2010 Audi TTS Concept

Audi unveiled the Audi TTS in 2008. It was designed to a powerful sport car. Now Audi debuted the 2010 model of TTS after two years later. The new model will be sold in both coupe and roadster bodies.

Compare to the second generation TT, I especial like the original TT. But the second generation is more powerful than the original, so if your like driving you may like the second generation. Audi equip with turbocharged performance and seductive design meet exquisite craftsmanship in the 2010 Audi TTS, but U.S.-bound versions are missing the one feature they need most: a true manual transmission.

The new AUDI TTS gets a mild facelift highlighted, complemented by revised chrome accenting on its grille and redone foglamps and housings. Other exterior change include dual chrome exhaust tips,a distinct front and rear fascia as well as LED driving lights and a set of slick 18 inch wheels. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights join a tastefully sporty front end design that is high-tech, fun and yet serious in appearance.

Inside, the new model is available as a four-seat coupe and a two-seat roadster. Audi Navigation System Plus displays 3D map graphics on a 6.5-inch LCD screen, also equips with MP3 memory card slots and a six-CD changer. The Audi Magnetic Ride system uses shocks filled with magnetically charged fluid. Computer controls change the damping rates to match the driving situation, and the driver can choose between Normal and Sport modes for soft comfort or stiff fun.

The Audi TTS is equipped with a standard high output version of the direct injected 2.0 Liter engine, which making a maximum output of 265 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque, pound-feet from 2500 to 5000 rpm. The additional power and customized Quattro all wheel drive system helps the TTS accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4.9 seconds. Thanks to Audi's advanced TFSI technology both the TTS Coupe and Roadster get as much as 29 MPG on the highway. The TTS is offered only with the tronic six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the U.S.

Honda Accord Crosstour shows tiny problems in the IIHS rollover tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rollover tests on several vehicles and the Honda Accord Crosstour was among those that didn’t do well.

Already, many observers expect this model to get an early refresh. The suggestions include a new face and a titanium-reinforced roof. In the latest tests, the IIHS didn’t exactly roll the vehicles. Rather, the IIHS pushed a metal plate against 1 corner of a roof at a constant speed. To get a good rating, a roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle’s weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. To get an acceptable rating, the minimum strength-to-weight ratio that’s needed is 3.25. A poor rating is given to those that have lower than 2.5. Vehicles that did remarkably well are the Grand Cherokee, Highlander, Liberty, and Venza, which all withstood forces of almost 5 times their weights. The Crosstour can withstand 2.8 times its weight while the Endeavor and Pilot can endure only 3 times its weight.

Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini made strong gains in European auto production in April

For the month of April, luxury carmakers (including Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz division, BMW brand, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Land Rover) made strong gains in European auto production.

The 2010 results are expected to come out favorably against the April 2009 period when sales dropped due to the global financial crisis and Europe’s incentive program that favored small cars. With the recovery in the global economy and the ending of government subsidies, the factories in Europe are boosting production to fill orders for high-end models. Notably, the April output for the Mercedes S class rose to 6,012 units from 675 in 2009. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport increased by 157% year on year. Production was also boosted for the all-new Rolls-Royce Ghost, according to estimates from J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting. Overall, European production rose by 8% in the month to 1,367,512 and 28% to 5,746,227 through April. It should also be noted that April was the first month when the year-on-year production growth rate was a single-digit percentage (instead of double digits).