Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label increased ground clearance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label increased ground clearance. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Functional practicality with premium off road design are just some of the highlights of the all-new A4 allroad

  • Functional practicality with premium offroad design are just some of the highlights of the all-new A4 allroad
  • New quattro® system varies torque distribution front to rear
  • Increased ground clearance, more robust underbody protection and improved cargo capacity, compared to the sedan, make the A4 allroad the perfect companion in any driving situation
Combining functional practicality with premium offroad design, the all-new 2017 A4 allroad is the perfect companion in any driving situation. With standard quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive dampers and increased ground clearance compared to the sedan, the A4 allroad offers the versatility of a wagon with an Audi level of luxury and refinement.


2017 allroad

From the newly redesigned five-link suspension with standard adaptive dampers to the all-new standard quattro all-wheel drive with ultra® technology, the 2017 A4 allroad sets a new benchmark for the luxury wagon segment.


The exterior has been redesigned to showcase the allroad’s adventurous spirit with design cues that pay homage to the A4 family. Vertical chrome slats on the Singleframe® grille emphasize the vehicle’s increased ground clearance while more powerful wheel arches add to the vehicle’s offroad character. 

The interior features a horizontally oriented architecture to create a greater feeling of spaciousness while infotainment features such as the large MMI® display and available Audi virtual cockpit help create a driver-centric space. 

A newly designed infotainment system includes standard Audi smartphone interface, which provides Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration.

The all-new A4 allroad also features a redesigned 2.0-liter TFSI® engine and, for the first time, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission that melds efficiency with dynamic shifting for an overall sportier drive. 

With the cargo capacity and rugged performance of a crossover and the premium luxury and advanced technologies only an Audi can offer, the A4 allroad is the smarter choice for exploring just about any road.

2017 A4 allroad highlights:
  • New standard quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology
  • New standard adaptive dampers with a redesigned five-link suspension
  • Five drive-select modes; comfort, auto, dynamic, individual, and offroad
  • Increased ground clearance of 34 mm (compared to the sedan)
  • Offroad characteristics including enhanced underbody protection, powerful wheel arches with cladding, raised aluminum roof rails, side sills with matte silver inserts, and hill descent control
  • Standard panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, and three-zone automatic climate control
Powertrain and Performance

The A4 allroad comes equipped with a redesigned 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Also new, for the first time, A4 allroad drivers can enjoy the benefits of a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission,with quick gear shifts and sporty performance.


The A4 allroad also features a new system of quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology that is optimized for performance and efficiency. The new drivetrain utilizes an electronic multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential to achieve fully variable torque distribution. 

This quattro system with ultra technology allows for intelligent, proactive control of the all-wheel drive system to predictively modify the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS
MODELENGINETRANSMISSIONHORSEPOWERTORQUE
2.0 TFSI® quattro®2.0-liter TFSISeven-speed quattro S tronic®252 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Offroad Tuned Suspension

The A4 allroad has a newly redesigned five-link suspension with standard adaptive dampers, an option on the A4 sedan, which helps to deliver a comfortable ride both on and offroad, along with the ability to firm the dampers for dynamic driving on curvy roads. Optimized steering-rack placement direct at the wheel centers allows for excellent steering precision. 

Improved handing and comfort was achieved through the reduced unsprung weight of lightweight aluminum control-arm components and revised elastokinematic attributes.


An increased ground clearance of 34 mm over the A4 sedan, achieved through a taller suspension and higher profile tires, makes the A4 allroad a capable choice for offroad terrain. 

The allroad also features a new version of Audi drive select with expanded functionality. In addition to comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual modes, the allroad also includes an offroad mode which adjusts aspects of the engine, transmission, steering, and disables Audi pre sense to provide the maximum benefit while offroad.

Interior and Exterior Design

The exterior design of the A4 allroad includes a more muscular silhouette, which showcases the vehicle’s adventurous spirit, while design cues such as the progressive undercut-look of the LED headlights, pay homage to its A4 family roots. 

