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.

Friday, 7 March 2014

The ultimate Abarth - The 695 Biposto, Supercar performance, city car size.

  • With 190 hp, 997 kg, a 1.4 T-Jet engine, the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ offers the best weight-to-power ratio in its category (5.2 kg/hp) as well as the best acceleration, at 0-62 mph (just 5.9 sec)
  • A fusion of street and race car: it’s the road-going reinterpretation of the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse, competitor on the most famous European racetracks
  • It’s the first road-going car in the world, currently in its category, equipped with H-pattern gearbox with dog rings
  • The ‘695 biposto’ inherits the following from the world of racing: front intercooler, Akrapovic exhaust system, Extreme Shox adjustable shock absorbers, MXL digital data logger, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats with 4-point seat belts, Brembo braking system, lightened 18-inch OZ rims and rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini
  • Breathtaking style for an ‘essential’ two-seater dedicated to performance: fixed front windows with polycarbonate sliding panels and specific styling kit – bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoilers – with carbon inserts produced by Zender according to the instructions of the Abarth Style Centre
  • Performance in complete safety: ABS, ESP and TTC, self-locking clutch-plate differential, racing-derived Brembo braking system and Extreme Shox shock absorbers
  • Special kits to ensure maximum customisation
Abarth 695 biposto is not a “Limited Edition”, but it is certainly a “special” car. A perfect fusion that shows what it’s made of starting with the exhilarating performance: with a weight of just 997 kg and the 1.4 T-Jet engine, brought to 190 hp for the first time on a road-going car, the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ is the car with the best weight-to-power ratio (5.2 kg/hp) and the best acceleration (0-62 mph in 5.9 sec) in the category, reaching a top speed of 143 mph.

It’s the first time that a ‘street legal’ car, currently in its category, is offered with a gearbox featuring dog rings with controls and disc and clutch self-locking differential derived from racing, making upwards gear changes so rapid that expert drivers don’t need to use the clutch. The driver interface is a genuine work of art: an all-aluminium turret with H-configuration gear selection, worthy of a true supercar. This is unique, exclusive content, created from the racing car transmission expertise of Bacci Romano, suited to expert drivers and offered as an alternative to the 5-speed manual gearbox, teamed with 190 hp for the first time.
Abarth’s challenge was to find the perfect balance in the formula required to bring a car that guarantees the performance and feel of the track to the road, in accordance with its rules: ‘distilling’  the essence of Abarth through careful selection of high-performance materials, advanced technology and superior partners.
Everything about the Abarth ‘695 biposto’ talks racing. Starting with the intercooler, positioned at the front with specific pipes inspired by race cars, moving on to the dynamic aspiration filter casing with carbon finish by BMC, world leader in the sector of filters and air intake devices intended for racing, and arriving at the dual-stage exhaust system with titanium tail pipes by Akrapovic, a company which produces competition exhaust systems for Moto GP, Superbike, Supersport, Supermotard, Motocross, Enduro and rally raid. Pressing the SPORT button on the dashboard completely opens the exhaust valve, contributing to improved performance and enhancing the car with a powerful, unmistakable sound.

Supercar performance matched by just as much reliability and safety: ABS, ESP and TTC, disc and clutch self-locking differential and the racing-derived Brembo braking system with front floating, ventilated and perforated discs (305×28 mm) and four-piston one-piece calipers (4×38 mm). The car is also equipped with shock absorbers with hydraulic and height adjustment by Extreme Shox, leading European provider of dynamic solutions for vehicles used from F1 to Rally, as well as “Le Mans series”  and the WTCC.
Its racing impulse is completed by the front fixed windows with polycarbonate sliding panels and, together with 215/35 R18 tyres, lightened 18-inch rims by OZ. This company symbolises Italian manufacturing quality through the creation of excellent products for customising cars and bikes and can boast numerous international successes in F1, Rally, DTM and Indy car. It shares with Abarth Italian taste, racing tradition and certified quality. 
For real racing fans, who always want their performance under control, there’s the data logger from MLX, world leader in data acquisition and display technology for motorsport and racing.

