Latest Audi R8 5.2 – FSI V10 Spyder Open-top Two-seater

The V10 engine produces 386 kW (525 hp) and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph). Featuring technologies such as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), quattro permanent all-wheel drive, full-LED headlights and with an innovative seatbelt microphone available as an option, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the new top-of-the-range Audi.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro makes a powerful statement. The sculptured lines of the emotion-packed, high-performance sports car are a fascinating and unique interpretation of its dynamism. Unlike the Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile.

Like every open-top Audi, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has a cloth top – an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top’s approximate weight is a mere 30 kilograms (66.14 lb); it thus keeps the vehicle’s total weight and center of gravity low. The top takes up little space when open and is a harmonious design element when closed. It tapers off to two slim fins extending to the trailing edge of the car, emphasizing the elongated silhouette.

BMW Latest Plans Electric ‘Megacity’ Car

BMW 450 Mini E, electric cars running in a yearlong trial in metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles.

There should be more cars on the roads. But after more than six months of addressing regulatory hurdles, Mini has yet to get approval to install more than 30 additional fast-charge boxes in New Jersey. With a 240-volt box, the Mini E can be recharged in three hours rather than the 21 hours needed using 110-volt power.

“If you are in a house with a normal supply and you want to bring a 240-volt [charger], you have to have an agreement from the power utility,” O’Donnell says. “New Jersey is the most difficult because there are so many local authorities.”

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

Going into the show, it would have been pretty safe to assume that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would have been the run away winner. Comes with 571 hp, essentially mid-engined (you should see how far back that engine sits in the chassis), gullwings and its got everything. But up close, something about it left us… a little cold. It’s probably the headlights. So our best of show group decision went to the E63 AMG Wagon. There’s something so very right about 500+ horsepower wagons.

Lorinser actually has two competing design studies it’s considering. The first and probably most controversial is a Carbon Fiber design, with an unpainted CF hood, a Lorinser family crest in place of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star in the grill and scores of carbon fiber trims pieces all over the place.

The second, more low-key design is probably closer to the real deal. It even features a soon to be Lorinser signature — vents behind vents. There are also six giant eyebrows festooned around the car. A homage, no doubt, to the brows on the original 300 SL. We will admit that we like the headlights in Lorinser’s rendering more than the production SLS. Full press release after the jump.

Free preview 2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Concept

2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Concept

While Mercedes readies it new E-Class for its U.S. debut with 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline power, it is launching a trial balloon to see if the public is ready for a 4-cylinder turbodiesel version of its popular executive class sedan. So, at the New York show it introduced the 2010 E250 BlueTEC, a diesel concept designed specifically for North America. This model is powered by a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel which produces 204 bhp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter reaching its peak between 1600 and 1800 rpm. The diesel powerplant features high-tech features such as high-pressure common-rail direct injection and twin Lanchester balance shafts for smooth operation. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

To meet stringent U.S. emission laws, the E250 BlueTEC employs a particulate trap, two catalytic converters plus an AdBlue urea injection system to reduce NOX emissions. The car is equipped with a 25-liter tank for urea, which is scheduled to be replenished during normal service intervals. In addition to meeting Bin 5 emissions regulations, Mercedes says the vehicle will also meet Europe's even stricter EU6 requirements that do not go into effect until September of 2014. This clean diesel E250 BlueTEC concept is said to deliver fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg highway. Impressive.