GENEVA - AUDI shows 2013 DTM racer

• Audi Sport presents race touring car for the 2013 DTM season
• Close links to the sportiest Audi production models
• Leicestershire's Jamie Green new team-mate of Mattias Ekström

Ingolstadt/Geneva, March 5, 2013 – At the International Motor Show in Geneva, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Member of the Board for Technical Development of AUDI AG, and Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich on Tuesday afternoon presented the racecar for the DTM 2013 – the Audi RS 5 DTM. The driver line-up for the new DTM season is also fixed. 
 

“Motorsport is an integral part of the Audi DNA and is not an end in itself for our company,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer. “At the end of the day, our customers benefit from the victories on the racetracks, because we attach great value to technology transfer between motorsport and production. Our new Audi RS 6 Avant, which we present here in Geneva, is a prime example: it combines downsizing of the engine with significantly less weight. And where do you learn this? In motorsport.”

The technical specification of the DTM cars was ‘frozen’ in accordance with the regulations as the checkered flag fell at the last race of the 2012 season. Further development was only possible in extremely limited form. Over the winter, the Audi Sport DTM team concentrated on identifying if any of the 4,000 components in the racecar from the 2012 season offered any potential for optimization. “Our technicians proved to be quite resourceful in the process,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. 

The model name Audi RS 5 DTM is new. As a result, Audi establishes a direct reference in the DTM to the company’s successful production models. “The abbreviation ‘RS’ stands for the sportiest Audi models,” said Dr. Ullrich. “The performance data of the current RS 5 and RS 5 DTM are very similar. This is why we are of the opinion that both fit perfectly to one another.”

Eight Audi RS 5 DTM join the grid for the 2013 DTM. They are fielded by the three proven Audi Sport squads Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg, which have reinforced in part by recruiting additional personnel. The allocation of the eight Audi factory drivers between the teams is now also fixed. Newcomer Jamie Green (Great Britain) is the new team-mate of two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström (Sweden) at Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. The 30-year old is regarded as one of the fastest and best DTM drivers of the modern era. He drove the new Audi RS 5 DTM onto the stage during the presentation. “I already feel at home here at Audi and can hardly wait to contest my first DTM race for the four rings,” said Jamie, from Broughton Astley near Leicester.

With a combined total of 25 race wins and two championship titles, Ekström and Green form the most successful driver combination in the entire DTM 2013 field. Nine DTM race wins unite the other Audi driver teams which have remained almost identical since the 2012 season: the double DTM Champion Timo Scheider (Germany) and Adrien Tambay (France) compete for Audi Sport Team Abt, Miguel Molina (Spain) and Mike Rockenfeller (Germany) for Audi Sport Team Phoenix, Filipe Albuquerque (Portugal) and Edoardo Mortara (Italy/France) for Audi Sport Team Rosberg.

The new DTM season starts on May 5 at the Hockenheimring. Ten events are on the 2013 agenda, six of them in Germany. On top of these six come races in Austria, Great Britain and the Netherlands and on August 4 the debut event at the Moscow Raceway in Russia. The Audi RS 5 DTM appears in action publically for the first time at the DTM test between April 26 and 29 at Barcelona (Spain) and from 9 to 12 April at Hockenheim, where a grandstand is open for spectators on the first day. 

GENEVA - Audi at Geneva

The focus for Audi at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show will be on six star cars employing a variety of state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to achieve exceptional results. The summary below is a snapshot of these highlight models – for more information please visit www.audi-press.co.uk or contact the Audi press team using the details which follow. 