For a balanced ‘formula’, the aesthetics can’t be neglected. This is demonstrated by certain exterior elements – such as the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and spoiler – which are more pronounced, ‘muscular’ and enhanced by carbon inserts. Made by Zender, a company known for creating high-quality aesthetic design components, according to the instructions of the Abarth Style Centre, these particular aesthetic solutions make the ‘695 biposto’ stand out at first glance.
The bodywork is characterised by a brand-new textured-effect Matt Grey colour, as if the car were created straight from the road, and further enhanced by titanium finishes for the front bonnet trim, door handles and tailgate and rear handle. The metal, known for its resistance, also characterises the hub caps, wheel bolts and water, oil and fuel caps.
The bonnet has a specific design with two bumps, inspired by the classic 124 Abarth, and is made of aluminium, in homage to the cars of the past and as a technical solution to reduce the weight of the car.
The mirror and post covers are made of carbon, as on the most prestigious supercars: this is a particular feature created in collaboration with the historic partner Adler, world leader in the sector of design, processing, production and commercialisation for high-quality plastic materials intended primarily for the automotive sector.

Carbon provides an aesthetic link between exterior and interior, characterised by dashboard fascia inserts, front and rear panels, flat as in race cars, central tunnel cover and handbrake made with this prestigious material.
The choice of prestigious materials and racing-derived technical decisions includes the front trim, where the mat, typical of road-going cars, makes way for an aluminium lining that associates the ‘695 biposto’ both with race cars and the most extreme supercars. The same metal characterises the brake, clutch and accelerator pedals and the driver and passenger side footrests.
The racing spirit of the ‘695 biposto’ is embodied in the rear titanium roll bar by Poggipolini, a company renowned for extremely high-precision machining and for structural and weight-reduction solutions, through the use of special alloys, to the extent of being a point of reference in the Automotive, F1 and Aerospace sectors.
The rear compartment, which is distinguished by the absence of seats, is characterised by a lining in a technical material which, as with the bodywork, recalls the colour and texture of asphalt. An ‘anti intrusion’ net for securing luggage and the four-point seat belts are also attached to the roll bar, in both cases with a racing flavour and made by Sabelt, major producer of seat belts and seats for race cars in Italy and reference brand for technical clothing and racing sportswear.
The same is true of the Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats with carbon shell, with upholstery comprising electro-welded Alcantara and titanium-coloured leather with brand-new colours and finishes for an Abarth. The steering wheel is marked by the same colours. Finally, the door handle and oddment net enhance the front door panel and lend the final, emphatic touch to the racing feel of the interior.
Abarth has created a car that seemed impossible. By striving for the essential, it found superlative performance and style. As in 1964, when Abarth put a series of accessories intended to enhance aesthetic and dynamic characteristics as well as safety on the price list at launch for the 695, today Abarth breaks down the offer into three customisation kits.
The ‘Exterior Kit’ brings together all the ‘resistant and light’ materials that characterise the car’s exterior: aluminium bonnet with specific design, hub caps and wheel bolts and water, oil and fuel caps in titanium.
With the ‘Carbon Kit’, you can give the ‘695 biposto’ the look of a supercar in a higher category: carbon is added to the mirror and post covers on the outside, and to the dashboard fascia, front door panel and rear-view mirror on the inside.
For those with racing in their blood, Abarth has designed a ‘Racing Kit’ with accessories that derive directly from the world of racing, like the digital data logger and the four-point seat belt attached to the seats with carbon shell. The dream of feeling like a racing driver every day, also courtesy of the technical equipment provided: suit, shoes, gloves and helmet of a real Abarth driver, with the chance to personalise them with your initials.

