Audi reveals R8 E-Tron Piloted Driving concept at CES Asia

Audi reveals R8 E-Tron Piloted Driving concept at CES AsiaImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: AudiImage Credit: Audi2015 R8MSRP$115,900ShopReviewsMore Photos2016 Audi R8 e-tron: Geneva 20152016 Audi R8 LMS: Geneva 20152016 Audi R8: Geneva 20152016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R82015 Audi R8 Competition: LA 2014Noah Joseph

Designed as they are to take the driver out of the equation, you might think that the idea of an autonomous vehicle would seem diametrically opposed to that of a supercar. But Audi disagrees. The German automaker has cooked up a series of "piloted driving" concepts that are increasingly focused on performance, and this could be the ultimate iteration yet.

Audi's latest Piloted Driving demonstrator is based on the R8 E-Tron. It's altogether almost identical to the one we saw in Geneva, packing an electric powertrain to deliver 456 horsepower, 679 pound-feet of torque and a 0-62 time of 3.9 seconds. Only in this case, it can do it all on its own, without any driver intervention.

To pull that off, Ingolstadt has fitted this show car with an array of sensors, including a new laser scanner, multiple video cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radar transmitters at both ends – all handled by a central "driver assistance control unit."

It's the latest in a series of concept cars that has already included a version of the RS7 Sportback designed to lap the racetrack, and the Prologue concept that drove itself to CES. This concept was similarly unveiled at CES Asia, the Eastern counterpart to the tech expo we usually catch in Las Vegas.

Just what the point is in engineering (or buying) one of the best-driving cars on the market and then handing over its operation to a computer, we don't quite get. But at least we can rest easy knowing that Audi is not giving up on performance as autonomous tech turns the driver into just another passenger.


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#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933867{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933867, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933867{width:100%;display:block;}Show full PR textAudi R8 e-tron piloted driving technical concept car

340 kW of power, 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and a driving range of 450 km (279.6 mi) – Audi has extensively developed its all-electrically powered high-performance R8 e-tron sports car further. The technology study is one of the highlights of CES Asia, and it brings together future technologies – which relate to lightweight design, high-performance drive systems and functions for piloted driving.

The Audi R8 e-tron piloted driving concept car is based on the multimaterial Space Frame of the new production R8. A rear car body module made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) integrates the luggage compartment, which extends the frame structure. The walls of the luggage compartment shell are corrugated, so that they can absorb extreme amounts of energy with little material weight in case of a rear-end collision. Thanks to specific modifications made to the outer shell and wheels, the Audi R8 e-tron piloted driving attains a low Cd value of 0.28. Its front end and sideblades feature e-tron specific lighting solutions.

The T-shaped battery is structurally integrated into the center tunnel and behind the occupant cell – its low center of gravity further boosts the already excellent driving dynamics of the R8 e-tron piloted driving. The high-voltage battery is based on a new lithium-ion technology that has, for the first time, been specifically designed for the drive system of an all-electric vehicle. Compared to the first technology platform, the battery's energy capacity has grown from 49 kWh to approximately 92 kWh. Optimized space utilization and improved battery cell technology enabled this progress without requiring package modifications. Audi produces the high-voltage battery itself.

The R8 e-tron piloted driving achieves an electric range of 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) instead of a previous 215 kilometers (133.6 mi), its energy density was increased from 84 Wh/kg to 154 Wh/kg and several other modifications were made. The high-performance sports car has the Combined Charging System (CCS) on board, which allows charging with direct and alternating current. With this system, the customer can charge the large battery in significantly less than two hours.

The two electric motors each output 170 kW of power and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque to the rear axle. The R8 e-tron piloted driving rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds on its way to an electronically-governed top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) or 250 km/h (155.3 mph), depending on the car's tires. Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system enable high energy recuperation rates. Targeted torque vectoring – needs-based distribution of power transmission between the rear wheels – ensures maximum stability and dynamism.

The R8 e-tron piloted driving technical study is equipped with all of the functions of piloted driving. Data is acquired from the interplay of an array of sensors: a new type of laser scanner, several video cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radar sensors at the front and rear. Based on signals from these sources, the central driver assistance control unit (zFAS), a compact central computer, computes a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's environment.

Audi can build the R8 e-tron in handcrafted quality to meet special customer requests. The company uses its high-performance electric sports car primarily as a high-tech mobile laboratory.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5** (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg);
Combined electrical power consumption in kWh/100km: 124 – 114**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35** (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)

Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro
This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC.

