as the best DTM rookie in the field were a nice reward for the extra work.

Mortara’s team-mate Filipe Albuquerque in ninth place just barely missed scoring a point. Oliver Jarvis managed to recover from position 15 on the grid to tenth place. Miguel Molina and Rahel Frey occupied places twelve and 16 in the race that was very turbulent at times.

“Overall, it was a great team performance,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias Ekström and his A4 DTM were in a league of their own this weekend. And Team Abt showed perfect pit stops. It’s a shame that Martin Tomczyk lost a few points. But we’re happy that after the body contact with Jamie Green on lap one he was able to even finish the race.”

Audi of America Partners with San Francisco Mayor Lee and Union Square Business Improvement District to Inaugurate Powell Street Promenade

2011-07-22T11:50:00.002-04:00

Audi of America joined San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and formally opened Powell Street Promenade — a new and innovative pedestrian space in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown as part of a partnership between the City & County of San Francisco, and the Union Square Business Improvement District (BID).

The Powell Street Promenade has transformed two blocks between Ellis and Geary Streets, along the famed Powell Street cable car line, addressing overcrowding by creating an enjoyable public space to eat, chat and relax. It also provides visitors and residents with a comfortable place to plan their visit out of the bustle of the corridor. This vibrant pedestrian corridor is one of the busiest in the nation and is typically traveled by more than 100,000 people on an average weekend. The Powell Street Promenade is the largest ‘Parklet’ installation in the City.

“Audi is taking its passion for efficiency and sustainability even further with its involvement in the revitalization of Powell Street in San Francisco,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer for Audi of America. “This is an exciting and important project for the people of San Francisco and as a global hub of art and aesthetic, it seemed only natural that Audi – who remains steadfast in its commitment to progressive design and innovation – partner with the City of San Francisco to re-imagine this iconic area.”

Audi of America partnered with the City & County of San Francisco and the Union Square BID to provide the necessary funds and guidance on the cutting-edge and modern design of the Powell Street Promenade. Designed by Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio, the overall aesthetic of the promenade is guided by a forward-thinking, people-friendly, environmentally-conscious philosophy. By repurposing the on-street loading lanes along these two blocks of Powell Street, the Promenade provides six additional feet of continuous pedestrian space and adds amenities such as custom designed aluminum benches, planters, tables, rails, landscaping, bike parking, and other pedestrian-friendly features. Low-energy Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights will illuminate the space through power collected from solar panels. All landscaping is drought tolerant and materials used are designed to be long-lasting and reusable. People utilizing this Promenade will also have access to free Wi-Fi; which was installed as part of the project. Audi used the same principles that define the brand’s innovative approach to car making throughout this process. The Union Square BID will maintain the Promenade and keep it clean and activated.

Additional details can be found at www.progressonpowell.com. Audi and its San Francisco advertising agency Venables Bell & Partners worked closely to bring the project to life.

The best of two worlds - the Audi A6 hybrid

2011-07-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

Power like a V6, fuel consumption like a four-cylinder car – the Audi A6 hybrid, coming on the market in 2012, combines the best of two worlds. Its gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, and the electric motor can briefly generate 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the high and spontaneous generation of power, the average rate of fuel consumption in the standard cycle is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel up to a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).

For use in the Audi A6 hybrid the 2.0 TFSI underwent modifications in several areas. The alternator as an ancillary unit has been dropped, while the crankshaft bearing and the fine tuning of the turbocharger were adapted to the new requirements. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission, without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor. This is combined with a multi-plate clutch operating in the oil bath and joining or separating the electric motor and the TFSI. Controlled by intelligent management, the clutch operates ultra-precisely, gently and fast in all situations.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission, which guides the engine torque to the front wheels, greatly contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A6 hybrid – its gears are widely spread. When the 2.0 TFSI is deactivated, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

Power electronics and electric motor
The power electronics, in the form of a pulse-controlled inverter, serve as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor, which operates on alternating current. Water-cooled by a separate low-temperature circuit, the component is distinguished by its low volume and weight. The power electronics include a DC/DC converter that couples the consumers in the 12V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

A permanent magnet synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and – during deceleration – as a generator. It briefly outputs up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the TFSI engine.

Battery
A lithium-ion battery system, weighing a mere 36.7 kg (80.91 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid. The compact battery, which takes up only 26 liters (0.92 cubic ft) of space, is located in the collision-protected area under the luggage compartment; the luggage capacity remains an impressive 375 liters (13.24 cubic ft), and can be enlarged to 850 liters (30.02 cubic ft) thanks to the standard folding rear seat backrests. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its normal energy is 1.3 kWh and its power 40 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the climate control system of the Audi A6 hybrid and uses a separate evaporator. This powerful active cooling system greatly helps the sedan to travel relatively long distances on electric power alone.

Operating modes
The driver can decide which operating mode the Audi A6 should use – one of three driving modes can be selected at the press of a button on the center console or by means of the automatic selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: Driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

Both drive sources are deactivated when the vehicle is stationary. In this convenient start/stop mode the automatic air conditioning remains active – its compressor has an electric drive. Once the driver releases the brake, the A6 hybrid starts rolling. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – and therefore with no local emissions.

At a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) can be traveled – enough for many residential areas and inner cities.

When the accelerator is pressed beyond a certain threshold, the internal combustion engine takes over the drive function. At lower revs this engine will temporarily have a heavier load than is required for the drive – the load point shifts to a higher range and the efficiency improves. The excess torque benefits the electric motor, which then serves as a generator to recharge the battery and power the consumers.

In quick acceleration, or “boosting,” the electric motor operates together with the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode the full system output is briefly available. The hybrid drive then supplies the propulsion power of a large, naturally aspirated engine, but with far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor serves as a generator again. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system, so as not to cause any drag losses. The electricity recovered by the electric motor when coasting and during braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery.

If the driver only slightly brakes, the electric motor performs the deceleration itself; in more forceful braking the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated. Its brake booster has a second power supply through an electric vacuum pump. A complex rule-based strategy adapts the braking to the conditions of electric driving and energy recuperation. As elsewhere in the A6 family, an electromechanical unit serves as the power steering.

Operation
The Audi A6 hybrid comes with a display concept for making the driving states of the hybrid drive tangible to the driver. The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a power meter, with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments – the green and orange sections clearly indicate the drive mode currently used by the sedan.

Operational readiness, recuperation, electric driving, boosting and ignition are indicated. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the lithium-ion battery.

At the same time, the energy flow display clearly depicts the mode of operation and active components of the hybrid drive. The driver can call up the graphic via the driver information system and in the MMI navigation plus display. The MMI screen gives a clearly arranged bar graph of the average consumption and recuperation quantity in five-minute increments.

Exterior
The Audi A6 hybrid is distinguished by the subtle differentiation on the outside. The tailgate, the fenders and the sill panel strips bear the hybrid lettering. The exclusive Arctic Silver, metallic paint finish is available. The 17-inch cast wheels feature a ten-arm turbine design – their ten spokes resemble turbine blades. The tires have the size 225/55 R17. Two-tone 18-inch wheels of size 245/45 R18 are optionally available in the same design typical of the hybrid vehicles.

The Audi A6 hybrid is based on the familiar A6 Sedan and embodies the same lightweight design technologies. At 1,770 kilograms (3,902 lb), it will be the lightest hybrid in its competiti.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany.
Performance
Directly mounted behind one another, the 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid form a parallel hybrid system. Together the two units have a brief system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 238 km/h (147.89 mph). In the European standard driving cycle, the Audi A6 hybrid consumes less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) – that equals CO2 emissions of less than 146 grams per km (234.96 g/mile). The 73-liter (19.28 US gallon) fuel tank ensures a long range. (These performance and consumption data are provisional)

Drivetrain
The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi A6 hybrid has a displacement of 1,984 cc. The engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp), with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. In the typical Audi manner, the four-cylinder engine combines three potent efficiency technologies: FSI gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and the Audi valvelift system (AVS). The AVS further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and engine speed.

Ford trials complimentary live Operator Assist

2011-07-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., June 11, 2011 – Getting directions or finding a business using SYNC^® Services has become even easier thanks to a new feature called Operator Assist that allows users to instantly connect with a live person.

Operator Assist is only a voice command away, making it part of the growing list of cloud-based driver aids offered by Ford Motor Company. The new feature provides customers with the ability to safely connect with a live person who can quickly access information databases to help drivers get where they’re going.

Operator Assist is currently in a beta test trial phase and being offered as a complimentary feature for registered users of SYNC Services. No additional software or hardware is needed.

“Ford is committed to continuously improving the ownership experience and delivering the level of connectivity that customers want,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. “By leveraging what’s available in the cloud, we continue to innovate and improve our customers’ experience without having to touch the vehicle or inconvenience the owner.”

How it works

Cloud-based, on-demand, voice-activated SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes, and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

Operator Assist is available for the directions and business search functions of SYNC Services. Seventy percent of all SYNC Services calls are for business search and directions, said David Gersabeck, product manager, SYNC Services.

Using advanced vehicle sensors, integrated GPS technology and comprehensive map and traffic data, the SYNC Services automated system delivers turn-by-turn directions to the user. Further, with access to more than 14 million business listings, SYNC Services’ automated system directs users to the businesses they seek.

Now, with Operator Assist, at any time during a business search or directions interaction between the user and the SYNC Services automated system, the user can say, “Operator,” confirm his or her request to speak with an operator, and connect to a live operator. This system gives Ford customers the choice of interfacing with a live operator or utilizing the interactive voice recognition system.

“Our customers asked for additional assistance in situations where their voice request was not understood,” said Gersabeck. “If you want the most reliable user experience, enabling alternative methods for customers to access information will increase success, which is where Operator Assist factors into the equation.”

In the event a user says an address or business that the automated system can’t identify, the user will be prompted with the option to connect to a live operator. If the user confirms he or she would like to speak with an operator for further assistance, the system automatically connects the user to the live operator.

When a live operator assists with a business search, the user can choose to receive turn-by-turn directions to the business, receive a text message with name, address and phone number information about the business (applies to certain phone carrier networks), or be directly connected to the phone number of the business.

When a live operator assists with address entry, the user can have the directions sent directly to the vehicle.

“We want Ford SYNC Services customers to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get where they’re going or want to go,” said Gersabeck. “Being able to connect with a live person at any time contributes to that peace of mind.”

The live operator services are provided by MyAssist, a leading live assistance and telematics service company for individuals and businesses based in Stevens Point, Wis.

Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang Salutes 100 Years of U.S. Navy Aviation, Supports Education Program for Young Aviators

2011-07-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2011 – The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a truly unique “Blue Angels” edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction July 28, during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2011 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration.
All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992 while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.
Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

“The precision, discipline and excitement that define the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight team are qualities we celebrate at Ford,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s board of directors. “With this year’s beautiful ‘Blue Angels’ edition Mustang GT, we’ve captured those qualities and paired them with the innovation Ford design and engineering team members build into all of our vehicles. Through this project, we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”

The Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011 as part of the show’s Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy tied to its yearlong Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. The car will be on display inside the Ford Hangar throughout EAA AirVenture.

The exterior of Ford’s “Blue Angels” Mustang GT was inspired by the acclaimed naval aviation performance demonstration team and the F-18 Hornet aircraft it flies. The car’s custom rear spoiler’s vertical tailfins, the “screaming yellow” gloss accents, inclusion of the Blue Angels script and crest all are drawn from the Navy aircraft. The unique chrome blue paint, courtesy of Creations n’ Chrome, is unlike anything available on a production vehicle anywhere in the world.
With the Blue Angels crest stitched into its leather Recaro racing seats, the car’s interior also features offset stripes inspired by pilot flight suits.

Additional unique details of the “Blue Angels” Mustang include cluster graphics, performance gauges, navigation screen images, safety belt fabric, instrument panel appliqués, rear seat-delete and cross-brace, Blue Angels script in the illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project jet images when the doors open.

Under the hood, the “Blue Angels” Mustang is all performance with a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 624 horsepower. The Ford Racing components also include a handling pack, performance exhaust and racetrack brakes.

Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak lead the design and engineering teams that developed the “Blue Angels” Mustang.

The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles at the EAA AirVenture Museum. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

“Ford is a longtime supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. “The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the ‘Blue Angels’ Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA’s ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts.”

The “Blue Angels” edition joins three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years, each generating excitement among aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support Young Eagles.

Other unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 “Raptor,” which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, Ford’s AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, two automotive icons – Carroll Shelby, formerly a U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology at the Ford Hangar, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular Cruisin’ Legends area on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport. Ford activities include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds of thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

To participate in the auction, candidates must prequalify by contacting Matt Miller in the EAA Development Office at (800) 236-1025 or by email, mmiller@eaa.org, by July 25. Visit www.AirVenture.org/gathering for more information.

To stay connected to all Ford EAA AirVenture news, connect with the Ford EAA AirVenture team on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FordAirventure or visit http://www.FordAirventure.com.

