We posted a movie trailer for Transporter 3 a while back but it was not so “car focused” as the newest movie trailer for Transporter 3. The movie, obviously is the 3rd installment of the Transporter and Transporter 2 movies where each included a bad-ass sports sedan. In the first Transporter it was a BMW 7 series (735) and in Transporter 2 it was an Audi A8 W12. In Transporter 3 they up the ante a bit more and introduced an Audi S8.

Chevelle for sale

Although the car tricks are somewhat unrealistic in part 2, it still adds to the automotive appeal of the Transporter movies. Many car enthusiasts will see this movie solely based off of the automotive thrill and visual effects of the most impossible automotive stunts that you could imagine. Can you think of other movies or even shows that are just as or more car focused as the Transporter movies? How about Knight Rider, Gone in 60 Seconds, Ronin, Bullitt, and many others. What is your favorite?

Link to YouTube version of Transporter 3 Trailer here.

Offical Site for Transporter 3 (including the new movie trailer): http://transporter3film.com/

correction to an older version of article: The vehicle is an Audi A8 W12!

If you are a true car enthusiast like me then you have probably seen the movies Transporter and Transporter 2. Remember the BMW 7 series they used in Transporter 1 and then the Audi A8 W12 in Transporter 2? Well, it seems the Audi is the one to win a spot in the new Transporter 3 movie, once again it is the Audi A8 W12. We did an exclusive test drive of the new Audi A8 W12 a couple years ago which happens to sport 6.0 liter, DOHC, all-aluminum W12 engine that is uniquely designed and takes up about the same amount of room as a V8 engine because the two banks of 6-cyliners are staggered, hence the W. The Transporter will have no issues performing more unbelievable (unreal) stunts with this much power on tap through all 4 wheels.

With a price tag of over $118,000 for just the “star car”, you better believe the Transporter 3 will have some serious action packed missions in store for us all.

Below is the trailer of the new Transporter 3 movie including its stars, Jason Statham and the Audi A8. Enjoy!

Video of the new Audi commercial presenting the new Audi TT-S. Yes, that is an Audi TT with the letter S attached and that means a something “extra”.

Enjoy!

Never before has there been so much hype over who has the fastest lap time around the Nurburgring. So I sat down and really thought what sparked all of this hype. Was it the Nissan GT-R’s stunning lap time that everyone is ever-so-fast chasing? Is it because more auto manufacturers are starting to conduct post-production tests of their new vehicles on the Nurburgring? Is it because the Nurburgring is such a vigorous test track and true representation of pushing a vehicle to it’s limits? I honestly believe it is a combination of all of these factors put together.

I remember when everyone was chasing BMW because it was a benchmark setter for a certain class of vehicles. Now it seems everyone is battling to get the best lap time such as the new Audi R8 V10 that is claiming to beat the new Corvette ZR1’s time of 7:26. The Nissan GT-R’s time of 7:29 is said to be beat out by the new Spec-V version of the GT-R doing a 7:25. The Lexus LF-A test car coming in with a 7:24 time so it does not get laughed at. And then there is the Porsche GT2 lap time of 7:24. The list goes on and on. Everyone is trying to top everyone.

If one car claims the best lap time does it really constitute that it is the best and fastest thing out there? We really don’t think so. What do you think?

Should the Nurburgring be a true test for a cars performance? Are the cars mentioned above “The Benchmark” setters that every other car looks up too now?

Corvette ZR1 Nurburgring Run Video:

Post your comments… I want to know what you think!

As the Audi TT-RS comes closer and closer to production form, the Audi TT-RS roadster has been spotted. The TT-RS will use a 2.5L twin-turbocharged five-cylinder generating 350 horsepower which is a threat to the Porsche Boxter. Sales of the TT-RS are supposed to be going on some time in mid 2009. What is better though, this or the Porsche Boxter?