Audi R8 LMX:
This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC.

Audi R8 e-tron:
This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC.

**Details on the fuel consumption, the CO2 emissions and efficiency classes given as a range depend on the tire/wheel set used.Featured GalleryAudi R8 E-Tron Piloted Driving Concept

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Porsche reveals new 911 GT3 R at the Nurburgring

Porsche reveals new 911 GT3 R at the NurburgringImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: PorscheImage Credit: Porsche2015 911MSRP$151,100ShopReviewsMore PhotosMark Webber pilots Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition (Netherlands)Techart Porsche 911 Targa 4S: Geneva 20152016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Geneva 2015Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche 911 GT3 RS spec sheetNoah Joseph

On any given weekend, you're bound to find gaggles of Porsche 911s zipping around most any race track. Now Porsche has revealed its latest competition model at no less fitting a location than the Nürburgring.

The new 911 GT3 R replaces the existing version, slotting in below the 911 RSR. It's based closely on the road-going 911 GT3 RS, and retains the same 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six with direct injection and variable valve timing, but tuned to deliver over 500 horsepower, transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox and mechanical limited slip differential.

The wheelbase has been stretched over three inches for better weight balance compared to the outgoing GT3 R, further optimized by more lightweight components and a central radiator to lower the center of gravity. The lightweight bodywork is made of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber, and for the first time all of the glass (including the windscreen) has been replaced by plexi.

Stopping power is provided by six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers gripping 380-millimeter steel discs up front, with four-piston calipers and 372-mm discs at the back. The safety fuel cell can now hold 120 liters of fuel with a cut-off safety valve, the doors and windows can be removed, and the escape hatch is bigger, too.

All of this adds up to the promise of a more competitive GT3 R ready to take on the competition, available to privateer racing teams from December for 429,000 euros before tax – working out to about $487k at current exchange rates.Show full PR textWorld premiere at the Nürburgring
Lighter, more economical, faster: the new 911 GT3 R

Stuttgart. Based on the 911 GT3 RS production sports car, Porsche has designed a customer sport race car for GT3 series around the world: The 911 GT3 R. In developing the more than 368 kW (500 hp) racing nine-eleven, special attention was paid to lightweight design, better aerodynamic efficiency, reducing consumption, improved handling, further optimised safety as well as lowering service and spare parts costs.

Adopted from its production sibling, the 911 GT3 R features the distinctive double-bubble roof, and the wheelbase which had been lengthened by 8.3 centimetres compared to the previous generation. This ensures a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling particularly in fast corners corners in comparison to the previous GT3 R. By applying systematic lightweight solutions for the body, add-on parts, and suspension, the engineers significantly optimised the centre of gravity position of the GT3 R compared to the predecessor model. The lightweight body design of the 911 GT3 RS production sports car featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction has proven to be the ideal basis for the race car. The roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear cover are made of particularly light carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP). All windows – and for the first time even the windscreen – consist of polycarbonate.

Powering the new 911 GT3 R is a cutting-edge four-litre flat-six unit which is largely identical to the high-performance production engine of the road-legal 911 GT3 RS. Direct petrol injection, which operates at pressures up to 200 bar, as well as variable valve timing technology ensure a particularly efficient use of fuel. Moreover, the normally-aspirated engine offers significantly better driveability and a broader usable rev range. Power from the rear engine is transferred to the 310 mm rear wheels via a Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. As in the GT road-going models of the 911, the driver changes gears via shift paddles conveniently positioned on the steering wheel.

The aerodynamics of the 911 GT3 R also follows the example of the road car. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle. Measuring two metres in width by 40-centimetres in depth, the rear wing lends aerodynamic balance. From its 911 RSR big brother, the GT3 R has adopted the concept of the centrally-positioned radiator. By eliminating the side radiators, the position of the centre of gravity was improved, the radiator is better protected against collision damage, and the venting of hot air through louvers in the front cover was enhanced.

The brake system of the 911 GT3 R also underwent further modifications and, thanks to increased stiffness and more precise control of the ABS, is even better suited to long distance racing. At the front axle, six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers combined with ventilated and grooved steel brake discs with a diameter of 380 millimetres ensure outstanding braking performances. Fitted at the rear axle are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 372 millimetres.