• A3 Sportback e-tron, A3 Sportback g-tron, S3 Sportback, RS Q3, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will take pride of place on Audi stand
• 1.4 TFSI petrol-electric hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron makes 188mpg and CO₂ emissions of 35g/km possible – 204PS, 350Nm of system torque, 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, 138mph top speed, 31-mile maximum range in electric mode
• A3 Sportback g-tron is powered by a combination of a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine  and CO₂-neutral Audi e-gas (compressed natural gas)
• 110PS, 200Nm, 0-62mph in 11 seconds, 118mph top speed, CO₂ less than 95 grams per kilometre (well-to-wheel 30g/km) , 80.7mpg equivalent, total range of 807 miles
• The S3 Sportback will be powered by a totally new 2.0 TFSI engine with turbocharging and direct injection - 300PS, 380 Nm, 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, combined MPG 40.9
• Optional all-LED headlights and Audi magnetic ride
• Available to order in the UK from April, first deliveries in September
• UK pricing will be no higher than outgoing model despite performance and equipment gains
• The RS Q3 – the first ever RS Q model – will be available to order in the summer ahead of first deliveries in late 2013 - 310PS, 420Nm – 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, combined MPG 32.1, CO₂ 206g/km
• The third generation RS 6 Avant will be available to order in spring priced at approximately £77,000 OTR – first deliveries from the summer
• Powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology –  560PS, 700Nm, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible (combined)
• Eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel-drive with sport differential, standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension with option of steel-sprung suspension incorporating Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)
• The RS 7 Sportback will be available to order in the UK in the summer priced at approximately £84,000 OTR –  first UK deliveries will take place in the latter part of 2013
• Powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology – 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible (combined)
• Eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel-drive with sport differential, standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension with option of steel-sprung suspension incorporating Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)

GENEVA - Bentley unveils Spring collection from the Bentley Boutique

• Debut of ‘Breitling for Bentley’ Light Body Midnight Carbon watch
• Limited edition ‘zai for Bentley’ ski, poles and ski bag
• Showcase for two new collections: ‘Bentley for Men’ fragrances and Mulsanne fitted luggage set

The 2013 Bentley Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show showcases a selection of the company’s new and exciting products, created with luxury and performance in mind in collaboration with partnership brands.

‘Breitling for Bentley’ Light Body Midnight Carbon Watch

Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss horological excellence to create a limited edition, ultra-sporty Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon chronograph. Displayed in the Bentley Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show, the limited edition watch conceals a light and sturdy titanium chassis featuring a highly resistant carbon-based coating beneath its all-black exterior.

The dashboard-style dial displays exclusive Breitling technical features highlighted by red-rimmed indications. The originality and strength of the design are accentuated by the hands and hour-markers, also clad in matt black and enhanced by a luminescent coating ensuring optimal readability in the dark. The midnight black rubber strap is distinguished by its central raised motif echoing that of the knurled bezel – a refined nod to the famous radiator grilles gracing the prow of a Bentley.

The watch is limited to only 1,000 pieces worldwide, the unrivalled performance of this elegant and reliable watch is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement chronometer. Further information can be found at http://www.breitlingforbentley.com.

‘zai for Bentley’

Bentley is proud to present the new limited edition ‘zai for Bentley’ ski, poles and bag. Working with Bentley’s own styling team, Swiss ski manufacturer zai AG has created the new skis incorporating innovative, unique combinations of materials resulting in unmatched levels of performance and durability.

The new skis comprise a natural rubber surface, offering uncompromised comfort, integrated with a spring steel to mirror the Bentley matrix grille. Similarly to a Bentley, the ski is based upon a pureness of design and hand craftsmanship that will meet the technical demands of the most avid skier.

The skis are limited to 100 pairs in both white and green and are available through zai and Bentley dealers. Further information can be found at www.zaiforbentley.com.

‘Lalique for Bentley’ and ‘Bentley for Men’

The collaboration between Bentley and Art & Fragrance, owner of Lalique, creates the bespoke ‘Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition’, an impressive crystal flacon with the legendary ‘Flying B’ Bentley mascot. The eau de parfum itself, composed by Mylène Alran, from the French perfume house Robertet, is a fitting elixir of fine woody notes and exquisite leather to complement the epicentres of excellence within Bentley’s craftsmanship. 

The ‘Bentley for Men’ and the high-impact ‘Bentley for Men Intense’ fragrances are created by top French perfumer Nathalie Lorson, from the perfume house Firmenich.  She has skilfully transformed the quintessence of the luxury automotive brand Bentley into a superb and unmistakeable fragrance experience. To do so, the finest perfume raw ingredients have been used, including those must-haves for Bentley’s debut fragrance, fine wood and leather notes.

