Striking, technology-packed A3 concept combines four-door saloon practicality with 408PS five-cylinder FSI power giving 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds
A3 concept study unveiled at the 2011 Palexpo in Geneva (March 3-13 2011)
Exceptionally successful A3 is reinterpreted as a saloon for the first time
Powered by 2.5-litre five-cylinder Turbo FSI engine with 408PS and 500Nm, linked to seven-speed S tronic twin clutch transmission
0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, 31mpg combined, 212g/km CO2,
Relatively low 1,540kg kerb weight helped by high aluminium body content and use of CFRP
In-car technology includes new generation MMI which debuts here, UMTS module accessing Google services, WLAN hotspot, Audi drive select with efficiency mode

A new take on the Audi A3 is hatched this week at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, where for the first time in its history the ultra-successful premium compact car not only adopts a striking ‘notchback’ saloon body shell, but also uniquely combines it with a power output of over 400PS for epic performance. Known simply as the A3 concept, the fastest ever factory-produced A3 is the latest in a long line of one-off Audi design studies, and is characteristically laden with technological advances in everything from construction to infotainment.

Apart from the tautly contoured new body shell, the most immediately obvious highlight of the A3 concept is its five-cylinder Turbo FSI petrol engine, whose 408PS output outnumbers its closest series production relative, the potent RS 3 Sportback, by 68PS. Peak torque of 500Nm is also 50Nm up, and is available over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 ...

The Continental Supersports Convertible ISR (Ice Speed Record) is the most potent and radically styled Bentley convertible ever. This new model, limited to just 100 cars worldwide, is a celebration of the Company’s world ice speed record for a convertible car set by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.

The new Supersports Continental Convertible ISR made its debut on the Bentley stand at the 2011 Geneva Show. Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”

The new Bentley convertible is available in three distinctive colours, reinforcing its muscular styling, while its leather and Alcantara-lined cabin features high-gloss carbon fibre with a unique red weave. For an even more extrovert appearance, customers may specify the ISR Mulliner design package (available at no extra cost) with its bold ‘Supersports ISR’ graphics and red-accented detailing. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR is now available to order at Bentley dealerships ...

Latest Audi entrant offers all the benefits of SUV ownership in a more compact and ‘city-friendly’ form
Third Audi Q-series member opens for ordering in June priced from approximately £25,000 – first UK deliveries in November
Compact body – 4,385mm long, 1,831mm wide, 1,602mm high – encloses deceptively spacious cabin and load bay offering up to 1,365 litres capacity
Three engines at launch, all directly injected and turbocharged and all optimised by start-stop and energy recuperation systems – 2.0 TFSI 170PS, 2.0 TFSI 211PS, 2.0 TDI 177PS
New development of S tronic twin-clutch transmission for 2.0 TFSI 211PS and 2.0 TDI 177PS models – clutch is disengaged during coasting phases to reduce draw on engine
Efficiency-focused 2.0 TDI 140PS front-wheel-drive model with sub-1,500kg kerb weight and 54.3mpg capability to follow shortly after initial launch
In-car technology will include new generation MMI navigation plus, online Bluetooth car phone enabling access to Google services including Google Earth, WLAN connectivity, Audi drive select with efficiency mode, parallel and perpendicular park assist

A new compact Audi SUV that will be as comfortable within the confines of the city as it will be scaling hills or crossing continents makes its world debut next week at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show (April 21-28). The Q3 wraps trademark Audi quality, 50-plus mpg efficiency and advanced technology in a rugged SUV body with dimensions that favour urban use, and underpins these with an agile chassis with increased ground clearance and the all-weather reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive.

The most diminutive member of the Audi Q-series ...

New generation of Volkswagen Beetle unveiled in Shanghai, New York and Berlin
All-new vehicle draws design cues from original Beetle launched 73 years ago
Efficient engines and innovative features combine with heritage to make a ‘modern classic’
On sale in North America in autumn 2011, then mainland Europe; UK early in 2012

Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation Beetle in Shanghai on the eve of the city’s motor show, marking a new era in this iconic car’s history. The latest generation moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. As such it’s longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.

The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+152 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+84 mm) and 1,486 in height (-12 mm). The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537 mm, are also increased. Overseen by Walter de Silva (Volkswagen Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand), with Marc Lichte the team leader for exterior design, the car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the original Beetle. The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.

Inside the cabin, the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls. ...

I would just like to welcome Volks Autos as the latest sponsor of the site.

Volks Autos is a leading independent Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda specialist based in Sutton, Surrey. Here at Volks Autos we pride ourselves on offering a real alternative to a main dealer. We have built our successful business on providing a more personal service that our customers value and appreciate. As a result we are highly recommended, you can view our customer’s feedback on our website www.volksautos.co.uk

All servicing, repairs and diagnostic work is carried out to exact manufacturer specification. Your vehicle is worked on by the owner David Rowley and experienced brand trained technicians who will always be happy to speak to you about the work being carried out on your vehicle. David who runs the business has over 15 years experience of working in main dealers. His vast knowledge and experience of the industry has enabled him to offer an efficient, highly effective and professional service but in a more personal and tailored manner that means we retain our valued customers.

Thanks

Stuar & The Team ...

I would just like to welcome Sky Insurance as the latest Sponsor of the site.

For the last few years we have already had an excellent scheme on the site run in conjunction with Chris Knott, but as insurance get more competitive we felt now was the time to give you more choice.

Sky Insurance has been trading for more than 25 years based upon there principles of offering best value, service and cover to there clients.

Many insurance companies have forgotten that when we need our insurance the most we like to talk to people, not machines. Our staff are trained to offer the highest level of service possible at all stages through the life of your policy. We are all individual and so are our insurance needs. By tailoring a policy to fit you, rather than a "one size fits all" you are sure of having the right cover at the right price.

Using our staff expertise we have developed several specialist policies and schemes not available anywhere else. For car insurance and van insurance, we have developed our Car Club scheme and Modified & Imported scheme to cater for discerning car enthusiasts. Our multi policy discounts are also market leading and not available elsewhere.

Our commercial clients are looked after by a dedicated team who can assist with your every business insurance needs, from the independent self-employed trader to multi-million pound companies; we can insure your business liabilities,property and vehicle fleets

Ask us for free a quotation and we are sure you will see the benefits both in your pocket and ...