For more information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011, visit http://www.AirVenture.org

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE EVOLVES TO FEATURE ALL-NEW GUARANTEED TRADE-IN VALUE

2011-07-19T11:37:00.000-04:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/20/2011 - Renewing its industry-leading focus on consumer protection, Hyundai today announced the introduction of the all-new Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee. The Guarantee is a direct result of Hyundai’s sensitivity to consumer preferences and is made possible by the strength of Hyundai’s residual values, now among the highest in the industry.

This newest addition to the Assurance suite of programs eliminates concern about depreciation by giving Hyundai owners a guaranteed value for their vehicle in months 24 through 48 of ownership. The program will be applied to all new vehicles purchased on or after May 1, 2011 at no additional cost to consumers. Because of the exceptional quality of its vehicles, Hyundai offers more car for the money now, and more money for the car later, under this guaranteed trade-in program.

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the complimentary Hyundai Assurance program, which currently includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and now Trade-in Value Guarantee.

“Hyundai Assurance is a partnership with our owners in their purchase of a vehicle,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Depreciation is the single highest cost of car ownership. While Hyundai’s depreciation is now among the lowest in the industry, Assurance will remove many of the barriers and concerns about vehicle ownership. Through Assurance, we share in our owners’ investment, and the Trade-in Value benefit extends this partnership from the initial purchase all the way through what we hope will be the consumer’s next purchase of another Hyundai.”

Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee is valid for all new cars sold through participating U.S. Hyundai dealerships. The guaranteed trade-in value is determined by the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) forecast of future value. Customers can trade in their qualifying vehicle towards the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle during months 24 through 48 of ownership. At the time of trade-in, the customer’s vehicle will be assessed to determine the current market value and compared to the guaranteed value. If the assessed value is higher than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to apply that value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle. If the assessed value is less than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to use the guaranteed value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle financed through Hyundai Credit.

At time of trade-in, the customer must show proof of vehicle maintenance at the recommended intervals through authorized Hyundai dealerships. Coverage is only applicable when the current market value of a vehicle drops below the guaranteed trade-in value of the vehicle. Lease vehicles are not covered by the Trade-in Value Guarantee.

For a full list of eligibility requirements, please visit: www.Hyundai.com. For additional questions, please contact Winner Hyundai in Dover.

Hyundai and RMR Reclaimed the World Record for Time Attack 2WD Class at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb

2011-07-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

The RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe’s record time of 11:04.9 was achieved with Pikes Peak legend Rod Millen behind the wheel.

Rod was the former overall world record holder for 13 years, from 1994 through 2007. Rod beat his best friend and main rival, Jeff Zwart by three seconds, with Zwart piloting a factory-modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Rhys Millen also had an outstanding run, with an Unlimited class time of 10:09.24, nearly achieving the elusive goal of breaking the 10-minute barrier.

Driving the RMR PM580 unlimited class race car, Rhys beat his former personal best by nearly one minute and was second only to “Monster” Tajima driving the heavily-modified Suzuki hillclimb racecar.

Audi wins International Engine of the Year Award 2011 for 2.5-liter TFSI

2011-07-12T14:43:00.000-04:00

A jury of 76 motoring journalists from around the world has voted the Audi 2.5-liter TFSI as the “International Engine of the Year 2011” in the 2-liter to 2.5-liter category. This engine therefore retains the award that it won last year.

The 2.5-liter unit fitted to the Audi RS 3 Sportback and TT RS Coupé and Roadster features both turbocharging and FSI direct gasoline injection technology, two of Audi’s core technologies. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, this engine produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm.

International Engine of the Year jury members said of the 2.5-liter engine: "This is certainly the best turbocharged engine in recent years. Torque, power, and great sound – this engine has it all! It is a powerful, visceral reminder of the original quattro rally racing engine that put Audi on the map.”

Developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi TT RS Coupé can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds (Roadster: 4.4 seconds) and both the Coupè and Roadster have an optional top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

Audi now offers the same engine that powers the two TT RS models in the RS 3 Sportback. It takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) – a best-in-class performance figure. Its governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

This is the seventh category win in a row at the International Engine of the Year Awards for Audi TFSI technology. Between 2005 and 2009, the Audi 2.0-liter TFSI engine has won the award in the 1.8 to 2.0-liter category.

Audi A1 e-tron wins Silvretta Electric Car Rally

2011-07-12T14:25:00.000-04:00

Audi is this year’s overall winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally in Austria’s Montafon region. The 2011 victory of the A1 e-tron follows the R8 e-tron’s win last year. The second Audi in the rally, a Q5 HFC with a fuel cell finished in sixth place. A total of 32 electric vehicles were evaluated.

After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.

The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi’s development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.

The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.

During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. “Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we’re on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible,” said van Meel after crossing the finish line.

Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: “On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We’re now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we’ll enter with, of course.”

Visit Audi Wilmington in Delaware to learn more about Audi.

Ford Helps Prevent Fuel Theft as Reports of Illegal Gas Siphoning Increase Along with Price at the Pump

2011-07-11T16:46:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2011 – The only thing worse than paying more for gasoline is paying more for gasoline and having it stolen out of your gas tank. As reports of fuel theft continue to rise, Ford owners can feel a little more secure knowing their vehicles have fuel system innovations such as the Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) feature.

The Ford Easy Fuel feature is designed to easily let fuel in and make it difficult to get fuel out.
That’s important as gas prices hover at the $4 per gallon mark, and demand remains high with drivers in the United States consuming about 400 million gallons of gas daily.

“Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,” said Brian Aitken, supervisor, Fuel Systems. “But if it also slows down would-be thieves. Ford customers benefit that way as well.”

Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States, from New Jersey to California. The West Sacramento, Calif., Police Department, for example, issued a warning to residents about a rise in fuel theft that it attributed to the increase in fuel prices.

One report from Atlanta centered on a man who was caught running a garden hose from his house to a nearby car he didn’t own.

“It’s not a shock that illegal siphoning is rising with the sharp increase in the price at the pump,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, an independent website that monitors the fuel industry. “Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”

Ford’s capless full filler deters gas theft two different ways. With Easy Fuel, a spring-loaded flapper door is held closed by latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. This eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release, and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flapper door to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flapper door automatically is forced closed by the spring.

Easy Fuel has a unique mis-fueling inhibitor to reduce improper refueling and siphoning. The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a gasoline-powered vehicle, the latches will not release.

“Unless they understand how the mis-fueling inhibitor works and come prepared, many would-be fuel thieves are unsuccessful in siphoning fuel from Ford vehicles,” said Aitken.

Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is associated with the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system. The main purpose of the system is to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process. Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is an inlet check valve that is part of the on-board refueling vapor recovery system. While the valve is primarily designed to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process, it also can thwart siphoning efforts because it closes automatically after the fueling process. It does so by detecting the pressure of liquid fuel as it passes. On many Ford vehicles, this valve will thwart the siphoning effort by thieves.

Still, Aitken said that despite the fact that technologies built into Ford vehicles may prevent siphoning, not all fuel thieves will be deterred.

“For another level of deterrence, a customer can purchase a locking cover,” Aitken said. The locking covers are available for purchase from Ford and Lincoln dealers.

Make summer driving a breeze with tips from Ford

2011-07-11T16:40:00.000-04:00

Dearborn, Mich., June 30, 2011 – Screaming kids, congestion, road work, scorching weather: While we all like to get away for the summer, issues such as these can make for a lot of stress for people who are driving long distances, especially during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

But Winner Ford of Dover has some helpful safety tips for travelers heading out on the roads for the holiday season, to ensure that the trip is memorable for all the right reasons – even if the kids keep asking “Are we there yet?” from the minute you take off.

Top safety tips from Ford:

Buckle up and do it right: The seat belt remains the most important piece of safety equipment. Ensure that it tightly encircles your hips, not your waist. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
Keep small children belted in safety or booster seats: Children under four-feet-four-inches tall who weigh less than 79 pounds should by regulation be fitted in child safety seats or booster seats and properly belted. The safety seats need to be securely fitted to the rear seat – and the latest Ford cars are now designed with ISOFIX fittings, which provide a rigid and robust connection between the vehicle and the seats
Ensure that the tilt and height of all head rests are correctly adjusted
Avoid placing objects over the airbag cover: Do not place any object between an occupant and an airbag or near any other airbag covering. The airbag may not inflate properly and might force an object into that person, causing severe injury or death. The instrument panel grab handle should never be used for storage. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear at all times
Do your homework. Know your car’s condition and its safety features: Check for basic maintenance and items in your car before heading off for a trip. Items to check include tire tread depth, tire pressures, and ensuring oil and water levels are correct
Be responsible and know the speed limits: If you’re traveling across the country, be aware of the speed limits and road laws of the states you will travel through. Always carry your driver’s license with you
Give yourself enough time to complete the journey: Plan for stops along the way. Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions and leave sufficient space between the vehicles around you
Pack heavier items in lower areas of the vehicle: When filling up the cargo areas of the vehicle, always place the heaviest items close to the vehicle floor or truck bed so that in the event of a quick stop, those items remain in place and do not move forward in the vehicle where they can collide with passengers or other materials
Use a voice-activated, hands-free connectivity system like Ford SYNC^® to control your mobile phone or navigation system: Ensure the system is ready to go before you set off
Don’t drink and drive
Don’t drive when you’re tired: It is recommended that you take regular breaks on a long journey

Technology that can help
Ford offers a variety of technologies in its vehicles that can support the driver on long journeys – and hopefully make such trips more enjoyable and less stressful:

SYNC:SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system for Bluetooth^®-enabled mobile phones that allows hands-free calling among its many available features
MyFord Touch^™: MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides an intuitive way for drivers to connect in-car technologies and their digital lives
Active park assist: An advanced new system that automatically guides the vehicle into parallel parking spaces. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors to scan for a suitable space between parked cars. Once a space has been identified, which can be as little as 1.2 times the length of the vehicle, the driver is informed and clear instructions are shown in the center display. The driver controls the accelerator and brake pedal, and selects a forward or reverse gear, while the steering system is automatically controlled by the vehicle
Auto high beams: This feature is designed to detect light sources ahead and automatically switch the headlamps between main and low beam to avoid glare and help maximize visibility when driving at night
Adaptive cruise control: A radar-based cruise control system that helps to maintain a preset cruising speed as well as a preset distance from vehicles ahead. If the system detects the vehicle in front is slowing down or is too close, it decelerates automatically. Once the road is clear again, it will accelerate back to the chosen cruising speed

And a few things you might not know…

Bothered by bugs? Going on a long trip and don’t want to face a windshield and/or bumper full of dead insects by the time you arrive? Wipe down your windshield with a tumble dryer sheet; bugs won’t stick to the glass as easily. Also, give your bumpers the once-over with cooking spray
Sheets: If your trunk looks like a linen closet before you leave, then you’re prepared. Pack bed sheets – you can drape them over car seats that have become baking hot in the sun
Tennis, anyone? Slice open a tennis ball and use it to cover your tow bar when you’re not using it. It will protect it from scratches, and will keep the moisture out
Don’t forget your shades: Troubled by sun glare? Add a few pairs of sunglasses (in case you lose one) to your travel bag before you leave
Don’t scratch it; smear it: Can’t get that sticker from the amusement park or beach parking lot off your window? Saturate it with cooking oil before you start scrubbing.

Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Motors Debut Solar-Powered Vehicle Charging Station

2011-07-11T16:02:00.000-04:00

CYPRESS, Calif., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric) and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today debuted a solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles at the MMNA headquarters in Cypress, California. This charging facility, the first of its kind in Cypress, symbolizes MMNA's commitment to electric vehicle readiness, and will help kick off the preparations as certified Mitsubishi dealers become EV-ready in anticipation of the scheduled launch date of Mitsubishi i for each state. The charging station is powered by 96, 175W photovoltaic modules from Mitsubishi Electric. This charging station will help support CHAdeMO compatible electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i, which will arrive in showrooms in November of this year. Mitsubishi i vehicles are now being reserved by prospective owners through a pre-order process available at i.mitsubishicars.com.

Able to charge up to four vehicles at once, the station features three types of chargers with different voltages: standard level 1 voltage (110v) will deliver a 100 percent charge in 22 hours on the new Mitsubishi i; level 2 (220v) which can charge the vehicle in six hours; and level 3 CHAdeMO Quick Charger, which can charge to 80 percent battery capacity in 25 minutes.
The DC Quick Charger used for the Cypress charging station is manufactured by the Eaton Corporation, and is the first-of-its-kind CHAdeMO Quick Charger certified for U.S. sale and public utility. The actual installation of the charging equipment and the supporting electrical infrastructure was handled by Rogers Electric. The twin-arch structure for the charging station was designed by California Green Designs.

The charging station is the first such collaboration between the two similarly named companies, whose headquarters are just a few blocks apart in northern Orange County. Situated near the junction of the 405 and 605 freeways, the hope is that the Cypress charging station, with its Quick Charge capability, can serve as a gateway charging pad for Mitsubishi i users commuting between Los Angeles and Orange counties.

"This project will build awareness of solar power's versatility and efficiency," said Katsuya Takamiya, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA. "As electric vehicles' popularity grows, we expect to see more charging stations at large employers, automobile dealerships, shopping centers and schools, where cars can charge while people work, shop or study."

