Truth in 24 II: Every Second Counts Trailer

Watch the follow-up film to the original Truth in 24, where the Audi Sport Racing team again attempts to cross the finish line first at the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Autoblog UK Porsche Cayman R: Road test review

Considering the Cayman is basically a Boxster convertible with a roof, it is perhaps a surprise to those not in the know, that as a driver's car it is regarded almost as highly as the 911.

In fact, possibly the only thing missing from this range was a more hardcore and driver-focussed range-topper. After seven years, Porsche finally obliged last year and the result is the £59,874 (as tested) Cayman R.

Even with snow on the ground and no winter tyres, we jumped at the chance of spending a week with the ultimate Cayman.

So, why should you get excited by the Cayman R? Well, it has been on a diet for starters and lost 55kg thanks to some aluminium doors, lightweight 19in alloys and the fitment of some bucket seats. Also, air-con and a radio are no longer standard.You won't confuse the R version with lesser models from the outside. The unique body styling includes chunkier front and rear air dams, classic 'Porsche' side graphics and the fixed rear spoiler. We like it.

The Cayman R is powered by a 330bhp version of the 3.4-litre flat-six engine, which is basically a tweaked version of the same one fitted in the Cayman S.

This Porsche is a great car to drive too and gets off to a good start with the suede-trimmed, retro-styled, three-spoke steering wheel. The steering seems sharper than ever, is well weighted and has plenty of feel.

The ride is sportily firm and potholes are amplifed through the body and bucket seats, but it's what you'd expect from this type of car. Grip even in the snow on the low-profile tyres was impressive, the turn in sharp; it is roll free and always felt controllable on the limit.Inside, the suede and leather-trimmed bucket seats plus the red detailing for the centre console, dashboard and seatbelts make the Cayman R feel special. Other evidence of weight-saving in the interior include the belt-type door openers and the lack of a cowel over the intruments.

The best part of the Cayman R's 3.4-litre engine is how responsive it is, whatever the gear. The optional sports exhaust on our test car (£1,414) also had a loud button, making the delicious charismatic wail from the engine even more addictive.

To make the most of the Cayman R's power, you'll have to stir the slick PDK transmission that proves to be a good combination with this engine. Our only issue is it is not as intense as the slick six-speed manual; 62mph comes up in an impressive 4.7 seconds and the top speed is a licence-losing 174mph.

The Cayman's doors open wide, but it is just a two-seater. Still, it does have two boots, the front one has 260 litres and is big enough for the weekly shop or weekends away.It might be a stripped-out range-topper, but it has a high level of standard equipment that includes central locking, power wing mirrors and electric front windows.

The test car was fitted with £1,986 of optional Porsche Communication Management system that includes sat-nav system, which works well and features high quality maps.

To sum up, whilst the Cayman R might not be much more powerful than the Cayman S, the R tweaks add to what was already a convincing sportscar, to produce one of the best driver's cars on sale today.

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XJ Ultimate: the most luxurious Jaguar ever

With heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers and a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, the XJ Ultimate is the pinnacle of luxury within the Jaguar range.

Jaguar unveils the XJ Ultimate at Beijing Auto Show

The flagship Jaguar XJ ushered in a new interpretation of the company's established reputation for dramatic design and - with its lightweight aluminium architecture - responsible performance. Now, the XJ Ultimate focuses on two further Jaguar hallmarks: innovation and luxury, extending the model's emotive appeal.

Based exclusively on the long-wheelbase XJ, the interior changes applied to the Ultimate focus on the rear accommodation, extending the car's limousine remit to provide a fully-appointed luxury business class experience for the most discerning of global customers. The XJ Ultimate offers the appointments of a private jet in a package to suit a wide range of requirements.

A full-length, leather-trimmed centre console separates the two individually tailored rear seats which feature power adjustment, ventilation, massage and lumbar functions. A table, machined from solid aluminium with piano-black and chrome detailing, rises up from the centre console at the touch of a button to provide a working area, its role supplemented by the provision of two third-generation iPads^® with wireless keyboards that are housed in bespoke leather-trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats.

