2012 Audi S7 Sportback with 420HP Bi-Turbo V8

The force-fed eight-cylinder motor generates an output of 420-horsepower and a peak torque of 550 Nm (405.7 lb-ft), allowing the S7 to complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).


The V8, which uses the German firm's “cylinder on demand” technology under part load, consumes on average an estimated 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (equal to 24.3mpg US).


A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring, transfer power to the ground.
There's also an optional sport differential that distributes the power in variable proportions between the rear wheels.


The S7 Sportback features an adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system, while braking is provided by large, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Those willing to dig deep into their pockets can opt for the carbon fiber-ceramic discs.


The exterior changes are fairly subtle and include bespoke front grille and bumper designs, side sills, a different rear bumper that houses a diffuser and quad tail pipes plus 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels.


As for the cabin, the S7 is fitted with sport seats dressed in combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara (a full leather treatment is optional), a three spoke steering wheel and unique decorative trim.


Audi said first deliveries of the S7 Sportback are scheduled to begin in spring of 2012.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

The three-door sports hatchback will be offered in the States in a single trim level, with the six-speed manual model priced at $17,300 and the six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) version at $18,550. Neither price includes a $760 freight charge, which lifts the cost to $18,060 and $19,310 respectively.


Standard features include a multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display, Gracenote display technology with voice recognition and Pandora internet radio capability, 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires, ESC with TCS and Vehicle Stability Management, ABS with EBD, Six airbags, air conditioning and more (see the list below).


If you're willing to spend another $2k, Hyundai offers a Tech package that adds among other features, 18-inch wheels, a chrome grille surround, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seat trim and alloy pedals.


Along with pricing, the South Korean automaker announced fuel economy figures for the Veloster that is powered by a 1.6-liter four-pot generating 138-ponies. The manual model is rated at 28mpg city, 40mpg highway and 32mpg combined, while the dual-clutch automatic transmission version, 29mpg city, 38mpg highway and 32mpg combined.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2012 VELOSTER

• Three-door coupe design


• Coupe design with the functionality of a hatch and a passenger-side forward-hinged rear door


• 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine paired with proprietary Hyundai six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai's first EcoShift DCT


• Standard 40 mpg highway with the six-speed manual


• Standard multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display


• Pandora internet radio capability


• Gracenote display technology with voice recognition


• Video game console connectivity with 115-volt power outlet


• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition


• Standard Blue Link telematics platform


• Blue Link Assurance provides a free six month trial period of complimentary core safety services including Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Monthly Vehicle Report


• Blue Link Essentials provides a free three month trial period of Voice Text Messaging, Remote Door Unlock / Lock, Remote Horn and Lights, Panic Notification, Remote Vehicle Start (delayed availability), Alarm Notification, Quick Tips, Location Sharing, Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Maintenance Alert, Recall Advisor, Web Vehicle Diagnostics, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Vehicle Immobilization, Valet Alert, Geofence, Speed Alert and Curfew Alert


• Blue Link Guidance provides a free three month trial period of Turn-by-Turn Navigation, POI Search by advanced voice recognition system, POI Web Search and Download, Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition, Traffic, Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices, Eco-Coach, Restaurant Ratings and Weather

Standard and Optional Features

Veloster starting MSRP is $17,300, plus $760 freight, and includes the following standard features:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC D-CVVT four-cylinder engine with engine cover and hood insulator


• Six-speed manual transmission


• 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires


• Chrome dual center exhaust outlet


• ESC with TCS and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)


• ABS with EBD and four-wheel disc brakes, TPMS


• Six airbags


• Air conditioning


• Seven-inch high resolution LCD video touchscreen


• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB/video auxiliary input jacks


• Gracenote Technologies (iPod album cover art and Advanced Voice Recognition)


• Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control


• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition


• Blue Link - Hyundai Telematics System


• Trip computer


• Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and bodycolor power heated mirrors


• Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel


• Illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions


• Six-way adjustable driver's seat and armrest storage box


• Front LED headlight accents


• Map lights with sunglass holder


• Front passenger seatback pocket


• Rear wiper

Options:

Six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters, Hillstart Assist Control, and Active ECO System ($1,250 MSRP)

Style Package ($2,000 MSRP):

• 18-inch alloy wheels with P215/40R18 tires


• Chrome grille surround with piano black highlights


• Front fog lights


• Panoramic sunroof


• Piano black interior accents


• Dimension premium audio with eight speakers, external amp and subwoofer


• Leatherette bolster seats and door inserts


• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob


• Alloy pedals


• Driver auto-up window

Tech Package ($2,000 MSRP):

• Requires Style Package


• Unique 18-inch alloys with painted inserts


• Backup warning sensors


• Navigation system with rearview camera


• Automatic headlights


• Proximity key entry with electronic push button start


• 115-volt outlet

Volkswagen 2012 Beetle with Limited Run Black Edition

Is based on the 2.0L TSI model fitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine pumping out 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque, coupled to a standard dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Only 600 examples will be built, all finished in an exclusive black pearl paint with gray Turbo decals on the side. Other standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, beefed up brakes with red calipers, a “kaeferfach” additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport cloth seating surfaces, foglights, and alloy pedals. Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, three-color ambient lighting and an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers are also offered as standard.

Pricing for the 2012 Beetle Black Turbo Edition is set at $24,950 plus a $770 delivery charge. Volkswagen asks potential buyers to pay a $495 reservation fee that goes towards the final purchase of the car, with the company promising a “no hassle” refund policy for those that change their mind down the road.

Once the car goes on sail this fall, U.S. customers will also be able to purchase the 170HP 2.5-liter model at a starting MSRP of $19,765, the standard 200HP 2.0 TSI version priced from $24,165 and the 140HP 2.0-liter diesel model, the price of which has not yet been announced.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The 2012 Beetle RS Stage 1 is the creation of the Volkswagen-loving crew at VWvortex who were given a pre-production model by the German firm to work on. Since the vehicle came with no registration and license plates, the team decided to skip on the engine modes for now and concentrate on the styling aspect of the tune, which as you may have already guessed by now, was inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3RS.

Starting with the wheels, VWvortex fitted the new Beetle with a set of VMR710 20-inch alloys with a 35 offset. The rims are finished in orange and are wrapped around in Continental ExtremeContact DW 245-35ZR20 tires. Behind the front wheels is a Brembo Stage II brake kit with 14" front two-piece cross drilled rotors, four-piston radial mount calipers, aluminum mounting brackets, stainless braided lines and pads.

The exterior makeup is limited for now to Beetle RS graphics finished in orange on either side of the car, the blacked out chrome strips on the lower part of the doors and the front grille, plus the 3M Titanium Brushed wrap for the rear VW logo. The team’s next upgrade will include a 997 GT3 RS-style rear wing.

Once VW comes out with the series production model, the plan is to move on with the performance upgrades said to include a turbo and exhaust system upgrade, and a locking torque-biasing differential.

Source: VWvortex