Mitsubishi Motors North America President Yoichi Yokozawa said "We hope that our dealers, learning institutions, and municipalities will look to this technology with a keen eye towards the future, and bear in mind that the gradual acceptance of the pure-EV transportation will be aided by increasing the number of facilities like this one."

Mitsubishi Electric's solar panels are made with 100 percent lead-free solder, and have one of the higher sunlight-to-energy conversion ratios in the industry, adding to the project's efficiency and sustainability.

Mitsubishi Motors North America Celebrates its Passionate Fans at MOD 2011 Owner Appreciation Day

2011-07-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

CYPRESS, California, July 8, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) will once again celebrate their storied brand with thousands of impassioned Southern California automotive enthusiasts at the 2011 edition of its annual Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) gathering at the Japanese auto manufacturer’s headquarters located at 6400 Katella Avenue in Cypress, California. This year’s festivities take place on Saturday, July 9 and are open to the public and completely free of charge.

Mitsubishi’s devoted vehicle owners are expected to once again field an impressive collection of dynamic Diamond Star classics covering the broad spectrum of production vehicles sold in America. The sporty first-generation Eclipse and turbocharged Starion, the technologically-advanced 3000 GT, the sophisticatedly styled Galant, the rugged and adventurous Montero Sport and Outlander – as well as numerous generations of the legendary Lancer Evolution sports sedan – and many other vehicle models will be among the treasures exhibited at MOD 2011.

The world-famous Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will also have one of their sleek FJR-50 open-wheel formula-style racing cars – powered by a potent 300 horsepower (220 in school trim) 2.0-liter turbocharged Mitsubishi 4G63T 4-cylinder engine – on display at MOD 2011. Composed of Kevlar and carbon-fiber and featuring a 5-speed sequential gearbox, the exotic FJR-50 is comparable to the racing machines that do battle in the highly competitive Formula 3 series that feature prominently in European motorsports.

Special events among the daylong annual festival include the Dyno Challenge, the “Best Eclipse” award and the DSPORT magazine “Editor’s Choice” award.

Additionally, Mitsubishi fans and owners will see a host of impressive new attractions and vehicles at MOD 2011 that are sure to pique their interests including the swansong special edition 2012 Eclipse SE, the very stylish Outlander Sport Concept Vehicle, the Mitsubishi Evolution X & Sony game car that allows attendees to jump behind the wheel of real Evo to play Sony’s PlayStation®, experience the amazing “feel” of music as never before inside the 10,000-watt Rockford Fosgate® SoundLab and take a ride in the groundbreaking 100% electric-powered Mitsubishi i production car that will usher in a new era of affordable and environmentally-friendly personal transportation.

Participants who choose to display their Mitsubishi at the event will not only receive a coupon for a free lunch combo from the In-N-Out Burger’s catering truck that will be on the Mitsubishi campus for the event (additional combo meal tickets can be purchased for only $5.00 at the MMNA Food/Apparel booths), but they will also be eligible to win amazing prizes from several of the vendors that will be in attendance. The Cool Haus® ice cream sandwich truck will also be at MOD 2011, its delicious treats available for a discounted $2.00 each – compliments of Mitsubishi Motors North America.

For more information about Mitsubishi Owners Day, log on to Facebook.com/Mitsubishi and Twitter.com/MitsuCars. For more information about Mitsubishi contact Winner Mitsubishi.

HYUNDAI SONATA NAMED A BEST FAMILY CAR FOR 2011 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS.COM

2011-07-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/07/2011 - The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was recognized as a Best Family Car for 2011 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com in their annual list of family vehicles. The Best Family Cars of 2011 will appear in the July 2011 issue of Parents magazine which hits newsstands nationwide on June 14.

“For the cost of some compacts, the Hyundai Sonata offers a backseat that's big enough for adults and provides ample space for installing car seats without a struggle,” said Parents editors. “The advanced four-cylinder engine provides the best mileage of any car in its class -- as well as all the power you'll need to feel confident merging onto the highway. The 16.4-cubic-foot trunk can fit two full-size strollers plus other kid paraphernalia.”

Car experts from Parents and Edmunds.com scrutinized hundreds of vehicles focusing on safety and reliability as top priorities. The list includes 15 top models – three each in Sedan, Budget, Crossover, Eco-Friendly and Large Car categories. Each car was judged on safety, performance, interior, exterior and family-friendly features. In addition to professional reviews, editors took into account feedback from parents who own and drive the vehicles every day.

“The Hyundai Sonata debuted with an innovative redesign for 2011 that is both parent and kid-friendly, making it a smart buy for families,” said Scott Margason, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata offers class-leading comfort with an EPA designated large volume interior, standard 35 mile-per-gallon highway fuel economy and advanced standard safety technologies making it the perfect midsize sedan choice for families this year.

The 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard. Both hybrid and turbo powertrains round out the Sonata lineup, offering a trio of high value options for consumers.

To learn more about the Hyundai Sonata, visit Winner Hyundai in Dover, Delaware.

To read more about the 15 Best Family Cars, go to: http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/car-buying/best-family-cars/

2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA RANKED ONE OF THE “TOP 10 COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $18,000” BY KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM

2011-07-01T11:37:00.000-04:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/27/2011 - The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has been named one of the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. According to kbb.com experts, the Elantra was chosen on the basis of two criteria—being fun to drive and fun to own. Kbb.com praised the Elantra’s “all-around package of slick design, convenient features and fuel efficiency,” as well as the fact that “every Elantra gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway.”

The Elantra will be one of four Hyundai vehicles sold in 2011 that achieves the milestone 40 MPG highway fuel economy rating, along with the Accent, Sonata Hybrid and the Veloster. Elantra received a complete redesign for 2011, as well as an 18 percent bump in fuel efficiency over its predecessor.

“We’re honored that kbb.com recognized so many of the things about the Elantra that we baked into the recipe,” said Brandon Ramirez, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy and terrific looks, as well as a wealth of advanced technological and safety features, the Elantra is definitely one of the coolest options in its segment.”

The 2011 Elantra excels in terms of design and fuel economy, but it also rises above the competition with a combination of advanced safety features, exceptional interior room equal to that of a midsize sedan and an all-new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. All of these features, plus Hyundai’s industry-leading standard warranty, amount to an exceptional vehicle that is also an exceptional value.

As kbb.com notes, “it takes some panache to be fuel efficient, affordable and great looking, and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra pulls it off in style.

Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, remarked of all the vehicles featured in the “Top 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000,” “There are great deals to be had on many new cars under $18,000, but only a handful of them really possess that cool, difficult-to-describe ‘it’ factor. Each year the competition keeps getting tougher in this affordable segment, with more personality-filled, amenity-laden, versatile vehicles entering the marketplace.”

For more information about the Hyundai Elantra visit Winner Hyundai in Dover, Delaware.

For more information about kbb.com’s 2011 “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000,” please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-_-2011-edition/.

Porsche sets new quality standards

2011-06-29T17:54:00.000-04:00

Stuttgart/Leipzig. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is girding itself for tomorrow’s challenges with a forward-looking quality strategy. The growth in vehicle production, an increasingly diverse model range and technical complexity, innovative drive concepts and discerning customers’ individual expectations of premium sports cars require the continuous development of all quality criteria. That is the goal of the international quality conference for which 150 experts from the sports car manufacturer’s development, production, purchasing and worldwide sales areas are meeting at Porsche’s ultramodern Leipzig plant.

“The degree of transparency of our customised lean production processes is one of the primary guarantors of our sporty vehicles’ extraordinary product quality”, said Wolfgang Leimgruber, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics. Porsche production methods are constantly being refined within a continuous improvement process, collectively by all employees. They are held up as an example in expert circles worldwide – and are even transferable to totally different industries. Mr Leimgruber said: “The highly efficient Porsche principle gives us the flexibility to deliver on our customers’ many and varied individual equipment preferences while at the same time not merely maintaining quality levels but enhancing them. This cannot be taken for granted in the industry.”

The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer does however depend on reliable partners. “The only way in which we can reliably achieve our objectives is if we and our suppliers adhere to the same jointly determined rigorous principles. That is why we believe in long-term partners we can cultivate and develop close ties with. At the end of the day quality does not stop at the factory gate”, explains Mr Leimgruber.

Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Director of the Corporate Quality department is pursuing a holistic approach with his strategy: “For us a perfect and fascinating product goes without saying. But that is far from being the whole story. Of all people, customers who purchase a high value vehicle expect premium quality in all aspects. Only if each customer care experience is perfect; before, during and very long after purchase as well, can brand quality achieve its full credibility.”

This is why Knirsch rigorously ties all parts of the company into a quality concept with uniform standards and objectives. He does though value individual solutions when it comes to delivery: “We engage with our customers’ different cultural needs with an empathy that rivals the precision with which, for example, we tailor our sports cars to extreme climatic differences in our more than 110 markets around the world. That too is quality.”

Contact Porsche of Delaware for more information.

Superb fuel economy and power—Porsche is expanding its Gran Turismo lineup with a Diesel and a Turbo S

2011-06-29T17:40:00.000-04:00

A reinforcement for the sporty Gran Turismo by Porsche has arrived: the Panamera Diesel takes on the role of the long-distance runner capable of fast sprints as well. With a range in excess of 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) on a single refueling of 80 liters (21 gallons), it is an excellent choice as a remarkably economical long-distance sedan. Thanks to a fuel consumption with the optional low-friction tires of only 6.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (37.34 mpg) according to the NEDC, this fi rst Porsche Gran Turismo with a diesel six-cylinder engine can drive from Berlin to Bologna—in purely arithmetical terms—on a single refueling stop. Yet the Panamera Diesel also manages short sprints with ease, as the three-liter V6 engine in conjunction with the highly effi cient eight-speed Tiptronic S delivers robust propulsive power.

With the new Panamera Turbo S top model, Porsche is raising the bar in this segment yet another notch higher. The 4.8-liter engine with bi-turbo charging produces 550 hp—ten percent more than the already very powerful engine of the Panamera Turbo. This power plant boosts the new top Panamera to record times in short bursts of speed—from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds with the Launch Control feature—yet fuel consumption remains at the moderate level of the Panamera Turbo. And there is still plenty of torque: with the Sport Chrono Package, up to 800 Nm in the overboost function.

Contact Porsche of Delaware for more information.

Ford Launches Virtual Showroom Featuring Fiesta and Edge for Millions of PlayStation Home Users

2011-06-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2011 – Ford has given millions of PlayStation® Home users the chance to experience the new Fiesta and Edge from the comfort of their own home with the launch of the new virtual Ford Showroom.

The virtual Ford Showroom launches today as a part, or space, of PlayStation Home. Ford is the first automaker to launch a space within the North American version of PlayStation Home.
PlayStation Home is a free-to-play, dynamic social game platform developed for the PlayStation® 3 system and can be accessed by users via the PlayStation® Network.

“The Ford Showroom gives players an opportunity to check out our vehicles in an environment where most people wouldn’t expect to see Ford,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “It’s another example of how we’re providing customers with ways to engage with Ford on their own terms in their own way.”

Users who visit the Ford Showroom will be able to view the interior and exterior of the Fiesta and Edge, experience Ford SYNC®, Ford’s in-car connectivity system, and play a game with digital rewards that include a T-shirt with the Ford logo.

“The Ford Showroom in PlayStation Home is the perfect place for people to explore, interact with and share these highly recognizable and popular vehicles,” said Amy Carney, president of advertiser sales for Sony Pictures Television. “Their SYNC technology also has strong synergies for creating highly interactive and engaging game experiences.”

How it works
A player directs the person he or she controls – called an avatar – to enter the Ford Showroom, then receives a virtual T-shirt with the Ford logo for the avatar and for just walking in the door.
The avatar walks around the showroom and views the Fiesta and Edge. A virtual Ford representative greets all avatars and introduces them to the vehicles and games. Avatars are encouraged to get inside a vehicle to experience a version of its interior with true-to-life detail such as the location of key controls.

“Special attention has been given to the details of the vehicles so that users get as close to a showroom experience as possible,” said McClary. “We want users to really feel like they are inside one of the vehicles.”

Users have the opportunity to pair a virtual mobile phone, already in the car, with SYNC. Once paired, the SYNC system will start and a game menu will appear. They will be able to play three quests: Music Quest, Turn-by-Turn Quest and Phone Quest.

In Music Quest, avatars plug in an MP3 player and receive audio instructions that lead to a mini-game in which players take part in a music-based activity. If completed successfully, players receive a SYNC-branded virtual MP3 player with docking station that they can take to their own PlayStation Home apartment.

Turn-by-Turn Quest requires players to follow a map that leads to a puzzle that must be completed in order to win a holographic digital globe furniture item. Phone Quest requires players to use a virtual phone to receive clues about how to find the last challenge, which is a logic puzzle. If completed, the user wins a virtual SYNC-branded hooded sweatshirt with a glowing logo.
Following completion of the three quests, players will be instructed to return to the Ford Showroom where they will receive the grand prize of a virtual digital picture frame with the SYNC brand on it.