Article By CARversation.com 

ALL NEW 2008 AUDI R8
‘STREET RACER PAR EXCELANCE’

Audi has incorporated the name and genes of its five-time Le Mans winner, the
R8 prototype race car, into a spectacular, limited production, two seat sports car that is equally at home on the street and the track. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420hp V8 FSI engine, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with a sport mode for more aggressive driving, giant 15in. front/14in. slotted vented disc brakes, and Audi’s light and stiff aluminum Space Frame body form the basis for a truly outstanding driving experience.

It is the superb Audi styling that wets the appetite for more and that is only an appetizer on the menu after you sit back behind the steering wheel and fire up the magnificent engine.

Even at first glance, the caliber of the car is plain to see. The R8 sits wide and low on the road, with its strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready to leave the starting block.

The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit, where it’s also found in race cars. This central position of the engine is a boon to the driving dynamics, with a weight distribution of 44% front and 56% rear.
The perfectly sculpted body is highly compact in appearance with the front end and the gently curved roof arc drawn in a sweeping line that immediately marks the two-seater as an Audi.

The low and wide front end is characterized by the trapezoidal styling of the Audi single-frame grille, flanked on the sides by additional large-dimensional air intakes. For the first time the Audi four-ring badge is positioned on the hood, above the grille. The LED running lights, with their clear-glass covers, join flush to the tops of the air intakes.

At 75in. wide but just 174.5in.long, and 49.3 inches high, these are the proportions of a true sports car. The 104.3 inch wheelbase offers you room for the astonishing spacious cabin and the longitudinally-mounted engine behind it. Behind the doors, a large-surface ‘sideblade’ air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe and to cool. The paint finish of the sideblade is contrasted with the body color, or it can be ordered to match the body color.

The rear is almost as enticing as the front fascia with large air extractor openings illustrating how the R8’s styling is dictated by aerodynamics. Two pairs of circular twin chrome plated exhaust pipes sit above the lower right and left diffusers. Uniquely designed LED brake lights, and a third brake light strip that runs across virtually the full wide of the roof, make all eyes focus on the all-new R8.

The flared fenders are stuffed with 19X9in. front, and 19X11in. alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile, ultra-high-performance tires for enhanced traction and grip.
The rear spoiler deploys automatically at 65mph, or you can push a console mounted button to raise or lower it at slower speeds. It provides additional downforce to boost the suction effect produced by the aerodynamic styling of the underbody and by the diffusers.
The cabin is pushed far forward-typical of a mid-engine sports car-and a visual cue of the R8 race car. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculpted piece of engineering visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from the inside.

The sporty and luxurious cabin is dominated by a driver-oriented cockpit architecture called ‘Monoposto’ that positions you between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument cluster above the console is angled slightly towards you and features a large 220mph speedometer, 9,000rpm tachometer, surrounded by smaller oil pressure, volts, engine coolant temperature and fuel gauges. The leather wrapped steering wheel is flat-bottomed that is typical of Audi’s sportiest models, and it also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit. With a tilt and telescoping column you get the perfect reach and angle for precise steering. You have a choice between the standard, smooth shifting 6-speed manual with a terrific shift gate, and the R-tronic 6-speed sequential automatic with paddle shifters. Either one is fun and easy to use and helps blast the R8 to 60mph from a standstill in just 4.4sec., and a top speed of 187mph.

At high speeds on the straights or during hard cornering, you’ll really appreciate the custom, leather sport bucket seats that are deeply cut to keep you firmly in place as you pilot the R8.

The styling and placement of all dials, switches and levers are perfect in this driving machine mimic of the R8 race car. They are all focused on the essentials that make the driver the center point. There is plenty of room for two with comfort levels well beyond the norm of ultra-high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment up front has a capacity of 3.5cu.ft.

Standard equipment includes heated, 10-way powered bucket seats, aluminum pedals, dials, automatic climate control, power express windows and door locks, aluminum fuel filler door, Driver Information system with on-board computer, ABS brakes, electronic stability program, a 7-speaker, 140-watt sound system, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bi-Xenon headlamps, power-remote side mirrors, electronic cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Options include Audi Parking Assist with TV camera, self-dimming rearview mirror, Audi Navigation System, and a 6-CD changer.