TMW - Its that time of the month - UK February sales figures

JAGUAR


FEBRUARY 2013 266 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 231 sales -13.16%
YTD 2013 1473 sales - YTD 2014 1324 sales -10.12%

LAND ROVER

FEBRUARY 2013 1106 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 727 sales -34.27%
YTD 2013 5771 sales - YTD 2014 5111 sales -11.44%

JAGUAR LAND ROVERS COMPETITORS

BMW

FEBRUARY 2013 3276 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 3037 sales -7.30%
YTD 2013 9555 sales - YTD 2014 10960 sales +14.70%

MERCEDES

FEBRUARY 2013 3382 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 3638 sales +7.57%
YTD 2013 10132 sales - YTD 2014 11430 sales +12.81%

LEXUS

FEBRUARY 2013 174 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 228 sales +31.03%
YTD 2013 711 sales - YTD 2014 898 sales +26.30%

AUDI

FEBRUARY 2013 2962 sales - FEBRUARY 2014 4178 sales +41.05%
YTD 2013 12810 sales - YTD 2014 14925 sales +16.51%

RISERS ON PREVIOUS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ABARTH +2.68%
BENTLEY +94.74%
CHEVROLET +30.10%
CITROEN +13.14%
DACIA +465.14%
FIAT +24.21%
FORD +7.02%
HYUNDAI +4.39%
INFINITI +412.50%
JEEP +41.75%
KIA +3.41%
LOTUS +240.00%
MAZDA +19.27%
MASERATI +140.00%
MAZDA +31.11%
MG +362.50%
MIA +0.00%
MINI +7.69% 
MITSUBISHI +4.55%
PORSCHE +19.72%
RENAULT +16.24%
SEAT +26.59%
SKODA +27.74% 
SSANGYONG +83.56%
SUBARU +10.00%
SUZUKI +6.31%
TOYOTA +5.45%
VOLKSWAGEN +10.05%

LOSERS THIS YEAR (YOY CUMULATIVE)

ALFA ROMEO -15.33%
ASTON MARTIN -50.85%
CHRYSLER -14.62%
HONDA -7.83%
NISSAN -7.49%
PERODUA -76.74%
PEUGEOT -4.68%
PROTON -75.00%
SMART -2.10%
VAUXHALL -10.97%
VOLVO -3.39%

Feb 14 Car 2














A good month all told with significant gains across the board, a near 3% increase on the month and over 6% YTD shows the UK car industry has and still is growing, from the above list the usual suspects take the top four places in both month and year, the VAG group take three places, the other German brands BMW and Mercedes take one each with Vauxhall taking the last, making three in total for the month.

Unfortunately for us at The Motoring World both Jaguar and Land Rover have taken a tumble in both month and year, a weird situation considering that Jaguar has the F-Type and Land Rover has the Range Rover and RR Sport which they never had at this point last year, so what's caused this downward trend for JLR, answers on a postcard please, also with confirmation that the gorgeous XK supercar will be canned, its not looking too good on the sales front, I am aware that about 4,000 were sold annually, the majority in the UK, so its another hit to sales.

Geneva is a couple of days in and there has been so many new models on display and lots of news, the main one being the name of the new baby Jag, we welcome the XE, and great choice and a nod back to the past, Merc had the C-Class, BMW the FWD car, there were sports cars galore, saloons, hatchbacks and coupe's, convertibles, SUV's, MPV's and city cars, every kind of car, from every brand, but MG were not there, AGAIN, how can the once great brand continually be kicked in the teeth, and still try to come up fighting, well, it cant, and the paltry 47 sales in Feb shows that they have no idea what they are doing at MG UK, forget pleasing the kids on Facebook, get the ADS on the telly, that's where you will sell cars, not to 8 year olds on a social media site.

Aston Martin have had a very poor start to the year with a drop of over 50% on the same two months last year, Lotus was stagnant at one sale for February, whereas Bentley is up by nearly 100% for the year to date, Vauxhall, had a good February but are still over 10% down on the year, which, considering the deals, incentives, finance, new models and constant advertising is really odd.