“The purpose of Ford participating in PlayStation Home is not only to educate users, but to help entertain as well,” said McClary.

PlayStation Home was developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s London Studio for PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network. It is available directly from the XrossMediaBar under the PlayStation Network. Membership is free and requires only a PlayStation Network account. Sony said in December the number of PlayStation Home users had grown to 17 million.

PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The user is responsible for all applicable Internet fees.

Some services or features may require additional fees.

Contact Winner Ford of Dover for more information.

Fantasy baseball fans can now catch the latest stats, courtesy of their car

2011-06-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2011 – With baseball season in full swing, die-hard fantasy team fans who are also Ford owners can get weekly player updates in their vehicle on-demand and hands-free through Ford SYNC® with Traffic, Directions and Information Services.

Using a properly paired Bluetooth®-enabled phone with an active SYNC Services account, Ford owners can receive weekly player updates to find out who’s hot and who’s not. Once connected to Services, the driver simply says “Sports,” then “Baseball” then “Fantasy Update.” The weekly leaders in both the American League and National League are then read out aloud, along with hitting statistics including batting average, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases and runs scored. Pitching statistics include records, saves and strikeouts.

“It’s been estimated that nearly 7 million people play fantasy baseball, and all of them scramble to get any kind of information about the very best players they should be putting in their lineups,” said David Gersabeck, SYNC Services product manager. “This is all about giving our customers what they want. The Fantasy Update feature on SYNC gives our customers fantasy baseball updates quickly and concisely using easy voice commands.”

No longer do fantasy baseball players need to pore through pages of statistics and articles to find out who they should be adding – and dropping – from their fantasy team. SYNC Services users simply press the voice button and say the command “Services” to access a wide range of cloud-based on-demand voice-activated features and information, including turn-by-turn navigation, business search, traffic, news coverage, sports reports, weather forecasts and even horoscopes and stock prices. The most recent additions to the Services network include movie listings and travel information, offering a direct connection to 150 airlines, 50 hotel chains and 11 of the largest rental car companies in the U.S.

SYNC Services also offers portability because the service is mated with the user’s Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, not the vehicle, and therefore can be used in select 2010 model or newer Ford and Lincoln SYNC-equipped vehicles.

Vehicle owners even can dial up SYNC Services when on the move outside the vehicle, accessing the voice-command portal, which provides free access to information that network service providers usually charge additional fees for.

For more information, visit Winner Ford of Dover.

New Ford Focus Electric Keeps Its Cool When the Temperature Heats Up

2011-06-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2011 – When the mercury starts to rise, people have all sorts of ways for cooling themselves down: sprinklers, lemonade and ice cream all come to mind. But the engineers at Ford have developed a system that cools the lithium-ion battery in the all-new Focus Electric and keeps it working at its prime, even in the hottest of conditions.

Extreme temperatures can affect an electric vehicle’s battery performance and reduce its range. That’s why Ford will use an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

“If the battery became too hot, we would have to limit the use of energy to protect it. The liquid cooled system allows us to reduce those constraints and get the most out of the battery,” said Dave Fabricatore, Thermal Program Management team engineer. “We’re helping owners by making sure their battery is always ready to go regardless of the weather.”

How it works
The vehicle uses an integrated cooling system to keep the different systems in the vehicle at their optimal operating temperatures. The air conditioning system is actually used to refrigerate the coolant going to the battery using a “chiller,” so as the coolant passes through the chiller, it’s brought down to the temperature that the battery requires. Temperature sensors placed all over the vehicle let the cooling system know when it needs to kick into action.

The cooling system can even work when the car is charging, so it can help reduce the charge time in hot climates because the battery will be kept at a desirable temperature.

“Batteries can heat up when they’re charging or being used, and it’s made worse by ambient temperatures,” said Fabricatore. “Controlling the temperature lets us deliver the best range and power for the customer, while improving the longevity of the battery.”

Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 in 19 pilot markets. The liquid cooled battery system will serve as another distinct advantage the Focus Electric will have over other air-cooled all-electric vehicles, especially in the warmer initial launch markets. These warmer weather pilot markets include: Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Richmond, Va.

The power of choice
Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

Contact Winner Ford of Dover for more information.

New sustainability report shows how the Blue Oval is going green

2011-06-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

Dearborn, Mich., June 15, 2011 – Ford is offering the public a comprehensive look at the company’s progress on environmental and social issues with the release of its 12th annual Sustainability Report.

The 2010/2011 report, titled “Blueprint for Sustainability: Driving Change,” provides updates on the company’s progress in key areas of operations, product enhancements on vehicle safety and societal concerns including water usage and supply chain management. The report also designates areas in which the company deems as critical issues going forward.

“The Blueprint for Sustainability encompasses a wide range of efforts at Ford to provide sustainable transportation around the world,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and facilities, supporting positive social change and ensuring economic viability for long-term growth.”

Sustainable progress
During 2010 and early 2011, Ford achieved or committed to the following:
Environmental:

Reduced CO2 emissions from 2010 model year U.S. and European new vehicles by 10.5 percent and 8.1 percent, compared to the 2006 model year
Reduced CO2 emissions from Ford’s global operations by 5.6 percent on a per-vehicle basis, compared to 2009
Set a goal to reduce facility CO2 emissions 30 percent by 2025 on a per-vehicle basis
Offers 12 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy and four models with at least 40 mpg – a claim no other full-line automaker can match
Delivered initial units of Ford’s first all-electric vehicle – Transit Connect Electric. In 2011, Focus Electric will be sold in 19 pilot U.S. markets. In 2012, Ford will begin producing C-MAX Hybrid, the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and another next-generation hybrid. The same suite of vehicles will be delivered in Europe by 2013

Safety:

Announced that the 2011 Ford Fiesta was the first vehicle in its class to achieve an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and leads its segment in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) ratings
The 2012 Focus earned a Top Safety Pick rating – the 12th Ford vehicle to do so – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a maximum five-star overall safety rating in Euro NCAP tests.
Invested $1 million to expand its Driving Skills for Life teen driver education program from nine to 15 states
Continued its intelligent vehicle research that will allow cars to talk wirelessly with one another using advanced Wi-Fi signals, cellular technologies and global positioning systems to help reduce accidents and congestion

Societal:

Listed water as one of the top sustainability concerns; Ford aims to reduce 2011 global water use by 5 percent per vehicle compared to 2010. This is in addition to the 49 percent per vehicle reduction since 2000.
Trained suppliers in systemic solutions to working condition challenges and assessed 130 supplier factories around the world for compliance with Ford and legal requirements. Ford global totals now exceed 1,649 suppliers trained and 709 assessed
Helped establish a common industry guidance and reporting format for greenhouse gas emissions to be used by global automakers and Tier 1 suppliers

In drafting the report, Ford worked with a team from Ceres, a coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies on sustainable business practices. The Ceres stakeholder team is an independent group of individuals drawn primarily from the Ceres coalition and represents a range of constituencies that have expertise in environmental, social and governance issues.

Ford issued its first Sustainability Report in 1999 to address the company’s initiatives regarding social, economic and environmental issues. This year’s complete report can be found at www.ford.com/go/sustainability.

Ford Fourth of July Sales Event

2011-06-21T13:40:00.002-04:00

Philly 4th of July Sales Event from Anna Monahan on Vimeo.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder: Top performance with Audi ultra

2011-06-20T18:16:00.000-04:00

Audi unveils a second limited edition of its R8 high-performance sports car – hot on the heels of the fixed-roof R8 GT comes the R8 GT Spyder. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); the weight of the vehicle has been reduced by 85 kilograms (187.39 lb). The R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

The Audi R8 is a born winner. In its very first season, the R8 LMS won 23 runs and three champion titles, followed by four more titles and 41 race victories in 2010. The production models landed the “World Performance Car” award on two occasions – the R8 in 2008 and the R8 5.2 FSI quattro in 2010. Most recently, the high-performance sports car clinched category wins in Auto Zeitung magazine’s “Auto Trophy” awards and in the auto motor und sport “Best Cars of 2011” reader survey.

Approximately one year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT as the model line’s new flagship model. It wasn’t long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top body version is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each one sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

Contact Audi Wilmington for more information.

Audi A8 with broadband Internet connection

2011-06-20T18:09:00.000-04:00

Audi unveils an A8 wired for broadband with LTE technology. Developed in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent, the car’s mobile broadband connection can transfer data faster than conventional 3G-technology and modern DSL connections.

During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that LTE technology would be used in cars by early 2011. Just some weeks later, Audi and its development partner, Alcatel-Lucent, present a fully functional prototype. The Audi A8 L with LTE technology contains the mobile communications technology of the future: LTE is considered the successor to the current 3G transmission technology, which also includes the UMTS mobile communications standard. LTE offers very high data transfer rates that can reach up to 100 Mbit per second. In comparison, a fast 3G connection offers about 14,4 Mbit per second.

With its short transfer rates, LTE mobile communications allow significantly faster access to Internet content and allow large amounts of data to be exchanged. For demonstration the technicians used the LTE connection for transmitting high-definition videos live to the vehicle.

“ We will use LTE technology to extend our advantage in automotive networking and further consolidate the Audi connect strategy,” says Michael Dick, Audi Board Member for Technical Development, during the presentation of the prototype.

Contact Audi Wilmington for more information.

Ford’s Global Expansion Starts with a Hollywood Avatar Working on Virtual Assembly Lines

2011-06-01T12:57:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., May 24, 2011 – As Ford is building new manufacturing plants in Asia and other parts of the world, the company’s new Hollywood-inspired digital worker is building the first cars there to help ensure ergonomically safe workplaces and quality-built vehicles.
“Ford is a leader in virtual technology,” said Allison Stephens, Ford ergonomics specialist with Vehicle Operations Manufacturing Engineering. “We combine Hollywood’s motion-capture technology with human modeling software in our Detroit labs to design jobs in Asia and around the world that are less physically stressful on workers. We adjusted the sizes of our Jack and Jill models to reflect the populations at our global plants so all our regions can benefit from what we’ve learned.”

The new avatar was created using size and shape population data gathered from Ford assembly plants across the globe. By customizing these data, Ford researchers have created a manikin used in ergonomic assessments that employ motion-capture technology, the same type of technology that mesmerizes filmgoers in movies such as “Mars Needs Moms” or in games such as “Mortal Kombat.” Motion capture is a technology that digitally captures movement, making nonhuman characters appear more lifelike.

As Ford has added assembly plants around the world, Stephens said, it was imperative the new manikin be standardized to give clear engineering direction while continuing to raise quality.
The digital manikin’s first global assignments are for new products planned for new assembly plants in China, the new Focus being assembled in Germany and the U.S., and the global Ranger being built in Thailand and South Africa.

The new effort is expected to help Ford continue impressive quality gains around the world. In North America, Ford has matched or beaten industry leaders in many independent quality measures. Ford also is seeing significant improvements in its European and Asia Pacific and Africa operations.

One Ford, one direction
Jack and Jill are examples of the versatility of digital design. As part of Ford’s product development, the ergonomic data they provide are handed off to the virtual build arena, where a program team – designers, engineers, suppliers and line operators – assembles a vehicle part by part, virtually.

This happens long before the first physical parts are produced and a prototype vehicle is built. In fact, the virtual build takes place even before Ford and its suppliers install tooling and set up workstations.

In the virtual build event, Jack and Jill assemble the vehicle part by part on a wall-sized computer screen as the program team scrutinizes the vehicle’s manufacturing feasibility; i.e., how well the parts go together in the assigned sequence and at the specific plant where the vehicle is to be produced.

“We need to have all four regions of Ford using the same manikin,” said Stephens. “Because we’re building global vehicles, we need to have one engineering direction. That’s what we have done.”
To determine the new dimensions of the modernized Jack and Jill, Ford North America and Ford of Europe collected data from their operators in six assembly plants around the world – Mexico, Spain, China, Germany, England and the U.S.

The data were then analyzed by a researcher at Penn State, who determined a dimension that would reflect Ford’s global worker population. The global worker population is larger, taller and heavier than the original – a 5-foot-4-inch female global manikin was determined to represent the smallest individual found in a global Ford facility.

The standardized manikins can then be customized to the regional Ford population that is building a specific vehicle.

Building on successThe new standardized manikins provide benefits for workers, the company and the customers. “This is a very important move, because now everyone has the benefits of our high standards,” said Stephens. “We’re matching our job demands to our worker capability, so our assembly workers benefit, and because they can do the jobs correctly and well, our quality benefits. In the end, customers get the benefit of our improved quality.”

The benefits will continue as technology progresses and Ford builds on its success. Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., and Merkenich, Germany, have motion-capture technology labs where new ergonomic studies can be performed as new vehicles are designed. Visualization centers are being developed for Ford Asia Pacific and South America with 3D television sets.
“If we do ergonomic studies for those places, we can simply send them the files and they can watch the studies in 3D; they won’t have to go to the expense of building their own motion-capture labs,” said Stephens.