Audi has taken what it has learned on the track with the championship winning R8 and successfully transferred that experience to the street with superb styling and an ultra-high-performing machine under the skin that doesn’t lack for any interior comforts or amenities.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

With gas prices reaching ALL-TIME highs and yet another raise of the prices to a national average of about $3.40 over this weekend, you may wonder why and how some people ride around in gas guzzlers. Well, simply put, they can not only afford the car payment but they can actually afford to drive them (afford the gas).

Next time you see kids looking out of the window at an SUV barreling down the highway going about 90mph, just imaging him or her saying “daddy, they are rich”. You ask why the kid would say something like this? Well, if you can drive that fast in an SUV then you must have a good cash flow to pay for the $4-a-gallon gas that you are burning up ever-so-fast.

Here is a list of CARS to stay away from (for now while gas prices are high) because of the horrendous amount of gasoline that it consumes. But then-again, if you can afford some of these cars then you probably are not too worried about the price of gas YET.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Base Price: $28,520
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.1-liter V8
MPG Rating: 11 city/ 14 highway

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Base Price: $88,050
Annual Fuel Cost: $3,438
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/ 14 highway

Audi S4 Avant
Base Price: $48,610
Annual Fuel Cost: $3,352
Engine: 4.2-liter V8
MPG Rating: 13 city/ 20 highway

Aston Martin DB9
Base Price: $162,050
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,011
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/ 16 highway

Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG
Base Price: $87,000
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
MPG Rating: 11 city/ 14 highway

Mercedes Benz G55 AMG
Base Price: $111,900
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 5.4-liter V8
MPG Rating: 11 city/ 13 highway

Bentley Continental GTC
Base Price: $193,990
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/ 17 highway

Maybach 57/62
Base Price: $335,500
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/16 highway

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Base Price: $263,519
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $4,377
Engine: 4.7-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/15 highway

Bentley Azure
Base Price: $329,000
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $4,568
Engine: 6.7-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/15 highway

Bugatti Veyron
Base Price: $1.5 million
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $5,025
Engine: 8.0-liter V16
MPG Rating: 8 city/14 highway

Lamborghini Murcielago
Base Price: $313,600
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $5,025
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
MPG Rating: 8 city/13 highway

The all-new 2008 Audi S5 is stunning in design, brilliant on the inside, with breathtaking power and performance.

The new S5 coupe’s long, low and sleek styling is attractive from any angle. Up front is the signature Audi grille but painted grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays just like every S-line Audi. Down below is a center splitter to help bite into the air during high-speed driving. At the edges are beautifully formed adaptive HID headlamp clusters. The clusters also contain daytime running lights comprising a strip of eight LEDs on each side making these clusters truly unique. Down below are blacked-out air inlets and powerful halogen fog-lamps.

Behind the front fascia is a sporty silhouette with precisely drawn lines that gracefully interplay with the powerful surfaces. The proportions are perfect for today’s super coupes-a lowered, wide stance, a short front overhang, and a long flowing transition from the C pillar to the tail end. The side line shows the steeply raked windshield, low greenhouse surround, and the powerful C pillar. Lower side extensions and flared fenders give the S5 a more menacing look, and those uniquely formed fenders are stuffed with big 19X9in. alloy wheels wrapped with Dunlop high-performance tires.

The distinctive rear features horizontal lines, wide, nicely styled taillights, lip spoiler, and a narrow, wide aluminum wing in the center of the diffuser to increase down-force.
Two round exhaust tips at each side gives drivers behind you something to think about.
Under the skin is an extremely rigid body shell that provides the basis both for the car’s crisp handling and its feeling of solidness and comfort.