The US brands have had an assortment of sales with the now dumped Chevy brand having a huge month for sales, yet Chrysler has gone the other way and Jeep, like Chevy has been having a good time lately, which none of the US brands have had of late, and with the news that Cadillac will be coming back to Europe and soon, shows that GM are still struggling to decide what they can do, will, the Chevy buyer go to Vauxhall/Opel, no, i cant see it, Chevy has a lower price point, so budget brands like Dacia, who are still riding very high, will be the beneficiaries.

Will there be an end to the sales increases this year, I cant see it, there are so many new models being launched this year, some significant high sellers, so with these and the continued improvement in the economy will see car sales climb significantly this year, and well into next, with the current rises and based on historical figures it will be about three more years before sales level off, and this is where they will stay, unless, of course we have another slump, which is looking less likely as each month passes.

JON MOWER

Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls find next generation Explorer, in association with Land Rover.

  • Young explorer Alex Woodford, 22, triumphs in snow laden adventure challenge which celebrates 25 years of Land Rover Discovery
  • As Land Rover’s first Next Generation Explorer, young British winner to be mentored by daredevil adventurer Bear Grylls
Ahead of this year’s Geneva motor show and after 24 hours of snow, sweat and tears in the five-part Discovery Adventure Challenge, Sir Ranulph Fiennes hands over the baton of exploration to Alex Woodford, 22, from Leicestershire, as she is crowned Land Rover’s Next Generation Explorer.

Seasoned adventurer Bear Grylls will now mentor Alex, a member of the British Exploring Society, as her prize.  As the winner she will participate in an epic adventure where she will experience first-hand the survival skills made famous by Bear. 
Winner Alex showed true skill, stamina and determination as she battled through the epic competition which was held in the mountains of Megève, France and overseen by Ben Saunders, fresh from completing The Scott Expedition. Testing challenges included a technically demanding slalom drive on the slopes, a test of strength and technique with a 180kg sled pull, and a fast and furious kayak race across Lake Geneva.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ben Saunders, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Eric Loizeau all experienced the skills of each young explorer as they rotated amongst them during the Challenge. After a nail-biting finish, the ambassadors voted for the winner and crowned Land Rover’s Next Generation Explorer.
Alex was chosen unanimously by the judges after displaying strength, technique and courage throughout the challenges.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes commented, “Alex exhibited the true spirit of adventure. Throughout the competition she met each challenge head on, yet with a cool, calm and collected demeanor that eventually helped her win the title of Next Generation Explorer. I am extremely excited to see what lies ahead for Alex. With the guidance of Bear and Land Rover I predict she will go on to achieve great things.”

Alex said, “I can’t describe how incredibly excited I am to have received the accolade of Land Rover Next Generation Explorer. It was an honour just to tackle the challenges alongside such iconic adventurers as Ranulph and Ben, let alone be selected by them. I am incredibly proud and can’t wait to get started on my next challenge.”

Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director Mark Cameron added, “I am delighted to announce Alex as the winner of our first ever Discovery Adventure Challenge.  All of the competitors showed the true spirit of going Above and Beyond, which lies at the heart of the Land Rover brand.  I believe that Alex will go on to join the impressive line-up of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ben Saunders, Eric Loizeau, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Bear Gryllls, who have all achieved incredible feats across the globe.”

Fords Kuga gets new model, in comes the "Titanium X Sport"

  • New Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport model added to Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X launch line-up
  • Titanium X Sport standard equipment includes body styling kit, 19in alloy wheels, silver roof rails and rear view camera
  • High demand for top-end Ford Kugas led to Titanium X Sport introduction

Ford’s stylish and eye-catching Titanium X Sport series has joined the new Kuga range to offer the highest specified Ford SUV available, with the following styling, luxury and technology features as standard:
  • 19in 5x2-spoke alloy wheels
  • Body styling kit including body colour front, side and rear skirts, spoiler, wheel arches and door claddings.  Kit also adds lower centre silver skid plate and rear diffuser
  • Sony DAB audio with satellite navigation
  • Rear view camera
  • Active Park Assist for semi-automated parallel parking
  • Silver roof rails
  • Privacy glass
  • Power fold mirrors
The new all-wheel-drive Kuga Titanium X Sport, priced at £28,345, inherits an impressive list of other standard equipment such as opening panorama roof, heated front Torino leather seats and 10-way powered driver’s seat.

