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Posts Tagged ‘Audi’
Wed, November 19, 2008 7:03 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 Dual-clutch transmission lies some where between manual and dual transmission. It had been earlier used only in race cars but now it is also used in production vehicles .The significance of using Dual-clutch transmission is to deliver uninterrupted power.
We generally know that cars comes with two basic transmission types manual, and automatic .Manual is the one which requires driver to change gears by depressing a clutch pedal and changing gear by shifting the gear stick and automatic is the one which do all the shifting work for drivers using clutch ( a torque converter) and sets of planetary gears. But there is one more sort of transmission which is something between manual and automatic transmission called Dual- clutch transmission or semi automatic transmission or ‘’clutch less ‘’ manual transmission or also termed as automated manual transmission .This sort of transmission enables us to extract best of both of the former ones.
A dual clutch transmission offers the two manual gearboxes in one. In manual transmission driver presses the clutch pedal to shift the gear this operates the single clutch and disconnects the engine from the gearbox and then shifts the gear by stick .In this process power to the transmission gets interrupted and later when gear is changed and driver releases the clutch pedal .This reconnects the engine to gearbox and transmits power to wheels. The power delivery follows the pattern of on- of and on.
Whereas in Dual- clutch gear box ,there is a use of two clutches, but there is no clutch pedal to be pushed instead its controlled bye sophisticated electronics and hydraulics ,they operates independently ,similarly as in Automatic transmission. Basically what dual clutch does is it ‘phase out’ one gear and ‘phases in’ the second one. This process takes place under load so that permanent flow of power is maintained. Function of dual clutch is that gears can be changed without interrupting the power flow, one clutch controls odd gears (first, third, fifth and reverse) and second clutch controls the even gears (second, forth and sixth). This is made possible by ingenious two-shaft construction separating odd and even gears.
Although Dual clutch technology is not new and had been in use in race cars from many years ({example Sequential manual gearbox (SMG)}. Still it can be said as new in terms of its use in production cars but now it’s cropping every where and seems like replacing other transmission traditions.
Almost all the big manufactures like BMW, VOLKSWAGON, AUDI, NISSAN etc are now using this technology in their cars especially in their sports versions. It has now even started creating buzz in its drivers as of its extraordinary driving pleasure and fuel efficiency with power.
Tags: BMW, Audi, Nissan GT-R, dual-clutch transmission
Sat, October 11, 2008 1:24 pm By James Coolridge
 The announcement by Hyundai about their plans to develop new designed cars with an aim of exporting to North American and European countries, many experts called it a crazy decision. For them it was illogical for a company like Hyundai to find a market in those countries. For the auto experts, Hyundai was capable only in making vehicles suiting the Asian markets. But Hyundai was not ready to go back from their wild and crazy decision.
Hyundai went ahead with its plan and launched a brand called Genesis which in no time became a big hit in the US automobile market. The luxurious sedan Genesis became one of the biggest selling cars in the US market.
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
The entry of Hyundai genesis was not that easy. The tough competition from big sharks including Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES, and Chrysler 300 made Hyundai aggressive in its efforts. The big names from Germany including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, and Acura were also posing big threats to the Korean car maker. But Hyundai was in no mood to give up.
The Genesis arrives with two engine choices: a 3.8L V6 or a powerful 4.6L V8 producing 375 horsepower. The latter engine, though not exactly thrifty on gas, targets luxury car buyers who expect a lot of power in their cars. This car from Hyundai has a wheel drive platform that allures the car lovers.
The Genesis Is All About Luxury
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that targets the high profile customers. With a series of colourful features including four wheel antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability control; traction control; front and side mounted airbags; adaptive lighting; power everything; driver information system; backup camera; leather everywhere; wood grain trim;, the car emerges as the best model available in the automobile market.
By alluring the high end car users in the market with its inviting features, Hyundai has made it clear that it could break the monopoly of German cars in the North American and European market.
Tags: BMW, Cars, Acura, Sedan, Audi, Mercedes, North America, Infiniti, Europe, car lovers, Korea, Hyundai Genesis, customers, Asia, competition, Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES, Chrysler 300
Fri, October 3, 2008 2:21 pm By James Coolridge
 Got tired of seeing the same stale designed cars? Looking for something new in design? Keep your eyes on Volvo. The Swedish automaker has proved it again, why it is called a deluxe name among the contemporary car makers. Volvo is back with a model that is really stunning and sophisticated. The new S80 is the grand model that has many stories to tell. This super styled car from boasts of comfort, power, and safety. Volvo S80 is a Scandinavian luxury in all means.
The Volvo S80 is yet another four door vehicle with designed looks that will surely allure car lovers. The front wheel drive luxury car definitely has inviting looks. Introduced first in 1999 to replace the aging Volvo 960 sedan, this sedan is excellent if you are looking for luxury at driving. The Volvo S80 has tough competition from the Acura RL, the Audi A6, the BMW 5 series, the Cadillac STS, the Infiniti M, the Jaguar S Type, the Lexus GS, the Mercedes Benz E class, and the Saab 9-5.