Soon, too, the advanced manikins will have a friend, Santos, a computerized avatar now in the testing phase at Ford. Santos was created for the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the Virtual Soldier Research program at the University of Iowa; the military employs Santos to find ways to ease the physical strain on soldiers.

“Santos will be employed on highly demanding jobs that require many muscles to be analyzed at the same time,” said Stephens. “This type of analysis has never been done before. We are excited to have Santos join the team.”

Ford Develops Heart Rate Monitoring Seat; Adds New Element to Company's in-car Health and Wellness Research Portfolio

2011-06-01T12:53:00.000-04:00

AACHEN, Germany, May 24, 2011 – Ford engineers have developed a car seat that can monitor a driver’s heartbeat, opening the door to a wealth of health, convenience and even life-saving potential.

A joint project undertaken by experts from Ford’s European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany and Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, the seat uses six special embedded sensors to detect electrical impulses generated by the heart.
“Although currently still a research project, the heart rate monitor technology developed by Ford and RWTH Aachen University could prove to be a hugely important breakthrough for Ford drivers, and not just in terms of the ability to monitor the hearts of those known to be at risk,” said Dr. Achim Lindner, Ford European Research and Innovation Centre medical officer.

“As always in medicine, the earlier a condition is detected the easier it is to treat and this technology even has the potential to be instrumental in diagnosing conditions drivers were previously unaware they had.”

Data collected by the sensors, for example, could be analyzed by medical experts or onboard computer software. Possibilities therefore abound, notes Lindner, from linking to remote medical services and Ford vehicle safety systems to even providing real-time health information and alerts of imminent cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack.

At the heart of the research
The heart rate monitor seat is the latest addition in the Ford research portfolio of possible in-car health and wellness solutions aimed at helping people with chronic illnesses or medical disorders manage their condition while on the go.
This month, Ford also announced research into how it is leveraging Ford SYNC® and its ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, access cloud-based Internet services and control smartphone apps to develop industry-first voice-controlled in-car connections to an array of health aids from glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, asthma management tools and Web-based allergen alert solutions.

The seat sensor technology under development could initially be of most benefit to drivers known to have heart conditions – primarily those in more mature age groups, a globally growing population.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans 65 and older is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching some 88.5 million. Predictions in Europe suggest a growing trend as well, with the over-65 population reaching nearly 23 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2050.
“With increasing life expectancy meaning higher numbers of people and therefore drivers at risk of heart diseases, the ability to monitor hearts at the wheel could offer massive benefits in terms of health and road safety, both for the user and the wider public,” said RWTH Aachen University Professor Steffen Leonhardt, who originally proposed taking the university’s work with contactless infant heart monitoring to Ford. “The car is an obvious choice; it’s a place where occupants spend long periods sitting in a rather calm position and a place that’s increasingly less physically demanding, making it the ideal environment to measure heart activity.”

Initial testing
Working with RWTH Aachen University, Ford developed the six-sensor system positioned on the surface of the seat backrest. The unobtrusive electrodes have been specially designed to be able to detect the electronic signature of the heart through clothing.

“The sensors use a very specially designed system and carefully researched materials to be able to give a good signal without contact on the skin,” Lindner said.

“We are still fine-tuning their operation to work with some materials; certain types of synthetic fabric and lamb’s wool can cause electrical interference that upsets the signal, but we can achieve a strong signal through 10 layers of cotton.”

In stationary testing, 90 to 95 percent of subjects proved to be compatible and on-road testing of the Ford heart rate monitoring seat proved it was possible to achieve highly accurate readings for up to 98 percent of the time spent behind the wheel, even at this early stage of development.

Rain Sensing Wiper Blades.

2011-05-27T23:07:00.000-04:00

I think I was in high school when I thought to myself, "If they can make head lights that turn on automatically, then they should make wiper blades that turn on automatically!" I may have been ahead of my time. Or I should have become an engineer, because the 2012 Ford Focus has rain sensing wipers. Amazing!

Contact Winner Ford in Dover Delaware for more information.

Hyundai Sonata, Elantra and Genesis Top Auto Pacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

2011-05-27T10:15:00.000-04:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/19/2011 - The 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the all-new 2011 Elantra and the Genesis sedan topped their respective categories in the 2011 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. Sonata, a two-time winner and the recipient of the AutoPacific President’s Award, took home the honor in the “Premium Mid-Size Car” segment. The new Elantra earned the highest score in the “Compact Car” class and the Genesis took the award in the “Aspirational Luxury Car” segment for the third year in a row.

AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award measures how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle. The study summarizes the results of over 68,000 new vehicle owners.

“Having Hyundai win three categories in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards demonstrates our continued commitment to excellence in quality, value and design for all of the vehicles in the Hyundai lineup,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “These awards are an important indicator that we’ve hit the mark when it comes to pleasing our buyers – a very encouraging sign as we bring new models like the 2012 Veloster and 2012 Accent to market this year.”

Each year AutoPacific analyzes the results of their New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey and identifies the top performing vehicles. The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new vehicle.

“While the economy is strengthening, new vehicle buyers continue to be especially careful in selecting the perfect vehicle for their needs,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help this year’s customers sort through the 262 car and truck nameplates presently available in the United States. A wise purchase decision is like money in the bank.”

Hyundai’s 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, dynamic design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. Sonata is also available in Turbo and Hybrid versions, with Hybrid achieving class-leading 40 mpg highway fuel economy.

The 2011 Elantra is one of Hyundai’s quartet of new 40 mpg standard highway cars, making Hyundai the only manufacturer with four models achieving 40 mpg on the highway. The Elantra sets the bar in the compact sedan category offering a “class-above” midsize car interior volume, modern design, outstanding 40 mpg highway fuel economy, and loads of comfort and convenience features, all at an attractive starting price.

The 2011 Genesis brings consumers the award-winning Tau® V8 engine producing 385 horsepower, propelling the Genesis from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds. The Hyundai Genesis is built on Hyundai’s performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

Safe and Fuel Efficient 2011 Hyundai Elantra Earns IIHS “Top Safety Pick"

2011-05-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/26/2011 - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2011 Hyundai Elantra a “TOP SAFETY PICK”— achieving the highest rating of “Good” in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. Additionally, in order to be considered for an IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK,” a vehicle must also feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which Elantra has offered since 2007.

IIHS recently evaluated 13 small cars with Elantra being one of the six to be named a “TOP SAFETY PICK.” The 2011 Elantra, with a standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating, demonstrates that vehicles don’t have to compromise efficiency for safety.

“Elantra safety has improved tremendously over the years with the vehicle now earning IIHS’ top safety distinction,” said David Zuby, the IIHS’ chief research officer. “The big things the automakers have done to improve crashworthiness are designing better front crush zones to manage crash energy, stronger occupant compartments to limit intrusion, and stronger roofs to better protect people in rollovers.”

The 2011 Elantra takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). Elantra features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package including four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

“Hyundai is committed to applying the most effective life-saving vehicle technologies and the all-new Elantra is no exception,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The 40 mpg highway 2011 Elantra is proving that compact cars can be fuel efficient while offering tremendous safety.”

Audi sets 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro prices; confirms Audi RS 5 Coupe is coming to U.S.

2011-05-25T15:53:00.000-04:00

Audi today announced that pricing for the new 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro® supercar will begin at $162,700 with the first of the hand-assembled models reaching U.S. showrooms as soon as next month.

Audi also confirmed today that it intends to sell the Audi RS5 in the U.S. market starting in 2012. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 engine in the Audi RS 5 Coupe generates 450 horsepower. Like all Audi RS models sold in Europe and other markets, the RS 5 Coupe applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Details on equipment levels, pricing and fuel economy standards will be released at a later date.

Anticipation has been building for the arrival of the first Audi open-top supercar since it appeared as the car of choice for main character Tony Stark in the blockbuster action film Iron Man 2. The newest Audi R8 maintains the perfect balance of form and function that has distinguished coupe models in the R8 sports car family. But the R8 Spyder adds innovative touches that integrate the soft top without altering the dynamic styling lines, optimal weight distribution or high-performance characteristics of the coupe models.

The 2011 model-year MSRP for the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro is as follows:

2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (V10) pricing (excluding $1,250 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (manual) $162,700

R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (R tronic) $171,800

Among the innovative features is the soft top, which weighs just 66 pounds and folds or opens in just 19 seconds up to 31 mph. It combines with a heated safety glass rear window that can be extended or retracted with the top up or down. The soft top features triple layer insulation for interior acoustics and comfort close to levels enjoyed in the coupes.

Inside, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro seats use thermal-resistant leather, which is colored with pigments that can cool hot seats by as much as 68 degrees – even in direct sunlight. The sports car also includes the world’s first Bluetooth® integration with seat belt microphone that operates clearly even with the top down.

The 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro features the same V10 engine found in the R8 LMS racecar and the R8 5.2 quattro coupe. It achieves 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The top track speed for the R8 Spyder is 195 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds.

One visible difference between the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro and the Audi R8 Coupe models is the absence of the signature sideblades on the Spyder – a design change that retains the coupe lines, while accentuating the unique characteristics of the open-top Spyder. Another significant difference on the R8 Spyder is the use of dramatic Aluminum Optic vents on the new rear engine cover and aluminum a-pillars.

Like all Audi R8 models, the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro reflects the Audi commitment to lightweight construction for better handling and efficiency. The hallmark of the R8 Spyder is the industry-leading aluminum Audi Space Frame technology used for most of the body. The rear quarter-panel fenders and customized engine hood are made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers.

Contact Audi Wilmington for additional information.

Audi wins International Engine of the Year Award 2011 for 2.5-liter TFSI

2011-05-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

The 2.5-liter unit fitted to the Audi RS 3 Sportback and TT RS Coupé and Roadster features both turbocharging and FSI direct gasoline injection technology, two of Audi’s core technologies. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, this engine produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm.

International Engine of the Year jury members said of the 2.5-liter engine: "This is certainly the best turbocharged engine in recent years. Torque, power, and great sound – this engine has it all! It is a powerful, visceral reminder of the original quattro rally racing engine that put Audi on the map.”

Developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi TT RS Coupé can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds (Roadster: 4.4 seconds) and both the Coupè and Roadster have an optional top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

Audi now offers the same engine that powers the two TT RS models in the RS 3 Sportback. It takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) – a best-in-class performance figure. Its governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

This is the seventh category win in a row at the International Engine of the Year Awards for Audi TFSI technology. Between 2005 and 2009, the Audi 2.0-liter TFSI engine has won the award in the 1.8 to 2.0-liter category.

Contact Audi Wilmington for more information.

Porsche at The Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin

2011-05-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

Boxster E Prototypes Attract Many Prospective Customers

ATLANTA – May 24, 2011 – The two Boxster E prototypes Porsche showed off at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin last week have proved to be a real attraction to the public. At this forum for sustainable mobility, which was staged for the eleventh time this year, representatives from politics, industry, trade and research discussed environmentally-friendly mobility and vehicle concepts of the future. The trips in the electric Boxsters were in particular demand amongst the expert audience. On a sporty circuit, the vehicles demonstrated that a Boxster with electric drive still remains a genuine Porsche in terms of driving dynamics. In the wake of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, 918 Spyder and 918 RSR, the Boxster E is yet another sports car concept exhibiting the brand's characteristic combination of research and driving pleasure.

The Boxster E, with one electric motor apiece on front and rear axle, runs on purely electric power with four-wheel drive and is equivalent to a Boxster S in terms of driving dynamics. Together with two other Boxster Es, in which an electric motor drives the rear wheels, the prototype is being used to explore the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles and how they are used, especially in terms of driving and battery charging. What the researchers are after is an understanding of the requirements facing future products, where to go next with Porsche Intelligent Performance and how to integrate electric vehicles into the infrastructure.

The practical trials with the three Boxster Es are part of the “Model Region Electro-Mobility Stuttgart” large-scale trial. The Stuttgart model region is being sponsored as part of the German Government’s “Electro-Mobility in Model Regions” project. The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) is making approximately 130 million euro available from the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package II for eight model regions nationwide. The project is being coordinated by NOW GmbH, the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

Thanks to its design as a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster is the ideal vehicle platform for conducting realistic trials with electric-drive systems. The open-top two-seater car is very light, enabling the new components like the electric motor, battery and high-voltage technology to be accommodated within the vehicle in a crash proof way. Together with the low aerodynamic drag, this reduces driving resistance for optimal range. Also of importance for a Porsche sports car, even one that is electrically driven is the high driving dynamics potential, not least as a consequence of the balanced axle-load distribution peculiar to the mid-engine design.

The Boxster E is an all-electric vehicle without any additional combustion engine on board. Propulsion is provided by two independent electric motors with constant mesh gearboxes that act on the front and rear axles. The rear drive unit comprising motor and transmission, together with the power electronics for controlling the electric motor is located where the manual transmission and exhaust system are accommodated in the conventional Boxster. In the front end, the space vacated by the 64-litre fuel tank, now redundant, is occupied by the second drive unit. The power electronics unit in the adjacent luggage compartment serves the front axle electric motor. The Boxster E thereby features all-wheel drive without mechanical transmission of power. To ensure maximum driving stability and traction, a central electric control unit looks after the synchronization of the two electric motors and controls the drive torque distribution to the front and rear axle.

