2007 Audi R8

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular sports car.

The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminum body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.

Even at first glance, the caliber of the Audi R8 is plain to see. The car sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.

The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.

The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 420 bhp of power output. Peak torque is 317 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 mph.

227 mph: New Record for Street-Legal Sedans

Brabus has been building the world's fastest street-legal sedans for several years running. This 'tradition' started in 1996 with the 205-mph Brabus E V12 and reached the next level in 2003 in the guise of the 217-mph E V12 Biturbo. In 2006 the Brabus Rocket, built in small-series production and based on the Mercedes CLS series, improved the world record to 225 mph.

But the Brabus R&D team wouldn't be the top-notch engineers they are if they were satisfied with that achievement. That's why in mid-October of 2006 they once more made the trek to the world-famous high-speed circular track in Nardo, Southern Italy. Under the keen eyes of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV Süd) the $435,000 ultra-performance automobile improved the world record for street-legal sedans to 227.4 mph (365.7 km/h).

The Brabus Rocket is powered by a twin-turbo Brabus SV12 S engine, fitted into the tight confines of the four-door's engine bay with almost surgical precision. It produces a maximum power output of 730 bhp at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 973 lb-ft, limited electronically to 812 lb-ft, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

A special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and larger forged pistons increase displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.

The engine peripherals also underwent numerous modifications: Larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts are all part of the Brabus Rocket engine concept. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.

2007 Porsche TechArt 911 Turbo

TechArt turns the new Porsche 911 Turbo into one of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars. 580 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds and a maximum speed of 211 mph are the most important performance figures of this car.
The 3.6-liter boxer engine was modified by TechArt in many details. Two bigger turbochargers contribute to the TechArt engine tuning just as the sports air filter and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds and integrated high performance catalysts. All modifications are finely tuned by the recalibrated ECU.

After the conversion the engine delivers 580 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 517 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. Power transmission to all four wheels is made via a modified six-speed manual gearbox with TechArt gearshift travel shortage and additional gearbox-oil cooling. Of course the TechArt engine conversion is also available for cars with Tiptronic transmission. The coupe tuned by TechArt is one of the world's fastest super sports cars. The two-seater coupe catapults from 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds. Top speed is 211 mph.

Especially for the new Porsche 911 Turbo they developed the striking TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 12Jx20 on the rear axle. TechArt recommends ContiSportContact 3 tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20 for mounting on these wheels.

As a world-renowned specialist for exclusive interior creations TechArt Automobildesign also offers individual interiors for the latest 911 top-of-the-line version in all colors and designs.

The 580-horsepower Turbo was upgraded with an exclusive TechArt CarboBlack leather trim, white cockpit panels matching the car's outside color and further sporty accessories. They include an ergonomically shaped airbag sport steering wheel, foot pedals, foot rest and shift knob all made from aluminum as well as stainless-steel sill plates with TechArt logo.