This was the flagship model for Volvo, when brought out first. This vehicle has been built on the Volvo P2 platform and has a 2.9 LI6 engine. On the other hand, the T6 came with a twin turbocharged 2.8 L I6 engine.
The Volvo S80 car boosts of a combination of power and performance. This car has an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system which ensures the driver a relaxing driving experience bringing a feel of comfort and ease on wheels. The model has a radar sensor that slows down the vehicle if the vehicle in front of you is getting slowed. This reduces the chances of accidents bringing a feel of safety. The Collision Warning and Brake Support (CWBS) give you immediate alert signal with a flashing red light.
Now you decide, if you had ever come across a sedan with such unique and gorgeous safety measures? The Volvo S80 by promising stunning safety measures and striking driving experience makes it clear once again that it is the best model you can avail in the present automobile market.
Tags: BMW, Jaguar, Volvo S80, Cars, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, speed, Cadillac STS, ACC, Scandinavian
Mon, August 18, 2008 12:59 pm By James Coolridge
 Alright, for all of those who are in love with Audi, here’s something more to add to your happiness. The new Audi R8! It has inherited the best of all its versions so far and added some new elements to it, making it the most sought-after car of the year 2008. Here you go!
It has been quoted as a ‘comfortable’ car. With driving position a bit low, it allows for better visibility towards the front, rear and the sides. It does have an optional backup camera and if you are backing out from a parking lot, make sure your speed is at the minimal only to know how many eyeballs does it have rolling on it. Because of the engine being where the trunk ought to be, it has a comparatively small cargo bay, not to mention a small shelf just behind the front seats.
On the Road!
R8 is a high-revving 420 horsepower version, powered by the Audi’s 4.2 litre V8. What makes the R8’s engine unique among Audis is that it’s in the back, driving all four wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a version of the Audi/VW Direct Shift Gearbox called R-Tronic. The car gives you your choice of transmissions while R-tronic is actually responsible for making the car faster. Driving the car without a clutch pedal does seem like a sacrilege though. The engine moves the best at high RMP’s - a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, which makes it just a second behind Lamborghini Gallardo. Well, that’s still some speed I must say. And the sound that you hear at wide-mouth throttle is simply mind blowing.
So once you fasten your seat belt, it seems no less than a super car, that’ll take you at your destination almost flying. Where some may find the ride a bit stiffer, Audi lovers will love to the extent of buying it instantly if possible.
Tags: Fast Car, Cars, Audi, Audi R8, R8, latest car
Wed, May 28, 2008 8:39 am By James Coolridge
 Premium German automobile manufacturer Audi wins 2008 European Inventor of the Year award. Audi received the award from the European Patent Office for the invention of Audi Space Frame Technology. The company qualifies for the award for its significant contributions to Europe’s economical growth and competitiveness.
“The award is a testament to our lead in lightweight aluminum design technology, an area that is so important for the automobile industry,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi.
The Audi Space Frame (ASF) was first presented to the world public at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1993 as the body of an Audi A8. The ASF is a high-strength aluminum frame structure into which the panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function. The Audi Space Frame comprises a complex structure of extruded profiles and cast nodes. Together these result in a car body with very high stiffness and a vehicle offering above-average crash protection. The ASF design enables significant weight savings, improved handling and lower fuel consumption.
Norbert Enning, 51, is one of Audi’s most inventive employees. Enning and his team developed ASF technology under the leadership of Heinrich Timm in the early 80s. “The body of the Audi A8 utilizing the ASF principle is one of the lightest in the luxury class,” says Enning. Since joining Audi in 1982, the graduate mechanical engineer has made inventions in the areas of pedestrian protection and interior appointments in addition to his numerous inventions relating to the ASF design.
Today the Audi A8, the Audi TT Coupé, the TT Roadster, the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Gallardo are all equipped with Audi Space Frame technology.
Tags: Audi, Space Frame Technology, European Inventor of the Year
Fri, April 18, 2008 1:35 pm By Jack Mounce
 Audi offers a range of six different engines and four transmissions in various combinations in Audi’s A4 3.0 TDI. The company is prepared to launch its vehicle in US coming September.
There is a plenty of choice for the European buyers- with gasoline engines of 1.8L, 2.0L and 3.2L and with diesel engines of 2.0L, 2.7L and 3.0L. Audi offers six speed automatic or manual transmissions, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox or a CVT.
On the other hand, the buyers in United States won’t be getting the 1.8L engine or any of the diesel engines. At the US launch of the vehicle, the new A4 will only have the 2.0L and 3.2L gas engines. The 2.0L engine will be available with a manual transmission.
Audi’s Udo Rügheimer says that the company is not satisfied with the performance of current nickel metal hydride batteries. This is become the performance is not up to the mark in cold weather. The vehicle provides very little power and minimal electric drive capability during winters. When the battery is cold, the car looses acceleration performance.
Audi Executive VP Johan de Nysschen explained that the company would start with the Q7 TDI late this year and then watch the development of the diesel market in the US.
The price of diesel fuel as compared to gasoline in the US is crucial. The company will decide as to what will be their criteria according to the prices of diesel and gasoline, whether to expand the diesel version of the vehicle in US or not.
Tags: Audi, A4 3.0 TDI, European market, US market
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