The introduction of a Kuga Titanium X Sport, with 1.6 EcoBoost petrol (150/182PS) or 2.0 TDCi petrol (140/163PS) engines, was prompted by high demand for the Titanium series, which accounted for 80 per cent of sales.
New Kuga, which arrived in dealerships a year ago, has sent sales soaring by over 40 per cent since March 2013 compared with the 12 months prior.
Among its styling, safety and convenience options is Ford Kuga’s hands-free tailgate (www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAncWrPytJM&feature=youtu.be) – the first to be offered on a medium-sized SUV in Europe.

The £350 option on Kuga Titanium X Sport and Titanium X, which includes keyless opening, enables customers to open the boot without using their hands, but by a gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper.
The innovation was chosen by more than one in five of all Ford Kuga buyers in Britain last year and has already been added to over 56 per cent of early Titanium X Sport orders in the UK.

“Everyone has approached their car with their hands full and wished there was some magical way of opening the boot without having to put the load down first,” said Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “Our hands-free tailgate is an ingenious solution to make everyday lives easier, and one tailored for our new top-end Ford Kuga customers as the majority have chosen it.”
The system employs two sensors in the rear bumper that register the driver’s leg and respond to the kicking motion. This ensures a hands-free tailgate cannot be accidentally activated, for example by an animal running under the car.

The Ford Kuga range also features Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, and All-Wheel Drive that pre-emptively reassesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.
The new Kuga spearheads Ford’s extending Smart Utility Vehicle range that also includes the small EcoSport SUV, on sale now, and will later include the upscale Edge – a larger SUV that is already a success in North America and other markets.

David Beckham becomes Brand Ambassador for Jaguar Cars in China.

  • British sporting icon David Beckham to front new marketing campaign across China
  • Jaguar commissions Peter Lindbergh for new Beckham campaign photography
David Beckham has joined Jaguar as a brand ambassador and will support significant forthcoming Jaguar product launches in China. British sporting icon Beckham will feature in above-the-line marketing campaigns for the brand in one of its most significant international markets.
Bob Grace, Jaguar Land Rover China Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that David will be an ambassador for Jaguar in China. David Beckham is a Briton whose achievements mean he has global popularity and he is someone who embodies contemporary British style and sophistication. He is a truly modern, British individual with a genuine passion for design, innovation, performance and driving.”
As part of a long-term partnership, former international footballer Beckham will star in a series of print adverts and TV commercials exclusively in China.

David’s role will initially see him feature alongside the new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé, a sports car that is already regarded as a modern classic and one that is the perfect expression of Jaguar’s vision of modern British style and elegance. His role will develop and will see him feature in many Jaguar brand and product communication campaigns in the coming years, including those for the Jaguar XJ, the company’s award winning large luxury saloon.
On the start of this new partnership, David commented: “I’ve always been an admirer of Jaguar – from the styling and design to the feel and roar of the engine, every element feels uniquely British. I love the classic E-Type of the 60s and today this legacy is alive in the phenomenal F-TYPE Coupé, a car that epitomises British craftsmanship. It’s an honour to support a brand with such an amazing heritage and I look forward to being part of Jaguar’s exciting future in China.”
The print creative material to be used in this ambitious new marketing campaign is revealed exclusively today. Renowned fashion photographer and filmmaker Peter Lindbergh was commissioned by Jaguar to produce exclusive campaign imagery. Peter has worked closely with David Beckham in the past and their involvement in the Jaguar campaign will see the two figures continue their collaborative relationship. Recognised for the distinctive cinematic quality of his work, Peter has also shot iconic images of some of the world’s most famous cultural icons.
The new F-TYPE Coupé will be a prominent feature of the first phase of the campaign. The new F-TYPE Coupé is the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever made and is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupé, a 550PS/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged sports car like no other. The all-aluminium F-TYPE Coupé is the embodiment of the uncompromised design vision of the award-winning C-X16 concept. Other Jaguar models, including XF and XJ saloons will also feature in the Beckham campaign to present the full brand line-up to the Chinese consumer.
The print campaign will appear in magazines and on billboards across China, with a TV advertising campaign appearing later in the year.