Switching the focus from business to pleasure is the bespoke champagne chiller mounted between the two rear seats. This cools the bottle to what experts agree is the perfect temperature before 'presenting' it forwards when the chiller is opened. Two specially commissioned champagne flutes reside in a purpose made cabinet beneath the centre table.

A full rear seat package with twin headrest screens and wireless headphones completes the experience in combination with a new 20-speaker surround sound in-car entertainment system developed by British audio expertsMeridian.

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain cosseted at all times, the XJ Ultimate features revisions to the suspension to optimise rear ride comfort, with no compromise to the car's breadth of dynamic ability.

The exterior detailing of the XJ Ultimate offers discreet clues to the model's figurehead status with sculpted lower air intakes chromed to match the grille, polished stainless steel oval exhaust pipe finishers, unique dual-surfaced alloy wheels and subtle 'Ultimate' badging.

The XJ Ultimate is available with Jaguar's existing 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, its powerful and efficient 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel, and a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol unit, all driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed transmission.

EXTERIOR

The Jaguar XJ introduced a mouldbreaking coupé design ethos to its class, taking Jaguar's established principle of long, unbroken feature lines and applying them to a decidedly 21st century form. Dramatically different from its competitors, the all-aluminium XJ captures the essential Jaguar design elements of elegance, muscularity, sleekness and strength.

The detail changes applied to the XJ Ultimate serve to subtly enhance the inherent rightness of the car's design, making it clear that this is the luxurious flagship of the range.

The lower front air intakes are reshaped and chrome finished, matching the powerful Jaguar grille, while LED daytime-running lights underline the assertively shaped headlamps.

The 20-inch Maroa forged alloy wheels are unique to this model and feature a dual-tone colour scheme. A dark grey, technical finish is applied to the inner surfaces of the spokes which contrasts with the bright, polished surfacing on the outer edges, combining to create an appearance that is both glamorous and purposeful.

Anyone following an XJ Ultimate will be in no doubt that the model is a cut above, as it is distinguished by new oval tailpipe finishers in polished stainless steel that echo the front air intakes and a discreet metal 'Ultimate' badge underneath the 'XJ' nameplate. The 'Ultimate' badging is repeated in the power vents set into the front fenders.

The first 20 Ultimate models made will be painted in Celestial Black, but customers can also order their car in Polaris White - and any colour in between. In addition to an exclusive extended palette of paint colours, including a new 'chromaflare' range, XJ Ultimate customers can order their car colour-matched to any shade of their choosing on provision of a suitable sample for a true bespoke experience.

INTERIOR

Jaguar has always prided itself on creating unique cabin environments and the interior architecture of the XJ is like no other, combining graceful and unexpected forms with quality materials that reward the senses with their tactility, visual splendour and luxury.

Unique finish and personalisation

Now, the Ultimate's position as the XJ range's luxury flagship is apparent from the moment the door is opened. A unique wood veneer, crafted using straight ebony, has been formed into a Herringbone pattern with mirror image upper and lower halves separated by a strip of piano black veneer. The Herringbone pattern forms fillets in the doors and at the front of the car runs around the base of the windscreen to create a dramatic feature that mimics the form of classic wooden-hulled power boats. The clock mounted in the dashboard is also unique to the model with a brushed aluminium face, embossed lozenge detail and 'spun' bright finish.

The XJ Ultimate is offered in three interior colourways for the sumptuous leather that covers virtually every surface and is also used for the headlining; Jet on Jet, or Ivory seats and lower surfaces with either Mineral orBordeauxuppers.

Further personalisation is offered through customers being able to specify the headrests embroidered with a pattern of their choice. The 'Ultimate' intaglio which sits in the centre of the sweep of Herringbone veneer under the windscreen can also be changed to read whatever the owner wishes.

The XJ Ultimate brings a particular focus to the rear seat passengers to create an ambience that carefully balances the requirements of the modern, on-the-move businessperson with certain surprise-and-delight features that underline the XJ's 'work hard, play hard' personality and reward the discerning owner who appreciates the sense of fun with which Jaguar imbues all its products.

Tailored rear seating

In the Ultimate the XJ's standard rear bench has been replaced by two unique and individual seats designed specifically for this model. Elegant, cosseting and ergonomically optimised, the tailored seats are covered in semi-aniline leather which offers a more luxurious and tactile finish and allows the hide to retain its essential qualities of look and feel, complemented by the hand-finished stitching.