With the offroad body cladding or the refined full-paint finish option, the A4 allroad fits seamlessly into any environment. Like the exterior, the new interior design includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver-focused technologies. 

The uniquely designed acoustic windshield helps keep cabin-noise to an exceptionally low level and passengers enjoy improved interior space with increased shoulder and rear legroom.



Exterior Design highlights include:

  • Singleframe grille with vertical chrome slats to emphasize the vehicle’s increased ground clearance over the A4 sedan
  • Robust underbody guard, aluminum roof rails and powerful wheel arches with cladding available in contrast add to the offroad character of the allroad
  • Optional high-gloss full-paint finish option offers exterior visual refinement for a premium esthetic
  • For the first time on an A4, available dual pane glass for the front side windows enhance the premium interior acoustics
  • Standard Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, or optional full LED headlights
  • Standard 18” 5-V-spoke design wheels with contrasting gray finish


Interior Design highlights include:

  • Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
  • Standard three-zone automatic climate control with wing-design wrap-around dashboard and diffuser air vent helps recreate natural airflow
  • Standard panoramic sunroof
  • 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support for driver
  • Split-folding rear seatback with 40/20/40 configuration
Technology

The allroad continues to offer benchmark technology including the available Audi virtual cockpit and for the first time, a full-color head-up display is available, projecting relevant driving information in the driver’s field of vision.


Technology features include:

  • Available Audi virtual cockpit features a large, 12.3-inch display that can deliver vibrant color at 60 frames per second with NVIDIA® quad core processing power. The virtual cockpit helps make viewing and navigating via the large Google Map images supported with 4G LTE (where available).
  • Available full-color head-up display, projecting relevant driving information in the driver’s field of vision.
  • The available 19 speaker, 755 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound Sound System creates a revolutionary, life-like in-vehicle musical experience.
Audi connect

Audi connect packages together all applications that help connect the A4 allroad with the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure.


The next generation of Audi connect now offers three available options – Connect care, Connect prime and Connect plus.

  • Connect care, which is included with the purchase of the vehicle, provides assistance and security services in emergency situations including Stolen Vehicle Locator, online roadside assistance, Audi service interval notification and automatic crash notification.
  • Connect prime offers navigation services such as Google Earth™, myAudi Destinations, Audi Semi-Dynamic Route Guidance with INRIX XD® Traffic and information services such as fuel prices, online travel info, internet radio and Twitter® alerts, among other features.
  • Connect Plus brings the power of 4G LTE to the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot with the ability to connect up to eight devices (complimentary 6-month trial subscription).
  • The Audi connect mobile application has also been updated to support new remote services designed for the US market which including Curfew, Speed, and Valet Alerts, remote lock and unlock capability and online car finder.
Driver Assistance:

The all-new A4 allroad incorporates many driver assistance features that are designed to help drivers navigating the road and traffic with confidence.


Driver assistance features:

  • In the case of an impending collision, standard Audi pre sense® basic can intervene to prepare the vehicle for impact. This process includes beginning to close the side windows and panoramic sunroof, pretensioning the front safety belts, and preparing the brake system for a quicker response during an unexpected or emergency maneuver.
  • Standard Audi pre sense city can detect cornering and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and can initiate full braking when a potential collision is detected.
  • Available traffic sign recognition (as part of the Driver assistance package) including vehicle speed warning can detect speed limits and displays the information in the Audi virtual cockpit or driver information system. Additionally, the system helps evaluate various driving conditions, no passing zones and school and construction zones.
  • Available Audi active lane assist observes lane markings and can provide gentle steering wheel warning vibrations if it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the edge of the lane without signaling.
  • Audi side assist (available on Premium Plus and standard with Prestige trim) provides blind spot monitoring via LED indicators on the exterior mirror housing at speeds above 9 mph).
  • Audi pre sense rear (available on Premium Plus models and standard with Prestige trim) helps monitor the traffic following the vehicle and takes similar actions to Audi pre sense basic.
  • Vehicle exit assist (as part of Audi side assist) can help prevent incidents with a side assist warning light, which blinks and helps alert the driver when vehicles or cyclists are approaching from behind as the vehicle doors are opened.
  • Rear cross traffic assist (as part of Audi side assist) supports the driver when reversing out of a perpendicular parking space. Indicator arrows in the MMI® display can inform the driver of approaching vehicles, and in critical situations, a warning tone and brake jolt can be applied, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle.
  • In the event that a sharp maneuver is needed to avoid a collision, collision avoidance assist (as part of the Driver assistance package) supports the driver when turning into the adjacent lane.
  • Turn assist (as part of the Driver Assistance package) can detect the approach of oncoming traffic, when making a left-hand turn at an intersection (when vehicle is traveling above 1 mph and below 7 mph and turn signal is activated).
  • Available Adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist helps maintains set distance from the vehicle in front, including braking and accelerating as needed. Between 0-40 mph, traffic jam assist combines acceleration, braking and steering guidance, which can take the stress out of driving in congested traffic.
Pricing Detail:
Model year 2017 A4 allroad starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
MODELPREMIUMPREMIUM PLUSPRESTIGE
allroad$44,000$47,000$51,400
*Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
For more information on the 2017 Audi A4 allroad, please visit www.audiusa.com.


Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. 

Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.

2017 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Friday, 18 July 2014

New FIAT Panda Cross, the best baby 4x4 available.

  • Based on the successful and hugely capable FIAT Panda 4X4, the new FIAT Panda Cross offers even more capability, attitude and fun
  • 'Torque-on-Demand' all-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Locking Differential and Hill Descent Control all standard
  • New Terrain Control selector offers the driver the choice of three driving modes depending on conditions
  • Powered by uprated versions of the 1.3 MultiJet II and 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engines, now with 80hp and 90hp respectively
  • TwinAir gets specific 6-speed transmission with ‘crawler’ 1st gear
  • Oversized tyres, improved attack angles, increased ground clearance and additional component protection enhance all-terrain ability
Being able to offer something truly unique in the increasingly competitive SUV segment is no small achievement but in the FIAT Panda Cross that’s exactly what you get – a car like no other! In 2006 SUVs accounted for around seven percent of the total car market in Europe whereas today they account for approximately 20 percent, and yet despite the proliferation of models in the past decade the new FIAT Panda Cross remains a truly unique offering by combining the genuine capabilities of a proper off-road vehicle with the efficiency and practicality of a versatile city car.
The technological upgrades of the FIAT Panda Cross make it the most capable vehicle in its class by some margin – more so even than the award-winning FIAT Panda 4X4* on which it is based - yet it is a car that could still be chosen purely for its low running costs, day-to-day practicality and general ease and pleasure of use. The aesthetic enhancements not only provide some visual clues to the all-road potential of the FIAT Panda Cross, they also perform the functional role of protecting its bodywork, lights and mechanical components, both in extreme off road conditions and the rough and tumble of city traffic. No other car can offer such extreme cross functionality, but then FIAT does have more than 30 years of experience in city car innovation: The FIAT Panda was the first to be offered with all-wheel drive in its segment, as well as the first to be powered by diesel, methane and LPG. More recently it pioneered City Brake Control in its segment, a safety feature that is ideally suited to city cars but until that time was reserved for larger luxury vehicles. It’s this reputation for practical innovation that has consistently kept the Panda amongst the best sellers in its class – it currently occupies the second spot in Europe, just behind its stable-mate, the FIAT 500.