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Geneva show car based on all-new Audi TT features four-cylinder TFSI engine with exceptional 420PS output

  • Four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with 420PS
  • Over 312PS per ton, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds
  • Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “An extreme driving machine for the motorsports enthusiasts among our customers”
The scope for taking the power and performance of the Audi TT Coupé to unprecedented extremes has been explored in the TT quattro sport concept, a stunning 420PS show car based on the all-new TT which made its world debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show.
 “With our Audi TT quattro sport concept show car, we wanted to demonstrate what the new TT’s technology can do if you take it a step further,” explains Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development. “This car is designed for racing – an extreme driving machine for the motorsports enthusiasts among our customers.”

Powertrain
The four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TFSI engine in the Audi TT quattro sport concept makes a powerful statement. Delivering 420PS at 6,700 rpm, it establishes a new benchmark in the 2.0-litre category. Its specific output is 210PS per litre of displacement – more than 2001’s victorious Le Mans R18 racing car, which combined turbocharging with FSI direct injection for the first time in an Audi petrol engine. It also makes a maximum of 450 Nm of torque (331.90 lb-ft) available from 2,400 to 6,300 rpm, and even at just 1,900rpm is still able to deliver over 300Nm (221.27 lb-ft).
Tipping the scales at a relatively featherweight 1,344 kilograms, helped by paring back interior trim and equipment, and by the production car’s advanced Audi Space Frame construction and extensive aluminium panel content, the Audi TT quattro sport concept achieves an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 312.5PS per ton. As a result, the four-cylinder engine can catapult it from 0 to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Head of Powertrain Development Dr. Stefan Knirsch: “This high-performance power unit is an impressive demonstration of the power reserves available in our EA888 engine range. This power unit has received numerous awards all over the world and it already lives up to its claim in many Audi sporty models. In the TT quattro sport concept, it demonstrates its full power potential. The thirty-five years of experience we’ve gained in the field of turbocharging are manifested in this engine’s unique combination of maximum performance, dynamism, and fuel efficiency.”
The high-performance engine benefits from the successful EA888 technologies such as the Audi valvelift system (AVS) variable valve timing, dual camshaft adjustment, and dual injection system (FSI plus MPI). A wide range of modifications are featured, including special aluminium pistons with integrated cooling channels and an ultra-high-strength forged steel crankshaft.