The seats feature winged headrests, powered recline and four-way lumbar adjustment functions to allow passengers to achieve the seating position perfect for them. The comfort levels offered by the seats are enhanced through the inclusion of on-demand massage, heating and cooling functions.

The occupant positioned behind the front passenger seat is also provided with a stow-away button that automatically powers the empty chair forwards to increase still further the XJ's generous legroom. The front seats follow the same unique design as the rears and offer identical functions with an additional range of electric movement allowing 20 by 20 adjustment.

The seats are divided by a centre console running along the length of the car. Fully trimmed in soft-grain leather, piano black veneer and chrome, the console houses a number of features exclusive to the XJ Ultimate. At the touch of a button a table machined from a solid piece of aluminium with a gloss black and chrome finish rises up to then be pivoted into position in front of whichever passenger requires its use.

Chilled to Perfection

Raising the table reveals the first of the XJ Ultimate's surprise and delight features, a pair of champagne flutes in a bespoke recess flock-lined in either Mauveine or Jet and lit by phosphor blue ambient lighting. Within the centre console are 'fluteholders', designed specifically for these glasses and machined from solid aluminium.

The flutes are, of course, there for a reason: discreetly integrated between the rear seat backs, covered in soft-grain leather and marked by a chrome Jaguar leaper is a hidden champagne chiller. Lined in the same flock as the champagne flute recess to give the impression of a bespoke suit lining, it holds one standard sized champagne bottle which, when the cabinet door is opened, is effortlessly presented forwards to the passengers. The champagne is kept perfectly chilled at the optimum temperature range of 7°C-10°C.

TECHNOLOGY

Rear-seat passengers are also provided with a range of entertainment options to enjoy while sipping their champagne. The XJ Ultimate is fitted as standard with Jaguar's Rear Seat Entertainment package which comprises two eight-inch high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests.

These can display inputs from a number of sources; the DVD player, digital TV tuner or an external media player that can be synced through the Rear Media Interface, which provides USB and RCA connections. Sound can be provided through the wireless headphones, allowing each passenger to watch separate entertainment sources.

The rear seat environment, including the entertainment, is managed by a wireless controller housed in the centre console and which also allows passengers to alter their individual climate zones and seat heating and cooling functions.

Meridian Surround Sound

The XJ Ultimate is also fitted as standard with the latest generation of in-car audio systems. Specifically developed for the XJ by British ultra-premium audio expertsMeridian, marking a new partnership for Jaguar, the Meridian Surround Sound System fitted to the XJ Ultimate uses the latest technological developments to deliver music reproduction that is second to none.

Unlike other manufacturers,Meridiandesigns and manufactures audio systems that combine innovative technology with the most natural of approaches: comparing their musical reproduction to the sound of the original musical performance.

The 15-channel amplifier, 20-loudspeaker system featuresMeridian's unique digital sound processing technology that allows every person travelling in the XJ Ultimate to enjoy a musical experience that places them in the centre of the sound field.Meridianachieves this through its Trifield technology which creates an all-enveloping sound field that makes each listener feel that the music is exclusively focused on him or her.

Meridian technology achieves a level of natural detail, realism and performance usually associated with speakers eight times the physical volume. Meridian Cabin Correction and Dynamic Volume Control precisely and effortlessly minimise resonances and monitor extraneous noise levels to allow the audio to be unobtrusively maintained at a constant volume in order for it to be perfectly heard whatever the circumstances.

iPad Integration

In addition to the entertainment on offer, the XJ Ultimate also provides a pair of third-generation iPads^® with wireless keyboards. The iPads^® are housed within specially designed leather-trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats and hidden behind roller doors, also finished in tailored leather. The iPads^® are automatically kept charged whenever the ignition is on and also included in the cabinets are wireless keyboards to allow the tablets to be used without being removed from their docks if required.

 

PERFORMANCE AND DYNAMICS

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain cosseted at all times, the XJ Ultimate features revisions to the air-sprung rear suspension for optimised ride compliance. While this provides a truly relaxing experience for rear seat passengers, the XJ Ultimate loses none of the model's core dynamic abilities and so is as rewarding to drive as it is to be driven in. The XJ's lightweight aluminium construction means a weight saving over its rivals of as much as 150kg. This of course offers  great advantages in terms of agility, acceleration, braking and driver feedback and involvement.