The driving experience is breathtaking. The 4.2 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC, VVT V8 engine with direct injection makes 354hp and 325ft.lb. of torque. In just 5sec. the S5 can reach 60mph, but no figures can describe the exhilaration I experienced with the continuous power build, and the thrilling ‘whoose’ sound of this superbly engineered FSI direct injection V8 engine.

The racecar styled 200mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer have white needles that quickly reach redline when starting up, and when you press against the throttle. .
The engine is mated to either a super-smooth, precision short-throw six-speed manual transmission, or an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system provides perfect traction for the sticky Dunlop low-profile tires with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40% front, and 60% to the rear wheels. Within a fraction of a second, the dynamic drivetrain system adapts to current driving conditions and constantly delivers the ideal distribution of drive torque for the given situation.

The ESP electronic stabilization program helps to keep you on track, and can be deactivated in two stages, whenever you want to exploit the full potential of the S5 on a suitable stretch of road. When it is activated, the ESP gives you a ‘riding-on-rails’ ability in the steepest curves.

The all-new, fully independent sports suspension is mounted on a sub frame which is firmly bolted to the body increasing rigidity. The suspension is tuned to enhance the coupe’s performance with dynamic handling response, and give a very comfortable ride over poorly paved roads.

Quickly slowing the S5 down from speed are high-performance brakes, recognizable by their black painted S5 brake calipers. Up front are 13.6in. vented discs with 13in. solid discs in the rear. Stops are quick and short with a nice, linear feel to the pedal. Braking power and control is further enhanced with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution.

The interior thoroughly underscores its high-performance character. The ten-way powered, heated, silk nappa, high-backed bucket seats are supremely comfortable and well bolstered for high-performance maneuvering. The multi-function, three-spoke, sports steering wheel is leather wrapped, tilting and telescoping for the perfect angle and reach.

All buttons, switches and dials are perfectly placed for easy use and fully illuminated for safe nighttime driving. Real aluminum trim to further the sporty look is found surrounding the air inlets, center console, instrument cluster and door trim.

Standard equipment includes automatic three-zone climate control system with air filtration, extra-large panoramic tilting roof, Driver Information System, push button Start/Stop, an electromechanical parking brake, Symphony audio system with ten-speakers, electronic cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, power-remote/heated/tilting side-view mirrors, express up/down windows/automatic door locks, rain-sensing, intermittent wipers/washers/headlamp washers, thick-cut pile carpeting with signature S5 floor mats, dual map lamps, sunglass holder, center console with two cup-holders and a storage bin ready for a Bluetooth connection.

Options includes the Audi Navigation System, Audi’s rear-view parking system with TV camera, blind-side lane warning, and the magnificent Bang & Olusen premium sound system that is so good to listen to at any sound level giving particular thanks to the super-quiet interior.
Standard safety systems include full-size dual threshold airbags up front, driver/front seat passenger seat-mounted thorax side airbags, driver/front passenger knee airbags, anti-theft alarm, three-point safety belts with inertia-reel for all seats, and LATCH children’s seat anchors.

Audi has delivered what enthusiasts have been waiting for to come down the road,
a coupe with unique styling, power, performance, and an interior second to none.
COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Name of vehicle:
Audi S5

Price:
$50,500.00 base/$57,515.00 as tested

Engine type:
354cu./4.2liter DOHC, direct injection V8

Horsepower:
354 at 6,800rpm

Torque:
325lb.ft. at 3,500rpm

Drive configuration:
Front engine/all-wheel-drive

Transmission type:
6-speed manual/6-speed Tiptronic automatic sequential with paddle shifters

Front suspension:
Independent 5-link with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs, gas-charged shocks

Rear suspension:
Independent trapezoidal link with anti-dive compensation, coil springs, gas-charged shocks

Wheels/tires:
Front19X9in. Twin-Spoke alloy wheels/255/35ZR19in. high-performance, summer tires

Brakes:
Front-13.6in. vented
Rear- 13in. vented discs
ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist

Overall length:
182.5in.

Overall width:
68in.