Another development focus was on the safety features of the GT3 R. The capacity of the further-reinforced FT3 safety fuel cell was increased by twelve litres to now hold 120 litres, with the tank now featuring a fuel cut-off safety valve. The doors and the side windows can be removed, and the escape hatch in the roof is now larger. In the event of an accident, the new racing bucket seat offers pilots even better protection.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R can be ordered immediately for 429,000 Euro plus country-specific VAT and will be delivered from December 2015.


Technical description Porsche 911 GT3 R (991)
Single-seat customer race car based on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Engine
- Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine (rear mounted)
- 4,000 cm3; stroke 81.5 mm; bore 102 mm
- Output: over 368 kW (500 hp) subject to FIA BoP (air restrictor)
- Four-valve technology
- Direct fuel injection
- Dry sump lubrication

Transmission
- Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox
- Mechanical slip differential
- Pneumatic gear-shift activation (paddle shift)

Bodyshell
- Lightweight body featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite design
- Integrated (welded) roll-cage according to FIA Appendix J
- Removable escape hatch in roof
- Lightweight exterior design:
- CFRP doors, rear cover, rear wing, wheel arches, front and rear fairing
- Polycarbonate glazing
- Removable polycarbonate door windows
- FT3 safety fuel cell, approx. 120 litres, with fuel cut off safety valve in accordance with FIA regulations
- Air jack system (four jacks)


Suspension
- Front axle McPherson strut, adjustable in height, camber and toe
- Wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nuts
- Adjustable anti-roll bar blades (left and right)
- Power-assisted steering with electro-hydraulic pressure feed
Rear axle
- Multilink independent rear suspension, adjustable in height, camber, toe
- Wheel hubs with centre-lock wheel nuts
- Adjustable anti-roll bar blades (left and right)

Brake system
Two separate brake circuits for front and rear axles; adjustable by driver via brake balance bar system
Front axle
- Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake calliper
- Ventilated and grooved steel brake disc, D = 380 mm, aluminium disc bell
Rear axle
- Four-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake calliper
- Ventilated and grooved steel brake disc, D = 372 mm, aluminium disc bell

Wheels/tyres
Front axle
- One-piece BBS alloy wheels according to Porsche specification and design, 12.0J x 18 offset 17, tyre dimension: 300/650-18 front; 13J x 18 offset 37.5, tyre dimension: 310/710-18 rear

Electrics
- COSWORTH power module IPS32
- Race ABS
- Traction control

Weight/dimensions
- Total weight: ca. 1,220 kg (subject to BoP)
- Overall length: 4,604 mm
- Overall width front axle: 1,975 mm
- Overall width rear axle: 2,002 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,463 mm

Car price
429,000 Euros plus country-specific VATFeatured Gallery2016 Porsche 911 GT3 R

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Seat reveals facelifted Ibiza hatchback family in Barcelona

Seat reveals facelifted Ibiza hatchback family in BarcelonaImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatMore PhotosHottest Cars and Trucks in AmericaMost Popular Cars By StateOur Picks For The Best $5,000 Used CarsCars That Depreciate FastestHistory's 10 Best Selling Cars Of All TimeWard's 10 Best Engines of 2015Noah Joseph

Seat has revealed a new version of the Ibiza at the Barcelona Motor Show this week, and we'll forgive you for not caring too much. After all, we don't get any Seat products in North America altogether. But on a global scale, the Ibiza is a pivotal product not only for the Spanish brand but for its parent company Volkswagen.

After the Volkswagen brand itself, Audi and Skoda, Seat sells more vehicles than any other VW Group brand – more than Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche or any of its commercial vehicles brands. And the Ibiza is Seat's most popular model, representing over 40 percent of the brand's sales worldwide and selling over 5 million units over the past 30 years.

The current Seat Ibiza was introduced in 2008 and underwent a facelift in 2011. That would make it due for replacement, but for now the company has given it another update to keep it fresh. The new Ibiza features subtly upgraded styling, but more importantly, a raft of new equipment. Of course as the latest product from the Volkswagen Group, it benefits from all the newest safety systems and upgraded infotainment technologies. The cabin space has been updated and there are new paint and wheel options.