The aluminium architecture also provides benefits in terms of emissions and fuel consumption, allowing the XJ to provide an astonishing balance of performance and frugality from its range of highly efficient, refined and muscular engines.

The XJ Ultimate will be offered with Jaguar's existing and acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine in supercharged form, and the equally highly regarded 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel. With 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the supercharged V8 provides astonishingly vivid performance, the diesel V6 offering uncannily smooth and potent progress while returning fuel consumption figures of 40.1mpg (EU) on the combined cycle.

The XJ Ultimate will also be offered with a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine being introduced to the range for the 2013 model year. This engine, which in the XJ Ultimate will produce 340PS and 450Nm, draws on the award-winning technology inherent to Jaguar's V8 and offers similar performance to the naturally-aspirated version of that engine (which is not available in the XJ Ultimate), but with the emissions and fuel economy advantages of a V6.

The 3.0-litre V6 S/C will be offered in tandem with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system and, in common with all powertrain options, will drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Porsche 911 is bigger, but still a fun drive

Truth is, I didn’t want to like this car.  Yeah, that sounds like car-guy blasphemy, but it’s not because I don’t like Porsche.  It’s because I do like Porsche.  I’m just not thrilled with its current product direction.

A company that was built on lightweight, elemental, responsive sports cars is becoming a Panzer tank purveyor.  Or so it seems.

And now the company’s latest iteration of the flagship 911 model suffers the indignity of still more size.

Hmm.  But what’s this?  The spec sheet says it does weigh a little less.  It sure has that rip-snorting exhaust snarl that has entranced Porschephiles for a half century.  And it grips corners like a catnip-addled feline on shag carpet!

It turns out that making the 911 bigger, while antithetical to the company founder’s philosophy, hasn’t spoiled the 911.  Indeed, this car feels more directly wired to the driver’s senses than any 911 since the company retired its original air-cooled model in the late ‘90s.

One of the best avenues of involvement for driving enthusiasts is to have a manual transmission, as changing gears, matching engine revs to road speed and slipping the clutch put the driver in touch with the car's every action relating to propulsion. But paying customers (as opposed to freeloading journalists) for $125,000 cars have a diminishing appetite for such activities.  Porsche has developed a dual-clutch automated manual that it calls “PDK” which is an acronym of a typically lengthy German word describing the transmission.

“Dual-clutch,” doesn’t mean it has two clutch pedals.  Really, such mechanisms are two transmissions in one housing with separate clutch discs connecting each to the engine.  One clutch disc nests inside the other in a “dual-clutch” arrangement, hence the name.

Each transmission runs simultaneously and the car changes which clutch is engaged to switch to the next gear ratio.  The computer has the unused transmission waiting in the next gear by guessing whether you are likely to need an upshift or a downshift based on things like speed and throttle position.

The tested Carrera S featured the PDK automatic transmission, but switching the car to “Sport” mode puts the transmission in a racy frame of mind, letting the engine rev before upshift and quickly downshifting through the gears under braking.

A “track” mode makes the transmission hold off on shifts even longer, because it is truly only suitable for track use when you are either hard on the gas or hard on the brakes at all times. Trying to drive somewhere in between on the street just leaves the 911 obnoxiously revving for no reason.

On the track, the PDK transmission's automatic programming probably beats the manual transmission car with anyone other than Porsche factory driver Patrick Long at the wheel. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t still rather shift it ourselves, even if the stopwatch favors the PDK.

A gaggle of electronic devices that in the past would have choked any potential for fun driving has also been improved to the point where they make drivers both faster and safer, while remaining blessedly invisible.

How about Porsche Torque Vectoring?  That’s a fancy phrase for technology that sends more power to the outside wheel in a corner, helping nudge the car around the bend rather than trying to push it straight onward.

Or Porsche Stability Management, which tweaks the brake at a single wheel to help keep the car on track if it starts to slide?  It can even recognize that, um, “oh, shoot” moment when the driver abruptly lifts off the gas in sudden recognition of a problem.  When this happens, PSM automatically pressurizes the brake circuit and presses the brake pads up against the spinning brake rotors.

