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Mazda Lineup to Become More Fuel Efficient by 2015
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it is setting its sights on reducing the fuel consumption of Mazda vehicles sold globally by an average 30 percent by 2015. This determined commitment will entail a holistic approach which includes using lightweight technologies, the upgrade of almost all of Mazda’s gasoline engines, introducing a Smart Idle Stop System, a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines worldwide. By 2015, Mazda will have renewed almost its entire powertrain lineup and, from 2011, through steadily developing safe, lightweight, new generation platforms aims to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 100 kilograms or more.
Certainly, much of Mazda’s work will lie in the form of powertrain enhancements. By 2011, every gasoline motor offered in a Mazda will utilize direct-injection fuel delivery, in an aim to boost power by 15 percent and improve fuel economy by 20 percent. At the same time, Mazda also plans on launching a new family of turbo-diesel engines, intended to be sold in global markets.
One new engine may be of particular note to enthusiasts – a revised rotary. Mazda says work on the next-generation Wankel motor – codenamed 16X – is currently underway. Few details have surfaced as of yet, but Mazda does note the next motor, likely slated for the RX-8′s successor, will also make use of direct-injection.
Mazda is driven by its long-term vision to provide all its customers with first-rate environmental and safety features as well as driving pleasure. This means that Mazda owners are assured of driving cars that continue to provide the fun-to-drive feeling that will keep them coming back for more, while still having the peace of mind that their Mazda is environmentally-friendly and safe to drive.
Mazda is also making itself known in the area of carbon neutral bioplastics. Developed in collaboration with government, industry and academia, Mazda intends to expand the applications of this new source of eco-friendly material. Already, bioplastics are used in the new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and, in June 2008, Mazda commenced the Mazda Bioplastic Project to develop a bioplastic made from non-food-based cellulosic biomass. The project aims to have the bioplastic ready for use in vehicles by 2013.
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car – First Drive Review
The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo represents the essence of exotic ultra-luxury. Unlike other Lamborghinis, the Gallardo is intended to perform well as an everyday driver as well as a racing machine. After extensive exterior and mechanical upgrades for 2009, the Gallardo adds a new limited-edition Valentino Balboni version for 2010.
The 2010 Gallardo — dubbed LP 560-4 — is available as a coupe or Spyder convertible. The Balboni edition is dubbed LP 550-2. The Gallardo competes with the Ferrari F430 and Audi R8.
With the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has created a driving experience like absolutely no other – fascinating design, breathtaking performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual intensity and open-air pleasure that only a soft top super sports car can deliver.
Exterior
The 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4’s exterior was refreshed last year with changes that left reviewers mostly impressed. The new car’s styling is at once more aggressive and more elegant than before. Unlike the Murcielago’s scissors-style doors, the Gallardo has conventional front-hinged doors. The body sits low to the ground and has big side scoops and sharp edges and curves. The cab-forward cockpit is integrated into the body, giving it a wedge-shaped profile.
- Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps
- Rear spoiler automatically deploys at high speeds
- Power soft-top on Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder operates in about 20 seconds
- 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires
- Balboni edition has unique paint, custom suspension
Interior
Though the Gallardo is a performance-oriented car, it isn’t without its luxuries. The cabin seats two, and an Ad Personam program allows customers to choose any interior color and trim combination.
- Standard leather upholstery; optional Alcantara upholstery and headliner
- Standard dual-zone climate control
- Optional heated seats, navigation system
- Optional carbon fiber trim
- Trunk located under the hood, with 3.9 cubic feet of cargo space
Under the Hood
Built with an aluminum body and space frame, all Gallardos but the Valentino Balboni have all-wheel drive.
- 5.2-liter V-10 withdirect-injection
- 552 horsepower, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- All-wheel-drive system distributes 30 percent of power to the front wheels; system can be adjusted as needed
- Rear-wheel-drive Valentino Balboni edition has 543 hp, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual
- Optional ceramic brakes
- Zero to 60 mph in under 4 seconds
Engine
The engine of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is a completely new development. All that remains is the number of cylinders, – that magical ten – which provides a perfect synthesis of high-revs, pulling power, athletic agility, compact dimensions and low weight that is unique within this performance class.
According to Lamborghini, the 2010 Gallardo LP560-4 coupe has a top speed of 202 mph and can blast from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It handles well in twists and turns too.
An even more powerful engine, permanent all-wheel drive and an all-new chassis mean that the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers yet another significant increase in performance against its predecessor. With its innovative design, the new LP 560-4 Spyder takes the unique Lamborghini styling ethic to the next level; the Spyder displays this powerful and elegant design language with even greater distinctiveness, making it all the more unmistakable. The bodyshell also incorporates the highest levels of passive safety. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder even fulfills European directives for pedestrian protection that are not yet mandatory. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire front end of the car has been optimized, with a special combination of materials behind the front bumper that serve to absorb impact forces.