The new FIAT Panda Cross builds on the combination of versatility and style which has always been a hallmark of the range-topping Panda 4X4 versions, ranging from the FIAT Panda 4X4 Steyer-Puch special edition of the late 80s to the previous-generation FIAT Panda Cross, which was first launched in 2006. In keeping with the distinctive looks of its predecessor, the front end of the new FIAT Panda Cross is dominated by a chunky new bumper which features scratch- and bump-resistant corner sections and a large, functional skidplate - finished in silver “ultrashine” and enhanced with cooling perforations in the Panda’s signature “squircle” shape. The skidplate is further embellished with a pair of easily-accessed tow hooks, finished in brilliant red, as well as new LED daytime running lights located in protective recesses. The new head-light clusters are framed with matte black surrounds and incorporate pronounced new fog lights, while the bonnet trim is also redesigned for the new FIAT Panda Cross.
In profile, the FIAT Panda Cross features protective wheel arch extensions, thick side mouldings with “ultrashine” inserts, matching roof bars and ‘Cross’ badging in the rear door inserts. The 15-inch alloy wheels feature a five-spoke V design and a burnished metal finish, while the rear end also benefits from some functional revisions, including a new bumper with “ultrashine” under-body protection, distinctive new light clusters and a chrome tail pipe.
The interior reflects the unique character of the FIAT Panda Cross every bit as much as the exterior: The seats are trimmed in bespoke natural fabrics with brown eco-leather bolsters (which match the brown door panels) while the dashboard is finished in a new copper colour to set off the striking new silver “ultrashine” finish of the instrument surround and audio system facia. The same finish is also used for the centre console, where the new Terrain Control drive selector – another segment first - is conveniently located.
Terrain Control offers FIAT Panda Cross drivers the possibility of adjusting the vehicle’s driving characteristics according to how it is being used: There are three modes: Auto, Off-Road and Hill Descent Control.
Auto mode, as the name suggest, automatically distributes the engine torque between the front and rear axles without requiring any input from the driver. On normal roads with good traction, the FIAT Panda Cross is 98 percent front-wheel drive but when a loss of traction is detected the system is capable of automatically reacting by redistributing the engine torque between axles in just a tenth of a second. The level of torque distribution is varied using an electro-hydraulically controlled, multi-plate central differential and is versatile enough to direct the entire torque output of the engine to the rear axle if necessary.
In Off-Road mode, the all-wheel drive function is permanently activated up to 30 mph to ensure the Panda Cross responds immediately and consistently to driver inputs: The Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) is engaged, ASR intervention is disengaged and to improve traction on slippery terrain (e.g. snow, ice, gravel or mud), the ESC system is employed to brake slipping wheels, thus transferring the engine’s torque to those wheels with the most grip.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) activates automatically when the speed drops below 15mph and remains in standby mode up to 30mph. It employs the vehicle’s ESC sensors and ABS brake system to maintain a constant speed and avoid unexpected yaw movements on tricky downhill terrain with unpredictable levels of grip, and requires no input from the driver other than steering actions.
The FIAT Panda Cross also benefits from versatile all-season 185/65R15 Mud & Snow tyres. Larger than those of the standard Panda 4x4, these tyres were specially developed to ensure optimum traction and responsiveness on wet and dry surfaces, as well as snow-covered roads, while also ensuring excellent off-road performance. When combined with specific springs and redesigned bodywork, they help increase the ground clearance to 161 mm for the TwinAir version and 158 mm for the MultiJet model, while the improved attack angles of the FIAT Panda Cross are now close to those enjoyed by pure off-road vehicles: the approach angle is 24 degrees, the departure angle is 34 degrees and the breakover angle is 21 degrees. This allows the FIAT Panda Cross tackle a maximum gradient of 70 percent and lateral gradients of up to 55 percent.
These figures aren’t just for bragging rights: The FIAT Panda Cross backs these numbers up by offering protective, steel, underbody shields to allow drivers to tackle genuinely tough terrain without damaging essential components, and the air intake duct for the engine is raised by 739mm in the diesel version and 711mm in the petrol version to ensure the Panda Cross has no difficulty in fording the occasional river or flooded road.
Even the engines are upgraded for the new FIAT Panda Cross: The 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo engine sees its maximum power increased to 90hp at 5,500 rpm (up from 85hp) and maximum torque is 145 Nm (107lb. ft.) between 1,900rpm and 3000rpm. In ECO mode, engine output is 77.5hp at 5,500 rpm and 100 Nm (74lb. ft.) at 2,000rpm. In terms of performance, 0-62 mph is dispatched in 12.0 seconds and top speed is 104mph, while on the combined fuel economy cycle it returns 57.6 mpg (4.9 litres/100 km) with CO2 emissions of 114g/km. This engine is also equipped with a unique six-speed gearbox which has a shortened first gear to enable the vehicle to crawl while the engine is idling, a useful feature when tackling challenging off-road conditions.
The 1.3-litre MultiJet II Turbo-Diesel engine, with DPF as standard, also enjoys a 5hp boost in power to 80hp at 4,000 rpm, while maximum torque is an impressive 190 Nm (140lb. ft.) at just 1,500 rpm. This second generation MultiJet power unit is equipped with a fixed geometry turbocharger and an intercooler, and weighs just 140kg including all its ancillaries. It can propel the FIAT Panda Cross from 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 99mph, and on the combined fuel economy cycle it returns 60.1 mpg (4.7 litres/100 km) with CO2 emissions of 125g/km.
The FIAT Panda Cross offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including automatic climate control; Blue&Me™ Bluetooth connectivity with a USB port and steering wheel controls; a satellite navigation dock; heated electric door mirrors; remote central locking; split rear seat with rear head restraints; height-adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel; front fog lights; a leather steering wheel and gear knob; ESC system complete with ELD and Terrain Control and specific 15-inch alloy wheels with a burnished finish and all-season 185/65R15 M+S tyres. A comprehensive range of optional equipment and accessories is also available, including a Winter Pack (£250 - heated windscreen and heated front seats), rear parking sensors (£250), tinted rear windows (£155) and the innovative City Brake Control system (£250) which received a 'Euro NCAP Advanced’ reward for its contribution to road safety in 2013. This active safety system operates at speeds of up to 19mph and employs a LIDAR laser sensor to detect the presence of vehicles or obstacles in front of the car and, depending on the data it receives from the ESC system, can automatically utilise the vehicle’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Brake Prefill and Brake Assist systems if the driver fails to intervene promptly. By deploying these emergency braking systems, the FIAT Panda Cross can then avoid or mitigate the consequences of a collision.
The 2014 FIAT Panda Cross goes on sale in the UK early in Q4 2014 priced from £15,945 for the TwinAir version and £16,945 for the diesel-powered model. For more information please visit www.FIATpress.co.ukand for more information on the FIAT Panda 4X4 or the broader FIAT range visit www.FIAT.co.uk.