The cylinder head has been further developed to enable it to contend with the higher loads and increased gas throughput, and the familiar, highly compact thin-wall cylinder crankcase has been strengthened in view of the higher power output through the use of a high-strength cast alloy. The exhaust-gas turbocharger is also a new development incorporating optimized mixed-flow technology, and produces up to 1.8 bar of charge pressure.
When driving, the four-cylinder unit’s reactions are breathtaking. The turbocharged direct-injection engine responds immediately to the throttle and revs eagerly right up to the fuel cut-off at 7,200 rpm. It transfers its torque to a compact, three-shaft S tronic dual-clutch transmission which shifts gears in split-seconds, adding its share to the show car’s impressive acceleration.
The permanent quattro all-wheel drive system oversees the smooth transfer of power to the road. Its hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled multi-disk clutch is located on the rear axle for optimum weight distribution, and can actively redistribute drive torque between the axles in milliseconds.
Chassis
With its cutting-edge chassis – MacPherson suspension with aluminium components at the front and a four-link layout at the rear – the Audi TT quattro sport concept offers sharp and ultra-precise handling, helped by a near-perfect 54 per cent to 46 per cent weight distribution and a stiff set-up which brings the body closer to the road than the series-production TT. ESC electronic stabilisation control helps to maintain composure in conjunction with the quattro system, but it can be partially or fully deactivated if required.
When cornering, wheel-selective torque control kicks in. If necessary, drive torque is transferred from the wheels on the inside of the bend to those on the outside. This redistribution helps to push the car very slightly into the corner, increasing the impression of sharpness and precision.
Body
A significant part in the Audi TT quattro sport concept’s lightweight design is played by the body, which is based on the MQB modular transverse matrix. Its hybrid construction represents the latest evolution of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and further lowers the car’s centre of gravity compared with the second-generation series-production TT.
The front end is made of steel. The passenger compartment floor comprises high-strength, hot-shaped steel components which, thanks to their extremely high strength, feature very low wall thicknesses which help to reduce weight. The compartment’s structure, the entire exterior skin, and the doors and lids are made of the classic Audi semi-finished aluminium products cast node, extruded profile, and sheet metal.
Exterior design
The flat Matrix LED headlights, substantial air intakes and broad Singleframe grille with its quattro logo and dark diamond patterned centre section dominate the study’s front view. A splitter made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) rounds off the front end at the bottom and increases the downforce on the front axle.
The silhouette of the Audi TT quattro sport concept – which is finished in Crystal White – is purposeful from every angle. The already pronounced TT wheel arches, which frame 20-inch wheels with a central locking mechanism and semi-slick tyres, are extended here by a further 30mm, and are connected by powerfully accentuated sill extensions. Their lower segments are made of CFRP.Together with the splitter and the rear diffuser, which stretch all the way to the wheel arches, they form an aerodynamically effective contour.
At the rear, the wide CFRP diffuser underlines the show car’s racing character. Delineated by vertical edges, it surrounds two large, fully circular tailpipes. Large air outlets are positioned on the sides beneath the taillights. A large, fixed wing increases the downforce on the rear of the Audi TT quattro sport concept.

Interior styling
The show car interior has been reduced to the essentials. Numerous components that are dispensable on the race circuit have been taken out. The door panels have been stripped of armrests and speakers, and diagonal strips of Alcantara act as door handles. Low-set racing buckets serve as seats, featuring black four-point seat belts with white accentuating stripes. The luggage compartment offers space for two racing helmets.
As in the series-production TT, the controls are designed primarily with the driver in mind. That driver has his or her hands on a compact steering wheel with a pronounced rim and a flat bottom. The steering wheel’s spokes house the red start/stop button alongside the keys and rotary buttons for operating the Audi virtual cockpit. Depending on the mode chosen, the fully digital instrument cluster’s 12.3-inch display shows different views.

Kimi states Australia will be "Wide open and anything can happen"

There are now only a few days to go to the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season and this year, like never before, there is a great sense of anticipation to see the cars take to the track on Friday in Albert Park. For Kimi Raikkonen, there’s an extra reason why it will feel special, because he will be starting his second stint at Ferrari. Most recently, the Finn won this race in 2013, but he also did it back in 2007, when he made his Ferrari debut, thus joining a select band who triumphed first time out for the Prancing Horse, drivers of the calibre of Juan Manuel Fangio, Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell. Only one other driver managed it after Kimi and that was his current team-mate, Fernando Alonso.
“I remember very well my first win with Ferrari,” Kimi told www.ferrari.com. “it couldn’t have been a better start to my seventh year in Formula 1, with a dominant win from pole. Winning always feels great for me. Nothing could be better. Last year, we also managed to win, which certainly surprised people because unlike 2007, at Lotus we weren’t favourites. So, if I had to compare the two Australian wins, somehow, winning it last year for the second time felt even a little bit nicer after such a difficult pre-season testing period.