Unlike most Lamborghinis from the past, the Gallardo is pretty driver-friendly, with a civilized and comfortable cabin, top-notch materials and tasteful design. By comparison, many precious Lamborghinis were saddled with hot and stifling cockpits, poor visibility and questionable ergonomics.
Whichever Gallardo tickles your fancy, there’s no doubt that this futuristic wedgelike supercar will attract attention and deliver jaw-dropping performance. At its stratospherically high price, there are a few other exotics that compete against the Gallardo.
Such extreme power must be delivered to the road safely. The driver of a Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder can thus rely on the viscous traction permanent all-wheel drive system – the number 4 in the model name serves as a reminder of this. Located in the driveline is a central viscous coupling, which requires no electronic control. In this Lamborghini-specific configuration, driving power is distributed between front and rear at a standard ratio of 30:70, adapting to variations in road conditions within a matter of milliseconds. A mechanical differential on the rear axle providing up to 45% limited slip, and an electronic differential lock at the front complete the all-wheel drive system.
The new brake system comes with brutal stopping power. At the front, eight-cylinder Brembo calipers grip 14.37 in (365 mm) diameter discs, while four-cylinder callipers and 14 in (356 mm) discs take up the rear. The new disc ventilation also improves brake fade under extreme load conditions.
Highly stable carbon fibre ceramic discs are available as an option. At the front the CCB (Carbon Ceramic Brake) discs measure 15 in (380mm) diameter and at the rear 14 in (356mm). They deliver improved performance with reduced weight. The CCB system significantly reduces weight, which improves dynamics and comfort.
It’s a fantasy, but only to people who don’t have gobs of hedge-fund money. Those with the cash will be satisfied with the reality.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore revealed
The new Bicolore will have a color scheme similar to that of the earlier-generation Gallardo Special Edition, with roof, engine cover and rear spoiler painted in “Noctis Black.” The rest of the vehicle can be sprayed in one of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum.
Satellite navigation, rearview camera, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and heated seats are some of the many options customers can add to their special-edition Gallardos.
“With the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish.”
The Bicolore is the latest in a long line of variations for the Gallardo LP, preceded by the LP 560-4, the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 550-2 Balboni Edition, the LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition, the LP 570-4 Superleggera and the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante.
More than 10,000 Gallardos have rolled out of the Italian production facility, which makes it the most-produced vehicle from Lamborghini in the company’s history.
While the Bicolore Edition is at the Qatar show, it might join the company display at the Geneva motor show in March, where Lamborghini plans to unveil to the public its new flagship, the LP 700.
Audi A1 Quattro works it out in the snow
Audi has announced that the first Audi A1 quattro prototype has started testing on the snow-laden roads around Montreal. An Audi A1 quattro prototype currently undergoing baptism grappling with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads. The one-off development car is one of the stars of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. Packing a 182bhp 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, along with four-wheel-drive traction, this is the fastest and most capable Audi A1 yet.
The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.
During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.
Following in the wheeltracks of the range-topping front-wheel- drive A1 1.4 TFSI – revealed at the Paris Motor Show in September and on sale later this year – the A1 quattro, which uses the same engine, is aimed at buyers who want maximum traction in all conditions.
And it certainly delivers. With the engine’s impressive power output going to every wheel, the car gives you so much more confidence than a regular front-wheel-drive version, even with ESP.
The A1 quattro uses the latest version of quattro all-wheel drive for smaller cars, first seen on the TT and hotter TT-RS, so it is a dynamic package. But in a smaller car, it’s even more fun.
Power and torque can be swapped 100 per cent front to rear instantly – and there was no time on either the cold, hard tarmac or on the snow-packed ice track when we felt out of control, the A1 behaving predictably and safely. The engine is very impressive, too. There’s a wide power band and really punchy performance all the way to the 7,000rpm red line. Audi quotes a rapid 0-62mph time of only 6.9 seconds, and it feels every bit as quick as the figures suggest, while 250Nm of torque available from only 1,500rpm makes for easy overtaking manoeuvres.
Beyond the performance improvements over the standard car, the body gets a sinister extended rear roof spoiler. On the inside, the backs of the seats are coloured the same as the exterior paintwork – rust orange in the case of our car. The cabin is also available in sporty S line trim. With Alcantara suede touches, it really is a smart place to be.
When the A1 quattro arrives in the UK next year, it will be available with 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 17- and 18-inch rims as options – the same as on the front-wheel-drive machine.
The quattro set-up is not solely planned for the 1.4 TFSI engine trim, but also for the 1.6 TDI. Expect to pay about a £1,500 premium for all-wheel drive. That’s certainly not cheap, but if you live in the wetter or colder parts of the country – or you simply want the security that quattro brings – this little machine comes highly recommended.