Buyers will also be able to choose among an array of engines burning gasoline or diesel and with three or four cylinders. Options range from a 1.0-liter inline-three with 74 horsepower all the way up to a 1.4-liter turbo four with 148 hp, and that's before the new Cupra hot hatch comes along. The suspension and steering systems have been reworked as well. The new Ibiza will also be available, once again, in three body styles, including the core five-door hatch, Sport Tourer (ST) five-door wagon and Sport Coupe (SC) three-door hatch.Show full PR textNEW SEAT IBIZA – STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

- New efficient engines with three or four cylinders
- SEAT Easy Connect with Full Link (MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) for seamless smartphone integration
- Agile driving with significantly improved comfort
- New Colour Packs with bold colours for greater personalisation
- Range of new equipment and options including DAB, SEAT Sound and SEAT Drive Profile, Tiredness Recognition System and Multi-Collision Brake
- In UK showrooms from Autumn 2015

SEAT has chosen the Barcelona Motor Show to take the covers off of its New Ibiza. Making it one of the best and most multi-faceted offerings in its class, the latest version of the Spanish brand's iconic model comes with a raft of innovative technologies, new engines and equipment options, plus additional safety systems and, above all, a completely new connectivity and infotainment line-up.

The Ibiza's emotional and dynamic design continues to be well received by customers and is a central purchasing reason, so the team have focused their attention on new running gear which takes comfort to a whole new level, as well as upgrading the design and quality of the interior.

"The New Ibiza will further expand SEAT's current success. It is the first example of how we 'Leonize our Portfolio', applying the successful formula of Leon into all our model range. Alongside efficiency, quality and safety, we have placed particular emphasis on the issue of connectivity. The new Ibiza is now part of the connected world," says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. "The Ibiza is SEAT's most successful model, with more than five million sold globally over the last 30 years. With an average age of 43, the Ibiza has an exceptionally young customer base, with its share of young female buyers well above average."

Connectivity is a central factor in today's world – and a focal point when it comes to developing SEAT models. In the new Ibiza, the Spanish brand is using the second generation of its Easy Connect infotainment systems. The new MediaSystem plus and satellite navigation system can be enhanced with the MirrorLink function, which provides seamless smartphone integration into the car infotainment system. Thanks to MirrorLink, mobile phone functions and a wide range of apps can be used safely inside the car, while SEAT has also taken the opportunity to develop its own app for MirrorLink, called SEAT DriveApp. SEAT can connect the most frequently smartphone systems. The Full Link (comprising MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) connection between Easy Connect means that New Ibiza drivers are always connected, whatever smartphone they use and able to retain their full concentration on the road. In line with this connectivity, SEAT has announced a partnership agreement with SAMSUNG to develop technological solutions to provide total connectivity across its model range.

"With the New Ibiza, we are opening up a new chapter of connectivity. Our customers can continue their digital lifestyle, even when on the road. However, the key issue for us is always the safest and most intuitive operation of the functions," says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. "With its new engines, it's considerably more comfortable. Thanks to its dynamic and agile suspension and new assistance systems, the Ibiza is one of the most modern and attractive offerings on the market."

The exterior design of the Ibiza five-door, three-door SC (Sport Coupé) and the ST (Sport Tourer) are still absolutely up-to-the-minute and extremely well received by customers, so changes for the new model take in new headlights with LED daytime running lights, new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs and two new paint colours, Moonstone Silver and Chilli Red.

Significantly upgraded interior
The concept behind the broad design appeal of the new interior is that it features fully customisable elements that resonate with everyone by striking a harmonious balance between expressivity, functionality and precision on each of the contours and surfaces that define the interior. Its horizontal proportions and the driver-oriented instrument panel provide enhanced driving pleasure, thanks to the arrangement of all the elements and its soft-touch finish. Attention to detail is displayed in every feature – on the steering wheel, the air vents, instrument cluster and radio. The new interface has been designed to highlight the relationship between the driver and technology by creating character lines that add functionality, while the screen design provides the driver with a physical reference.

The resulting interior design is a reflection of a product that has been inspired by and conceived in the surroundings of the beautiful city of Barcelona.

New level of individualisation
The New Ibiza is as diverse and colourful as life itself, with new Colour Packs offering a whole new level of individualisation, which can be adapted to suit any personal style perfectly. The Colour Packs make a bold statement. Bismuth, an elegant shade of brown, is among them, as is Velvet, a rich purple. There is also a powerful red on offer, cool grey, as well as white, black and blue – the right Colour Pack for every personal preference.