The two electric motors develop a total power output of 180 kW and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. That means that the two electric motors in tandem deliver significantly higher drive power than what is available from present day hybrid vehicles’ electric-power units. Not only does the Boxster E’s all-electric drive produce no emissions – it also offers a completely novel form of driving pleasure. The electric drive’s maximum torque kicks in virtually from the first turn of the motor. The Boxster E moves almost silently while at the same time developing powerful propulsion from the very outset. The two motors enable the two-seater to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds from a standing start. Its top speed, limited to 200 km/h (124 mph) is achieved without any gear change at all – whether automatic or manual. The two machines’ high power output offers a second advantage into the bargain: It means more recovered power is available because more energy can be recovered during braking. This increases efficiency of the drive unit.

In the case of the two other Boxster Es with rear wheel drive there is no front electric motor, which means that they deliver a power output of 90 kW and a rated torque of 270 Nm. They manage the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds with their top speed being achieved at 150 km/h (93 mph). Because all Boxster Es are comparatively quiet on the road, Porsche engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting any passersby.

Irrespective of variant, the heart of every Boxster E is manufactured by Porsche. This lithium-iron-phosphate based traction battery is fitted in place of the combustion engine. Each of its cells has a nominal voltage of 3.3 V and an individual capacity of 20 Ah. Based on the NEDC, the combined energy from 440 individual cells is good for approximately 170 kilometers (107 miles) of driving pleasure in the Boxster E with its ready-for-the-road weight of a mere 1,600 kg (3527 lbs). For an overall weight of 341 kg (752 lbs), the battery’s energy content is 29 kWh of which for inherent physical reasons approximately 26 kWh are available for use – an outstanding performance for a battery. Its maximum power output is 240 kW, or 60 kilowatts more than the all-wheel Boxster E draws under full load. The battery and power unit components are connected to two water cooling circuits. As with the conventional power unit, the heat exchangers are accommodated behind the front air intakes.

The battery is anchored to the same points on the body structure as the combustion engine in the Boxster S. There are numerous advantages to this, especially in the event of a crash, because by using the same load paths as in the Boxster S, the battery is optimally retained within the vehicle while at the same time being protected from damage by the surrounding body structure thanks to its central position within the vehicle. As with the combustion engine in the production vehicle, the traction battery is installed in the Boxster E from below and can be swapped out very quickly if so required. This is also facilitated by special motor sport fasteners that enable the battery to be disconnected from the cooling circuit without air getting into the system.

The traction battery is charged via a charging cable. Any conventional socket can be used as an energy source. The charging port on the vehicle features an illuminated ring and as with any Porsche sports car the vehicle is recharged at the front end. The charger is accommodated at the front of the car. It converts alternating current from the socket into direct current, enabling the traction battery to store the electric energy. Its charging capacity is a maximum of 3.3 kW meaning that is takes approximately nine hours for a full charge. The charging time can however be reduced using a rapid charging function. There is enough space left over for luggage in the front luggage compartment despite the electronic components; the Boxster E’s rear lug-gage compartment remains unchanged.

It goes without saying that all of the production models’ important safety and comfort features are replicated in the Boxster E as well. The new brake system enables an optimal melding of the braking forces of the electrical generators and the mechanical brake system, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The electrically powered air conditioning compressor accommodated in the front luggage compartment ensures comfortable temperatures inside the vehicle.
Not only are the clutch pedal and gearshift lever absent in the Boxster E, there is no rev counter either. In its place is a special E-Power meter in the central instrument cluster display. A swing to the right indicates power call-off and to the left power recovery. Recuperation – namely the recovery of energy by using the electric motors as generators – can be modified by means of the push buttons in the steering wheel. The effect: a sort of on-demand engine brake. Otherwise, when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator, the Boxster E simply sails on, using the moving vehicle’s kinetic energy. Among its other functions, the instrument cluster’s right-hand TFT display acts as an intelligent range management system, displaying useful driving information: the range remaining or how many miles can be gained by switching off the air conditioning system.

Contact Porsche of Delaware in Newark for additional information.

Mitsubishi Reveals Low Pricing, Easy Pre-Order Process for Acquiring the Avant-Garde Electric-Powered Mitsubishi i

2011-05-25T11:15:00.000-04:00

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., has announced the pricing for the company's advanced 100% electric Mitsubishi i, powered by Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology, that will be available for pre-order beginning on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

The all-new 2012 Mitsubishi i (ES trim level) will have a starting net MSRP* after federal tax credit of only $20,490 – a substantial savings of several thousand when compared to its mass-produced production EV competition! What's more, the SE trim level of this forward-thinking electric vehicle includes a dynamic 360-watt, 8 speaker deluxe sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, seating material with silver interior accents, unique two-tone interior I/P and door panels, 15-in. alloy wheels, and fog lamps with DRL function at a net MSRP of only $22,490*. An available factory SE premium package is also available for an additional $2,790 MSRP and includes a DC quick charging port for ultra-fast Level 3 battery recharging (80% full in only 30 minutes!), HDD navigation system with rearview camera, FUSE Hands-free Link™ with USB port and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Despite its attractive sticker price, the base model Mitsubishi i ES packs a full complement of welcome standard equipment and amenities. These include speed-sensitive electric power steering (EPS), LED rear tail lamps, driver seat heater, electric air conditioning with micron filter, remote keyless entry, 3-spoke sport steering wheel, an on-board recharging system with 120V portable 8 amp charging cable, and a 4 speaker, 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback.

An available Cold Zone package will be offered on both the ES and SE trim levels for only $150 MSRP that includes a Li-Ion Battery Warming System and heated outside mirrors.

Additionally, Mitsubishi is making the process of pre-ordering the company's breakthrough all-electric production car a simple 4-step procedure that can be completed in a matter of minutes. And for the first 2,000 who place a pre-order and take possession of the Mitsubishi i, these early adopters will not only be on their way to taking delivery of a unique vehicle that is as space efficient as it is eco-friendly, but Mitsubishi will waive the home electrical inspection fee – a $99.99 value. Visit Winner Mitsubishi in Dover or following these simple steps.

Step 1: Visit i.mitsubishicars.com beginning on Earth Day (April 22, 2011) and create your Mitsubishi i account which includes your “My Mitsubishi i” page. Users can then check the order status of their vehicle and receive the latest news and information on the Mitsubishi i. You'll also be able to select your vehicle's color and trim package.

Step 2: Place a refundable deposit of $299.00 via PayPal, plus $99.99** for the required home electrical inspection, (except for those who do not take advantage of the aforementioned Mitsubishi offer to waive the inspection for the first 2,000 to pre-order and purchase Mitsubishi's new EV).

Step 3: Schedule an inspection of your home's electrical system performed by our affiliated trained experts to make sure that it can efficiently charge your new 100% electric-powered Mitsubishi i.

Step 4: As the anticipated delivery date for your vehicle approaches, a Mitsubishi representative will contact you to confirm your vehicle's features and color choice, along with confirming your final sales price (your $299.00 deposit will be applied to the final price of your car at this time).
*Includes federal tax credit of $7500.
**Home electrical inspection may necessitate an additional surcharge, depending upon consumer's location.
Mitsubishi i Green Festival Tour 2011

Mitsubishi's new electric vehicle will be going on tour throughout the west coast of the United States in the first half of this year, allowing eco-friendly consumers the chance to get up close and personal with this game-changing loveable and environmentally-friendly vehicle at the following events:

Mother Earth News Fair
June 4-5: Seattle, Washington – Puyallup Fairgroundswww.motherearthnews.com/fair

Ford Explorer, GOOD Partner to ‘Reinvent the Outdoors’

2011-05-25T08:45:00.002-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., May 16, 2011 – Ford Motor Company and the online community GOOD have joined together to launch “Reinventing the Outdoors,” an online competition that brings together nonprofits and celebrities in the quest to win a $50,000 grant.

The competition, which features the 2011 Ford Explorer, pairs athletes, actors and Hollywood comedians with six nonprofit organizations that are focused on improving the way people live, work and play. The celebrities featured in the video series are Will Ferrell, Edward Norton, Todd Wells, Arian Foster, Danny Way and Laird Hamilton.

“Ford is proud to be partnering with GOOD on the Reinventing the Outdoors campaign,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “The 2011 Ford Explorer is 100 percent reinvented, so it is appropriate that Explorer and GOOD are joining forces to recognize an organization that is committed to preserving the outdoors and reinventing how we live and play.”

Beginning May 16, the celebrities and nonprofits will each begin competing for votes. A series of videos featuring the celebrity can be viewed at good.is/rto. Voters can cast their online ballots daily until voting closes on May 20. The organization that has received the most votes will be the recipient of the $50,000 grant. The winner will be announced May 24.

“GOOD is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in our communities,” said Ben Goldhirsh, co-founder and CEO of GOOD. “Many people and groups are working hard every day to protect our planet and expand recreational opportunities across the country. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Ford Explorer to reward one worthy group.”

About the charities and the celebrity supporters:

Will Ferrell and Cancer for CollegeActor, impressionist and comedian Will Ferrell got his start on the NBC hit Saturday Night Live and has subsequently starred in the comedy films Old School, Elf, Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Stranger Than Fiction, Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro and The Other Guys.

Ferrell is stumping for Cancer for College, a nonprofit founded by two-time cancer survivor and longtime Ferrell friend Craig Pollard. The organization offers scholarships to survivors of cancer and amputees who want to live their dream and share in the college experience through funds raised from a golf tournament. What started as Pollard’s dream, with help from Ferrell and others, has to date awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships to more than 700 survivors. www.cancerforcollege.org

Danny Way and Action Sports Environmental Coalition

Skateboarding superstar Danny Way won his first contest at age 11 in 1986. Since then he has gone on to set long-distance jump records and win numerous medals at the X Games.

Way is campaigning for Action Sports Environmental Coalition (ASEC). For the past eight years ASEC has been the conscience and driving force for sustainability in action sports; the movement is passionately supported by hundreds of riders, brands and fans. This movement is also represented on the front lines by a robust offering of products carried by a large number of retailers worldwide. www.asecaction.org

Edward Norton and Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust

Academy Award-winning actor Edward Norton is best known for his roles in Primal Fear and American History X. In addition to acting, Norton is also a writer and director. He made his directorial debut with the film Keeping the Faith and is slated to direct the film adaptation of the novel Motherless Brooklyn.

Norton is supporting Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), which works to protect the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa through conservation that directly benefits local Maasai communities. MWCT funds and operates programs that promote sustainable economic benefits including lease payments for conservancy zones, carbon credits, payments for watershed protection, sustainable eco-tourism, wildlife monitoring and security, conservation and tourism employment. MWCT is creating a cutting-edge model of successful community-based conservation that directly benefits education and health programs within the community. www.maasitrust.org

Laird Hamilton and Surfrider Foundation
American surfing legend Laird Hamilton is best known for his surfing skills but he has also been a featured model in fashion and action sports.

Hamilton is stumping for Surfrider Foundation, an organization committed to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. www.surfrider.org

Arian Foster and Boys & Girls Club of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho

Houston Texans Pro-Bowler Arian Foster led the National Football League in rushing in 2010 with an astounding 1,616 yards rushed.

Foster is campaigning for the Boys & Girls Club of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, an organization committed to enabling all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. www.boysandgirlsabqrio.com

Todd Wells and Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

Todd Wells is a professional bicycle racer specializing in cyclocross and mountain bike racing in the United States. In cyclo-cross, Wells captured the 2001, 2005 and 2010 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships.

Wells is supporting Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, a bike club devoted to the promotion of mountain biking. The club views the sport as a vehicle to promote low-impact outdoor recreation, conservation and mountain bicycling opportunities that are environmentally and socially responsible. www.sdmb.org

Ford Marks 17th Year of Support for Breast Cancer Awareness, More Than $110 Million Dedicated to the Cause; Ford Survivor Shares Personal Story

2011-05-25T08:42:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., May 18, 2011 – Ford employee Robin Glover will never forget the moment her doctor told her she had breast cancer.

“When you get that diagnosis, you don’t hear anything,” she said. “My whole body went numb, and it wasn’t until I got in my car and was driving home that it really sunk in what was about to happen to me.”

Glover fought an arduous two-year battle with the disease that included a partial lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Today, at age 46, she is cancer-free and counts herself among the nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

“Cancer is not a death sentence,” she said. “Early detection is key, and there are great advances in medicine that are helping improve the lives of many people with the disease.”

Glover says she hopes to shine as a beacon of hope for all of those touched by breast cancer by taking part in the 20th annual Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 21, at Comerica Park.

“I’ve always been part of the Ford team supporting the cause, but I was never personally affected before,” she said. “Just being among all the patients, survivors and family members will be amazing.”

Prior to the Detroit race, Glover will inspire her Ford colleagues by speaking at Ford Warriors in Pink Day on Wednesday, May 18, at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

Glover joins Ford Motor Company in celebrating its 17th year of support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. To date the company has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause.

