10th May 2008, 11:26 pm
May 9, 2008
Raft of enhancements for 2009 Model Year versions of premium compact hatchback includes all-inclusive CO2 reductions.
• Visually and mechanically enhanced A3 3dr range available to order from Friday May 2nd, and 5dr A3 Sportback from Monday May 19th for first deliveries in July 2008
• OTR prices range from £14,995 to £27,720
• S3 becomes available for the first time in five-door Sportback form
• Advanced common rail 2.0-litre TDI first seen in A4 Saloon is adopted by A3 in 140PS and 170PS forms, bringing significantly improved efficiency, acoustics and refinement
• Improvements to 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol engines boost efficiency
• Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping as used by the TT and R8 becomes available as an option for selected models
• New seven-speed version of S tronic dual clutch transmission for selected models, including, at a later date, the S3
• New faster-reacting quattro four-wheel-drive system for A3 and S3
Reed the Whole virsion
10th May 2008, 11:22 pm
It’s no surprise at all that the rocket age began in Germany. But a story that includes dropping V2 rockets on the innocent population of London in the Blitz began 15 years earlier, and the only explosives involved were the 24 rockets with 265 pounds of propellant behind Fritz von Opel’s head.
The dream started in 1927 when Max Valier, a South Tyrolean astronomer, test pilot and author of The Advance into Space approached von Opel seeking support for his rocket engine research. Von Opel, himself a race car driver and pilot, recognized the potential of rocket technology as well as its advertising value for his family’s company. From then on, Opel’s factory in Rüsselsheim began researching innovative modes of propulsion, measuring the thrust of various rocket types on a specially-constructed test bench. Engineer and rocket-maker Sander, based near Bremerhaven, delivered state-of-the-art solid-fuel rockets to them. Sander already had made his reputation manufacturing rockets for maritime rescue operations; his missiles were used to propel ropes to ships in distress.
By the spring of 1928, the company announced Continue reading ‘Opel RAK 2: enough to blow up a whole neighborhood’ »
10th May 2008, 11:09 pm
Mercedes-Benz has achieved an overall four star rating in the latest JD Power consumer satisfaction index (CSI) achieving an 82.8 per cent score from the survey of 16,000 UK motorists.
The rating positioned the automaker sixth in the table overall, climbing from 11th last year.
JD Power’s consumer satisfaction index includes 28 brands and 100 models and owners provide detailed information about their cars which they have typically owned for about two years.
The current survey covers the period from September 2005 to August 2006.
Owners rate the manufacturers on 77 attributes grouped in four areas; quality/reliability, vehicle appeal, service and ownership cost.
With a score of 84.7 per cent those owners placed Mercedes-Benz second in the results for vehicle appeal.
In the league table of cars, Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners gave it five stars and a rating of 84.2 per cent.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also achieved a high score of 82.8 per cent, just above the Mercedes-Benz A-Class which scored 82.2 per cent.
Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd.
10th May 2008, 11:04 pm
AKRON, Ohio — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the nation’s leading commercial tire manufacturer, announced today it has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, which previously approved using the company’s Fuel Max linehaul tires on SmartWay tractors and trailers.
SmartWay is a collaboration between the truck transportation industry and EPA to help increase energy efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution.
“We continue to do our part for the environment with our innovative technologies that reduce tire rolling resistance and energy use at all facilities and eliminate all waste disposal in landfills. We also offer solution-based business tools that calculate fuel consumption and help fleets lower their costs of operation, said Steve McClellan, Goodyear vice president of commercial tire systems.
“Through the SmartWay Transport program, we see opportunities to further our relationships with America’s fleets and truck and trailer manufacturers in the pursuit of even greater gains in fuel efficiency and emission reductions. The savings are substantial,” McClellan said. Continue reading ‘Goodyear joins US EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership’ »