Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses

Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats. At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.
Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
According to Audi, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual transmission tips the scales at 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb).
The increase in performance allows the Coupe with the S tronic to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.1 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.3 seconds), and the Roadster in 4.2 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.4 seconds). All four versions of the car have a limited top speed of 280km/h (174mph).
In a less interesting note for your average TT RS Plus buyer, the Coupe with S tronic consumes 8.5lt/100 km (27.7mpg US), while the Roadster makes do with 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4mpg US).
Stopping power is provide by the same braking system found on the base RS model and which includes four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks up front. Audi offers the magnetic ride adaptive damping system as an option.
Visually, the TT RS Plus stands out thanks to the new front grille with matte aluminum-look frame and a diamond-pattern mesh in polished anthracite, new 19-inch wheels with contrasting red rim flanges shod in 255/35 tires all around and the exterior mirror caps that are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.
A carbon cover for the engine compartment and the new aluminum knob on the gear or S tronic selector lever complete the upgrades.
In Germany, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual gearbox costs €60,650 or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic, while the TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.
Audi did not say if or when it will offer the TT RS Plus in North America.

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New 2012 Ford B-MAX Opens Up to Us, Shows its Sliding Doors

Ford continues the slow strip tease of its all-new B-MAX small MPV prior to the production model's grand premier at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in the beginning of March. This time we get a full-blown photo of the B-MAX's innovative hinged front doors and sliding rear doors that integrate the central body pillars, which Ford called "Easy Access Doors".
The design allows for 1.5-metre (close to 5 feet) wide unobstructed openings on either side of the B-segment multi-activity vehicle.
“Door systems like this have been a designer’s dream for many years,” said Stefan Lamm, exterior design director, Ford of Europe. “We have taken the concept from an idea on a designer’s sketch pad, to a stylish and versatile product on the showroom floor.”
To make sure that the car offers the same crash protection as any other vehicle with a B-pillar, especially in the event of a side impact, Ford's engineers used special ultra-high-strength steels that provide up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel in key parts of the body and doors, without adding extra weight.
“We engineered the body to keep all the benefits of the new door concept, while making the structure strong, stiff and light,” said Darren Palmer, Product Development Quality Director, Ford of Europe. “Creating a strong, stable body is great for handling. The B-MAX is just as stiff as the latest Fiesta, and will be just as fun to drive too.”

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Tesla Unveils New Model X CUV with Falcon Wings and Seating for Seven

The electric carmaker named after one of the most original and greatest inventors and thinkers of all time introduced a brand new CUV called the Model X, which is based on the running gear and chassis of the Model S sedan. Tesla says its latest creation fuses the utility of MPVs with the style of SUVs offering an available all-wheel drive option and seating for seven in three rows of seats.
The 195.9-inch (4,976mm) long Model X comes complete with a pair of rear side doors that rise up and hang like bird wings – hence the name "Falcon Wings".
"Falcon Wings open up and out of the way, in even the narrowest of parking spots. You easily step, not climb, into Model X," says Tesla.
There are three rows of seats for seven passengers inside while the Model features two trunks, one at the back and one at the front. The front passengers get a humongous 17-inch touchscreen on the center console that controls most of the interior's functions.
The base Model X is offered with a 60 or 85 kWh battery mounted under the chassis. Whereas the Model S is offered only with rear-wheel drive, the Model X is optionally available with a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. The second motor increases torque by 50 percent and in combination with the larger battery pack it accelerates the CUV from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in less than 5 seconds.
Seen here in prototype form, the Model X is expected to enter production in late 2013, with first deliveries in early 2014.
According to Tesla, the Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S, which carries an MSRP of $67,400 for the 60 kWh version and $77,400 for the 85 kWh variant, not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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Only in Japan: New Stripped Down Toyota 86 RC and Subaru BRZ RA

The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ go hand in hand, in whatever they do. The two brands have launched stripped down variants of their respective models in Japan offering a low cost solution for those buyers looking to use the coupes for track racing, as a blank canvas to create their own project or simply to own the most affordable variant. The Toyota 86 RC and the Subaru BRZ RA are very similar, the only main difference being that the Toyota model gets unpainted front and rear bumpers. From there on, on the outside, both models come with unpainted door handles and mirror caps, 16-inch steel wheels, while there are no fog lights up front.
On the inside, the two companies removed most amenities including, but not limited to, the air-condition, audio system and speakers, the aluminum-look trim, alloy pedals and mats, while plastic covers the steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift levers. The Japanese carmakers even went as far as removing the decorative plastic covers in the engine bay.
Furthermore, there's no limited-slip rear differential while the rear brakes are not ventilated any more. What remains untouched is the 2.0-liter boxer engine rated at 200-horsepower. Both the 86 RC and Subaru BRZ RA are offered exclusively with the six-speed manual gearbox.
As a result of these changes, the base Toyota and Subaru coupes are 20kg /44lbs to 60kg/132lbs (depending on the trim-level) lighter than the regular versions.
In Japan, the Toyota 86 RC is priced at 1.99 million Yen (~US$26,000 / €19,900), while the Subaru BRZ RA 2,058,000 Yen (US$26,900 / €20,600).
In both cases, the base Subaru and Toyota coupes cost approximately 500,000 Yen (~US$6,500 /€5,000) less than the next grade level.

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Opel Launches New Corsa “Kaleidoscope” Edition in Europe

With the fourth generation of the Opel Corsa entering its sixth year in the market, the German automaker is trying to beef up interest in the supermini with the release of another special edition version. This one is called "Kaleidoscope" and it affords a more individualized look to the Corsa.
The Kaleidoscope is available with a choice of two special metallic exterior colors called "pepperdust" and "technical grey", which are combined with glossy black roof, black mirror housings and for the first time, a black grille frame. It also rides on dark 17-inch wheels and gets chrome exhaust pipes.
Inside, Opel's designers added more color to the cabin with the air vent rings and door inserts finished in either curry or matt chrome, while the door panels are trimmed in denim fabric. The leather steering wheel and the different seat fabrics with silver or aztek gold stitching complete the look.
The Kaleidoscope is available in both three-door and five-door body styles and most engines in the Corsa range including the 1.2-liter ecoFLEX petrol with 70PS and 5.1lt/100km, a 1.6-liter Turbo petrol with 150PS, and the 1.3-liter CDTi diesel with 75PS and 4.0lt/100km.
Depending on the engine, transmission options include five and six gear manual gearboxes, a five-gear easytronic as well as an automatic.
In Germany, prices for the Corsa Kaleidoskope start at €15,425 (about US$20,100) including tax.

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