In addition to providing financial support, Ford encourages its employees to participate in local races. More than 75,000 Ford employees run or walk in races across the country to support the cause, and thousands of Ford dealers across the nation participate in their local race events.
“Ford is committed to making a difference,” said Crystal Worthem, manager, Ford Brand Content and Alliances. “We also are dedicated to raising awareness that early detection of breast cancer saves lives.”

In addition to early detection, Glover credits her recovery to her faith and the support of her family and friends, especially her co-workers at Ford who formed a group in her honor called “Robin’s Wings,” named, so they say, because “her faith enabled her to soar above fear and doubt to get through this difficult journey.” “Robin’s Wings” will walk with Glover in the Detroit Race for the Cure, and they raised money in her name to support breast cancer research and education.
Glover says she hopes her story will encourage others to join the fight against the insidious disease that is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death among women.

Ford Warriors in Pink: A 365-day commitment to the cause
The Ford Warriors in Pink campaign is designed to recognize the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer 365 days a year.
“Warriors in Pink is about women and men finding strength within themselves – their inner Warrior – at a time they need it most,” explained Worthem.

New 2011 Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories for men, women and children feature important symbols that signify hope, strength and unity to all those affected by the disease. The merchandise – which can be personalized with custom messages to honor a loved one who has survived or is currently fighting breast cancer – is sold at www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The people modeling merchandise on the Warriors in Pink website are all survivors or family members of survivors. Glover is one of them. And all of their stories are told in videos at www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.

Through the Warriors in Pink initiative, Ford brings together people who have been touched by breast cancer, forming a national community of supporters united in compassion and dedication to fight the disease. Ford encourages people everywhere to share their stories of hope and perseverance in the face of the disease at http://stories.fordcares.com.

Ford and Healthcare Experts Research SYNC Health and Wellness Connectivity Services Helping Manage Chronic Illness On the Go

2011-05-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., May 18, 2011 – As Americans take a more active role in managing their health and well-being, Ford researchers are taking a leading role in developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity solutions designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive.

Leveraging Ford SYNC® and its ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, access cloud-based Internet services and control smartphone apps, Ford is taking charge in this automotive whitespace area, developing industry-first voice-controlled in-car connections to an array of health aids from glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, asthma management tools and Web-based allergen alert solutions.

“Ford SYNC is well known in the industry and with consumers as a successful in-car infotainment system, but we want to broaden the paradigm, transforming SYNC into a tool that can help improve people’s lives as well as the driving experience,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technology officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation.

Healthy statistics
Health of mind, body and spirit is a significant slice of a larger global health and wellness trend that is transcending multiple generations, spectrums and industries. So-called healthy homes, allergen-free cleaners and products, and the cosmetic and bariatric surgery boon, for example, are all converging to create an eclectic mash-up that is redefining health and wellness for today’s consumer.

An underlying consumer demand for being in the know about one’s health while on the go also continues to rise, fueling the growing number and breadth of mobile healthcare devices and health- and fitness-related software and smartphone applications hitting the market today.
According to a recent survey conducted by CTIA-The Wireless Association and Harris Interactive, for example, some 78 percent of U.S. consumers expressed interest in mobile health solutions. A recent study by digital messaging powerhouse MobileStorm further confirmed this phenomenon, indicating that medical and healthcare apps was the third fastest-growing category of smartphone applications in early 2010. The major app stores, such as the Apple App Store, are now housing upward of 17,000 available health apps for download, with nearly 60 percent of those aimed at consumers rather than healthcare professionals, reports mobile research specialist Research2Guidance.

“Wireless health provides an unprecedented ability for monitoring and promotion of health and wellness for all individuals,” said UCLA Electrical Engineering Professor William Kaiser, who has worked with NASA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to study how wireless health technologies can be used to track an individual’s fitness and health status and help identify potential risks and challenges. “Studies show wireless health empowers people with information and guidance that can directly address the most important health concerns.

“The new Ford health and wellness connectivity solutions represent a fundamental advancement for these individuals,” Kaiser added, “providing them additional support and functionality during time spent in the vehicle.”

Constant connections
Taking a smart, high-volume approach to bringing mobile health and wellness solutions inside the car, Ford researchers are first looking at two populations with the most need for a constant connection to potentially life-saving medical information – people with diabetes and those with asthma and/or allergies.

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million adults and children are currently living with diabetes in the U.S., 3-plus million more than there were four years ago. Numbers grow even higher for those with asthma and allergies, with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reporting some 60 million Americans have asthma and/or allergies.
To create relevant in-car features and services for those living with these ailments, Ford is working with experts in these fields, including medical device manufacturers, healthcare management service providers and Web-based medical alert services.

“Ford’s approach to health and wellness in the vehicle is not about trying to take on the role of a healthcare or medical provider, we’re a car company,” said Gary Strumolo, global manager, Interiors, Infotainment, Health & Wellness Research, Ford Research and Innovation. “Our goal is not to interpret the data offered by the experts, but to work with them to develop intelligent ways for Ford vehicles using the power of SYNC. In essence, creating a secondary alert system and alternate outlet for real-time patient coaching services if you will.”

For people with diabetes and their caregivers, constant knowledge and control of glucose levels is critical to avoiding hypoglycemia or low glucose, which can cause confusion, lightheadedness, blurry vision and a host of other symptoms that could be dangerous while driving. Many now depend on a portable continuous glucose monitoring device to track their levels.

Likewise, those with asthma and allergies need to have a clear understanding of their environment and potential symptom triggers – such as pollen levels in the air – that can quickly lead to an attack. Growing in popularity among this group are Web-based alert services and smartphone apps that can help flag dangerous pollen levels based on location.

Ford SYNC offers three unique ways to bring health and wellness connected services into the car:

Device connectivity via Bluetooth – Leveraging Bluetooth, medical devices can be connected to the car to share information through SYNC, just like a driver connects and accesses his or her cellphone and address book by voice control

Cloud-based services – Ford created an off-board network of location-based traffic, directions and information providers that drivers can simply access via their cellphone. Known as SYNC Services, new services such as medical services can be easily added through this plug-and-play voice-controlled capability

AppLink – Ford’s latest SYNC innovation allows smartphone apps to be accessed by drivers via voice control. The SYNC application programming interface (API) allows app developers to enable their apps to communicate through SYNC, delivering a smarter way for drivers to manage apps while driving

The ongoing Ford health and wellness research projects encompassing these needs include:

Glucose monitoring: Working with Medtronic, a leading manufacturer of glucose monitoring devices, Ford researchers have developed a prototype system that allows Ford SYNC to connect via Bluetooth to a Medtronic continuous glucose monitoring device and share glucose levels and trends through audio and a center stack display and provide secondary alerts if levels are too low.

“To address the growing challenge of chronic diseases, Medtronic is collaborating with companies like Ford to develop innovative solutions,” said James Dallas, senior vice president, Medtronic. “Diabetes in particular is a chronic disease where frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels throughout the day is critical. As medical and consumer technologies converge, Medtronic is uniquely positioned to provide patients, caregivers and physicians with actionable insight from the data our devices can gather from the human body. By utilizing information technology and consumer electronic devices, we can help patients actively manage their health via access to real-time data on phones, hand-held devices or even in their cars.”

Allergy alerts: Ford is working with SDI Health and www.pollen.com to SYNC-enable its smartphone Allergy Alert app through AppLink, giving users voice-controlled access to the app that provides location-based day-by-day index levels for pollen; asthma, cold and cough and ultraviolet sensitivity; as well as four-day forecasts.

“Our developers initially created the iPhone app to provide users with greater access to the information they’ve come to rely on from pollen.com,” said Jody Fisher, vice president of Marketing for SDI. “Having instant, portable access for their conditions helps users plan their day or week ahead so they can remain active, which ultimately improves their quality of life.

“Collaborating with Ford is the perfect extension of this objective,” Fisher said. “We are happy to support Ford’s initiative of connecting drivers with resources and services important to their health and wellness.”

WellDoc: Ford and WellDoc, a recognized leader in the emerging field of mHealth integrated services, have joined forces to integrate in-car accessibility to WellDoc’s comprehensive cloud-based personalized solutions for those with asthma and diabetes through SYNC Services. Using voice commands, SYNC users could access and update their WellDoc profile to receive real-time patient coaching, behavioral education and medication adherence support based on their historic and current disease information.

“WellDoc was founded on the concept of helping patients manage their disease with everyday, personal tools that are easy to use and can be easily accessed,” said Dr. Anand K. Iyer, president and COO of WellDoc. “Through our partnership with Ford, we’ve created a unique in-vehicle environment that supports patients so they can continuously maintain their daily routines without interruption.”

Well on the way
Although still in the prototype and research phase, Strumolo acknowledges that many of the health and wellness features and services being explored at Ford have fairly short-term implementation requirements, such as the Allergy Alert app.

Ford is also examining other more long-term health and wellness technologies and ideas related to, for example, heart rate, relaxation and reducing stress. Ford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have long been studying the correlation between stressors and driving performance, wrapping up a nine-month advanced research project last fall that showed drivers are less stressed when using selected vehicle technologies such as Ford active park assist and cross-traffic alert.

“Health and wellness provides a tremendous opportunity for Ford to provide peace of mind and a personal benefit to drivers and passengers while they are in our vehicles,” said Strumolo. “As more and more devices and technologies lend themselves to such connectivity in the car, it is our responsibility, our philosophy, to examine those possibilities and open our doors to industry relationships that can help us do it intelligently, efficiently and economically.”

Mitsubishi Celebrates Historic Feat - Outlander Family of All-Wheel Control Vehicles Break Five Guinness World Records® within 24-Hour Period

2011-05-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. announced in February that its Outlander (SUV) and Outlander Sport (CUV) have become the most awarded family of all-wheel drive vehicles by breaking five Guinness World Records® within a 24-hour period by any vehicle in its class. This historic feat becomes the latest marketing campaign for Mitsubishi, demonstrating the company's spirit of innovation and highlighting their sophisticated All-Wheel Control System.

Together with its agency of record, 180 Los Angeles (180LA), MMNA put the vehicles' handling to the test on frozen Ghost Lake near Calgary, Alberta, Canada with record low temperatures of -13° Fahrenheit. The goal was to showcase the sophisticated technology and capabilities of these vehicles. Driven by stuntman Garvin Cross who has appeared in dozens of movies and as a stunt double for Daniel Craig, the two vehicles broke the following records in 24 hours:

Greatest distance driven by a vehicle in reverse on snow in 30 seconds
Shortest braking distance by a vehicle on ice
Most vehicle figure eights on ice in two minutes
Fastest vehicle slalom relay on ice
Fastest driven square lap

"The spot clearly captures the incredible capabilities of our unparalleled all-wheel control system on our advanced Outlander family of vehicles, now even more relevant given the recent unpredictability in the weather," said VP of Marketing, Greg Adams.

The marketing campaign launched February 9 and includes television, digital, social media and PR. Two television spots highlight the new world records and purposefully illustrate the vehicles' performance in extreme conditions to give consumers confidence in the vehicles' engineering and capabilities in every day driving. The spots will air on 12 network and cable TV stations, including ESPN, Discovery Channel, and FX. Digital marketing includes homepage takeovers, online banners as well as a strong social media push. All campaign elements lead consumers to www.MitsubishiCars.com/WorldRecords to find out more. This campaign follows MMNA's recent campaign, the Live Drive, the World's First Online Test Drive, where the Outlander Sport was awarded its first Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by a vehicle operated online.

"Breaking world records seemed like a worthy challenge, as well as a fresh idea for a marketing campaign," notes 180LA creative director Gavin Milner. "It's an awesome way to show the technical prowess of the feature-rich lineup of Outlander vehicles."

To see the Mitsubishi Outlander Family World Record video, please log on to YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHguhTzez4Y
The Outlander and Outlander Sport both have Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control system, which makes driving in adverse road conditions more stable, more predictable and safer overall. The innovative All-Wheel Control system measures such parameters as throttle input, engine speed and wheel speed to manage the most challenging conditions as experienced at Ghost Lake.

Forbes names versatile and sporty Mitsubishi Lancer to its select list of "The Safest Small Cars, 2011"

2011-05-18T12:39:00.001-04:00

Winner Mitsubishi in Dover Delaware is proud to represent Mitsubishi Motors North America, which had its best-selling Lancer compact sports sedan - a consumer and media favorite for its outstanding combination of style and value - recognized by renowned business and lifestyle publication Forbes as one of its choices of "The Safest Small Cars, 2011."

Forbes bases its selection process heavily on crash test data compiled from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent nonprofit research and communications organization that is funded by the automotive insurance industry; the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer received the IIHS's highest rating in all of the agency's crash test evaluations including high-speed front and side crash tests, rollover test and seat and head restraint protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.

"We greatly appreciate major publications like Forbes recognizing our efforts in making all of our vehicles – in this case our very popular Lancer sports sedan – as safe as possible," said Mitsubishi Motors North America President Shinichi Kurihara. "This reflects very well the hard work done by all of our highly skilled engineers and designers in the pursuit of safety."

