Neuwerks Media, Bringing you the latest in European Automotive news! http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite Sun, 20 May 2012 05:11:20 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/images/M_images/neuwerks.jpg http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite Neuwerks Media, Bringing you the latest in European Automotive news! http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=166 Having missed the Detroit show for the first time in 12 years, I was a bit bummed to find out that this was also the time that BMW was planning on introducing its newest version of their popular 3-Series vehicles. Since the cars have been out / known by media for some time now, there is really no need for me to dive into the deep details, well except for maybe the engine. BMW has long been known for their ultra-balanced, efficient, smooth, and powerful inline-6 engines, which is why myself, and many within automotive media are amazed the new base 328i no longer comes with one. BMW has replaced the 6-cylinder engine (noted no longer was it 2.8 liters in the last generation) with a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylnder, producing 245hp. This is again a smack in the face to those of us who had become used to understanding a BMW model simply from the badge. Not long ago, a 328i would have been a 3-Series BMW, with a 2.8 Liter Inline-6 engine under the hood. Now that same badge will mean the car is equipped with a 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder engine. I guess we should have been ready for this, as the e90 328i was actually equipped with a 3.0L engine, as opposed to a 2.8. (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=166 Itemid=1) News - Latest Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:34:02 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=165 Kia unveiled the Trackster concept at the Chicago Auto show yesterday, producing what I think is one of the most interesting hot hatches I have seen in a long time. With the media event winding down, I finally had a chance to get up close and personal with this machine today, and just in time, as they were preparing to setup a glass barrier to prevent regular show goers from getting too close. To say I was impressed would be a total understatement with this vehicle. While there is no denying the Kia badge on this car is authentic, I can't help feeling like I am looking at a purebred European hot hatch from something like Skoda, VW or even Audi. This is likely because former Audi/VW Chief Designer now sits at the helm of Kia Automobiles design group, which really helped put this brand on the map for many auto enthusiasts. The broad shoulders, delicate HRE wheels, and Brembo brakes really make this car a standout among the concepts shown at Chicago, and dare I say, even outshines the VW Golf R only a couple stands away. More Photos Here (http://neuwerks.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=16656) News - Latest Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:31:40 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=164 Sadly due to personal obligations we were unable to attend NAIAS for 2012. This marks the first time we have ever missed this show since our debut in 2003, and myself personally since 2000. The 2012 show had quite a few introductions that we were looking forward to covering for everyone, some of which we will discuss in a special NAIAS edition podcast coming up, as well as a few articles highlighting some of the cars that piqued our interest. News - Latest Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:33:21 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=163 One of the greatest advances in fuel injection in the past decade has been the addition of high pressure direct injection. These systems are offered by many forward looking auto manufacturers, one of which happens to be Audi which used it for their B7 (chassis) RS4. Audi calls their system FSI which stands for Fuel Stratified Injection, a system that (like others) is capable of injecting fuel at pressures in excess of 110 bar directly into the cylinders. A great system, capable of producing both high power, and clean emissions. That said, direct injection does cause a bit of a housekeeping problem for both their, and many other manufacturer's engines. Read More News - Latest Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:41 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=162 As much as some of us hate to admit it, the leaves have dwindled from the trees, the temperatures are dropping, and like it or not it's time to start some of our annual winter preparation. This means digging out our warm hats and gloves from storage and for those home owners out there; putting on the storm windows and firing up the ol' furnace. But other than throwing a snow brush and a window scrapper in the car, most people don't do anything to their cars to prepare them for winter. We here at Neuwerks have never been shy about our adamant support of snow tires and winter driving preparation. So lets talk about some of the key points to get ready for winter. Click here for details. (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=162 Itemid=2) News - Latest Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:10:42 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161 Audi is one of those brands that you either love or hate, kinda like the model pictured in this blog. It wasn't designed for Magazine covers, to spark emotion, or even sex appeal. This Audi was designed for one purpose, to win Group B Rally. While not exactly considered a Super Car by the traditional auto enthusiast, the Audi Sport Quattro has a special spot in Automotive history for those of us who know what it is. Engineered to win races, the sport did that, and was an adaptation of the renowned Quattro (note the capital Q), to bring out even more sporting potential. With the combination of a shorter wheel-base, and wider fenders, the car had a much more aggressive appearance than the standard Quattro. It's wide shoulders tell a European automotive enthusiast that this car means business. They were not installed to make the car look powerful, their intent is to house wider wheels tires capable of harnessing the power put out at all four wheels. While this is hardly the first or last European car to have wide fenders for this purpose, it is my opinion that this car pulls it off better than even the venerable BMW E30 M3. Audi reports that only 224 of these cars were built, with mostly all sold to European buyers. Only a tiny handful were imported to the US, all by Private buyers. The Sport boasted a rated 302 - 306bhp from it's 2.1L All Aluminum 5-Cylinder 20v Turbo engine. The body and frame is composed of Steel were it needs to be strongest, and Carbon Kevlar (similar to modern Carbon Fiber) in other areas to bring overall weight down to near 2800 pounds. Keep in mind this is in the early 80s, and this car needed to withstand heavy handed flogging down rally stages with minimal chassis flex, additionally dealing with the