It doesn’t actually apply the brakes, but like a Doberman straining at a security guard’s leash, it is ready to unleash the full fury of the braking system at the first signal from the driver.

Perhaps the best part of the car’s “Sport” mode is that it opens a bypass on the muffler, letting those who revel in the sound of properly executed internal combustion relish the 911’s signature flat-six rasp. 

Even with 400 hp from the 3.8-liter flat-six engine and an authentic rip-snorting driving character, the 2012 911 Carrera S scores a surprising 27 mpg on the EPA’s highway driving cycle, and a respectable 20 mpg in the city.

So its extra size hasn’t hurt fuel economy.  But what has the extra size bought?  The newly enlarged back seat still isn’t large enough to hold two adults.  A normal-sized adult can slip into the back long enough to say “I don’t fit.”  In the past,  they would punt halfway through the attempt.

If the back seat is still unsuitable for carrying adults, why bother?  For a luxury coupe, Porsche could trim down its massive Panamera sedan, in the manner of the Mercedes CL-Class coupe, which is based on that company’s S-Class sedan.  That is a luxury sport coupe with a useable back seat.

Then we car nuts could enjoy a smaller 911 which would have the new car’s many desirable attributes distilled into an even more concentrated form.  So I’ll admit it; this new 911 is fantastic, despite my prejudice against its bigger size.  I’d be thrilled to drive one every day.  It is a worthy successor to the legendary line. 

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It's official, Audi has just bought Ducati

There aren't a lot of automakers that also make motorcycles: Peugeot, Honda, Suzuki, and perhaps most pertinently, BMW. And now Audi is getting in the game – not with its own four-ringed motorbikes, but with today's acquisition of Ducati.

In the announcement just released, Audi confirmed the deal but stopped short of confirming the reported purchase price of $1.1B. Although Audi is, of course, part of the Volkswagen group, it is Audi AG itself that officially bought the motorcycle manufacturer, making Ducati the third Italian operation under its umbrella alongside Lamborghini and ItalDesign-Giugiaro.

Tellingly, Audi also points to certain technologies developed by Ducati – particularly their control systems, combustion chamber process and competence in lightweight construction – as particular assets that "offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group." Read more in the official release after the jump.

 

AUDI AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction.

Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company's growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, declared: "Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world's most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi." The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati's extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group.

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, explains that the employee representatives of AUDI AG support the Company's sustainable, co-determined growth strategy. "We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that's exactly what we're doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati," commented Mosch.

Ducati is a globally active company and has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480 million, employing around 1,100 people.

The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949.

Ducati has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for many decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship, supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the manufacturers' championship in this latter class 17 times in 21 championships and the pilots' 14 times.

Little Girl Grows up But Still Loves Daddy's Audi R8 Sports Car

In late 2010, Cris Ostberg posted a video of his then 18-month-old daughter enjoying a ride in his Audi R8 Spyder. The clip became an instant hit, however, due to the fact that several people grilled him about the safety and legitimacy of placing a child seat up front, he removed the video - even though it is legal to do so if you switch off the airbags.

Some 18 months later, Ostberg has posted a new video of his daughter, who is now about three-and-a-half years old. This time she hops into an R8 V10 coupe and plays around with the gas pedal to hear the 10-cylinder engine roar.

Unfortunately, Ostberg chose not to film his child on the road for obvious reasons…

But just in case someone decides to pop into the comments section to grill him again, here's what he wrote in a posting on the VW Vortex forums:

"Before the fun police gets here, YES, it's legal for her to ride in the front seat. YES, the passenger airbags are switched off. NO, she doesn't know how to nor have the strength to release the handbrake. NO, she's not tall enough to firmly press the brake while simultaneously moving the shift lever which is what it would take to engage a gear."

 

Courtesy of carscoop.blogspot.com

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2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo

Somebody needs to come take a look at this 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo. It's been sitting in the lot all day, teasing us, begging to be taken on a drive. You can't deny a face like this, can you? Not when you can get as big of a deal as we have on it right now! Come on by and let us make you an offer you can't refuse.