The captivating Bentley fragrances are available at carefully selected perfumeries and department stores from April 2013.

Mulsanne fitted luggage set

Bentley has created a stylish range of luggage to fit effortlessly into its flagship Mulsanne model. The luggage, hand-made by Schedoni of Italy, allows the customer to tailor the specification of the set to match the hides within their own car. The design of this range is inspired directly from the key styling elements within the inner door panelling of the Mulsanne. The full set consists of two large cases, two foldable garment bags and two small cases.

And the Car of the year award goes too.......

• Volkswagen wins the most coveted European car award
• The Golf VII is number one with European automotive journalists
• More than 150,000 Golf vehicles already ordered throughout Europe

Wolfsburg/Geneva, 4 March 2013 – The new Golf is Europe's “Car of the Year 2013.” The renowned international “Car of the Year” Award is deemed one of the most important barometers in the automotive industry. The winners were announced in the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show in the afternoon.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen AG, states: “That's a superb result, and we are very proud of it. This most significant European award is the perfect final touch to the list of prizes we've already won. Over 29 million customers have made the Golf into the icon that it is. The Golf will continue this success story.”

The vote for “Car of the Year” is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe. The best new cars have been given prizes annually since 1964. The panel of judges, consisting of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries, had nominated eight candidates beforehand that would enter the final run. They were tested and compared and evaluated during the last few months under a broad range of criteria, such as fuel efficiency, comfort, safety, driving properties, functionality, design and technological progress. In the 50th round of the traditional competition, the new Golf came out on top before its seven competitors, garnering a total score of 414 in the final vote – the one in second place lagged behind with a score of 212 less. Two Volkswagen models have received the coveted prize before: the Golf in 1992 and the Polo in 2010.

The most successful car in Europe has been further perfected in its seventh generation. The new Golf scored high not only with its quality, comfort, low fuel consumption and emission values as well as its excellent drive properties but also in the most vital area of safety. The best example for itis the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System that slows the vehicle down automatically after a bad accident so as to reduce the remaining kinetic energy, thus avoiding more subsequent collisions. Numerous safety and assist systems have been added, such as the standard electronic XDS differential lock, the preventive passenger protection system and the Lane Assist. Together, they offer a maximum of safety and comfort at an affordable price.

The top result in the “Car of the Year” competition was preceded by numerous awards at home and abroad: “Best cars of 2013,” “Auto Trophy 2012,” “Auto der Vernunft (Car of Reason)” and the British “Top Gear – All the car you’ll ever need” Award.

The Golf's success story is exemplary. Whether as a classic Golf, Golf Cabriolet, Golf Variant or Golf Plus—it's available on all five continents and in more than 120 countries. With nearly 30 million vehicles produced, the Golf has set new standards in the compact class in the last few decades. New technologies like ABS, the airbag and the electronic stabilisation programme were integrated and have decisively shaped automotive construction in the class named after it. The exterior and interior of the Golf are also leading the way: Like almost no other product, the Golf distinguishes itself by its unique product and design language, which is seen as timeless and classless to this very day.

NCAP announce four more 5 star cars

While some car manufacturers are presenting new models at the Geneva Motor Show, Euro NCAP is announcing today the results for four new cars. The Renault | ZOE, Skoda Octavia , Toyota Auris and Toyota RAV4 underwent Euro NCAP’s crash tests and have all achieved the overall five stars.

As from 2013, Euro NCAP is now providing consumers with information on the most widely available child seats throughout Europe. For each new car tested, details on the installation of a series of child seats will help parents to make the safest choice for their kids.

The organization is also rewarding Skoda for the following active safety systems available on the Skoda Octavia: Front Assistant, Lane Assistant, Multi Collision | Brake and Crew Protect Assistant.

 

Renault ZOE

Skoda Octavia

 

Toyota Auris

Toyota RAV4

Details on the latest test results can be found on the website. Stay tuned, the next results will be released on 24th April 2013. For media information,