Each Colour Pack comes with a wide range of trim elements in the respective colour. On the outside, the rim of the radiator grille and the door mirror housings gleam in Velvet, Atom Grey or one of the other colours. Inside, the air vent bezels and the detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever are part of the colour package, as are the coloured stripes set into the seat backrests. One characteristic element is the two-colour 16- or 17 inch alloy wheels. There are a large number of possible combinations between the Ibiza's paint colour and the Colour Pack.

And with three bodystyles, several trim levels and a wide range of engines and equipment options, there is the perfect Ibiza to suit every need.

New safety systems
Drowsiness at the wheel is still the cause of many and severe accidents. The new Tiredness Recognition System in the SEAT Ibiza recognises diminishing driver concentration on the basis of steering characteristics, and provides a timely warning. Another new safety system is Multi-Collision Brake. Following a serious impact, it automatically slows down the vehicle to dissipate the remaining kinetic energy. If the airbag is activated by the initial collision, the electronic stability programme applies the brakes and switches on the hazard lights.

Complete new engine generation

The SEAT Ibiza is driven by a completely new generation of petrol and TDI engines. The entry-level petrol engine is a three-cylinder with 1.0-litre displacement, which produces 75 PS in naturally aspirated format and 95 PS or 110 PS as Eco TSI turbocharged engines. With maximum torque of 160 or even 200 Nm, the 1.0 Eco TSI has impressive pulling power. A further highlight is the four cylinder 1.4 Eco TSI with active cylinder management (ACT). Its improved output of 150 PS and torque of 250 Nm guarantee a high level of dynamic driving fun, while its cylinder deactivation under partial load leads to impressive combined fuel consumption of 58.9 mpg.

Maximum efficiency
The three and four-cylinder units, of course, fulfil all the latest EU6 emissions standards and boast excellent fuel consumption and emissions figures. One example is the 1.0 Eco TSI Ecomotive with 95 PS which offers combined fuel economy of 68.9 mpg, which equates to a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometre. Among the new three-cylinder diesel engines, the 1.4 TDI with 75 PS achieves fuel consumption of 83.1 mpg, which equates to an emissions figure of just 88 grams per kilometre. Each of the other TDI powertrains, with 90 PS or 105 PS, achieve 74.3 mpg or more.

The TSI with 110 PS and the TDI with 90 PS are both available with the slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The start/stop system, which switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, is available across all new-generation SEAT Ibizas.

Driving fun with more comfort

The New Ibiza has always received top marks for being dynamic and fun to drive. In its new generation, the Ibiza has been further refined with a speed sensitive electric steering system. Benefitting even more, however, is the ride and handling, with springs, dampers and anti-roll bars being completely re-tuned. The optional SEAT Drive Profile offers adaptive damping with two modes – comfort- or sports-oriented. The Comfort/Sport selector switch also influences the feeling of the power steering.

Latest-generation infotainment
The latest-generation infotainment systems with touchscreen operation and integrated satellite navigation system can receive DAB digital radio and play music from an iPod or smartphone via a USB port or Bluetooth device. Voice control is integrated as part of the MediaSystem plus and for smartphone integration Mirror Link can also be selected for perfect connectivity on the move. For a really rich sound, there is the new SEAT Sound System. Six speakers, a ten-litre bass box in the boot, an additional amplifier and individual setting options in the sound menu will satisfy even the most discerning of ears.

Four optional ultrasound sensors front and rear provide proximity monitoring when parking, and deliver warnings both acoustically and via the display. A reversing camera is also available as an option, aiding parking through infotainment screen updates.

Perfect for an active lifestyle
The New Ibiza will be offered in three bodystyles, five-door, SC and ST. The latter offering a particularly high degree of versatility in such a compact package. Even with its sporty looks, the luggage space is very generous, with a volume of 430 up to a maximum of 1,164 litres. For those with an active lifestyle, there is even space for two bicycles, with their front wheels removed.

In the UK, the entry-level 'S' version is an enticing prospect, featuring all major items of comfort and safety equipment. Sitting just above it is SE, with air conditioning and colour touch screen as standard. The sporty Ibiza FR makes a particular statement with its accentuated design at the front and rear and unique alloy wheels. More than ever before, the new Ibiza can also be perfectly adapted to personal style and individual preferences, with an extensive array of colours, options and accessories.

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