“Australia is a great place to start the season, Melbourne is a wonderful city and, for us Europeans it always feels a bit special to be in this different part of the world. Only the weather is not always that nice,” added Raikkonen. “I can remember only one GP here where there was sunshine all the time. Of course, I’d prefer dry and hot weekends, especially this year with a completely new car and so many technical aspects still to be understood completely.”
Kimi ran the Albert Park track programme on the simulator today, to try and anticipate unusual situations that could arise because of the characteristics of the 2014 car. “The track is not that difficult and it’s a combination of a street circuit and a permanent race track and the event is very well organised. Sure, if your car is not well balanced then life can get difficult because you can lose a lot of time compared to those have got it right. If it rains, then the track is very, very slippery and the white lines can be really treacherous.”
The Espoo man won’t be drawn into what could be the possible outcome of the race: “Making predictions has never been my habit and this year there is even more reason not to. We are heading Down Under with brand new cars and I reckon it is wide open and anything can happen. In Maranello, we have worked hard and the F14 T seems to be a good car, but the track will tell who is quickest. When we start running to see where we are, we will at least have some data to give us a starting point.”

FEBRUARY FIGURES - SMMT releases data for UK new car sales.

  • February new car registrations rise 3.0% to 68,736 units.
  • UK new car market achieves 24 consecutive months of growth, increasing 17.4% over the period.
  • Rising GDP and growing car registrations signal increasing consumer confidence.
  • Automotive retailers look forward to March results as expectations rise for strong 14-plate performance.
"The 3% rise in February new car registrations marks two full years of continuous month-on-month growth; a real endorsement of consumer confidence and the attractiveness of the new car market," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "While February is typically a quieter month ahead of the March registration plate change, we expect the arrival of the new 14-plate and increasing economic confidence to maintain a steady rate of growth."
New car registrations (rolling-year total by quarter) and GDP growth (year-on-year quarterly): Q1 2011 to Q4 2013 

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Note: GDP is real GDP chained volume measure
About SMMT and UK the automotive industry
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £59 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1.7 billion each year in automotive R&D. The industry plays an important role in the UK’s trade balance, with vehicle manufacturers exporting around 80% of production. More than 30 manufacturersbuild in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.
Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives.

FebruaryTotalDieselPetrolAFVPrivateFleetBusiness
        
201468,73633,09434,4301,21229,88737,0291,820
201366,74932,32733,58883429,27735,7591,713
% change3.0%2.4%2.5%45.3%2.1%3.6%6.2%
Mkt share '14 48.1%50.1%1.8%43.5%53.9%2.6%
Mkt share '13 48.4%50.3%1.2%43.9%53.6%2.6%
        
Year-to-dateTotalDieselPetrolAFVPrivateFleetBusiness
        
2014223,298112,553106,6744,071101,298112,2389,762
2013210,392105,166102,1053,12190,338110,9769,078
% change6.1%7.0%4.5%30.4%12.1%1.1%7.5%
Mkt share '14 50.4%47.8%1.8%45.4%50.3%4.4%
Mkt share '13 50.0%48.5%1.5%42.9%52.7%4.3%
        
Best sellersFebruary   Year-to-date
        
 1Ford Fiesta4,415 1Ford Fiesta13,487
 2Vauxhall Corsa3,138 2Ford Focus7,899
 3Vauxhall Astra2,707 3Vauxhall Corsa7,608
 4Ford Focus2,566 4Vauxhall Astra6,106
 5VW Golf1,628 5VW Golf6,018
 6VW Polo1,450 6VW Polo5,325
 7Mercedes-Benz C-Class1,231 7Audi A34,278
 8Vauxhall Insignia1,164 8Nissan Qashqai4,079
 9Audi A31,148 9Nissan Juke3,733
 10BMW 3 Series1,085 10Fiat 5003,549
Percentage change in new car registrations by segment, February 2012 to February 2014(rolling year)
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  • The new car market grew 17.4% between February 2012 (1.94 million registrations) and February 2014 (2.28 million)*.
  • While the Supermini segment recorded solid growth over the period, volumes in the Mini segment almost doubled, helped by the introduction of new models. The small car market has been supported by motorists looking to reduce running costs, as well as increased diversification of products and advances in levels of comfort and safety.
  • Dual Purpose vehicles (now the third largest segment) and MPVs recorded above-average growth over the past two years with space, style and versatility attracting consumers.
  • *Volumes relate to rolling year.