With a starting MSRP of only $16,995, the stylish Lancer compact sport sedan comes equipped with a long list of standard safety enhancements including Active Stability Control (ASC), traction control, seven airbags including a driver's knee airbag and a Tire-Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), and is powered by a capable 148 horsepower (143 bhp for PZEV version) 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that features Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology that produces lower exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy of 33 mpg highway.

Getting Car Maintenance at Winner Ford in Dover

2011-05-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

Whether it’s a routine oil change or a more complicated engine repair, there’s no better place to take your vehicle for service than Winner Ford Dover. The Ford Motor Company-trained technicians there know your vehicle inside and out. We have the right tools to diagnose any problem and we have the right parts on hand original-equipment Ford Motor Company Genuine Parts and high-quality Motorcraft® replacement parts – that are recommended for your vehicle.

Available dealership services

Oil and filter change
Scheduled maintenance
Tire replacement and tire service
Brake pad and brake shoe replacement
Air-conditioning
Engine service
Multi-Point Inspection
All-wheel drive and 4x4
Automatic transmission
Engine cooling and cabin heating
Steering and suspension
Charge, start or battery service
Wheel alignment
Anti-Lock Brake System
Factory-Authorized Systems Check
Much, much more

The importance of following your maintenance schedule
Simply put, a properly maintained vehicle lasts longer and runs more efficiently than one that isn’t maintained. Bringing your vehicle to the dealership for all the scheduled maintenance recommendations found in your Owner Guide helps:

Ensure optimum operation, reliability and safety
Prevent unexpected failures
Maximize fuel efficiency
Improve trade-in or resale values

Using WinnerFordDover.com, you can schedule appointments, track your service history and receive maintenance updates, all online, anytime.

Parts available at the dealerships

When you want the very best for your vehicle, ask for Ford Motor Company Genuine Parts. As the original equipment for Ford vehicles, they can help restore new-vehicle-like performance.
Motorcraft® parts are recommended by Ford Motor Company for your Ford. We offer quality at competitive prices.

Whichever you choose, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing those parts are backed by Ford Motor Company.

What does a Multi-Point Inspection include?

During a Multi-Point Inspection, a Ford Motor Company-trained technician will evaluate your vehicle’s:

Fluid levels
Status of key systems and components
Tire-tread depth and wear patterns
Brake pad thickness
Battery life

Your technician will then rate each system or component according to the following easy-to-follow evaluation:

Green: Checked and okay at this time
Yellow: May require attention in the near future
Red: Requires immediate attention

What is a Factory-Authorized System Check?

Today’s complex vehicles require an equally advanced approach for vehicle diagnosis. A Factory Authorized Systems Check involves testing all your vehicle’s key systems and components and helps ensure that you get an accurate and efficient service experience.

Audi A7 Sportback wins Design Summit

2011-04-26T10:32:00.001-04:00

The Audi A7 Sportback has scored a big victory: the five-door coupé has been selected the winner of the “Auto Bild” Design Summit. A distinguished jury panel evaluated the design of a total of ten new cars. The result: the Audi A7 Sportback was voted number one by a wide margin for its outstanding design.

Recognized design experts such as James Kelly, who heads the Transportation Design department at Pforzheim University, expressed high praise for the large coupé. “The design of the Audi A7 Sportback was the best in the group by far,” Kelly said. “The low tail section is especially impressive! I’d buy it immediately.” Othmar Wickenheiser, professor of Transportation Design at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, also praised the car’s styling: “An absolutely harmonious design concept. Unembellished flanks, sinewy shoulders, streamlined sides – perfect.”

Well-known architect and design critic Hans-Ulrich von Mende and Prof. Paolo Tumminelli of the International School of Design in Cologne selected the Audi A7 Sportback the winner in a list of categories including proportions, styling, innovation, haptics and quality.

“We are extremely pleased with this achievement – to be selected by a jury of such experts in the field of design,” said Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design. “The award confirms the outstanding position of the Audi A7 Sportback within the competitive field, and the excellent response from our customers confirms the appeal of this car.”

With aesthetic athletics and elegance on a grand scale, Audi again emphasizes design with the A7 Sportback. The five-door coupé measures 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but just 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, sporty, flowing C-pillars and the steep drop of the rear section present a dynamic overall image.

The interior is also a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that Audi puts into building cars; the quality of the craftsmanship is on a par with fine handcrafted goods. The senses are pampered with high quality new materials including veneers made with a laminated-wood technique; options include ambient lighting that highlights the interior. Options available for the front seat include ventilation and massage features. Another option allows the contours of the lateral support in the seat and backrest to be individually adjusted.

Audi delivers the A7 Sportback with one of four powerful and cultivated V6 engines – two gasoline-powered and two diesel-powered. They have a capacity of between 150 kW (204 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp), and their efficiency sets the standard in this class of vehicle. The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), which will be available for order at a later date, and the multitronic transmission use an average of just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg) – the CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile) is groundbreaking. All engines work with a recuperation system, thermal management and a start-stop system.

Across Europe with Audi Tradition

2011-04-26T10:26:00.000-04:00

Audi Tradition is beginning the 2011 historic car season with a very full programme. The heritage department of AUDI AG will have its “Museum on Wheels” on display at more than 30 events. The “classic of classics”, Italy’s world-famous Mille Miglia, is on the programme again following a two-year break. In May, five historic DKW models from the 1950s will make the journey to northern Italy. Before this, Audi Tradition will make an appearance at the world’s largest historic car show, the Techno Classica in Essen.

From March 30 to April 3, more than 160,000 experts and old-car lovers are expected to visit Essen’s Gruga exhibition halls. Audi Tradition’s exhibits are examples from the history of NSU, DKW and of course Audi. While these exhibits are being admired at the Techno Classica, other vehicles from the collection are on the move elsewhere. After a two-year interval, Audi Tradition is once again taking part in the world’s most famous vintage car rally, Italy’s Mille Miglia. The Audi team, consisting of five DKW models from the 1950s, will be at the starting line in Brescia when a field of more than 375 historic cars sets off for Rome (May 12 to 14).

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Great Britain (July 1 to 3), Audi Tradition can once again be sure of appearing in front of a big audience. As in previous years, the 160,000 tickets for the world’s largest historic motor-sport event will have sold out in advance. Audi Tradition knows what spectators in the motherland of motor sport want to see: the Auto Union Type C and Type D “Silver Arrows” that won the first English Grand Prix races in Donington Park in 1937 and 1938. A pre-war DKW racing motorcycle and sidecar outfit will also be taking part.

On May 7 and 8, the German state of Baden-Württemberg is celebrating 125 years of the automobile with an event entitled “Automobile Summer 2011”. Audi Tradition will contribute some 40 vehicles to the cavalcade through the city of Stuttgart. Soon after this, from May 25 to 28, five Audi Tradition entries will tackle the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally on a route passing through the Austrian mountains. The German state of Hesse has not been neglected either: following 2010, when Audi Tradition took part with pre-war racing motorcycles from DKW, this year’s entries for the Schottenring Classic Grand Prix will be from the collection of post-war DKW racing bikes from the 1950s. Moving on, the highly popular “Creme 21” rally for modern classics sees the appearance of Audi Tradition entries again after a lengthy interval. The event will be held from September 21 to 25, and an NSU TT and an Audi 50 will be on the starting line.

There are of course many other well-established historic vehicle events at which Audi Tradition is a familiar participant, for example the Silvretta Classic (July 7 to 10), the Ennstal Classic (July 13 to 16), the Sachsen Classic (August 18 to 20), the Eifel Classic (September 29 to October 1) and the Gran Premio Nuvolari in Italy (September 15 to 18). But Audi Tradition naturally responds to the call when a historic car event is held in its own local region, and will therefore be present at the Donau Classic held around Ingolstadt (June 16 to 18) and the Heidelberg Historic (July 28 to 30), which will call at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm.

Porsche puts its Facebook fans' names on a 911 GT3

2011-04-23T12:37:00.000-04:00

One of the big eye-catchers at the New York auto show, which opens to the public today, is a Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid with a blue-and-white wrap job. Look close and you realize that it isn't just a baby blue hue. Rather, it's names -- thousands of them.

Porsche commissioned a vinyl wrap that has the names of all the car's Facebook fans. About a million signed up and we're not sure how many thousands show up on the car, but rest assured, it's in the thousands. Each of the names is about the size of the headline above and they cover just about every outside surface that isn't glass.

The coolest part is searchability. You can go to Porsche's Facebook site, type in your name, and it will tell where to find it on the car.

By Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images

Real Cops Test Real Cop Cars

2011-04-23T12:21:00.000-04:00

Change is hard. Especially when you’re talking about changing a vital tool that you use for work every day. So it’s no surprise that the initial response to the next-generation Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles has been mixed. Some officers are excited to try the new technology in these vehicles, while others are doubtful.

Ford made a bold move by recently inviting four police officers from around the U.S. and Canada to its Arizona Proving Grounds to experience the next-generation Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles. No more guesses about how the new vehicles will perform. These are real police officers driving real police vehicles the way the will be used in the field. You can check out the videos at fordpoliceinterceptor.com.

Over the course of two days, the officers had the unique opportunity to drive prototypes of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, along with the current Ford CVPI, the Dodge Charger Pursuit and the Chevy Tahoe for comparison purposes.

To give you a look behind the scenes, we interviewed Lieutenant John Leas from the San Diego Police Department. A 34-year veteran, Lieutenant Leas is the regional Emergency Vehicle Operations training manager, managing EVOC training for basic academy and in-service police officers and deputy sheriffs from throughout San Diego County.

An EVOC instructor for 26 years, Lieutenant Leas serves on a number of Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) related committees with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, most notably the Safe Driving Campaign. He is also a certified law enforcement driving simulator instructor.

Here’s what he had to say:

theFordStory: When you first learned you were taking part in the test drive, what was your reaction?
I was excited to get an opportunity to preview these next-generation vehicles.

Going in to the test drive, what were your expectations? What did you think you’d be doing?
I expected to get the opportunity to test-drive all the major manufacturer’s police package offerings. I anticipated we would be doing a substantial amount of performance driving over the two days.

Did the test drive meet your expectations?
Yes, with one exception. I would have preferred more time behind the wheel truly putting the vehicles through a variety of challenges. We were limited due to the film production crew functions (interviews, equipment setup, etc.) and somewhat limited in track time availability.

Prior to taking part in the test drive, what was your perception of the new Police Interceptor?
I liked the looks of both the sedan and the sport utility but had concerns about interior cockpit room in the sedan.

What is your impression of the new Ford Police Interceptors after driving them?
The engineers did their homework and listened to their customers. I was most impressed with the sport utility – plenty of cockpit room, outstanding handling and power, versatility on- and off-road. Absolutely a fantastic package! The sport utility would be my top choice for our agency.

How do you feel the Police Interceptor would help make your typical day easier or more efficient?
It is comfortable, safe, extremely stable and the engineering built into it makes it easy to drive, even in a high-performance mode. By far the best vehicle I have ever driven!

What is the one thing you’d tell your fellow officers in regards to the next-generation Police Interceptor vehicles?
You have to test-drive them! They are phenomenal!

Overall, did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, very much so! Everyone was great to work with, the engineers were there to discuss product testing and design and the product was better than I could ever imagine. I was so impressed, I went out and bought a new 2011 Ford Explorer as my new family vehicle because I liked the design, the built-in occupant safety measures and the overall quality-control of a fine product. I was not disappointed, even though my new civilian model is quite different from the next-generation Police Interceptor platform – it’s still awesome!

Each officer had a chance to drive both Ford Interceptors and the competitors in a variety of settings, including a road course, a wet pad, an autocross course and a gravel pit (to simulate snow and other poor handling conditions). Additionally, Ford Police Interceptor development engineers were on hand to provide officers with in-depth explanations and information on the vehicles and the development process. The results of this intensive two-day session were captured on video and are now live on fordpoliceinterceptor.com.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI

2011-04-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

From Car and Driver...

When automakers begin development on a new model, there are typically three or more competing design proposals, one of which is then chosen to make it into metal. This standard operating procedure was discarded with the Audi A7 Sportback, says Audi boss Rupert Stadler: "Everything was right in the first place." Indeed, this large hatchback could be the most beautiful of all Audis. Long, wide, and low, it’s styled with smooth and supremely clean lines. The front end is better proportioned than the latest A8's and seems cool and almost stoic—especially with the optional LED headlights. The side view recalls the most handsome (if not the most reliable) of 1970s hatchbacks, such as the Rover SD-1 and Citroën CX; the rear end is cut off sharply, like an Italian supercar of that same era. This car is free of the gimmicks you'll find on many others in this class, and we haven't talked to anyone who doesn't admire its looks.

Now that we've established that the A7 is beautiful, we’ll note that the car really is little more than a dressed-up, next-generation A6. It uses Audi’s modular longitudinal architecture; a good 20 percent of the A7’s body is made from aluminum, which is more heavily relied on in the more expensive A8, but most of the A7 is made from less costly steel.

See the Audi A7 at Audi Wilmington