stresses put on by a permanent AWD system. In race form, the power output was over 440HP, with later versions of that race engine (The Sport Quattro S1) producing just shy of 600hp. There are many cars since that have seen higher HP, less weight, and even look more dashing, but none capture my attention like this car, especially when you hear one in action. Sport Quattro Gallery News - Latest Wed, 11 May 2011 10:01:03 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160 Event organizers could not have asked for better weather for the 16th annual Amelia Island Concourse d'Elegance. With the sun shining, temperatures dancing in the low 70s, and a cooling breeze coming off the nearby ocean, the 10th and 18th fairways adjacent the Ritz-Carltion, Amelia Island played host to some of the most beautiful and iconic automobiles to ever grace the human eye. Neuwerks happened to stumble upon this gathering of automotive history. Words cannot do these icons of automotion justice, but check out our galleries and let these beauties speak for themselves. Click here for the Amelia Island Concourse d'Elegance photo gallery. (../gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=15082) News - Latest Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:21:25 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159 Not looking to steal attention away from the Paceman Concept released yesterday, the new Mini Delta was tucked away in the far corner of Cobo. Based on a Cooper S model, the main feature of the new Delta is to arrive 30-40 mins late to every destination. Mini says the Delta should be popular with those that make frequent trips to the in-laws. No word yet on pricing. News - Latest Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:07:26 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158 In recent years Mercedes is mostly known for their conservative approach to producing rock solid cars for the luxury market, with a few exceptions being the AMG tuned versions of various vehicles. Being a Mercedes owner myself, I can understand the draw to such cars, however, but am super excited to see that they do have some fire hidden inside those heated seats. Dubbed the E-Cell, the SLS based E-Cell is a Lithium-ion charged electric vehicle that can sprint form 0-60 in 3.7 seconds thanks to it's 525 HP output, and 649 LB-Ft of instant torque. This vehicle is a great win for pedestrian safety advocates who say electric cars are too inconspicuous , as this car clearly isn't deserving of that judgement. Most Importantly, this car is going on sale later this year, for those who can drop enough coin to own one! News - Latest Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:04:09 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=157 Volkswagen officially launched the new Passat during their press conference at NAIAS 2011. Dropping the NMS (New Midsize Sedan) monicker originally touted in news buzz, the revised sedan thankfully retains the simple yet recognizable name. Build in the new Chattanooga plant, Volkswagen was definitely charging the economic rejuvenation bandwagon. Claiming a full 12,000 jobs will be generated in the U.S. due to the plant (2,000 directly through the plant itself and 10,000 indirectly via supplier and ancillary businesses). Click here to read more (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=157 Itemid=2) News - Latest Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:15:47 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=156 Audi showcased their freshly redesigned A6 for the NAIAS 2011 event in Detroit Michigan. Thankfully the design is following the refreshing lines that were recently introduced on the current A4, and A5 models, while also bringing in new aspects to their continuing industrial design front. While in my mind not as cool as the standard A6, Audi also introduced their new hybrid version, that features some interesting specifications, well, for a hybrid that is. The car features a standard 211hp 2.0t FSi engine, that can power the vehicle along with it's dedicated 45hp electric motor. The electric motor alone is capable of handling speeds unto 62 MPH by itself, not requiring the small 4-cylinder to activate unless rapid acceleration is needed. Interesting stuff indeed. News - Latest Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:53:41 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155 Neuwerks Videos - Neuwerks Videos Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:41:46 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154 Finally reporting in at NAIAS 2011, it has been a long morning, and it is only 8:30am here in Detroit. The day started off with a bit too much heat in the hotel room, causing me to wake up in a pool of my own sweat! (yuck!). From there, we came to a parking ramp full of indecisive drivers who couldn't decide what booth to pay at, next, a troublesome internet connection here at the media room. Rounding out the issues of the morning, was an issue with our gallery that prevented us from uploading photos. After 3 - 4 hours of this, I finally got out to the floor to take my first look at what is new for 2011. The answer is, quite a bit, and from our gallery you can get a preview of what we will be covering for the 2011 event. NAIAS gallery News - Latest Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:13:47 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153 With a little help from four of the Stig's fat american cousins, Porsche rolled out the new 918 RSR this morning. Based on the 918 Spider concept and the 911 GT3 R-Hybrid Race Car, Porsche is planning to bring this ecological minded yet blatantly unapologetic supercar to the racetrack. Using the flywheel technology of the GT3 R-Hybrid ; the main power comes from a further developed V8 from the RS Spider race-car (producing 563-hp @ 10,300 RPM), in addition two 75-kW electric motors contribute a bit of additional propulsion, giving a total of 767-hp. The number 22 pays respect to a special triumph to the 917 Short-tail Coupe which set a record for completing the 1971 24 hours of LeMans with an average speed of almost 140 mph, which stood for 39 years (broken last year by Audi). Click here for more pictures (index.php?option=com_gallery2 Itemid=43 g2_itemId=13512) News - Latest Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:08:16 +0100 http://www.neuwerks.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152 The, now truncated, North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show to some) for 2011 starts today. And despite a relative lull over the past couple of years, this year looks to have some big debuts for the European car enthusiast. Porsche is set to unveil some tight lipped news first thing this morning, followed later by 3 world premiere's by BMW, a new model for MINI (now celebrating it's 10th anniversary of the brand re-launch in North America), and the new Volkswagen NMS (New Midsize Sedan). Stay tuned to the Neuwerks' homepage and galleries for updates. News - Latest Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:39:26 +0100