Saturday, February 7, 2009

NEW AUDI R8 V10 READY FOR THE ROAD (AND TRACK)





Acclaimed aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car now available with both ten and eight cylinder power

* Second R8 model powered by 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine scheduled to open for UK order in January 2009 for first deliveries next spring
* Available with manual gearbox at £99,575 OTR, or with R tronic sequential shift transmission at £104,665 OTR (R8 4.2 V8 £77,405 OTR and £82,495 OTR)
* 5,204cc V10 produces 525PS at 8,000rpm and 530Nm at 6,500rpm (R8 4.2 V8 420PS at 7,800rpm, 430Nm at 4,500rpm)
* 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed 196mph, combined mpg 20.6 (R8 4.2 V8 R tronic 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph, combined mpg 20.7)
* Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
* World’s first all-LED headlamps as standard, plus Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Bang & Olufsen audio system

Audi is sending shockwaves through the sports car establishment yet again with the new R8 V10, a ten-cylinder, 525PS, 196mph evolution of the quattro four-wheel-driven sports car that UK enthusiasts have taken to their hearts. The project that has been the subject of intense speculation since the 2006 launch of the V8-powered R8 is set to come to fruition in January when the new super car opens for UK order priced at £99,575 OTR in manual form, or £104,665 OTR equipped with the R tronic sequential shift transmission. First deliveries are expected next spring.

The new 5.2-litre FSI V10 petrol engine mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit is almost identical in construction to the unit powering the recently announced R8 LMS that will race at customer level in the GT3 class. It contributes only 31kg more to the overall weight of the all-aluminium-bodied R8 than the existing V8, taking it to 1,620kg, and making possible an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 324PS per ton.

Punching out its 525PS maximum at 8,000rpm, and peak torque of 530Nm at 6,500rpm, this exceptional and highly efficient direct injection unit rockets the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 3.9 seconds as it revs freely to its 8,700rpm limit in each of its six ratios. When linked to the R tronic transmission it can reach 124mph in only 12 seconds, and in the right conditions can maintain its breathtaking momentum all the way to 196mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

By mounting the ten-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the R8, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication – an element specifically derived from racing - also furthers this aim by enabling the V10 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.

Advanced Audi magnetic ride
This classic configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis with its agile double wishbone set-up and standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.

The Audi magnetic ride dampers swap conventional fluid for a magnetorheological solution containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence. The system constantly monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly.

The striking 19-inch ’10-spoke Y design’ alloy wheels naturally contend with the V10’s formidable output with the help of the legendary quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, which apportions power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions. Ventilated and perforated 380 millimetre front and 356 millimetre rear disc brakes, which at extra cost can be upgraded to virtually fade-free ceramic discs, also help to instil complete confidence. As a whole, the configuration, which also includes a super precise gear shift and fast-reacting, communicative steering, has already been lavished with exceptional praise by critics the world over in the V8-powered R8.

World’s first all-LED headlights
As a further safety enhancement feature that also adds a new dimension to the already much lauded styling of the R8, the V10 is equipped as standard with the world’s first all-LED headlamps. For the first time the high intensity diodes have been used for low beam and high beam settings, as well as for daytime running lights and indicators, intensifying the sports car’s visual drama.

The list of subtle embellishments to the taut, emotive body of the R8 V10 also includes a high gloss finish for the grille and front air intakes, more pronounced side sills, wider side cooling vents within the contrasting ‘sideblade’, high gloss rear air outlets, oval exhaust tailpipes and a new rear diffuser.

The everyday usability of the R8 has been as widely commended as its capacity to enthral drivers, and the V10 version will of course be no different. The much praised quality of the interior fixtures and the deceptive amount of space afforded by the generous 2.65-metre wheel base makes this one of the most easygoing super cars ever built, and the V10 with its extra equipment emphasizes this further. In the most powerful R8 to date electric adjustment and heating is added for the Fine Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats, and DVD satellite navigation and a CD changer playable through a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system simplify and enhance day-to-day driving. An interior light package including LED footwell lighting, light and rain sensors and LED engine compartment lighting also comes as standard.

Audi’s starter for ten – The new 525PS, 196mph Audi R8 V10 joins the highly successful V8 model in the UK in the spring of 2009 priced from £99,575 OTR.

2007 Honda CBR1000RR

2007 Honda CBR1000RR
2007 Honda CBR1000RR

2007 Honda CBR1000RR
2007 Honda CBR1000RR

2007 Honda CBR1000RR
2007 Honda CBR1000RR

• 2007 Honda CBR1000RR

2007 Honda CBR1000RR

The awesome CBR1000®RR packs MotoGP technology into a Superbike equally at home on the racetrack as it is on the streets.

Features & Benefits

New for 2007

- Black-painted swingarm adds aggressive new look.

- Exciting new colors Black/Metallic Gray and Light Silver Metallic join Red/Black.

Unique features

- Liquid-cooled 998cc inline four-cylinder engine.

- Aluminum frame patterned after the RC211V® MotoGP machine.

- Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) for optimum steering effort and stability.

- Cassette-type close-ratio six-speed transmission.

- Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization and allows more compact frame design.

- Radial-mounted front brakes.

- Center-up exhaust system.

- Unit Pro-Link™ rear suspension and swingarm design inspired by RC211V.

- Line-beam headlight features three-piece reflector design.

- Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) system features two injectors per cylinder.

- Aggressive styling based on the championship-winning RC211V MotoGP machine.

Engine/Drivetrain

- Liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 998cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine features bore-and-stroke dimensions of 75mm x 56.5mm.

- Sixteen-valve cylinder head features 29mm intake and 24mm exhaust valves with a 12.2:1 compression ratio for efficient combustion and high horsepower.

- Intake valve features double-spring design for optimum performance at high rpm.

- Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm durability and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.

- Lightweight nutless connecting rods.

- Iridium-tip spark plugs improve fuel combustion and performance.

- DSFI system features two injectors per cylinder--one upper and one lower--controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that senses rpm and throttle opening. Lower injector enhances rideability while upper injector improves top-end horsepower. At lower rpm only the lower injector is working. At higher rpm, both injectors are activated. The system uses 44mm throttle bodies.

- Denso injectors with lightweight valving for faster reaction time and 12 holes per injector improve atomization of fuel mixture for optimum combustion efficiency and power.

- Auto-enriching system is integrated into programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) module, eliminating the need for a manual choke.

- Forged aluminum pistons with moly surface treatment for reduced friction.

- Aluminum composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The lightweight composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.

- ECU provides two digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder and two digital 3-D ignition maps for cylinder pairs, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb rideability.

- Ram-air system allows high volume of cool air to the 8.35-liter airbox for linear power delivery and incredible engine performance.

- Stainless steel four-into-two-into-one center-up exhaust with twin outlets and titanium core increases lean angle and reduces wind drag.

- Liquid-cooled aluminum oil cooler is lightweight and efficient.

- Magnesium ACG cover for lighter weight.

- Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner.

- Starter gears located on the right side to produce narrow engine and increased lean angle.

- Eight-plate clutch is compact and tough, featuring durable friction plate material.

- Cassette-type, close-ratio six-speed transmission is easily accessible for rapid gear ratio changes and maintenance at the race track.

- Durable #530 O-ring-sealed drive chain.

Chassis/Suspension

- Lightweight, twin-spar aluminum frame utilizes RC211V technology.

- Aluminum-hybrid rear swingarm is longest in class for superior traction under hard acceleration.

- New aluminum subframe is lightweight and easily removed for ease of maintenance.

- HESD is a rotary-type steering damper that electronically modulates steering damping based on road speed and acceleration. An ECU senses road speed and acceleration and then sends a signal to a solenoid. The solenoid controls an oil-pressure relief valve within the damper unit. At slower speeds the relief valve is open, allowing for a free flow of oil through the damper unit, resulting in reduced damping force and lighter steering effort. At higher speeds the flow of oil is restricted, resulting in increased damping force and additional stability. HESD is the first steering-damping system that makes it possible to increase high-speed performance while maintaining low-speed handling.

- 43mm inverted aluminum-slider Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) cartridge front fork features spring preload and rebound and compression damping adjustability, and offers precise action and unparalleled rigidity.

- Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system is patterned after the RC211V MotoGP machine. In this system, the upper shock mount is contained within the swingarm rather than the frame. With no top frame mount for the shock, this unique system reduces negative suspension energy from being transmitted into the frame, allowing optimum frame rigidity and improved rideability out of corners. The HMAS shock offers rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustability.

- Front-brake system features radial-mounted four-piston calipers and 320mm floating discs, and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper for exceptional stopping power.

- Super-light, aluminum-alloy hollow-spoke wheels feature race-spec 3.5 x 17-inch front and 6.0 x 17-inch rear dimensions.

- Centrally mounted 4.8-gallon fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization and allowing a more compact design. This design positions the rider farther forward for optimum handling.

Additional Features

- High-capacity 350-watt AC generator.

- High-tech instrument display features tachometer, LCD readouts for speedometer, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters and a clock. A low-fuel LED light and shift-indicator light is located in the tachometer.

- Line-beam headlight features three-piece reflector design utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and unique compact design.

- LED taillights for improved appearance.

- Plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.

- One-piece fan assembly increases cooling efficiency.

- Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.

- Folding aerodynamic mirrors.

- Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.

- Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.

- Maintenance-free battery.

- Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

- Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America® (HRCA®). Benefits include roadside assistance, online access to the Honda Common Service Manual, six issues of the bimonthly Honda Red Rider™ magazine, travel discounts, trip routing and MSF reimbursement, plus access to the HRCA Web site (www.hrca.honda.com). For details on the HRCA, dealers should call (310) 783-3958, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.


Available accessories

- Passenger Seat Cowl (color-matched).

Specifications

Model: CBR1000RR

Engine Type: 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Bore and Stroke: 75mm x 56.5mm

Compression Ratio: 12.2:1

Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Carburetion: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping

Transmission: Cassette-type, close-ratio six-speed

Final Drive: #530 O-ring-sealed chain

Suspension
Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: HMAS Pro-Link single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.3 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with four-piston radial-mounted calipers
Rear: Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper

Tires
Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/50ZR-17 radial

Wheelbase: 55.2 inches

Rake (Caster Angle): 23.45°

Trail: 100mm (3.9 inches)

Seat Height: 32.3 inches

Dry Weight: 388 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 1.06-gallon reserve

Colors: Black Metallic Gray, Light Silver Metallic, Red/Black

Meets current EPA standards.

California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.