2014 FIAT PANDA CROSS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine1.3 MultiJet 80hp S&S0.9 TwinAir 90hp S&S
Displacement1,248cc875cc
Compression Ratio16.8:110:1
Maximum Power80hp @ 4,000rpm90hp @ 5,500
Maximum Torque190Nm / 140lb ft @ 1,500rpm145Nm / 107lb ft @ 1,900 – 3,000rpm
Transmission
4X4 with ELD and ESC
5-speed manual
4X4 with ELD and ESC
6-speed manual with low 1st ratio
BrakesFront 257 X 22mm vented discs. Rear 240 X 11 solid discs
SuspensionFront independent MacPherson struts, lower wishbones. Rear torsion beam
DimensionsL 3,705mm X W 1,662mm (1,882 incl. mirrors) X H 1,657mm  WB 2,300mm
CapacitiesBoot: 225 m3 (VDA), Fuel 35 litres
Kerb Weight DIN1,155kg1,090kg
Max Towing Weight900kg braked, 400kg non-braked800kg braked, 400kg non-braked
Performance0-62mph 14.3s, 99mph0-62mph 12.0s, 104mph
Fuel Economy
Urban: 56.5 mpg / 5.0l/100km
Extra Urban: 61.4mpg / 4.6l/100km
Combined: 60.1mpg / 4.7l/100km
Urban: 47.9 mpg / 5.9l/100km
Extra Urban: 65.7mph / 4.3l/100km
Combined: 57.6mpg / 4.9l/100km
Emissions125g/km114g/km
Angles
Approach 24 degrees / Breakover  21 degrees / Departure 34 degrees
70 percent maximum gradient / 55 percent maximum lateral gradient
Ground Clearance158mm161mm
Base Price£16,945 OTR£15,945 OTR